Amazon.com Widgets

A Great Idea for a Machine Cover

image canvas dropcloth HW412



Found a canvas drop cloth tucked away on a shelf. This would make a fantastic cover for my CarveWright. My sister-in-law loves my carvings. She's always wanting me to make her some to put in her country store so she could sell them. I wonder if she would sew me a cover in exchange for a carving or two?

Galaxy Products Paint Essentials 4-by-12-Foot Canvas Drop Cloth


Rockler Sharks Back IN-STOCK


Ok, it might seem like I've been a yo-yo with in-stock, outta-stock, back in-stock announcements for the Rockler CNC Shark and the Shark Pro...

Fact is, these cnc routers are very very popular and in huge demand. To help keep these things in front of you, I'm happy to announce that I'm now one of Rockler's affiliate outlets.

This means that you can buy these puppies right from the source. In addition to the two Shark models, you have full access to Rockler's entire product line.

I'm very excited about this new development and I hope you will be too.

CNC Shark Pro Routing SystemCNC Shark Pro Routing System
As the bigger brother to the original CNC Shark™, the diversely capable CNC Shark Pro™ offers twice the workable area and increased strength, making it perfect for a wide variety of larger machining, ..

CNC Shark Pro Routing System



CNC Shark Routing SystemCNC Shark Routing System
Now includes 5.0 software, 1/2'' dia. V-groove router bit and two hold-down clamps! Bring the speed and precision of computer-controlled machinery to your shop with this top value CNC system.

CNC Shark Routing System



Bosch Colt™ Variable-Speed Palm Router KitBosch Colt™ Variable-Speed Palm Router Kit
Put power and precision in the palm of your hand! While it may look like a laminate trimmer, this compact (7-1/2" high) and lightweight (3.3 lbs.) router is more than shop-worthy with a 1.0 HP motor.

Bosch Colt™ Variable-Speed Palm Router Kit

Rockler CNC Sharks Sell Out!


WOW, you guys move quick!!

I warned that these units wouldn't last too long but even I was surprised at how fast they sold out.

The (smaller) shark unit sold out the same day I made my post indicating they were on sale. The (bigger) brother, Shark Pro sold out a few days later.

All I can say is congratulations to those privileged few that scored on these deals. Currently these units are all gone, but subscribe to this blog (thru rss feed) and I'll let you know when they become available again.

Rockler CNC Shark Pro Routing System Reduced

image rockler cnc shark pro routing system
For those guys wanting to upgrade from a Compurcarve or Carvewright machine, or add to their wood carving tool arsenal, the Rockler brand CNC Shark-Pro routing system is now on sale at my site sponsor (Amazon).

Now, I'm not knocking the Carvewright system - after all, I own one myself, but a growing number of fellas are looking for a more substantial machine that'll allow them to move from the hobby ring and pass into the professional arena.

This machine can make that happen! I'll admit that I've had my eye on one of these for quite some time now. I started with the Carvewright because it was a bit less money, but now I'm ready to start pissin with the big dogs. Maybe you are too.

Click on the link, visit the site and learn some more about this exciting tool. Better hurry though as there are only a few of these left at this price.

Rockler CNC Shark "Pro" Routing System

Btw, the unit above is the BIG brother (the "Pro")... His younger sibling is on sale too - and as you might expect, a bit less moola as well.

Rockler CNC Shark Routing System w/new 5.0 Software

image bosch colt palm router pr10e Note: Both these units require a Bosch Colt Palm Router for operation.

Check that Flex Shaft

Just a reminder guys to take a few minutes and check that flex shaft. This may seem like a obvious tip but sometimes we forget that what's right under our noses. Take just a couple of seconds and verify everything is in order. After all, you don't want a break down. Preventative maintenance pays off BIG TIME!!

Accessory Bits make for a Happy Carver

I'm so glad I went ahead and invested in the Accessory Bit Set. I've used a couple of the ogees to do some edge routing and used the v-groove one to make a bunch of signs. But my all time favorite is the 3/8 jointing bit. I use it all the time to square up the ends of my work pieces. I'd be lost without these guys!!!

CarveWright CW0024 Full Carving Bit Set

CarveWright Offers New Project Patterns

Great news from the folks at CarveWright. They now have put together a great series of starter patterns for the Carvewright CNC wood carving router system. These plans are complete projects with all the necessary files and instructions included. These Basic level patterns help you learn how to operate your Carvewright CNC controls - to carve right the first time out of the chute.

As of this writing there are six (6) different pattern kits available. They are:
  • Railroad Project
  • Traditional Collage Picture Frame Set
  • Classy Christmas Wreath
  • Carve Baby Blocks - Boy
  • Buzz Saw Yo Yo
  • Old Fashioned Wheeled Toys

Click the link to find the Complete CarveWright Plan Kits, or visit the Patterns & Projects page to see all that's available.

Wood Carving with a Power Tool

I'm always on the lookout for new tools that work great and help a guy do the job...
image of arbortech power chisel

Here's a great series of tools made by Arbortech that take wood carving to a different level. I think these are great tools for guys that want to do more traditional wood carving but want the taste of using a power tool instead of a chisel and mallet.

Or then again, maybe you want to invest in a Carvewright but the cost is just a bit too much for the immediate future. This may just be what you're looking for. Power Carving with a much lower entry price.

Arbortech makes three different power carving tools along with accessories and replacement cutters. Click the link to find the entire Arbortech Product Line.

Rockwell Jaw Horse - Better Than a Helper

I bought this tool a while ago and can't say enough good things about it. My day job is doing handyman and odd jobs for folks here in the Palm Springs area. The RockWell Jawhorse is one of the best tools I've ever invested in. The quality is incredibly high and I like how handy it has become.
Jawhorse
I was using it the other day and thought about how many times I had struggled to hold something in place before I had this unique tool. It's portable, folds down to a manageable size and sets up in a snap. I especially like the Miter Saw Station Attachment. I can now use my WorkMate portable work bench the way it was intended instead of as a table to hold the miter saw.

Working as a solo guy has its advantages - and it's disadvantages. Now with the Jawhorse, I get the extra hands I need but none of the back talk. This is what all sawhorses should be and do.

Here's a short demo video I found. Hope it inspires you into getting one for yourself.
You WON'T be disappointed!!
Watch and learn about the Rockwell Jawhorse.

Combat Old Age

Getting old sure is challenging... Small details are more difficult to focus on and it seems that I need more light to see those details. Found a couple cool things to help with the onset of "old fart-ism". Bought a pair of these magnifiers and this clip on light. Both have come to my rescue... Grandpa was right when he would say "Getting old aint for sissies".