Squaring-up Stock
Written by admin on June 30, 2009 – 10:09 pm -Some woodworking plans call for lengthy pieces of stock with four square edges. Let's assume, for a moment, that your current woodworking project requires four 36-inch table legs made out of two-inch square stock. You glue up three pieces of 3/4-inch thick material, but three sides will need to be trimmed in order to obtain the 2x2 finished size.
What is the best method for trimming the stock? Should you use your table saw to trim the stock, or should you plane it down using your jointer?
Ideally, the answer is both. In a perfect world, the best method would be to place one good edge of the stock against the fence of your jointer and plane one side until it is perfectly flat. Holding the stock firmly against the fence will insure two flat, square edges.
Next, switch to your table saw and cut the other two edges to a finished size of about 2-1/16". Trim off the final 1/16" off these two edges on the jointer for a perfectly square, 2-inch square blank.
For many woodworkers, though, a jointer is a bit of a luxury. Is there a way of squaring up this stock without a jointer?
Absolutely, provided you make some minor adjustments to your glue-up. Before assembling the glue-up, take a close look at one of the pieces of the glue-up. Pick the straightest edge of the pieces of stock for the glue-up and position that piece of stock in the center of the glue-up with the chosen edge protruding slightly (about 1/8") from the other pieces of stock in the glue up.
Once the glue dries, place the glue-up on your table saw (with the layers parallel to the table and this protruding edge against your fence), and trim the opposite side. You should now have two flat edges that are square to one another. Next, set your fence to 2" and trim the other two edges, taking care to keep your stock firmly against the table and the fence. The result is a two-inch square piece of stock that will need a bit of sanding, but should be just fine for your project.
Keep in mind, as well, that using your table saw will likely result in a strip of wood that you may be able to use on another project, where using the jointer exclusively well produce a lot of sawdust.
Tags: Planer, squaring, table saw
Posted in Jointer, Table Saw Techniques, Techniques | No Comments »
Top 5 8 inch Jointers
Written by admin on June 27, 2009 – 8:55 pm -Keep in mind that many woodworkers prefer a 6" jointer over an 8" jointer. We may be able to assume the rankings for a 6" are similiar. I don't have that information at this time.
Comparison: 8 Inch Jointers
There are few surprises in here for folks who know their jointers. Except for maybe the Harbor Freight model there in the #9 position ;) I was not able to track down a company site for Yorkcraft… please assist if you have more information!
1) Delta DJ-20 (37-380) 8 Inch Jointer
Ranking:
47 Forum Recommendations
Delta - 8-in. Jointer 37-380
“The least noisy of the jointers tested, the Delta 37-380 has a fence that moves on a rack-and-pinion gear, making it very easy to move by turning a knob. The table infeed is adjusted with a lever; the outfeed, with a handwheel. The table-locking handle is sturdier and more comfortable than most.”
Delta 37-380 8″ Jointer by John H
2) Grizzly 8 Inch Jointer
Ranking:
44 Forum Recommendations Overall
G0586: 7 Recommendations
G0593: 2 Recommendations
Grizzly Industrial - 8-in. Jointer G0586
“Priced at $625 (the lowest price of those we compared) this machine is an excellent value.”
Grizzly G0586 Jointer
Grizzly 8″ Jointer Model G0586 review
Grizzly G0586 8″ Jointer review
Grizzly G0586 8″ Jointer - Dust Collection
Grizzly G0593 8″ Jointer w/spiral cutting head
Grizzly Jointer G0490 & G0593
Reviews: Grizzly GO586 8-Inch Jointer
G0490X 8″ Jointer w/ Spiral Cutterhead
Review - Grizzly 8″ Jointer G0490
Problem with motor on Grizzly G0500 8-inch jointer
3) Shop Fox W1741
Ranking:
16 Forum Recommendations
Which jointer SF W1741 or Griz G0593
My new Shop Fox W1741 8″ jointer Gloat/Review
Shop Fox 8″ jointer - W1741 - review
4) Yorkcraft yc-8j 8 Inch Jointer
Ranking:
11 Recommendations
Yorkcraft YC-8J 8″ Jointer Review
Yorkcraft - 8-in. Jointer YC-8J
“The least expensive of the models tested, it’s the only jointer in the group that includes a rolling base.”
5) Sunhill 8 Inch Jointer
Ranking:
4 Forum Recommendations
Sunhill Machinery - 8-in. Jointer CT-204L
“The Sunhill has one of the longer tables of the models tested, but extensions must be bolted to both ends to reach the longer length. The table is adjusted with a handwheel, and the table-lock lever is small. The fence-locking lever is in back and tended to slip, causing the fence to get hung up.”
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 Bench Top 6 Wood Jointer Joiner Planer 1 3 4HP 9000RPM  US $158.99
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 Powermatic 1610079 8 Parallelogram Jointer 2HP NIB US $2,099.99
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 Powermatic 1791279DXK Model 54 A 6 Deluxe Jointer NIB US $959.99
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 4 ELECTRIC BISCUIT JOINTER HEAVY DUTY METAL HOUSING US $36.99
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 4 POWERFUL ELECTRIC BISCUIT JOINTER DURABLE JOINTERS US $16.99
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 6 JOINTER by RIKON US $375.00
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 NOS Craftsman 2293 6 1 8 Jointer Knives Set of 3 US $14.99
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 6 Craftsman Jointer Planer with Stand US $75.00
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 JET 708457DXK JJ 6CSDX 6 Inch 1 HP Jointer No Reserve US $360.00
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 Craftsman Professional 6 1 8 in Jointer Planer New US $389.00
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| http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1715 |
Tags: 8" jointer, Jointer, jointer review
Posted in Jointer, Tool Reviews, Tools | No Comments »
Top 5 15 inch Planers
Written by admin on June 27, 2009 – 8:41 pm -The following information was obtained from a review conducted by ToolCrib.com
So once you’ve selected your jointer you’ve got to pick yourself out a planer. We dug through hundreds of forum threads to find out which 15 inch planers have gotten the most recommendations.
This 15 planer comparison should give you a good idea on which planers are the most popular, and provide a starting point for making your planer purchase decision!
Top 5 15″ Planers, According to Woodworking Forums:
1) Grizzly 15 Inch Planer
88 Overall Recommendations
Grizzly G0453: 30 Recommendations
Grizzly G0453Z: 14 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021X2: 11 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021X: 7 Recommendations
Grizzly G0551: 6 Recommendations
Grizzly G1021Z: 1 Recommendation
2) Powermatic 15 Inch Planer
35 Overall Recommendations
Powermatic 15HH: 21 Recommendations
Powermatic 15S: 14 Recommendations
3) Delta 15 Inch Planer
30 Overall Recommendations
Delta DC-380: 10 Recommendations
Delta X5: 5 Recommendations
Delta 22-780x: 4 Recommendations
Delta 22-790x: 4 Recommendations
Delta 22-785X: 1 Recommendation
4) Jet 15 Inch Planer
17 Overall Recommendations
Jet JWP-15HO: 4 Recommendations
Jet #708529: 2 Recommendations
Jet JWP-1rDX: 1 Recommendation
5) Yorkcraft 15 Inch Planer
14 Overall Recommendations
Yorkcraft YC-15P: 4 Recommendations
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 Eletric Power Wood Planer New 3 3 4 Hand Tools US $19.99
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 New Heavy Duty Model Electric Power 3 1 4 in Planer US $24.99
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 Powermatic 1120003 Model PM15 15 Planer Molder 5HP US $2,399.99
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 Powermatic 1791210 Model 15S 3 HP 15 Deluxe Planer US $1,999.99
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 Powermatic 1791213 15HH 15 Planer W Shelix Cutterhead US $2,499.99
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 DEWALT 3 1 4 PLANER DW 680K HEAVY DUTY USED ONCE US $46.00
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 15 Planer BladesKnives US $30.00
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 Dewalt DW 680 planer with case and guide and manual US $39.99
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 Powerful Electric Wood Planer Woodworking Power Tools US $21.95
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 Grizzly 15 Planer 3 HP G0453 New with Warranty US $950.00
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| http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1715 |
Tags: 15" planer, Planer, planer review
Posted in Planer, Tool Reviews, Tools | No Comments »
Table Saw Tip
Written by admin on June 16, 2009 – 6:32 pm -Every time I crosscut a wide work piece, the head of my miter gauge "clunks" against the front edge of the table saw. Over time, this knocks the miter gauge out of alignment. So I filed a bevel in the table that allows the miter gauge to ride smoothly across
Tags: table saw, table saw tip, woodworking tips
Posted in Table Saw, Table Saw Techniques, Techniques, Tools | No Comments »
Secrets to Making Perfect Door Panels
Written by admin on June 16, 2009 – 5:30 pm -
If there is one thing that really sets apart a beautiful set of cabinets or a fine piece of furniture from work that’s just plain Jane — it’s the panels. We’ve all seen the inexpensive cabinets at the big box stores. Yuck! The door panels usually have one board with wild grain going every which way right next to a board with grain straight as an arrow! It just doesn’t look right.
That’s why Craig Ruegsegger has gone to a lot of trouble to show us how to make eye-catching panels during this week’s Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar podcast. His seminar takes into account arranging boards for grain pattern, preparing the boards so they’re flat, straight and square, plus glue-up and clamping techniques.
A 15-page seminar guide, just like the one used during the seminar podcast is available for immediate download at PlansNow. It’s priced at $4.95 and includes several great acticles on making panels.
Seminar Guide: Secrets to Making Perfect Panels
Flash Version [46:45m]: | Play in Popup | Download
MP4 Video [46:45m]: Download
WMV Video [46:45m]: Download
Tags: door panels
Posted in Router Techniques, Techniques | No Comments »
Guidelines for Using a Drill Press
Written by admin on June 10, 2009 – 3:08 pm -The drill press is an essential piece of equipment for precision drilling. It provides a simple, practical means to accomplish professional results for many woodworking chores. In addition to drilling, this machine will do routing, shaping, surface planning, sanding and mortising with the same degree of accuracy as it can drill holes. In a drill press you can use twist bits, brad point bits, forstner bits, auger bits, hole saws, expansive bits and circle cutters.
The vertical distance from the chuck to the table at its lowest position determines the maximum thickness of work you can handle. The distance the quill travels determines the maximum depth of hole that can be drilled without shifting the worktable.
Slow spindle speeds are best for metal and large holes in wood. High speeds are best for routing and shaping wood. With a 1750-rpm motor you may have speeds of 700, 1250, 2400 and 4700 rpm. These speeds and more are usually achieved through step pulleys. Some drill presses have variable speed control, and in these cases you don’t have to shift the belts to adjust the speeds. The following are recommended industry speeds that you might wish to copy and tape on your drill press.
Twist Softwood Hardwood
1/16-3/16 3000 3000
1/4-3/8 3000 1500
7/16-5/8 1500 750
11/16-1 750 500
Brad-Point Softwood Hardwood
1/8 1800 1200
¼ 1800 1000
3/8 1800 750
½ 1800 750
5/8 1800 500
¾ 1400 250
7/8 1200 250
1 1000 250
Forstner Softwood Hardwood
¼-3/8 2400 700
½-5/8 2400 500
¾-1 1500 500
1 1/8-1 ¼ 1500 250
1 3/8-2 500 250
Multi-Spur Softwood Hardwood
2 1/8-4 250 250
Spade Softwood Hardwood
¼-1/2 2000 1500
5/8-1 1750 1500
1 1/8-1 1/2 1500 1500
Circle Cutters Softwood Hardwood
1 ½-3 500 250
3 ¼-8 250 250
Countersinks Softwood Hardwood
2-flute 1400 1400
5-flute 1000 750
If your drill press drills out of round, the chuck as it fits on the arbor is out of alignment. To correct this place a drill bit in the chuck and check run out with a dial indicator. If the out of round is not within the desired tolerance, tap the chuck bottom with a rubber or leather mallet until you get the correct tolerance. When correct press the chuck into a piece of wood to register it in place.
Drill press tables are a necessary add on and can be made to fit your table. Ours has a sliding wooden fence and a removable table insert that is thrown away after too many holes are made in it. It also allows for added depth when using the sanding drum attachment. The table is made of 2 pieces of laminated ¾” hardwood plywood.
We leave our mortising attachment installed most of the time and have modified the larger chisels to fit the 5/8” chuck. We now have chisels from ¼” to 1”. The larger sizes have had the chisel ends milled to fit the chisel holder. The correct drill speed depends upon the size of the bit and the hardness of the wood. Best results will be obtained in the range from 680 to 2400 rpm. Use the slower speed for the larger diameters and the harder woods.
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 ATLAS DRILL PRESS SPIDER SPEED PULL DOWN LEVER US $24.95
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 ATLAS DRILL PRESS 1275 VERNIER DEPTH STOP ROD US $24.95
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 ATLAS DRILL PRESS MOTOR STEP PULLEY 53 30 US $24.95
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 Drill Press for portable drills Best with rotary US $21.00
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 Milwaukee 4206 1 125 Amp Electromagnetic Drill Press US $600.00
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 3115 5 Speed Bench Top Drill Press US $54.99
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| http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1715 |
Tags: drill press
Posted in Drill Press, Drilling & Fastening, Tools | No Comments »
Bosch SPS10 Litheon Cordless Screwdriver
Written by admin on June 2, 2009 – 8:59 pm -By Chris Baylor, About.com
Guide Review - Bosch SPS10 Litheon Cordless Screwdriver
The Bosch SPS10 Cordless Screwdriver was a surprise. When I first opened the box, I thought I was looking at a toy that would never be of much use. The unit is so small, almost too small for my moderately large hands.
However, after trying out this Bosch Cordless Screwdriver for a little while, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of power Bosch engineers have packed into this tiny little tool. It handled nearly every task that I threw at it with relative ease. Of course, if you're planning on extended screwing of three-inch screws into hardwood without pre-drilling, this probably isn't the tool for you.
That being said, for having a cordless screwdriver always within easy reach (since you can keep it in your pocket, apron or pouch as easily as a large tape measure), it's hard to beat the Bosch SPS10 Cordless Screwdriver.
The Bottom Line
Not all power woodworking tools need to be heavy-duty machines that take up space in the wood shop. Sometimes, well-built, useful tools come in small packages.
Such is the case with the Bosch SPS10 Cordless Screwdriver. While it operates on rechargable 3.6v Lithium Ion battery packs that, because of their small size will have a shorter usage time per charge when compared to a much larger cordless drill, it has enough power to drive most screws used in common woodworking tasks. Of course, the advantage is that it's small enough to fit easily into the pouch of your woodworking apron, or even your pocket.
Pros
• Lightweight, yet powerful screwdriver in a small size
• Automatic locking system locks the bit holder in place for manual screwdriving
• Magnetized bit holder helps hold screws when starting
Cons
• With small form factor comes smaller batteries, meaning less usage time per charge
Description
• Includes cordless screwdriver, two batteries, a fast charger and carrying case
• Has a built-in work light LED that automatically comes on when driving
• Variable speed trigger (0-250 RPM)
Tags: cordless screwdriver
Posted in Tool Reviews | No Comments »
Table Saw Safety Tips
Written by admin on May 19, 2009 – 3:18 pm -By Chris Baylor, About.com
The table saw is probably the most widely-used woodworking machine in the woodshop. Statistically, it is also likely the most dangerous, as more debilitating injuries seem to be a result of using the table saw than any other woodworking power tool.
Does that mean that the table saw cannot be used safely? Of course not. By taking proper, common-sense precautions, a woodworker can considerably reduce the possibility of injury when using a table saw. Here are twelve safety tips that every woodworker should keep in mind before using a table saw:
Wear Safety Equipment:
When using power tools, wearing the appropriate safety equipment should be considered mandatory. The woodworker should always wear safety glasses and hearing protection, but appropriate clothing should also be considered. Loose fitting clothing, neckties, and jewelry are all hazards to avoid when using a table saw.
Keep the Area Clean:
When using a table saw, keep the table and surround area clear of stock, cutoffs and excess sawdust. Any of these can get in the way or impair the woodworker's ability to make safe, clean cuts. A loose piece of stock could become a projectile if it contacts a moving blade.
Check Safety Features:
Before beginning any table saw task, always check the safety features of your table saw to make certain that they're set and functioning properly. The saw blade guard, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls are designed to protect the woodworker, and should be adjusted properly before the power is turned on.
Use Outfeed Tables/Stands When Appropriate:
When cutting large pieces of stock, such as a full sheet of plywood, position an outfeed table or stand to help support the stock. Using these helpers will make the pieces being cut more stable, and the cut easier to complete.
Always Disconnect Power Before Changing Blade:
Before changing the blade or making any other internal adjustments on the table saw, the woodworker should always disconnect the power to the saw. This will eliminate the possibility that the saw could be inadvertently turned on while the table saw is being worked on.
Do Not Start the Saw With the Blade Engaged:
When preparing to start the saw, the woodworker should check to be certain that the blade is spinning freely, and not engaged with the stock. Once the motor is turned on, the blade should be allowed to reach full speed before beginning the cut.
Maintain a Good Position:
When standing at the table saw, the woodworker should maintain a good, solid stance with a wide base to keep a good balance. Additionally, one should not stand directly in front of the blade, so if a kickback should occur, the stock will not kick back into the body, but will slide past the operator's midsection.
Never Reach Over a Moving Blade:
The operator should never reach or make any fence or blade adjustments while the blade is still moving. Instead, wait until the blade comes to a full stop before reaching or making any adjustments.
Use Proper Inserts:
When using a table saw, the proper zero-clearance blade inserts should always be used. When using a stacked dado blade, a proper insert should also be used. Without a blade insert, a piece of stock could fall into the saw cabinet and become a projectile.
Never Free-Hand a Cut
When using a table saw, the woodworker should never attempt a free-hand cut. Instead, use the fence or miter gauge to guide the stock. However, keep in mind that the fence and miter gauge should never be used together, as the end grain of a piece of stock can bind against the fence.
Check Stock for Foreign Objects:
Before beginning any cut, the woodworker should visually check the board being cut for any foreign objects such as a screw, nail, staple or even a loose knot in the wood. Any of these can come loose and become a dangerous projectile if it comes in contact with a spinning blade. A specially-designed metal detector is great for checking for hidden fasteners in stock, particularly when working with recycled material.
Use a Push Stick:
When the board being cut has less than about six inches width of stock away from the blade, a push stick should be used to help push the board through the blade. This will help keep the woodworker's fingers safely away from the blade. Proper push sticks can be built in the shop or purchased at any fine woodworking supplier.
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 Bosch 4100 10 In Worksite Table Saw with Rip Fence NEW US $439.99
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 Hitachi C10FCE2 10in Compound Miter Saw NEW US $163.90
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 Bosch DC010 Digital Carriage Display for 4100 Table Saw US $124.95
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 NEW Hitachi C10FCE2 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw 15 AMPS US $139.99
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 Hitachi 15 Amp 7 1 4 Inch Circular Saw US $60.00
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| http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1715 |
Tags: safety, table saw
Posted in Table Saw, Table Saw Techniques, Techniques, Tools, safety | No Comments »
Using Corner Squares to Keep Project Square
Written by admin on May 15, 2009 – 2:33 pm -This video presents some itechniques to keep corners square when glueing.
Tags: gluing, squaring
Posted in Assembly & Gluing, Techniques | No Comments »
Miter Saw Safety Video
Written by admin on May 15, 2009 – 2:28 pm -Some general miter saw safety tips including clamping and operation tips. The Festool Kapex makes its first appearance in our show as well. And finally, some outtakes.
Tags: miter saw, miter saw safety
Posted in Miter Saw, Miter Saw Techniques, Techniques, safety | No Comments »
