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 | No 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 | No Comments

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.

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 [...]

Jet 1642-2 Lathe

Reviews | 2008-08-20 | 2 Comments

As with most of my tools, I can not afford what I would really like.  What I wanted was a smooth running, stable, reliable lathe which would handle both large and small items.  I went through a lot of research as well as cost trade off analysis before reaching my decision, went to several woodworking [...]

Shop Fox 1708 12” Disc Sander

Reviews | 2008-06-21 | 4 Comments

On the good side:

The Shop Fox has equal or more power compared to other 12” disc sanders within its price range.
The Sanding table tilt angle and distance from the sanding face is fairly easily adjusted.
The dust port seems to work great when a shop vac is attached.
The unit is fairly quiet.
The miter table is flat.

Miller Dowel System

Joinery | 2008-06-21 | One Comment

The Miller Dowels are designed to create solid joints in wood.
Both the stepped drill bit (TruFit) and the wooden dowels are well-made. The stepped bit is made from HSS (High Speed Steel) and if taken care of will last a long time while providing superior performance.
Interesting indeed, the Miller Dowel is a dowel system [...]

Jefferson Extracting Pliers

Hand Tools | 2008-06-21 | 3 Comments

The Jefferson Extracting Pliers are designed with one task in mind — removing objects (nails, staples, tacks, etc) lodged in wood. The simple and effective design allows even the most stubborn of fasteners to be removed with ease without damaging the surface of the wood.
Picking up a pair of these pliers one is immediately reminded [...]