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From the Publisher
Paul Fulcher
Good quality power tools make woodworking so much easier. There is nothing worse
than buying a tool for what it claims to do, only to find out that it's claims
are highly exaggerated. Not so the case with our tool review this month. The new
Bosch Colt palm router is a stellar performer, and in our view, the best in its
class.
Closer to home, we've re-vamped our website’s
Woodworking Forums.
We've added a number of new forums to the site, including: Turning, Scroll
Saw/Intarsia, Carving, and Finishing. Now it’s even easier to find the answers
to all of your woodworking questions.
If you're not using our Woodworking Forums, I invite you to give them a try. I
know you’ll love them, because at the woodshows I am constantly told how useful
they are. Woodworkers tell me that "... the forum has been a great help to me in
my woodworking." and "… I can’t believe the quality of woodworkers that
participate, and how eager they are to help." Best of all, the forums are free!
Thanks, and enjoy!
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Leigh D1600 Dovetail Jig Templates
 Leigh
Industries have announced the availability of a set of
templates for the immensely popular D1600 dovetail jig. The 16" Finger Joint
Template and the three 16" Isoloc Templates expand the jig’s capabilities to
produce a wide array of corner joinery options. Precise CNC template machining coupled with Leigh's Variable
Guide Bush System enables you to make adjustments of fit in increments of .001".
No wonder Leigh makes the best dovetail jigs on the market.
The F1600 Finger Joint Template
creates finger joints with incredible precision, unattainable with any other
template or method, in 6 sizes of finger joints (1/16" to 1/2") and 3 comb sizes
(1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"). Pricing is $229.
The Isoloc Templates produce six distinctive interlocking
corner joints - key and mirror key, clover and bears ears, and ellipse and wave.
Pricing is $186 each set. |
16-Piece Magnetic Bit Driver Set (92015)
 Great
Neck Saw Manufacturers compiled the most often used bits and pieces in its
16-Piece Magnetic Bit Driver Set (92015). The set is a collection of the most
common Slotted, Phillips, Star and Pozi magnetic bits.
The set includes a 1/4" magnetic bit driver with a quick release mechanism that
can be easily attached to most drills and drivers. It features a convenient case
for easy storage and portability. Includes: Star Bits (T-10, T-15, T-20, T-25,
T-30); Slotted Bits (3/16", 1/4", 5/16"); Phillips Bits (#1, #2, #3); and Pozi
Bits (P-21, P-22, P-23).
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The Wood Explorer Version 2.0
 There
is a new version of the Wood Explorer
CD now available. I've been using version 1 for several years, and I like it quite
a bit. It's extremely comprehensive, and covers just about every species I'll
ever want information on (over 1650 species!). The interface on Version 1 is
awkward to use, so hopefully it's been improved on this new version.
There are 3 different CDs to choose from. For $30US you get the
Hobbyist version with 144 species; the Standard version has 415 species for
$50US, while the full shebang (1650 species) cost $100US, and comes with a one
year subscription to the on-line database, which I suppose would be convenient,
though maybe redundant.
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Sjobergs Workbenches Re-Worked
Sjobergs workbenches are highly regarded in
Europe, but have only recently become available in Canada. The benches have been
completely redesigned and outfitted with new hardware. The Elite 2500BS is 24"
by 94" and weighs in at 390 lbs (with the optional drawers and cabinet). A
smaller and lighter version, the Elite 2000 comes in at 24" x 71". Both benches
feature solid beech with 3 1/2" thick tops, and have two 24" parallel vises that
use a double row of 1" steel bench dogs. These benches are suitable for either
left or right handed woodworkers. It only takes 10 minutes to fit the front vise
on the other side and rotate the top 180º.
The benches come with a 10 year warranty. The Canadian dealer is
Langevin & Forest,
514 322 9330
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Irwin 9-in-1 Multi Tool
 Irwin's
new '9-in-1" features an ergonomic ProTouch™ slip resistant grip, and internal
storage that keeps bits and nut setters locked in place and close at hand.
There are 6 bits (3/16" and 1/4" slotted, #1 and 2 Phillips, and #1 and 2
square) and 3 nut setters (1/4", 5/16" and 3/8") for use on a variety of
fasteners and nuts. |
Sioux Router Series
 Sioux
Tools has announced the addition of Routers to their Signature Series line.
These routers feature a heavy-duty three piece double tapered collet and a 1 HP
motor that delivers speed and accuracy with a free speed range from 18,000 to
25,000 rpm.
The contoured throttle lever with lock gives the operator
simple, one-hand operation while the
ergonomic, composite handle with textured soft grip makes handling these tools
very comfortable,
Add a light weight housing and you have a tool perfectly
designed for many of your woodworking, fiberglass and boat making needs.
Sioux tools are widely available in Canada from most tool
supply centers. |
Strait-Line Grip-Light
 Strait-Line's
new "Grip-Light" is designed with a unique 10" large capacity jaw, allowing you
to securely clamp the light virtually anywhere. So, you can put the cool
fluorescent light exactly where you need it most – on your work.
The Grip-Light’s fluorescent bulbs last up to 10,000 hours and remain cool to
the touch when in use. With a shatter resistant lens, rubber end caps and
additional power outlet, this is the perfect work light for any project, any
where. |
General International Acquires Sommerville Design
 General
International is the Montreal based North American distribution arm of
General Mfg. Co. a Drummondville, Quebec
based manufacturer of woodworking machinery since 1946.
Established in Pickering, Ontario
in 1975, Sommerville Design
are the makers of the extremely popular “Excalibur - The Ultimate Woodworking
System" brand of woodworking products and accessories. Their products include a
successful line of Scroll Saws, Sliding Tables for table saws, the “Merlin"
Splitter, an over arm blade cover/ dust extraction system, a line of table saw
rip fence systems and under license, the EB-3 “Osborne" miter gauge.
This acquisition solidifies
General Internationals role and strengthens its positioning within the North
American woodworking machinery industry. The agreement includes the exclusive
North American rights to continue the manufacture and distribution of the EB-3.
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Double Sided Dia-Sharp Diamond Sharpeners
 DMT
has announced a new set of their popular Dia-Sharp diamond sharpening
stones. These continuous diamond surface stones are made with precisely
micronized Monocrystalline diamonds and feature a surface flatness of +/- .001".
They are excellent for general re-shaping of blades, leveling the backs of
blades, removing nicks and scratches, and general sharpening. For final honing
you may still want to proceed to a 8000 grit waterstone. Dia-Sharp stones are
available in four grits: Extra fine/fine, fine/coarse, fine/extra coarse, and
coarse/extra coarse.
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Fein Turbo Dust Extractor
 Fein
Canada has just announced a new dust extractor, the 91155 Turbo 1.
The Turbo 1 features auto start, an 8 amp, 920 watt motor, a 6 gallon capacity,
116 cfm air flow, and an ultra low noise level - 63 decibels. The two stage
motor is extremely reliable (I have a 10 year old Fein that I use on a daily basis
and it still purrs like a kitten and sucks like a clam). The panel mounted
outlet is great - plug in your power tool and the Turbo 1 starts automatically
and shuts down 3 seconds after you turn the tool off so that it cleans out the
hose. A 5 micron cloth filter is standard with this unit, but you can purchase
an optional 1 micron pleated cartridge filter or a .3 HEPA cartridge. List price
is $425. |
New Stanley Tools
 Stanley
has three new products on the market. The FatMax TruLaser distance
measurer (TLM100) is a long distance laser measuring device with a range of 2 to
100 feet and an accuracy of +/- 1/4" at 100 feet. It features a single point and
push on/measurement function, a large LCD display, an impact resistant body and
9v block battery. Priced at $159.95. Two other models of the TruLaser are
available. The TLM200 has an accuracy of +/- 1/8" at 100 feet, and the TLM300
has an accuracy of +/- 1/16".
 The MaxSteel VDE rated insulated pliers come
in a range of sizes, and feature bi-material grips insulated to protect the
user from up to 1000 volts; chrome vanadium steel, precision ground high
frequency hardened cutting edges, machined jaw teeth and a high leverage
pivot for easier cutting. Priced from $25.95 to $31.95.
 The PowerLock 16' tape rule features an
industrial thermoplastic coating on the first 6" of the blade (where most
damage occurs) for maximum blade durability and reduced breakage. The chrome
plated housing is 10% smaller than previous cases. The blade is 1" wide and
there is a convenient construction conversion table on the back of the
blade. Priced at $15.95.
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| Bosch Colt Router |
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| Item: |
PR20EVS |
Price: |
$174.99 |
Rating: |
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| Source: |
Building supply and hardware stores across Canada |
A palm (trim or laminate) router has several
advantages over its larger sibling – it's considerably lighter and smaller, so
you can easily use it single handed; it's size and weight also make it much
safer to use than a full size router, particularly for those new to routing;
it's easier to manipulate when you need to do precision routing, such as for
string inlaying, or shaping tight corners; and, for tasks like trimming edge
banding, plowing narrow grooves and routing out hinge mortises, it beats the
pants off a heavyweight router. Even better, a top of the line palm router costs
under half the price of a premium full-size router, while 1/4" bits are
less expensive then 1/2" bits. For just about any job that requires a bit up to
1 1/4" diameter and where the depth of cut will be 1" or under, I use a palm
router. Taking multiple shallow passes is the best, and safest way, to make deep
cuts. You'll get the cleanest cuts this way as well.
We tested the Bosch Colt palm router (PR20EVS) for over three months in
the shop, where it has quickly become one of our favorites. It has a number of features that earn
it a 'best of class' rating.
At a Glance:
The Bosch Colt offers a powerful 1 hp, 5.6 amp motor, soft
start and Bosch's 'constant response circuitry' (which delivers consistent speed
under load) giving you smooth cuts through the hardest wood, regardless of the
speed setting. And if that's not enough, there is little, if any, vibration. The
Colt also delivers quick, easy to adjust, precise bit depth settings. Single
wrench bit changes, a self releasing collet and an aluminum base are great.
The optional offset base with roller guide, and the sub-base for use with
threaded template guides really turn this 'colt' into a stallion! |
The Bosch Colt
Key Facts
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5.7 amps, 1 hp
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16,000 - 35,000 rpm
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1 3/16" plunge depth
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1 9/16" base opening
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variable speed
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self-releasing collet
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single wrench bit change
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soft start
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electronic feedback
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aluminum base
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3.3 lbs
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Controls are conveniently located and easily accessible
during operation. |
We much prefer the more durable aluminum housing rather than
plastic. |
|
The depth scale is in both inches and metric.
For quick height adjustments, first flick open the quick clamp lever. |
Then twist the motor housing from the 'locked' to 'unlocked'
position , lowering or raising it the
desired amount. |
|
Bit changes can be done without separating the lower housing from the body. Depress the red
spindle lock button, and use the supplied
wrench to loosen the collet nut. The bit will drop out of the self releasing
collet. |
For micro fine adjustments, twist the motor housing to the
'locked' position and then turn the
knurled adjustment knob on the bottom of the base. A full turn of the wheel moves the bit
3/64", while a 1/8 turn moves it a mere .006". |
|
The knurled adjustment knob turns a metal bolt that fits into a
threaded slot in the motor housing. We like the fact that both the bolt and
threaded slot are metal and not plastic. |
The threaded slot on the motor housing. |
|
There is a small metal guide pin on the inside of the base
unit, which fits into an alignment slot on the motor housing. |
The alignment slot on the motor housing. |
|
Here you can see the guide pin engaging the alignment slot. This
system makes for a secure coupling of the base to the motor housing. |
Easy access to the bushings is effected from both sides of the head, under the
bush caps. |
|
  
The included fence is of standard configuration, and works
well. Optional accessories include an offset base with roller guide, a tilt
base, and a sub-base for use with threaded template guides. The
ability to use template guides significantly increases the utility of the Bosch
Colt.
|
The ergonomic design makes for an extremely comfortable and
easily manageable palm router. |
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Limestone Table
Mahogany, limestone
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Rob Brown
Equinox Interiors
Toronto based designer and builder Rob Brown is a
craftsman with passion. His love of wood and the craft of woodworking is evident
in the care and attention he lavishes on each of the pieces he makes.
Wood is the foundation for all of Rob's designs.
Its warmth and natural beauty combined with its workability makes it easy to
understand why. However, other materials are often incorporated: rock, Japanese
paper, metal, fabric and glass. His "Limestone Table" is a wonderful
example of the fusion of form and function.
Rob uses the technique of marquetry to add
artistic expression to his work, or to create images that hold personal meaning
to his clients. His marquetry designs, like his furniture designs, focus on
simple lines that compliment the natural beauty of wood.
For more about Rob and his work visit his
web site.
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Nightstand
Dave and Art Gray, Whitby, ON
A rather nice nightstand made in the
basement shop of Dave and Art.
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Bandsawn Box
Rob Pollitt, North Vancouver
Rob used maple, mahogany and birch on
this bandsawn box, and finished it with a water based Varathane Diamond Wood
Finish. The plan is from Issue 34 (Feb/Mar 2005) of Canadian Woodworking
magazine.
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Cheers
Dave Danchuk, Coquitlam, BC
This scroll saw composition is cut out of a
sheet of MDF, 2 feet by 4 feet, and then each section is hand painted with
acrylics.
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If you would like to see your work in
this newsletter, send us an image along with information about your
project. Images look best with an uncluttered background. Use the highest
setting on your digital camera - we will reduce the image to fit in the
newsletter.
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Issue #22
April 2006
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