I've never been one to hold back on what I have on my mind. Here is a place where I speak about all things woodworking. 
How to Choose the Best Miter Saw
Fri/09-Sep-2011 Filed in: Tips
The Best-Selling Miter Saws are versatile tools that have become a mainstay of workshops everywhere. These powerful saws make angled cuts by pulling a circular blade down onto a workpiece with a short, controlled plunge. It might appear that miter saws are infinitely complex and varied, but there are only three general types. The type you choose will depend on your woodworking needs.
1) Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile of the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.
2) Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.
3) Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.
Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.
1) Basic Miter Saws
Basic miter saws are the least versatile of the three major variations, but they’re a great starting point for novice do-it-yourselfers. These models typically adjust for miter cuts only, so consider upgrading if you need to do more than that.
2) Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are easier to use than basic miter saws because you can place your stock flat for cutting, and they adjust simultaneously for miter and bevel cuts. A compound miter saw is great for jobs that feature stock that's not very tall or wide, such as door and window trim or picture frames.
3) Sliding Compound Miter Saws
Sliding compound miter saws are the most versatile of the available models. They have a motor and blade assembly that's mounted on a moveable arm to accommodate longer, wider workpieces. For smaller pieces, the saw performs like an ordinary fixed-head model. On some models, the blade can only pivot in one direction, but on a dual sliding compound miter saw, the blade can tilt to the right or left.
Important Features at a Glance
Though models will vary by manufacturer and design, these are a few of the more commonly found features that you might want to keep in mind.
- Electric brake: Reverses the flow of electricity when the saw's trigger is released. This is an important safety feature that slows the blade quickly in case of emergency.
- Blade guard: Most miter saws have self-retracting guards that withdraw when the saw is lowered for use, and reappear when it is raised.
- Laser guide: Gives a precise visual line where the cut will occur on your workpiece.
- Dust bag: Helps collect sawdust for a clearer, more tidy cutting area.
- Shaft lock: Immobilizes the shaft and blade for quicker, easier blade changes.
- Table extensions: Mount on either side of the saw to help balance longer workpieces.
Miter saw blades come in a variety of different sizes, grades, and materials, but there are three main types: steel, high-speed steel, and carbide-tipped blades.
- Steel: Inexpensive and good for cutting soft woods or plywoods. Sharpness diminishes quickly in tougher materials.
- High-Speed Steel: More rugged than steel blades, and great for cutting harder woods.
- Carbide-Tipped: More expensive than other blades but much more durable. Maintain sharpness over a longer period.
Revised Wood Carving Tutorial Page
Fri/01-Apr-2011 Filed in: Updates
Hello Carvers,
You might have noticed that the tutorial page wasn't working quite right the past couple of days...
The company I use to host my tutorials decided that they no longer would be doing this sort of business. And to make matters worse, the email address I had on file with them was out of date so I didn't get notice of this and realize something was wrong until the videos stopped working all together.
It took some scrambling, but I got a replacement host and as with most changes, it was for the better. The image quality is the same, but the size and quick-start functions of this new host have improved the viewing experience considerably.
I'm not finished with the updates quite yet, but it will only be a short while until all the tutorials are back on-line.
Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy the new format.
You might have noticed that the tutorial page wasn't working quite right the past couple of days...
The company I use to host my tutorials decided that they no longer would be doing this sort of business. And to make matters worse, the email address I had on file with them was out of date so I didn't get notice of this and realize something was wrong until the videos stopped working all together.
It took some scrambling, but I got a replacement host and as with most changes, it was for the better. The image quality is the same, but the size and quick-start functions of this new host have improved the viewing experience considerably.
I'm not finished with the updates quite yet, but it will only be a short while until all the tutorials are back on-line.
Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy the new format.
Lost my ShopBot Connection
Sun/06-Mar-2011 Filed in: News
I regret to say that my affiliate connection for the ShopBot Buddy router/engraver has dried up. This was and still is an incredible machine. However, my current supplier has decided to no longer carry it.
I have tried repeatedly to find a replacement - even going directly to the manufacturer but there has been no response.
I will continue to look but as it stands right now, I can no longer direct you to a viable source.
While the Buddy is a real workhorse, it may be too much for most mainstream CNC routing work. It's geared toward high production environments.
I suggest you give the Rockler Sharks a good look instead. These machines have great features and bring high quality manufacturing resources to the home hobbyist.
I have tried repeatedly to find a replacement - even going directly to the manufacturer but there has been no response.
I will continue to look but as it stands right now, I can no longer direct you to a viable source.
While the Buddy is a real workhorse, it may be too much for most mainstream CNC routing work. It's geared toward high production environments.
I suggest you give the Rockler Sharks a good look instead. These machines have great features and bring high quality manufacturing resources to the home hobbyist.
Power Tools for Women Now Live
Mon/28-Feb-2011 Filed in: News
I've been teaching her how to use tools for a long time and even passed on tips and advice to some of her girl friends, so what the heck!! Pink Power Tools for Women was born.
Got women in your life? Well maybe they could use some tools of their own. Find them here. Hope you send them as I'm sure we'll all be the more happy.
Benchtop Wood Lathe Page
Wed/19-Jan-2011 Filed in: Updates
The Benchtop Lathe site that I introduced about four months ago has been a tremendous success. Guys have been gobbling up the information and recommendations I put together over there.
Thanks for all the compliments and site visits.
Not to sit on my tail though, I realized that a large number of my visitors were looking for wood lathe reviews and suggestions as well.
Now, I'm proud to announce an addition to that site where you can now find my top picks for TableTop Wood Turning Lathe Reviews.
I hope you enjoy the new page and find something that helps you to create your next woodworking masterpiece.
Thanks for all the compliments and site visits.
Not to sit on my tail though, I realized that a large number of my visitors were looking for wood lathe reviews and suggestions as well.
Now, I'm proud to announce an addition to that site where you can now find my top picks for TableTop Wood Turning Lathe Reviews.
I hope you enjoy the new page and find something that helps you to create your next woodworking masterpiece.
