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Site I built to track woodworking blogs - woodspotting.com

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:47:23 +0000

Hi folks, as an amateur woodworker and professional software developer, I don't usually find an overlap in my hobby and professional life (which is the whole point), but I recently put together a website, woodspotting.com, to scratch my own itch of tracking woodworking blogs. It's saved me a lot of time, as now it automatically lets me know when one of a 100+ blogs gets updated. I also recently added a gallery to make it a bit more fun to browse. Take a look, let me know what you think, and hope it saves you some time.

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Can anybody tell me

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:26:48 +0000

WHY, when I have 5 tape measures in the shop I can still spend a couple minutes wondering around trying to find one? Must have spent at least 15 minutes doing that today.

bessey clamp question

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:19:04 +0000

rockler is having a sale on some bessey clamps. The traditional F style 24" are 9.99. But, there's a K-body set (2x24" + 2x50") for 169. I was thinking of getting 6 of the F-type, but wonder if I should just double the spending and go for the goods. ok, I know it's more than double, but curious what folks think. Are those parallels THAT much better? I know in Marc's video a while back he thought so. but damn they are quite a bit more spendy.

Why would I be seeing and smelling something burning with a new table saw?

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 02:15:36 +0000

Hello again guys. Another newbie question for yall. So I recently bought from Lowes a portable bosch table saw for about 600 I think. I typically use the blade that comes with it or I'll use a finishing blade on it when I want a final clean cut on something.
I only use pine and various scrape pine from the pile of throw-aways at a house construction site. (great way to get free scrapes).

I haven't figured out why I sometimes see white smoke and even burnt areas on the wood.

I pushing steady and slow.

I only have the teeth sticking up higher than the wood by a little bit.
My blade seems secured and straight.

But it doesn't happen alot. I use it every weekend just about.

So what could I be missing?

Oh,..and the motor doesn't sound like its slowing or bogging down,..I don't think it is.

Thx for any feedback. I would hate to ruin a great saw that is only about 2 months old.

Thoughts on the Woodworking Show in Atlanta

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 23:25:33 +0000

I attended the Woodworking Show in Atlanta this past weekend. I was there for all three days. Here are some observations:

1. It was a privilege to sit in a couple of sessions with Marc Adams, but...it was disturbing that the classes weren't full - not even close. The Legacy CNC sales demo had more people. Maybe it's just me, but if I knew Marc S, or Michael Fortune, or Chris Schwartz, etc was going to be teaching at a venue like this, I wouldn't miss it. I hope Marc wasn't too discouraged.

2. While this show isn't for the pro, beginners, intermediate and even advanced woodworkers can benefit. The teachers of the seminars I attended - Marc Adams, Andy Chidwick, Roland Johnson, Jim Heavey, we're very approachable and sincerely seemed interested in helping me become a better woodworker. I talked to all of them at different times outside of their seminars and they were gracious with their time and generous with their advice.

3. The new owner, Bryce, really wants to see the show return to its previous level. He has a great attitude and commitment. I hope he's successful.

4. The youth focus was a nice addition. It wasn't well attended but I think it will grow. Getting young people involved and excited in woodworking is imperative for the future of the craft.

5. I spent time, and money, with several of the vendors. I know I could save a little money buying online but I can't put my hands on the tools, try them out, ask questions, etc. and, these guys spend a lot of money coming out to the shows so if they don't make sales, they'll quit coming which would be bad for all of us.

6. "Made in America" is making a comeback! This is a trend I hope continues.

Hope this wasn't too much rambling, but I really believe it's important for us to support these kind of shows.

Tips to avoid tear out, hard maple

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:07:31 +0000

I am planing some 6/4 hard maple with my lunchbox planer and getting more tear out than I want to deal with. A quick search revealed the following tips:

-sharp knives (I just ordered new ones)

-light passes

-wet the board first

-pass at an angle

-watch grain direction

Any othe tips? Does a wet board actually plane better?

stickering material

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:39:58 +0000

I had an argument with a fellow woodworker the other day...it was a friendly argument, no blood shed lol....but wanted to get your opinion. It was about what material to make stickers out of for stacking wood...I was always under the assumption that the only factors were dry and straight but he claims there is a specific species of wood that the industry uses...he couldn't remember the species so I figured he was full of crap. I make a lot of furniture but also my fair share of custom cabinetry...so I always have tons of cut off 3/4 plywood and I used to save the scraps for jigs and push sticks but come on you can only make so much of those....and I started cutting them up into 1" strips and using them as stickers...I figured its stable, dry, straight, and uniform...is this ok or am I missing something here...thanks guys

Wish me luck

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:56:22 +0000

Just submitted applications to have my work pay for the semester I am in now. Couple days and I will know which classes are approved, or denied.

Hopefully all are approved, and I can use that money as part of down payment on a house.

Domino 500 - chair build

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:21:01 +0000

Hi all.
Lumber is here from bell forest (beautiful). 220v outlet to be installed this week for the new tablesaw (love the 15% off Powermatic sale!).

And, been playing with my new Domino 500 all weekend (in my 15m windows of free time).

So I'm thinking the Domino will be a confidence booster for my first build, but had some quick questions.

1. Has anyone tried this guild build with a Domino?
2. I'm guessing with the 500, the big 10mm x 50mm dominos (rows of 2 or 3) will be the main floating tenon joinery - 28mm per board depth. Sturdy enough for this chair?
3. With Mahogany, should I use the wider mortise setting on one of the boards? (manual recommended this for harder woods)
4. And lastly, any potential pitfalls for which to look out? Been scratching my head a bit over the angled tenon in the front leg joinery.

Thanks all. Any feedback would be appreciated. I'll be sure to document my build, catastrophic mistakes and all .
VJ

Jointers: Delta 37-380 or a Powermatic 60A?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 07:57:10 +0000

Both are of similar age and appear to be in very good condition. Asking $900 for the Powermatic and $750 for the Delta.

Please discuss the pros and cons of these machines compared to each other, if you would be so kind.

I doubt I have much time to decide.

Cheers!

Inherited from great grandfather - need refurb

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 02:58:27 +0000

I've gotten a hold of an antique tool box full of tools that belonged to my wife's great grandfather. I'm not sure of the ages of the pieces. Some were additions from her grand father. Posting here for a couple of reasons. First, I think they're cool and wanted to share. Second, I'm thinking of refurbishing as much as I can without harming their integrity and building a nice shadow box to display them. So that brings me to my question. Looking for suggestions on how to best treat the wood (and even metal) parts of these to clean them up and get them looking as good as possible.

The marking gauge and the double handled 12.5 plane are my favorites. The plane actually has a wood foot on it rather than metal like today's planes. I'm actually considering using the marking gauge, but would also like to display it. Debating that one.

So, back to my question on refurbishing techniques...

Shop Update

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:22:19 +0000

Did a bit of revamping and cleaning in the shop today.. There's some major new stuff coming so, thought I'd document and share what it looks like now..

Chris Schwarz Workbench book wanted

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:27:47 +0000

Please pm if you have an extra copy

lodging recommendations in providence RI

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 16:32:29 +0000

probably should have started looking earlier but such is life. my girlfriend got me a knife making class at the steel yard in providence. the class is coming up this saturday and we'll need a place to stay with our 42 lb weimaraner. any suggestions? i'm planning to look on air bnb and ask a friend but it never hurts to ask the community over here... thanks

Veritas precision honing guide and angle jig

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 16:05:11 +0000

$30 shipped

Sharpening Stations

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:46:26 +0000

I've had it with the whole ordeal...getting everything out, setting everything up, packing it all back up, putting it all away. I'm a procrastinator by nature and I let my metal get way too dull before I sharpen...and the lack of a dedicated station doesn't help at all.

I know it's been covered before and there's plenty of ideas out there to be found...but let's knock it around again here. I'd love to see pics of your station, or a link to a station you'd like to build.

Keep in mind I have no plumbing in my shop, so don't show me some crazy awesome William Ng deal with a sink and an Asian waterfall paradise. That'll just make me angry and I'll probably start tearing out walls and putting in pipes.

Gun Case Foam

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 13:37:09 +0000

I am building a small, portable gun case and want foam for the interior. Anyone have sources who sell this?

Do you make any of your lathe tools?

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:42:21 +0000

I have some O1 Steel flat bar and am thinking about making some of my own tools. Anyone made some? Unique specialty tools maybe? Do you have any pictures?

Learned to make videos

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 06:43:19 +0000

I made my first video tonight in the shop just putzing around. This will be the first of many documentations where I will document my builds. I felt like a champ tonight, I finally learned and I have wanted to learn for a long time now.

1920's Stanley No. 18 Sweetheart Block Plane

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 00:45:26 +0000

All original parts, including Sweetheart blade with plenty of metal left. U.S. PAT. 2-18-13. It does not have "made in USA", so I think that puts it's manufacture date in the 1920's. Very good condition. It still shaves nice thin strips. Hone the blade, and flatten the bottom and this will be a fine woodworking tool.

I picked up two of these on Ebay. I got 2 because you never know what you're gonna get until it arrives. Both were excellent. I honed and flattened one, and BOOM it's a sweet little sweatheart. This one is ready for someone to do the same. I'm gonna put it up here for a few days to see if anyone wants it. If not then I'll put it up on Ebay. I paid $50, plus $5 for shipping. I'll let it go for the same as I paid.

Send me a message if you are interested, or give a call at 541-499-2064

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Table Base for Quartz Top

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 23:57:32 +0000

My husband and I are contemplating building a table base for a piece of quartz that matches the rest of our countertops. The piece is approx. 10.4 sq ft. We have found a number of plans for the base but are wondering if the legs we have chosen would be sturdy enough to support the weight. We are also wondering if we need to lay down a piece of plywood to support the span. We do plan to move this table a few feet from time to time. The legs we like are four side tapered Red oak and are 3 1/2 inches at the top tapering to 1 7/8 at the base. These are counter height legs and according to the website, they each weigh 10.8 pounds. Any experienced advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

What is a good 8" grinder?

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 23:30:36 +0000

I need a a good 8" grinder to sharpen my turning chisels. Who makes a good grinder at a good price???? Were can I find them???

Thomas

Any HVAC guys here? Help needed

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 22:43:23 +0000

I am installed a whole house humidifier on my furnace. All of the low voltage wires are installed, I'm just not sure how to go about wiring the transformer to the 110 circuit to complete the installation. I have a Trane XR95 furnace, and aprilaire 400 with digital display humidifier. Thanks in advance.

Coffee Table

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 22:38:46 +0000

I recently posted some pics of a lamp table and a couple end tables that I did for a particular client. Well, the clients wanted a coffee table to finish up their living room. This time, they wanted a live edge slab and were fairly particular about the size. So, here it is.. Before they've seen it I might add

Live edge black walnut slab with a good sized crack in one end that needed to be repaired. Maple for the contrasting butterfly.

Leg glue ups - All Western walnut for the base

Having a look at a dry fit

Complete dry fit - Joinery complete thanks to the Domino

Base complete - General Finishes WB wipe on Satin

Top complete - General Finishes WB wipe on Satin

5 coats of GF WB finish - Sanded with 600 between coats

Another wood ID

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:19:11 +0000

I picked these pieces up from a friend who is claims to be a "woodworker" but is more like a wood hoarder. I wet the pieces with water to show some of the figure.

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