I’ve seen a lot of comments about the Utili-Key from Swiss-Tech; imagine my surprise, when I went searching through Toolmonger archives for our post on it, to discover that we haven’t written one. So if you’re one of the readers who has suggested the Utili-Key, bear with me — for anyone who hasn’t seen this tool, you might want to take a closer look.
Many thanks to Toolmonger reader blurdo for suggesting the Wolfcraft drill guide when I was looking at a model from another manufacturer. When I finally checked out the Wolfcraft in detail, I found that in addition to the sturdy all-metal construction and the stop that he mentioned, this drill guide will also handle centered-edge drilling.
Many thanks to tmib_seattle for recommending Giles Puckett’s Tubemiter freeware — it allows you to print out cut templates from a computer, simplifying the task of cutting weird angles in round tube. The site seems to be broken, but the download works. Just enter the diameters of the tubes being joined, the wall thickness of the tube being cut, and the angle of the joint — then print, wrap, and cut.
Happily, while searching for the software download I uncovered some really interesting sites on human-powered vehicles, including airships. And so we present you with a cool video that only tangentially relates to the subject at hand — screen shots of the software aren’t visually stimulating, anyway.
If this sparks your interest, check out the International Human Powered Vehicle Association site where I found the video, because there’s lots more cool stuff on there.
Tubemiter Software [OzHPV]
Human-Powered Airship [IHPVA]
DIY mechanics dread hearing that mysterious beep, whine, grind, ping, or squeal. Over a year ago we posted about how a simple stethoscope has saved us hours of time and significant cash outlay in the Toolmonger shop. Performance Tool (a subsidiary of Wilmar) makes an automotive stethoscope with a long probe on it, a style that reader Trevor D recommended as being far preferable to the doctors’ kind.
It could save your day by identifying just which part is making that sound you can’t quite remember being there before. Street pricing is about $9.
Automotive Stethoscope [CarParts.com]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?] [What's This?]
Thanks to reader Fred who pointed out the Billy Goat outdoor vacuum. If you want to go one step further — clean up the yard and mulch the big pieces as well — then check out this offering from Troy-Bilt. This multi-function chipper/shredder/vacuum can’t match the Billy Goat’s impressive vacuum statistics, but it’ll convert your lawn trash to a useful lawnscaping substance, which could be a good reason to stop and consider.
Street pricing for the CSV060 chipper/shredder/vacuum is as low as $540.
Chipper/Shredder/Vac [Troy-Bilt]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
In response to our post on using leftover candles to finish woodturnings, Toolmonger Frank Townend asked whether the candles have to be beeswax. The answer is essentially “No,” but let’s take a look at some more detail. I went looking for descriptions of the different types of wax finishes and found this on WoodTurningVideosPlus.com: “Beeswax produces a nice, subtle satin luster,” and “Carnauba produces a very high gloss.” They also mention microcrystalline wax as another option.
On multiple sites, I found people using the carnauba wax on pens and pipes that they’ve turned, but I had trouble finding good sources of carnauba wax — I’ve linked to what I found. If anyone knows of good sources for woodturning wax or other finishes, let us know in comments.
Carnauba Wax 1/2-lb for $20 [Woodcraft]
Carnauba Wax 2-oz for $8 [Cup O' Joe's]
Woodturning Waxes [Wood Turning Videos Plus]
Sean M. writes: “I get cracks in my thumbs from working and have tried many things in the past to alleviate them: adhesive bandages and Triple Antibiotic, expensive hand creme, lots of regular hand cream, etc. I’ve finally found my cure – fake fingernail glue. Yup, the stuff women might use to glue fake fingernails on is the ticket. The best way to use it is to put on triple antibiotic (like Neosporin) and cover it with an adhesive bandage for a couple hours. Wash well with soap and dry thoroughly. Simply put a drop on the crack and wait the couple seconds it takes to dry. I used to use regular cynocrylate glue but it stings a little bit. The fingernail glue doesn’t sting at all.”
I’ve heard of drummers and guitarists using this technique as well, though I’ve always been loathe to expose open wounds to this type of adhesive. But hey, I’ve seen others use it.
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