Machinery, Tools, Research, Reviews and Safety

I had one aggravation when using my benchtop Wen drill press. The depth stop was a knurled nut that had to be tediously spun around a fine threaded post to set a stop. There are push button stops you can buy for some drill presses. Pricey, and usually for the larger shafts on floor standing drill presses. I couldn't find one for the M12-1.25mm post on my Wen. I've made push button releases for a few past projects, so decided I could make my own depth stop for my Wen. Photos below. A more complete How-To is now live on my blog: https://4dfurniture.blogspot.com/2023/01/making-push-button-depth-stop-for-my.html I consider this a prototype. Next is to see i…

I planned this out and put it together a couple years ago, it has a Thein style dust plate inside the seperator drum. I'm extremely happy, and proud of this project.

I found the Achilles heel of my Shopsmith, the casters, they are horrible! They are a beast to roll around. Any Shopsmith folks with any advise, I'd sure appreciate it.

He nearly had me convinced.

https://www.consumerreports.org/tools-power-equipment/lowe-s-is-now-selling-craftsman-tools/ I have mixed opinions on Craftsman. Their mechanic's tools are OK, and at one time one of the few alternatives. Now, everyone has a lifetime warranty -- Kobalt, Husky, Channelock, GearWrench, Harbor Freight. They're all readily available at the ubiquitous big box stores or corner hardware. And what used to be Sears' swap across the counter is now, "Here's your rebuild kit." There are a few decent power and woodworking tools, but I think they've been on a slow decline for 40+ years. Those who say "Craftsman is the best," are living in the '50s and '60s…

Here you go: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/05/12/2017-09098/safety-standard-addressing-blade-contact-injuries-on-table-saws#open-comment

Has any of the websites actually taken table saws from each year and done comparisons on prices and performance based on the manufactures specs. Table saws,blades ,etc.....

Lately I've noticed a few folks that are now using the small plastic and aluminum imported Jobsite table saws. In my opinion they are grossly over priced for what they are. For a comparably sized saw I have a old Rockwell 34-607 nine inch Contractors table saw that was made in the USA, and I consider it as a much better saw. I have added a paddle switch, my own dust collection hood, a mobile base, and a link belt to it. I luv this saw, I use it in the small shop that I use in the winter months.

I've finally made the decision, I'll be looking into buying a pressure pot NEXT WEEK. I've been doing a lot of research on them. It's been on my want list for quite a while, well while I am able to do so I probably should just go ahead and do it while I can before I cant get one. Either way I know folks are saying harbor freight is the way to go. Some youtube videos that I've come across are saying DONT GO WITH HARBOR FREIGHT. If I wanted it now Id go with them and cheap. But I want to be able to leave it in my shed over night and pressurized with out having to worry that the thing is going to explode because of the pressure. I'm also not wanting to spend over 200 …

The only ones of these I have are the F-clamps. I've been happy with them. I originally got a few as "leave-behinds" but find they work well. Had one where the handle slipped and they replaced it, no questions asked. I noted his comment about "the demise of American-made clamps" https://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/harbor-freight-clamps-one-year-later

looks like the Pony/Jorgenson business has been bought by a Chinese firm. Heartbreaking...

Hi, I just viewed a video from a woodworking E-mail, on the new Bessey I-beam clamps. I cannot find these clamps on their website. Anyway, I wanted to ask a question about this. The video showed the man made a mortise and tenon joint and the tenon was just a bit too big for the mortise. So, he was able to clamp down on the wood planks to make it fit. These clamps are supposed to have 7K pound pressure. I was told to consider moisture when making projects and really don't know too much about it. Never sure how much leeway for the swelling/expansion and when I really need it. So, my real question is this: If this mortise and tenon are th…

Let me first start by saying I am not a Noob to woodworking, I am, however, a noob to setting up a dedicated Woodworkers Paradise that I may call the Woodcave. You can see my introduction here. While I will be using woodworking as therapy, my wife will be using it to get the much-requested furniture we did not have in the military due to the movers always damaging them and the claims process being less than satisfactory. I have some time yet as spring of next year is the goal to start this process, although the holiday sales can be tempting I doubt a Sawstop would go on sale, and if I did purchase, I would have it delivered to the new address. Regardless, below is a list …

I made a comment on a previous post, and can’t find it. Whoever started the post had made some beautiful work on the lathe, and I mentioned it made me want to try turning. Then I asked about turning tools (Shopsmith ones) and it was mentioned to me that Easy Wood Tools is a sponsor. Plus I wouldn’t have to learn how to sharpen the tools, while learning how to turn. I’ma thinking my next present to myself might be a set of Easy Wood Tools, full size. Do we have a particular person/store/enterprise we should support? Or hammer the net, looking for a best price? Any opinions, advice, or comments welcome. Thank you.

I'm sure many of you all are already aware of this cell phone app. But, this old luddite wasn't. To me, this is an amazing piece of gadgetry. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plaincode.clinometer&hl=en_US&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dinclinometer+app&pcampaignid=APPU_1_1s1HW-G5OqmpjwS047fQAw&rdid=com.plaincode.clinometer What's really funny is that I downloaded it to my Kindle hoping to use it. But, when I hit install, nothing happened. I was sorely disappointed. Later, I picked up the cell phone to find that it had been installed on it. I never did nuttin to tell it to do that.…

I have to buy a new vacuum for my workshop. I use it for general cleanup and attachment to my router table and for handheld plunge routing. My 12 year old Ridgid croaked last night.....my fault. Since I haven't bought one in all these years I don't know which manufacturers have excelled. I was considering Shop-Vac (made in USA) but Ridgid, Craftsman reviews seem to be good. I would like to max out at $100 - $150. Thank You for your suggestions.

So here’s the saga…it may be old news to some of you… I finally ordered the Garrett Super Scanner V from Amazon. I figured it was about time as I plan to start using reclaimed wood in the near future. It seemed that I could practice a bit to make sure the real run would not cost me blades for the 735… When it came in I opened the Amazon box, carefully packaged BTW, and found a white box with a serial number and barcode on it (see picture). Inside the white box was a brand new shiny plastic Super Scanner V…or so I thought…(feel the suspense building now…?) After plugging it in and turning it on I got the tell-tale beep and green light. I wondered, howeve…

Hartville Hardware is opening a second store in Tallmadge, Oh. They are having a Grand Opening this weekend. Free 5 gallon bucket and 20% off what you can fit in it. Just a heads up, no affiliation. https://www.hartvillehardware.com/tallmadge

Today I was looking at new orbital sanders with the 5" round disc. They all seem to use hook and loop paper which I haven't had good luck with on a older sander, the paper just doesn't stick well. I prefer the sticky back paper with no holes, then I can cut my own discs as I need them from a roll of sheet sticky back sandpaper.

I bought it new in 1997 and used it off and on for the first 17 years but in the last 3 I have used it a lot, sometimes daily. It has always run fine but today I turned it on and it ran for 1/2 a second then quit. Here's what I know: 1) It is getting power, I even switched to different circuit altogether 2) I pulled the switch out to verify that it is good 3) The brushes, though original, are still 1/2" long and show no signs of chipping or abnormal wear 4) The wires on the brushes are intact and the springs have plenty of tension 5) The motor is easy to spins (took the side covers off to verify) 6) The 18 amp built-in breaker on the top of the mot…