Woodworking Tools

Woodworking Tool News - General Crown Molding Jig

2013-04-23T17:37:00Z

General Crown Molding Jig

The majestic, elegant tradition of crown molding dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and is more popular than ever today. The challenge for carpenters, builders, cabinet and furniture makers, woodworkers and DIYers has always been the accurate cutting to create seamless corner joints. Well, no more! The new EžZ Pro Crown King (880) from General Tools & Instruments (General®) makes precise crown molding cutting a snap, eliminating trial and error and saving time and money. Whether dressing up adjoining ceilings and walls, adding decorative elements to cabinetry and furniture, or enhancing door and window hoods, crown molding lends artistic flair that now can be accomplished easily and affordably.

Unlike other crown molding jigs on the market, General’s Crown King requires no assembly and is designed for the ultimate ease of use. Right out of the box, it enables the production of interior and exterior corner joints with the three most common crown molding spring angles. The Crown King comprises two pieces: the jig itself and a versatile insert/adapter. Without the insert, the jig is positioned for cutting 45-degree spring angle moldings. With the insert, it is quickly reconfigured to accommodate 38- or 52-degree spring angles.

In combination with a miter saw, the Crown King can create precise joining angles every time. Simply measure the corner angle, divide it by half, set your miter saw to that angle, cut and fit. The jig streamlines the creation of crown molding by eliminating:

· complicated compound miter angle calculations

· coping of joints

· compound-angle cutting

· back-cuts

· auxiliary fences

· confusing upside-down miter box positioning

About General Tools & Instruments

Headquartered in New York City since 1922, General Tools & Instruments remains the market leader in precision specialty hand tools. Recent product advancements and corporate acquisitions have expanded General’s line to include over 1,500 precision tools and hand-held instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by contractors, professionals, technicians, DIYers and hobbyists in a broad range of industries. To learn more about General Tools & Instruments and its products, visit www.generaltools.com or call Customer Support at 1-800-697-8665.

Woodworking Tool News - Rockler Secret Passage Door Kits

2013-04-23T17:25:00Z

Rockler Secret Passage Door Kits

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has just introduced Secret Door Kits to its product line. The new Secret Door Kits allow users to convert a doorway into a secret passage or a closet into a secret storage space by the construction of a bookcase that fits the door space and which then functions as a hidden door. The bookcase can be used for display or storage purposes, as the hardware is designed to allow the bookcase to slide open without disturbing the items on the shelves. The result is a fully functional bookcase which conceals the room or closet behind it and allows secret access by pulling on the fixed shelves to slide it open.

The Secret Door Kits are comprised of all the necessary components to construct a secret bookcase door, including all of the wood and hardware used to install the structure. The Secret Door Hardware allows the bookcase to open like a door and also provides secure mounting to the door frame or wall surface, depending on the specific kit. Installation of a complete Secret Door Kit requires only basic household tools. The Secret Door Kits are sold in several different varieties including Black, White, Oak, Knotty Alder, and Maple. All Secret Door Kits can be purchased at Rockler.com.

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware:

Celebrating its 59th year as a family-run business, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is the nation’s premier supplier of specialty hardware, tools, lumber and other high quality woodworking products. Rockler has 29 retail locations in AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, WA, and WI – plus 60 independent reseller locations nationwide, as well as extensive catalog and internet operations.

To learn more about Rockler, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER. Rockler Companies, Inc. | 4365 Willow Drive | Medina, MN 55340 | 763.478.8201 | www.rockler.com

Woodworking Tool News - General Lighted Magnetic/Mechanical Pickups and Screwdrivers

2013-04-23T17:19:00Z

General Lighted Magnetic/Mechanical Pickups and Screwdrivers

General Tools & Instruments (General®) has the perfect solutions for work in tight, poorly lit spots where it’s a struggle to see and retrieve small objects or perform difficult, repetitive fastening jobs involving tiny screws. Two new Lighted Magnetic/ Mechanical Pickups (70390 & 70391), the Lighted Cordless Power Precision Screwdriver (502) and the 8-in-1 Lighted Precision Screwdriver (75108) join General’s family of specialty hand tools designed to shed light on the subject and reach into places your hands cannot.

General’s two new Lighted Magnetic/Mechanical Pickups (70390 & 70391) provide brilliant illumination and powerful recovery capability along with comfortable, ergonomically designed hand controls. When the handle is depressed gently, the powerful white LED centered in the tip directly illuminates the task at hand. Depress the handle fully, and a strong four-pronged steel-jaw grabber extends from the tip to capture small objects. A retractable magnetic sleeve (housed in the handle) can be deployed easily to retrieve nuts, bolts and other metal objects. The long flexible shafts (24 in. – 70390; 36 in. – 70391) allow you to maneuver behind workbenches and in other constricted spaces.

The new Lighted Cordless Power Precision Screwdriver (502) is a first-of-its-kind tool that’s perfect for anyone who works with small parts and micro assemblies in low-light situations. An exclusive Super-Torque drive generates 100+ RPM while a high-powered LED aims a white light directly on the work area. The pen-sized tool comes complete with six precision 4mm bits: Slotted: 1/16 in. and 1/8 in.; Phillips: #0 and #1; and Torx: T5 and T6. A quick-change chuck enables effortless swapping between bits and accommodates all available standard-sized 4mm bits. The ergonomic rubber grip and ABS housing boost the tool’s functional design.

General’s new 8-in-1 Lighted Precision Screwdriver (75108) features two powerful, bright white LEDs combined with a transparent collar to provide 360-degree lighting. The tool also features a secondary removable mini-screwdriver and an ergonomic cushioned grip with rotating cap. A convenient bit storage compartment in the precision engineered handle keeps all included bits together, reducing the risk of lost or misplaced parts. The screwdriver comes with four reversible bits: Slotted: 1/8 in. and 5/64 in.; Phillips: #000 and #0; Torx: T5 and T8; and Torx: T6 and T10.

Q & A: Low-Angle Planes Provide Versatility

2013-03-21T17:01:00Z

Q & A: Low-Angle Planes Provide Versatility

Q:

What advantage does a low-angle bench plane have over a standard bench plane?

A:

Low-angle bench planes allow you to change the blade’s effective cutting angle to suit specific tasks. Because the bevel points up on a low-angle plane, the effective cutting angle can be varied based on the iron’s bevel angle. The bevel-up configuration also means the plane blade is fully supported right up to the cutting edge. With the bevel down, the cutting edge remains unsupported along the bevel, which can lead to blade chatter (Fig. A, below).

To get the most out of your low-angle bench plane, it’s best to have two or three blades on hand with various bevel angles already ground on them (Fig. A). A 25-degree bevel ground on the cutting iron will produce a low cutting angle of 37 degrees that’s ideal for shaving end grain (see photo, above). A 35-degree bevel approximates the 45-degree cutting angle on a standard bench plane, which is best-suited for general planing tasks. A 50-degree bevel creates a high cutting angle of 62 degrees for more of a scraping cut that reduces tearout on squirrelly grained wood, such as bird’s-eye maple.

Click any image to view a larger version.

Fig. A: Exploded View

The cutting angle is simply the sum of the bevel angle and the plane-bed angle or pitch. The pitch of a low-angle bench plane is 12 degrees, but its effective cutting angle can be varied based on the iron’s bevel angle. Standard bench planes usually have a pitch of 45 degrees, often referred to as common, or York, pitch. Since the plane is bevel down, the effective cutting angle remains at 45 degrees no matter what angle is ground on the bevel.

This story originally appeared in American Woodworker December/January 2007, issue #126.

December/January 2007, issue #126

Purchase this back issue.

Wood-Mizer Online Sawmill Business Directory

2013-03-18T15:05:00Z

Wood-Mizer Online Sawmill Business Directory

Wood-Mizer, the world’s leading portable and industrial sawmill manufacturer, has launched an online local sawmill business directory that will help connect Wood-Mizer owners with local people in need of a portable sawmill service to cut their logs into lumber at www.woodmizer.com/localsawmills.

The easy-to-use directory allows someone to browse sawmill businesses by state, and lists information that someone would need in order to find the sawmill service that will fit their needs. Once a sawmill service is selected, contact information is delivered instantly by email.

For years, Wood-Mizer has helped people find portable sawmill services over the phone. In March of 2012, Wood-Mizer created a page on their website where people could request information for local sawyers. With hundreds of hits a week, and requests pouring in in the aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, the decision was made to launch a searchable online sawmill directory, which would be made up of members of the Wood-Mizer Pro Sawyer Network, pre-qualified sawmill owners that use their sawmills for a living. More information at www.woodmizer.com/pro.

Portable sawmill businesses provide many valuable services to their local communities. With a portable sawmill, storm damaged trees can be turned into usable lumber for projects, instead of heading to the landfill or the tree chipper. Many Wood-Mizer owners sell specialty lumber locally, providing species, custom sizes, and prices that cannot be found at the local lumberyard or box store.

For information about getting someone to cut your own logs into useable lumber, read “What you Need to Know when Hiring a Portable Sawmill Service”. To find out how easy it is to start sawing your own lumber with an entry-level Wood-Mizer sawmill, visit www.woodmizer.com.

Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of portable and industrial sawmill equipment. The company supports its equipment with legendary customer service, blades, and blade maintenance equipment. To learn more, visit www.woodmizer.com.

Woodworking Tool News - Wood-Mizer WM4000

2013-03-18T13:57:00Z

Wood-Mizer WM4000

Wood-Mizer has released the WM4000 thin-kerf industrial sawmill – a mill they are calling the ‘next generation’ in sawmills that combines thin-kerf blades for maximum log yield with advances in automated technology to create an ideal solution for profitability in the again growing timber industry.

Similar in overall design to Wood-Mizer’s industrial WM3500 sawmill, the WM4000 features are more heavy duty and more productive in almost every way, making it an ideal solution to add to an existing sawmill operation or to launch a new one.

Command Station – Featuring a standard larger and fully-enclosed operator cab, the operation of the WM4000 is designed for productivity and ease-of-use. The new deluxe joysticks control all sawing and log handling functions, and feature proportional hydraulic speed control. They can also be set up to save two different sawyers’ personal joystick preferences.

The new 7.5” Human Machine Interface touch-screen presents more information to the sawyer. Board and cant sizes are displayed along with current head height, feed position, and blade power. Amongst a host of new productivity-enhancing features, the most popular one is the Auto-Cut feature, which remembers the location of the start and end of the log. Instead of the sawyer overshooting either end of the log, the sawhead knows how far to cut, and where to return to, and as a result spends more time sawing.

The Sawing Head – The addition of a servo motor to control the vertical head location increases the head up/down speed and positioning precision. Larger blade roller guides provide the blade even more support in the cut.

Hydraulics – The hydraulic system on the WM4000 is both faster and larger than any Wood-Mizer mill (15HP motor and 15GPM output) resulting in faster and more powerful log handling and more overall through put. Proportional hydraulic speed is easily adjusted by the operator’s pressure applied to the joysticks during use.

Log Bed & Log Handling – The most prominent new log handling feature is a massive log clamp that anchors to the floor for even more power and rigidity. Also adding to the stability and durability of the mill, the bed rails and frame now feature 50% more steel for years of daily use. A built-in hydraulically-powered conveyor that turns itself off as needed ensures that material moves quickly off the back of the sawmill and further down the line towards support equipment. In addition, standard bed features on the WM4000 are:
· Two redesigned bi-directional chain turners
· Three vertical side supports
· Powered taper rollers

Maintenance and Troubleshooting - The HMI touchscreen computer comes with a robust set of diagnostic capabilities, and troubleshooting the system can be accomplished via the onboard Ethernet connection. Electrical setup and troubleshooting is much more streamlined and easy to access.

The WM4000 now commands the flagship status as Wood-Mizer’s most productive thin-kerf headrig on the market, while still offering the low cost of ownership and providing larger profit margins that Wood-Mizer has historically offered the lumber industry.

The WM4000 is designed to work as the principal breakdown saw in Wood-Mizer’s line of industrial wood processing equipment. It is also able to be integrated into existing operations. To learn more about the WM4000’s specific features and specifications, visit www.woodmizerindustrial.com. To request a custom quote and layout design, talk to a Wood-Mizer sawmill consultant at 800.553.0182.

Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of portable and industrial sawmill equipment around the world. The company supports its equipment with legendary customer service, blades, and blade maintenance equipment. To learn more, visit www.woodmizer.com.

Woodworking Tool News - American Fabric Filter Cartridge Overbags

2013-03-13T18:19:00Z

American Fabric Filter Cartridge Overbags

American Fabric Filter Co. offers custom designed cartridge overbags which; help prevent dust from bridging across the filter pleats. The overbag will help keep the cartridge from blinding as well as making pulse type cleaners more effective. The custom overbags are manufactured from high quality Nylon Monofilament. Adding a bungee cord in the hem makes installation quick and easy. These overbags are reusable, making them more economical, and custom sizing guarantees a perfect fit. AFF offers free design assistance and quotes. Visit www.americanfabricfilter.com, e-mail info@americanfabricfilter.com, or call 800-367-3591 for a free quote.

Woodworking Tool News - Rockler Trim Router Circle Jig

2013-03-13T16:17:00Z

Rockler Trim Router Circle Jig

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has introduced the Trim Router Circle Cutting Jig, a device that interfaces with trim routers for precise circle routing applications. The jig allows an infinitely adjustable range of 6" to 36" circle cutting diameters and is compact enough to fit in most tool boxes. The Trim Router Circle Cutting Jig is also lightweight, making it easily portable for use on job sites as well as at home in the shop. The Trim Router Circle Cutting Jig is pre-drilled to fit many popular router models from Porter Cable, DeWalt and Bosch and can easily be drilled to fit other less common routers. It is made of 1/4" phenolic which provides extreme durability during use. The center pivot pin is tightened with a fourstar knob and T-bolt to ensure that the jig stays in place throughout the routing process. The Trim Router Circle Cutting Jig (48871) retails for $36.99 and can be purchased at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, Rockler independent resellers, Rockler.com, or from the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

Adjustable Tongue-and-Groove Set

2013-02-14T18:51:00Z

Adjustable Tongue-and-Groove Set

Lots of tongue-and-groove router bit sets are designed for 3/4-in. material. They cut 1/4-in. tongues and 1/4-in. grooves. A new bit set from Freud ($70) is adjustable. So why is this a big deal? Adjustability means you can use this set for stock from 1/2-in. to 1-1/4-in. thick.

You can make grooves (and matching tongues) from 7/32-in. to 3/8-in.wide in .004-in. increments, by slipping shims between the cutters.Each bit has its own set of shims.According to Freud, the tongues and grooves will match as long as you shim each bit by the same amount.

Tongue-and-groove joints can be used for mounting breadboard ends on tables or to make cabinet doors. When making doors, the adjustable slot cutter is great because you can adjust it to make grooves that fit 1/4-in. plywood,which is almost always less than 1/4-in. thick.

This story originally appeared in American Woodworker February 2002, issue #92.

February 2002, issue #92

Purchase this back issue.

Woodworking Tool News - Diablo Ultimate Flawless Finish Saw Blades

2013-02-11T18:43:00Z

Diablo Ultimate Flawless Finish Saw Blades

Diablo Ultimate Flawless Finish 10” & 12” Saw Blades with Axial Shear Face Grind (ASFG) tooth geometry delivers precise, splinter-free cuts on fine molding with no rework required. These new blades include break-through innovation that allows the blade to effortlessly glide through material while providing the smoothest finish. The new Ultra Thin Kerf feature enables portable job site saws to perform to the level of workshop stationary saws. The Ultimate Flawless Finish blades are ideal for cutting fine molding, veneered plywood, melamine and more.

· Superior Quality Finish

· Fast & Effortless Cuts

· Less Splintering or Tear Out for No Rework!

· Allows Portable tools perform to the level of Stationary tools!

· Less Power & Effort required per cut – for increased productivity!

Features and Benefits

· Axial Shear Face Grind Design (ASFG) – Tooth face is angled to clearly shear through the material

· Superior Quality Finish

· Ultra Thin Laser Cut Kerf

· Fast & Effortless Cuts, reduced AMP Draw (18% - 37%)

· Precision Shear Point – High degree alternate top bevel tooth geometry

· Less Splintering and Tear Out

· Perma-Shield Coating - Non-stick, aluminum alloy coating

· Less heat, gumming and corrosion.

· TiCo Hi-Density Carbide – Specially designed carbide with Titanium & Cobalt

· Long Cutting Life

Diablo Ultimate Flawless Finish 10” & 12” Saw Blades

Product # D1090X & D12100X

Website: www.diablotools.com

Woodworking Tool News - Irwin Multi-Material Drill Bits

2013-02-07T18:50:00Z

Irwin Multi-Material Drill Bits

Toting around different types of bits for different drilling tasks can be cumbersome, so every professional tradesman needs a single bit that’s capable of drilling through multiple types of materials.

IRWIN® Tools today announces the introduction of a full line of multi-material drill bits. IRWIN Multi-Material drill bits will drill through just about any type of material out there, including brick, block, tile, metal, wood, laminate, plastic, and marble — they'll even drill through multiple materials at the same time. They have a unique diamond-ground, four-facet carbide tip with super-sharp cutting edges that guarantee centered starts with no walking, fast drilling, and excellent hole quality. The versatile bits have a double-milled flute that removes dust and debris quickly and efficiently, which not only increases drilling speed (with no clogging), but results in longer bit life as well. These bits are built tough for hammer drilling, but recommended for use in rotary mode.

IRWIN Multi-Material drill bits are compatible with all standard 1/2" and 3/8” chuck drills. They are available in 3- to 5-inch jobber lengths and 16-inch extended length, with diameters ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 inches. They can be found at home centers, hardware stores, and construction and industrial tool distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada. The suggested retail price ranges from $3.99 to $20.99, depending on length and diameter.

IRWIN® Tools manufactures and distributes a broad line of hand tools and power tool accessories including VISE-GRIP® pliers and wrenches, MARATHON® saw blades, QUICK-GRIP® clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® wood drilling bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking tools, UNIBIT® step drill bits, MARPLES® fine woodworking tools, and HANSON® taps and dies. IRWIN Tools is a part of Newell Rubbermaid’s global portfolio of leading brands. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com . IRWIN invites the nation to celebrate National Tradesmen Day, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013.

Woodworking Tool News - FastCap Best Fence System for Miter Saws

2013-02-07T18:43:00Z

FastCap Best Fence System for miter saws now available at Rockler

Heavy-duty stands, fences, and accessories deliver accuracy and portability.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has announced that it will now distribute a variety of new products from the FastCap Best Fence System. The system is designed to help woodworkers and contractors achieve an extremely high degree of accuracy on a miter or chop saw. The FastCap Best Fence System includes a portable stand unit that can easily be set up on a work site and a sturdy aluminum fence system to facilitate steady, accurate, consistent cuts.

The Best Fence System utilizes a heavy-duty saw stand with universal mounting rails which fit any model of chop saw and employs fences and stops to guide cuts for trim work, siding, framing, and other project needs. Utilizing the FastCap Best Fence System and optional accessories, users are able to formulate a setup for their miter saw at virtually any work site.

The FastCap Best Fence System is made up of several different models and accessories to accommodate various types of miter or chop saws. See below for a list of products and prices. Additional details can be found at www.rockler.com keyword FastCap Best Fence. The FastCap Best Fence System and accessories can be purchased at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, Rockler independent resellers, Rockler.com, or from the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

Woodworking Tool News - Dowelmax Junior Jig

2013-02-01T19:14:00Z

Dowelmax Junior Jig

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is proud to announce that it will be carrying the new Dowelmax Junior, a precision-machined Doweling Jig that allows users to create an incredible variety of woodworking joints with virtually no marking, zero measuring, and a perfect fit – every time.

What sets the Dowelmax Jr. apart from the scores of other doweling jigs on the market is its row of five precise, uniformly-spaced guide holes. Because the hole spacing is standardized, the user doesn’t have to mark or measure to find where to drill. Simply flush up the jig with the end of the workpiece, choose which holes to use, drill, then repeat with the adjoining piece. No more joints that won’t close because the holes were slightly misaligned; the Dowelmax virtually guarantees a perfect fit.

In addition to the F-clamp, the Dowelmax Jr. also includes a set of spacers for making offset joints, such as those on apron/table leg joints, and for centering the dowel holes on thicker stock. An optional 1/4" drill guide package is also available for using the jig on stock as thin as 1/2".

The Dowelmax Junior (1002684) retails for $99.99, while the Dowelmax 1/4' Drill Guide Package (1002690) retails for $49.00. Both can be purchased online at Rockler.com and at Special Order Kiosks at retail stores. For store locations, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

Woodworking Tool News - Rockler Soy Gel Paint Stripper

2013-01-22T19:31:00Z

Rockler SOY Gel™ Paint Stripper

Rockler is now offering Soy Gel™ Paint and Urethane Remover in 5-gallon size

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is now offering SOY Gel™ Paint and Urethane Remover in a jumbo 5-gallon bucket—the perfect size for large projects such as stripping paint off of garage floors and urethane off of interior wood floors. With coverage of up to 1000 square feet, the 5-gallon size can lift the finish from a 25' x 40' floor with incredible ease.

Unlike it's toxic counterparts, SOY Gel™ Paint and Urethane Remover can be used indoors, even in the winter, without worrying about ventilation, which makes it an attractive option for floor stripping and other indoor projects. Made with 100% American-grown soybeans, SOY Gel™ is capable of lifting paints, urethanes, acrylics, epoxies, and enamels, and since it holds coatings in suspension, it's also ideal for lead-based paints.

The five-gallon bucket of SOY Gel™ (46099) retails for $274.99, while the quart size (33416) retails for $20.99, and the gallon (38550) for $64.99. The 5-gallon size can only be purchased online at Rockler.com, while the smaller sizes are available both at Rockler.com, and at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, Rockler independent resellers, or from the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.

SOY-Gel™ 5-Gallon Bucket (46099)

SOY-Gel™ Gallon (38550)

SOY-Gel™ Quart (33416)

Woodworking Tool News - Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick

2013-01-22T18:08:00Z

Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick

Pocket-sized push stick keeps safety within reach.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has just introduced the Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick, a small push stick designed to fit in shop apron or pants pockets. The compact size of the push stick enables quick and convenient access, making it easier for the user to work safely during any project. The Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick is designed to handle jointing, sawing, routing, and additional applications where a small push stick is sufficient.

The Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick is 93/4" long and made of durable polymer material which allows a little bit of give when it experiences stress in a pocket or a tool bag to keep the tool from breaking. The over-molded rubber handle is comfortable and easy to grip, adding to its function as a safety tool. The end of the body is notched like most push sticks to accommodate the 90° corners of wood stock and push it along power tools for precise cuts, keeping the user's hands out of danger.

The Bench Dog Pocket Push Stick (48305) retails for $5.99 and can be purchased at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, Rockler independent resellers, Rockler.com, or from the Rockler catalog. For store locations or a free catalog, please visit www.rockler.com or call 1-877-ROCKLER.