This is a nice, lightweight fret saw with a 12"-deep throat for increased cutting capacity. It is a German-made saw and can be purchased new from Lee Valley Tools Ltd. A pair of thumbscrews secure the standard 5" pin-less blades which are tensioned by the lightweight frame. Overall, I do like this saw, but not as much … Continue reading Overflow XX
A few years ago, I was in the market for a new table saw. My decision was between a sliding table saw or a SawStop table saw (you can read more about my decision process in the three articles titled Why a Sliding Table Saw with a Scoring Blade?, Why Not a SawStop? and Benefits of … Continue reading Review of My Grizzly Sliding Table Saw (G0623X)
A number of months ago, a fellow brought me a boxful of old tools and said that he just wanted them to go to good homes where they would be appreciated. In the box were these three saw sets. (A) Stanley Pistol Grip Saw Set Despite the worn paint, this saw set works smoothly and … Continue reading Overflow, Part XVIII
You might remember this table design I developed in January. Last weekend, while at the Skills Canada National Competition, I showed it to some of the cabinetmakers overseeing the event and they were very impressed with the design. I counted twelve intersections in the centre and one really big headache. I figured that I could … Continue reading Cutting Joinery for V-Table
During Artwalk, I showed my work in Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke Street) with three other artists: Bronwen Belenkie, Clive Tucker and Mandara Lebovitz. Our exhibition will continue through April 28th. The gallery is open 10am-3pm Tuesday through Sunday. Last week, I spent three days at Lee Valley Tools Ltd. demonstrating joinery techniques. I took the opportunity to hone my skills and … Continue reading Practice and Experimentation with Joinery
Freud's 24-tooth Heavy Duty Rip Blade (LM72M010) is what is installed in my table saw 90% of the time. The blade has 24 teeth 0.126" wide, ground flat on the top and pitched forwards at 20 degrees. These characteristics make it the most versatile and most used saw blade in my shop. As you would expect, … Continue reading Flat-Top Ripping Blade is King
Sunday afternoon, I started a project with a board of butternut (I thought it was walnut at first). The idea was to let the wood dictate the end result. I documented the process of building and mounting wall brackets live on Twitter and what you see below are the updates from Day 2: Monday (you … Continue reading How to Listen to the Wood – Carving, Day 2
Sunday afternoon, I started a project with a board of butternut (I thought it was walnut at first). The idea was to let the wood dictate the end result. I documented the process of building and mounting wall brackets live on Twitter and what you see below are the updates from Sunday (the project wasn't … Continue reading How to Listen to the Wood – Carving, Day 1
SAW SET FOR WESTERN SAWS WITH 4-12 TPI I have two identical saw sets and this one is a little grungier. It still works fine. To use the saw set, loosen the lock knob, rotate the round anvil until the number representing the TPI of the saw is at the top and tighten the knob. … Continue reading Overflow, Part IV
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?
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 