Archive for the 'WoodCraft' Category

Change Blades Safely With The Saw-Jaw

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007
The Saw Jaw

Ever nicked your hand changing the blade in your table saw? The Saw-Jaw may be just the safety accessory for you. Changing a table saw blade involves using wrenches around a sharp blade — one slip and either you put a wrench into the brittle carbide teeth or, worse, your hand. Even though the blade isn’t spinning, it can still do a number on unprotected flesh. The Saw-Jaw encloses and protects the blade (and your hands) so you can complete the job safely.

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Smoother, Quieter Cuts With A Forrest Blade Dampener

Thursday, November 8th, 2007
Forrest Blade Dampener

Forrest promises that their blade dempener/stiffener will deliver smoother, quieter cuts from table and radial arm saws. This easily-installed blade accessory mounts on the outside of the blade to dampen vibrations originating from the blade, motor, and drive belt — a source of noise and blade throw-out.

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It’s A Vise, It’s A Bar Clamp — It’s VersaClamp

Friday, November 2nd, 2007
VersaClamp

We repeat: you can never have too many clamps. But the VersaClamp from PennTek might ligten your load a bit. It’s a quick-release bar clamp with two mounting brackets that turn it into a functional vise.

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Board Buddies Prevent Kickback, Make Cutting Safer

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007
Board Buddies

Yellow Board Buddies are designed to minimize kickback on your table saw or router — and who hasn’t heard a kickback horror story? While holding the work piece against the table and fence, the Buddies’ wheels only turn clockwise, stopping the workpiece if the saw should kick back.

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Trim Gauge: Lots Of Functionality In A Small Package

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007
Trim Gauge

At first glance the Trim Gauge looks like a simple tool for repetitive measurements, but after a little reading, I was floored at the sheer number of applications for this tiny little tool. You can, for example, lock it in place to set the reveal of windows and door trim, adjust height of power tools, or transfer measurements. Unlock the thumbscrew and it’s a depth gauge, too. And it also features horizontal and vertical spirit levels (integrated into the back side) so you can check for level and plumb. Collapsing to four inches long, this multi-function tool fits easily in a tool pouch or pocket.

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The Perfect Butt (Joint)

Monday, October 1st, 2007
Perfect Butt profile scriber in use

Searching for this tool on the internet might land you at sites that could generate marital strife, but finding it is worth the risk. Unfortunate name aside, the M.Power Perfect Butt profile scriber will accurately scribe any piece where you desire a gap-less butt joint.

For instance, while installing your brand new counter top you discover an unsightly gap left at one wall. Simply trace the scriber along the counter top with the scribe’s wheel following the contour of the wall. This will create a perfect profile on the counter to to follow when cutting.

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Protect Your Table Saw With A Magnetic Cover

Friday, September 28th, 2007
TOOLClad Magnetic Covers

Your table saw is probably one of the most expensive tools in your shop, yet you end up throwing crap on it or using it as an ad-hoc work table when you’re not using it because it presents a convenient flat surface. Why not protect it from damage with a TOOLClad magnetic cover.

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Scroll Saw Files — Detail Sanding And Shaping Made Easy

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

scroll files.jpg

Here’s another fun scroll saw attachment you may not have tried: scroll saw files.  These “filing blades” dramatically reduce the frustration and time it takes to produce a complex pattern by automating detail sanding and shaping.  And because of their silicon carbide coating, you can use them in a variety of materials.

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Scroll Saw Sanding Belts

Tuesday, September 4th, 2007

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If you’ve ever been frustrated trying to smooth out your rough scrollsaw cuts – or other cramped edges – scroll saw sander belts can provide some relief.  They’re flexible, cloth-backed sanders that attach to most scroll saws and hug the edge of your cuts, sanding without flattening or gouging wood as rigid-backed abrasives can.

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Trim Veneer The Cheap and Easy Way

Monday, June 18th, 2007
veneeredgetrimmer.jpg

Sure, there are a handful of options available to trim up wood veneer edges.  But the easiest way is to use a purpose-made tool: a veneer trimmer.  This little $7 plastic trimmer slices veneer flush in both directions and can accommodate most edging thicknesses up to 3 mm.

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Finds: Tenon Jig

Tuesday, March 13th, 2007
jigclamp.jpg

Tenon joints are one of the oldest woodworking standbys; they’re sturdy and relatively simple to create.  That doesn’t stop Toolmongers from attempting cleaner and more accurate joints, however.  A tenoning jig is designed to give the woodworker a repeatable joint-making edge. 

The jig is designed to cut straight, angled, or mitered tenons on your table saw by sliding in the guide track and holding the wood in adjustable positions to make the required cuts.  Oversized feed handles provide positive operating control while the large crank handle secures stock up to 3-1/4″.

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Deals: Woodcraft 15 Clamp Set for $15

Friday, March 2nd, 2007

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Chris writes: “That Woodcraft Clamp set mentioned a while back?  It’s now on sale — this Saturday only — for $15!  I’m going to pick up another set.  Also, the rest of the sale flyer is worth a read.”

Nice!  It turns out there’s a store about 10 miles from us, and we’re gonna pick up a set, too.  I somehow managed to resist at $20, but this is gonna do it, I think.

Full Sale Flyer (Lots of Other Deals) [Woodcraft]

Finds: A Tool Vest

Thursday, March 1st, 2007

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I’m not sure whether this is John Popper cool or just an oversized pocket protector, but you too can simulate Blues Traveler’s early years by wearing the tools of your trade on your chest.  From Woodcraft, this vest features pockets for everything from nails to your cell phone.

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Deals: 15 Clamps for $20

Monday, February 12th, 2007
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nrChris writes: “15 Clamps for $20?  Too good to pass up.  I just bought a set, and all the clamps are very sturdy.”

Why not?  There’s no doubt that the Bessey K-Bodys Woodcraft recommends in this product’s “you might also like” section are probably better clamps, but how many of them can you get for $20.

15-Piece Professional Clamping Set [Woodcraft]

Finds: Pinnacle Clamping Square And Wedge

Monday, January 15th, 2007
pinnacleclamp.jpg

A perfect circle may indeed be “unattainable” according to mathematicians, but the perfect square is within reach — if you have the right clamps.  Pinnacle’s clamping square and wedge are just the answer for the frame that needs to be perfect on all corners. 

The system consists of a counter-bored square that can be mounted to any flat surface via screws and a wedge that pairs up with the square to create a fixture for forming miter joints.  To adjust and tighten the box, attach the wedge to a threaded stud on a toggle clamp and push it into the frame which creates a stable platform for gluing or nailing.

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Finds: Drill Press Laser

Tuesday, October 31st, 2006
drillpresslaser.jpg

Lasers = cool, right?  Lasers radiate (get it?) the whole James Bond vibe around the shop. When we pick up the circular saw and it shoots out lasers to tell you what’s going on, the chase scene music from Dr. No starts kicking around in the back of our heads. 

Or not.  Hey, sometimes you gotta keep yourself entertained when you’re making dozens of identical cuts — or drilling dozens of holes, which is where adding a pair of lasers to your drill press comes into play.  They look like one of the elaborate (but easily escapable) machines created to bring 007 to his ultimate demise. 

Oh yeah, they make lining up the bit easier, too.

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