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Review of the Mirka CEROS

Background I have had the 6" Mirka CEROS (Compact Electric Random Orbit Sander) for about a year.  Although I have not used it in a production shop environment, I used it extensively for sanding sculptural work and, to a lesser degree, for flat surfaces.  I have had absolutely no issues with it. When I purchased the Mirka … Continue reading Review of the Mirka CEROS

Upcoming Review: Mirka CEROS

When the Mirka CEROS (Compact Electric Random Orbit Sander) was released in North America about a year ago, I purchased the 6" model. I plan to do a review of the sander, which I use with Mirka's Abranet discs and a Festool dust extractor. If you have any questions about the sander which you would like me … Continue reading Upcoming Review: Mirka CEROS

Stephen Gleasner – There You Are

Artist Name:  Stephen Gleasner Title:  There You Are Details:  circa 2010 - Plywood, 30" x 48" Why It's Notable: While most woodworkers try to hide the layers of plywood, Stephen Gleasner embraces them.  He carves into the face of plywood to reveal patterns reminiscent of a topographic map, then applies dyes to the surface to enhance the … Continue reading Stephen Gleasner – There You Are

Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane

I have many hand planes, but this Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane is among my most-used. This plane is a very simple tool.  The investment-cast steel body incorporates a squirrel-tail handle that nestles in my palm and a divot on the toe where I can set my index finger.  The mouth width is non-adjustable.  Both the plane's sole and blade's … Continue reading Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane

Adapting a Porter Cable 890-Series Plunge Router to fit a Festool D27 Dust Extraction Hose

Since I don't yet own a Festool router, my Porter-Cable 890 Plunge Router showed the most promise of containing the mess.  Dust and chips were drawn into the port built into the base (located behind the depth stop turret) and up through the column.  My only shop vacuum/dust extractor was a Festool CT26 and I … Continue reading Adapting a Porter Cable 890-Series Plunge Router to fit a Festool D27 Dust Extraction Hose

Overflow, Part VI

This time, I am giving away one Makita BO3700 Finishing Sander which has seen a minimal amount of use.  It uses 1/3 of a standard 9x11" sandpaper sheet which is held in place by a spring-loaded clamp at each end of the pad. The soft pad has eight holes for dust extraction.  The steel plate … Continue reading Overflow, Part VI

New Quote Added to “Quotables”

I recently read this quote and thought I'd share it with you.  I've also added it to my page on this blog, titled Quotables.  Check out the other interesting, enlightening, and inspiring quotes I've compiled. There are two types of fools: one says, "This is old, therefore it is good"; the other says, "This is new, therefore … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”

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 Day 2: Monday (you … Continue reading How to Listen to the Wood – Carving, Day 2