Most hobbyist woodworkers are impressed when they see my saw. It's a big piece of machinery, especially with the 5' sliding table and outrigger. And for many of them, it's something they've never seen, or even imagined before. When I tell someone who has seen this type of machine before, they nod in approval and … Continue reading Why a Sliding Table Saw with Scoring Blade?
A collet is something that most of us take for granted. Besides knowing that it is sized to hold the bit, what else is there to know? Recently, I took the time to have a closer look at collets... after I dropped one on the floor... Most routers sold today come with a self-releasing collet. … Continue reading Router Collets Provide a Firm Grip
A few months ago, I picked up a Festool Domino Joiner (#574308) for myself. I had been considering it for a few years while also looking at other options such as a mortising block, horizontal slot mortiser or hollow chisel mortiser to name a few. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I would want … Continue reading Festool Domino
Furniture is what I primarily make, and I think that solid wood is the best choice of materials. No two pieces are identical, and its consistent nature lends itself well to carving - there is no risk of cutting through one layer into another creating an ugly seam. But solid wood is not always the … Continue reading Working with Melamine Particle Board
The scraper is a thing of beauty! It's everything I ever dreamt of. It's shiny and square, with keen edges and a perfectly even burr across the finely ground edge. In my hand, while thin and precious, it also feels strong and resilient when I gently bow it with my thumbs. I watch the light reflecting … Continue reading Praise for the Card Scraper
It's been said a thousand times that a sharp tool is a safe tool. Sharp tools require less effort to use and as a result the user has greater control and is less likely to slip and injure themselves or damage something. A sharp tool also cuts more cleanly, leaving a surface requiring less … Continue reading Sharpening Should NOT be Difficult or Time-Consuming
First, some more woodworking poetry. Pretty soon, I'll have enough to fill a book! One plane, two planes, Three planes, four. I work until My arms are sore. Today, I spent a good part of the day at Coquitlam Lee Valley showroom (where I work part-time) for their Plane Days event. I talked to lots … Continue reading Hand Planes
We all know that it is important to have sharp edges when working. They cut more cleanly and require less force to use, either saving us effort or strain on the motor. Knowing how to sharpen is certainly an important skill, but just as important is recognizing when a tool requires sharpening. With enough experience, … Continue reading Recognizing Sharpness
One thing that I force myself to do is to inspect the various cutting edges in my shop regularly. Because they are constantly subject to wear, their cutting abilities are gradually diminished and eventually, the cut becomes labourious. With power tools, cutters dull as they cut, but another enemy is heat build-up. A fast feed … Continue reading Clean Your Blades and Bits!
I know that my posting here has been sporadic at best. From now on, I will strive to make one entry per week. Check back every Monday morning and you should find at least one new post. My various marking and measuring tools used to be live all over the shop. I'd find them wherever … Continue reading Marking and Measuring Tool Cabinet
