This Old Workshop

Your shop is probably filled with tools or accessories that you use all the time but never really give them much thought, I know mine is. Today we will take a look at one of those tools; The glue brush.

For years we have all used those little disposal acid brushes costing about 20 cents a piece. They work fine, so why change it? Well unless you spend the time washing them and picking out the dried glue bits, you throw them away just like I do. The first thing to consider is simply the cost. Counted up over a year or so it can add up some serious pocket change. In all honesty the cost is really the only factor that matters here, although living in a pro-recycling world we should pause to consider the number of dead brushes we all toss into your local land fills, working with a reusable brush will definitely cut that number down. Okay I know I am reaching for justifications but it really must be a lot of brushes,

The beautiful, big black Powermatic 2800 Onyx variable speed 18” Drill press arrived well crated with sturdy wooden skids, a wood frame and heavy corrugated cardboard protecting all sides The crate was quite heavy, about 302 Lbs. so I recruited a helper to assist with the unpacking and assembly. We carefully unpackaged and inventoried all the component parts and hardware before proceeding with the assembly. The entire process took about 45 minutes including taking photographs while following the instruction manual throughout the entire build. We moved it to its permanent location in the shop with convenient power nearby. I was anxious to light up this beast and get the motor turning.

I get asked a lot of questions about old saws through the blog.　A common one　I hear a lot is, "How do I pick out a good vintage saw and avoid the garbage?" Some experts tell you to look for a particular make of saw, but I've got a better method that doesn't play favorites or require you　to even know who made a saw (which can be tricky for the novice).

The mortise and tenon joint is a staple of woodworking. Creating them can pose a few challenges. Building a custom jig with the size and orientation of the joints is fine if you only need a single size and shape. But if you find yourself making several jigs to cover the varied m&t joints in even a single project then a variable jig is something you should consider.

The Leigh Jigs Super FMT Mortise and Tenon jig is a very nice answer to this challenge. The joints are created by using an array of snap in guides that allow you to cut a large variation of tenons and corresponding mortises.

The holiday season is here. Everywhere you see winter holiday decorations and gift advertisements. If you have a wood worker on your list then here is a great gift idea for you. Every Woodworker needs clamps. Holding joints together is simply a basic woodworking fundamental. Having good clamps in your shop will help to make your finished projects better. You may have heard the old expression, The right tool for the right job.  Well here are some wonderful examples.

Recently I received several boxes full of Bessy Clamps to test and review. Previously I owned a pair of K body clamps and love working with them. Bessy has revised their K body line and some of the changes are well designed with an eye on the woodworking home shop. Lets have a look at some of their woodworking line of clamps.

Here we go with another new tool from Rockwell that can make a nice holiday gift for your homeowner or other DIY enthusiast . The Versa-Cut mini circular saw. Opening up the box I find the Versa-Cut saw, a pair of allen wrenches in a holder attached to the power cord, an edge guide, a non-marring base cover, a carrying bag and a set of 3 blades for cutting wood, thin metal, aluminum and tile.

 Looking over the features I found the saw’s laser guide, mounted on top of the saw so I am expecting it to show right on the cut line. The Versacut has a plunge system that allows the saw to get to full speed before cutting, this helps avoid kick back. The Versacut also has a safety switch and a vacuum attachment.

The Rockwell SheetMaster

Every now and then we get to test a really nice tool, the Rockwell “SheetMaster” is one of those tools. , The SheetMaster is an upgraded version of Rockwell’s JawHorse. Rockwell tools have been in the tool business since 1994. In the fall of 2008 they introduced the original JawHorse, a very versatile clamping and work station. Now they have updated the design with the release of the new SheetMaster, with over a ton of clamping force the SheetMaster is the answer to many requirements around the house, workshop or worksite. The clamp is closed with the use of a foot pedal leaving your hands free to manipulate the item being clamped.

Today let’s have a look at the new compact router table from Rockler. Designed for use with a trim router this new table is one I can see getting a lot of use in my shop. Bringing new versatility to your compact trim router, this small, 11-1/2'' x 15-1/2'' , table is made of ¾” vinyl wrapped MDF making it both durable and strong. The table comes with pre-drilled holes at the rear for attaching a clamping strip so it can be firmly clamped to a bench, table or nearly any other work surface.  At the heart of the system is the clear, round 1/4'' thick acrylic base whose 1 1/2'' opening can fit most any trim style router bits. The base comes pre-drilled to fit several of the more common trim routers on the market. Fitting the Bosch Colt, Porter Cable 450 and 7301, the DeWalt DW 611, and other popular trim routers, you also have the option of drilling your own holes to match most any other trim routers.

Trend Routing Technology, in the U.K, and now distributed in the USA., has been creating woodworking products since 1955. The list of their creations is quite varied. Today we will be testing some of Trend’s Diamond sharpening whetstones and guides.

I am the first to admit I do not like sharpening tools; I would rather bite the bullet and have a professional sharpen them for me. This is not only expensive but it is a hassle to take them in, and return a couple days later with a large hole in my wallet. This said, I am always on the look out to find a high quality sharpening system that is easy to use and reasonably priced. Trend has produced a set that is all of those things and even more.

When a book becomes so famous, so accepted as to be refered to simply as "Joyce", you can tell right away that this is a book you should have on your shelf. Not only should it be on your shelf, it should be in your hands OFTEN. Over 500 pages of wisdom, techniques, information, and knowledge. Even the casual woodworker will find this book useful. Extensive illustrations, photos and charts, the information is easy to follow and adapt to your situation. Any skill stand firmly on its foundations,

Ernest Joyce pours out the concrete of furniture making. Although an older book, first published in 1970, the basics of furniture making remains consistent. I ran across this book while browsing my local woodshop and quickly lost myself within its pages. Simply said, this is some good stuff, if you don't have it, get it, this is a huge reference for not a lot of money.

Daniel