Sam Maloof Finishes

Sam Maloof Finishes (Rockler)

Chemicals & Finishes | 2009-07-14 | One Comment

Sam Maloof left this life with more than a legacy in woodworking greatness … he left us with some finishes under his own name. Sold exclusively through Rockler (I believe), the Sam Maloof finishes are available in a Poly/Oil blend as well as a Oil/Wax blend. It’s my understanding that these are his own formulas, similar to that used on his fine rocking chairs.

Renaissance Wax Polish

Chemicals & Finishes | 2009-07-14 | One Comment

Renaissance Micro-Crystaline Wax Polish (dang, now that’s a title!) is THE most expensive wax I’ve yet to purchase. Now it’s not a “new” product (been around for 40+ years!), it took over five years of looking at it on the shelf to finally take the splurge … an I’m sure glad I did. Now, I’m no chemist … so I don’t know the nitty gritty details of why this wax is so special — but put some to use and you’ll fall for it.

SquareMate

Featured | 2009-07-12 | No Comments

The SquareMate is rather simple in design, but has a lot of possibilities for measuring, marking, scribing, holding, positioning, and other layout tasks. SquareMate can also break the rules of being square a bit and can be used to make (dare I say it) circles! Originally designed for carpenters’ squares to be placed flatly together and used like a sliding caliper (to measure round or irregular shapes), the SquareMate has found much more function in the real world.

Starrett Combination Square

Measure & Mark | 2009-04-05 | 3 Comments

Multiple purposes in one package … a combination square is used as a rule, 90 degree square (right angles) and 45 degree gauge. As for it’s purpose in the shop, one will be used in virtually every project to measure, mark, and measure again (remember the adage, measure twice, cut once!) None are built better [...]

Ridgid Oscillating Sander

Reviews | 2009-01-26 | 2 Comments

Ridgid it got it right with this one! The Ridgid Oscillating Edge Belt Spindle sander is a neat little contraption and an affordable convenience for a small woodworking shop, or make that garage. While it does have some design flaws, the utility and concept — as well as the price tag — are dead on.

Incra T-Rule

Measure & Mark | 2008-08-25 | 2 Comments

The Incra T-Rule is a series of metal rulers with precise slots and holes located throughout the length of the rule in 1/64, 1/32 and 1/16 increments.  Combine one of these highly precise rules with a mechanical pencil and accuracy is nearly fool-proof.  The old adage “measure twice, cut once” still applies, but now you’ll [...]

Ryobi 7.2v Cordless Drill

Power Tools | 2008-08-24 | One Comment

It’s a drill.  It’s a driver.  Functional, yes.  Overall impression … not so much.  Here’s why: battery & power stink. This Ryobi drill was cheap ($$).  Unfortunately, it is cheap (quality).  The battery charger is slow, the life of the battery is poor, and the power is just not there.

CH Hanson Flip Knife

Miscellaneous | 2008-08-24 | One Comment

Doing something new and different with a regular old razor knife is a bit tricky … because too much, well, it usually is “too much”.  Sometimes leaving well enough alone is the right thing to do.  However, CH Hanson has done well here as they re-thought the razor knife and actually made it more versatile.

Urethane Carving Mallet

Carving | 2008-08-24 | No Comments

A common sight in the carving section of any woodworking store, the Wood Is Good Co urethane mallet catches most woodworker’s eyes — possibly for it’s elegance, but most likely because of the catchy company name burnt into the top of each mallet.  For years I passed this by as a “gimmick” that I could [...]

Wixey Digital Angle Gauge & Protractor

Measure & Mark | 2008-08-20 | 4 Comments

Wixley digital angle gauge and digital protractor(tm) not sure about most folks, but, I have a difficult time purchasing tools. The wife seems to think I have enough while I tend to disagree. Additionally, I have over the years had to make many sacrifices for quality because of price. I would love to have a [...]