What are the Criteria for Choosing a Tool?
I spent 8 years in the Air Force as an Instrumentation Specialist, and one of the first things that they taught us was " Always use the proper tool to get a the job done right". That mantra was repeated over and over until it was ingrained in my mind. You know that actually makes sense. Selecting the wrong tool not only risks damage to your project, but possible personal injury.
Today's woodworkers, DIY'r and pro's face a daunting selection of tools bidding for our money, so many options and at times so little cash. So how do we make an intelligent choice? First of all, don't buy on price alone. Take any selection of tools, examine the price range. You will find that the price of about 90% of the them will be very close. Be very cautious of those that are priced well below the others in the field. Remember the old axiom, " You get what you pay for".......Read more
What Power Tools Should Be Included in a Woodworking Shop?
Back in grammar school we were taught never to answer a question with a question, but I am afraid that I must break that rule, to properly answer that question. To determine what tools are needed, you need to determine what kind of woodworking do you want to do. While society tends to see all woodworking a general subset, the truth is that there are many different and varied types of woodworking.
A wood turner may never have a need for a tablesaw, but wouldn't part with his lathe, sharpening station and maybe his drill press. Likewise, a woodcarver may only have needs for carving tools and a way to keep them sharp. So, please allow me to ask the question, "What kind of woodworking do you want to do"?
If your interests are more toward the main street of woodworking, cabinet and furniture building then there is a trinity of woodworking tools that should be in your shop..... Read more about the tools to include in your workshop
The Importance of an Air Filtration System in your Workshop
I saw a tee shirt at one of the woodworking stores, that was inscribed, "How to tell if you're a woodworker". One of the items on the list, was something to the effect of " If you blow your nose, and sawdust comes out........then you may be a woodworker". At first I thought man that's funny, then my adult brain kicked in, and I realized that this was a serious issue.
If you are one of the fortunate few who live in an area where you can work with the doors and windows of the shop open year round, air filtration may not be a large issue. Unfortunately, most of us live in areas where this is not possible, we have to be concerned about the possible air contamination in our shops.
Several manufacturers offer solutions for the woodworker. One system is the dust collection system, and the other is the air filtration system. Dust collection systems work somewhat like the standard shop vacuum, but with much better air filtration. The dust collector can be connected to machines like the tablesaw, jointer, router table, shaper or thickness planer with a 4" flexible hose. Basic dust collection systems consist of very few actual parts, the motor and vacuum assembly, and two removable bags. These bags are normally mounted vertically, one on top of the other with the open ends of each meeting in the center. The lower bag will collect the saw dust particles, while the upper bag filters the air before it returns to the shop. Larger, more expensive units may have a series of collection and filtration bags, these units also will have larger motor and vacuum assemblies.....Learn more about Air Filtration in your shop
