Issue 46
April 2008
pw
From the Publisher
Paul Fulcher

April showers do bring May flowers, but they also bring a lot of good woodworking news.

There are new products from General International, Bosch, Milwaukee, Whiteside and CMT.

Dimar Canada's new catalogue of cutting tools is available, and Forrest has announced that it now provides state of the art sharpening for saw blades from other manufacturers.

Wood Essence, the Canadian distributor for Target Coatings, has announced the opening of a new distribution warehouse in Oakville, ON to fulfill orders for Target Coatings products for its customers in Quebec, the Maritimes and Ontario.

And if you plan to be in or around Saskatoon this spring why not take the time to visit the 30th annual Saskatchewan Woodworkers Guild show.

Ron Sikorski, from Regina, is this month's 'Readers Write' winner for his tip on storing water based finishes. Ron gets a Sanding Mop Kit from Stockroom Supply.

As for the April/May issue of Canadian Woodworking magazine, we've started a great new series on Air Tools - our first article gets you started with everything you need to know about Air Compressors. We also look at the lighter and smaller, yet surprisingly powerful side of cordless screw drivers. The April/May issue also features our ongoing series on Router Basics, and eight great projects.

If you don’t already subscribe to Canadian Woodworking magazine, and don’t want to miss out on this excellent issue, click here to sign up. I will be able to start your subscription with the April/May issue (as long as I hear back from you by April 15th).

Enjoy!

Paul




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In the News
   
Laser Pointer for Drill Presses 






Available at tool and equipment suppliers across Canada
or call
888-949-1161

General International has announced the new model 70-300 battery operated laser pointer for drill presses.

Operating on a 2 standard "AAA" batteries (not included) the 70-300 is equipped with two adjustable opposing laser line markers which can be set to mark an "X" on the work piece to indicate where the drill bit point will enter the wood to facilitate in precision drilling applications.

With an introductory retail price of under $20.00 available from stocking General/General International distributors, the unit includes column adapters to fit any drill presses having standard 2 3/4" (70mm), 2 7/8" (73mm), 3 1/8" (80mm) or 3 5/8" (92mm) diameter columns.

Dimar Catalogue Now Available




Click here
to order your catalogue
or call
905-738-7919

Dimar Canada is a distributor of premium woodworking cutting tools.

All Dimar industrial tools are manufactured to exceed the highest standards in the industry today and have been tested by the esteemed HOLZ-BG Institute in Germany. Thus the material, construction and cutting geometry, comply with strict safety regulations.

Dimar offers a wide variety of Router bits, Saw Blades, Dado sets, Planer/Jointer knives, Drill bits and Cutters for industry, workshops, craftsmen and the advanced do-it-yourselfers.

Bosch Introduces Left-Blade Circular Saw




Click here
to find the nearest retailer
or call
800-387-8304

For pro users seeking the clear line-of-sight of an in-line design circular saw and the maneuverability and value of a sidewinder, the new CS5 Left-Blade Circular Saw from Bosch is the perfect choice. Built to provide outstanding line of sight, power and durability, the CS5 is designed specifically to give core users the key features they need in a circular saw.

The CS5 is built around a distinctive left-side blade configuration for the approximately 87% of construction pros that are right-handed. The result is a level of visibility and cutting accuracy unavailable on most sidewinder-style circular saws. The new design also in a more natural position, which means far greater comfort. Gone is the user’s need to crane his neck to the right to monitor cuts.

With a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers 6,200 RPM the CS5 is the fastest cutting saw in its class. It offers a 56° bevel capacity, an anti-snag lower guard, and an improved spindle lock.

The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw comes complete with a 24-tooth carbide blade and a blade wrench. The saw is covered by a one year warranty

Wood Essence Opens Distribution Warehouse in Ontario


Wood Essence, Canadian suppliers of specialty wood finishing products, has opened a distribution centre in Oakville. The new facility will expedite the shipping of Target Coatings state-of-the-art waterborne finishes to  customers in Quebec, the Maritimes and Ontario.

Products from Target Coatings include lacquers, varnishes, sealers, grain fillers and stains.

Super Sawzall: Most Durable, Fastest Unit on the Market






Available at tool and equipment suppliers across Canada
or call
800-729-3878

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation announces the release of the new 15 amp Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw (6538-21), the fastest, most durable reciprocating saw on the market.

The Super Sawzall features a patented Gear Protecting Clutch™ that extends gear and motor life by absorbing sudden blade lock-up, a Counter Balance Mechanism™ that produces extremely low vibration levels, a
1 1/4" stroke length, 0-2,800 SPM no load speed, dial speed control, keyless blade change, keyless adjustable shoe, orbital action and impact protection.

The Super Sawzall weighs in at 9.8 pounds and comes with a 5 year warranty.

Ten Essential Router Bit Set




Order direct at:
800-225-3982

Whiteside Machine Co announces its "Ten Essential Router Bit Set".

The set consists of 1/4" and 1/2" straight bits, 3/8" spiral bit, rabbet bit with bearings, 1/4" slot cutter with arbor and bearing, 10° dovetail, 45° chamfer, 1/4" round over, 3/8" cove and 1/2" flush trim bits.

These bits feature:
  • Solid alloy steel construction
  • Precision ground for proper balance at high RPMs
  • Uses the highest quality American made micrograin carbide
  • High hook and relief angles make for better chip ejection
  • Made with thick carbide for extra sharpenings
  • Superior edge quality compared to other manufacturers
  • Made with only high quality American made grinding wheels

New Joinery System from CMT 



 




Available at tool and equipment
suppliers across Canada
or call
336-854-0201


The new ENLOCK system from CMT creates fast, simple rock solid joinery for a range of woodworking projects. At the heart of the jig, there is a CMT pattern style dovetail bit (one for 3/8" keys and one for 1/2" keys). The bearing on the dovetail bit rides in and out of the dovetail socket guide on the Enlock table and it cuts perfect dovetail sockets every time.

The keys consist of two components. They are the cap that contains
wedge like prongs and the base that accepts the cap. When the cap prongs are driven into the base, the base expands and secures and locks inside the dovetail socket. The material can be centered in the jig by utilizing the left and right rulers built into the jig face or the rulers can be used to set the stops. The dimension of the ruler indicates the precise distance to the center of the dovetail socket. There is also a 45° fence and stop system included with the jig for joining mitered materials. The ENLOCK System is ideal for joining T joints, corner joints, miter joints and it is perfect for clamp free edge to edge joinery. Comes equipped with the ENLOCK Jig, one 3/8" top bearing dovetail bit a starter bag of fifty 3/8” dovetail keys, fence extension clamp, detailed instruction booklet, instructional DVD and a sturdy orange carrying case.
Street price is $229.00.


Milwaukee Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum 
 





Available at tool and equipment
suppliers across Canada
or call
800-729-3878

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces two new cordless Wet/Dry Vacuums that provide the power and portability demanded by electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors and other professionals.

The 0880-20 28-volt wet/dry vacuums work on V28TM lithium-ion batteries while the 18-volt 0880-20 wet/dry vacuums are equipped with dual battery connector blocks working on all 18-volt Milwaukee slide-on batteries, including NiCd and lithium-ion. Both models offer longer continuous run time (16 minutes with V28) and higher air power and suction to provide quick and easy removal of dust, debris and water.

A washable, reusable wet/dry filter using CleanStream® filtration technology delivers excellent fine dust collection and does not need to be changed between wet and dry applications. The stackable toolbox design, on-board hose and accessory storage offer excellent portability and convenience, a built-in blower port allows the vacuum to double as a blower, and the 1-1/4” hose allows standard vacuum attachments to be fastened.

The 0780-20 and 0880-20 include a crevice tool and nozzle. Both vacuums are backed by Milwaukee’s five-year warranty.

Spring Special on Mirka Sanding Disks



Click here
to view the Wood Essence Flyer

Mirka abrasives provide a sharp cut and excellent durability, and the consistent grit size minimizes random scratching in finished surfaces. These extremely long lasting discs are available in grits from 100 thru 1500. Take advantage of the Wood Essence spring special: until April 30 buy 5 or more full boxes (mix and match grits) and get a 10% discount.

Blade Sharpening Available From Forrest Manufacturing 
 

Finger Joint Blade Set



Duraline

Available from
Lee Valley Tools

Forrest Manufacturing offers state-of-the-art, in-factory sharpening services for its own carbide-tipped saw blades, as well as blades produced by other manufacturers. According to Jay Forrest, company vice president, “We feel it’s absolutely necessary to offer sharpening as a service to our customers. High-quality blades deserve high-quality sharpening to maintain their performance.”

Forrest  uses automated, high-speed, diamond-grit grinding machines to sharpen its blades, ensuring that all saw teeth are concentric. Dado sets are sharpened by hand to achieve equal diameters for all blades. The results in either case are blades with cutting abilities similar to those of brand new blades.

Sharpening costs range from $20.50 for a 10-inch blade with 40 teeth, to $59.50 for dado sets. Shipping and other services, such as repairing broken teeth, are extra. Turnaround time is usually about seven days. 

30th Annual Saskatchewan Woodworkers Guild Show







The Saskatchewan Woodworkers Guild will be holding its 30th annual exhibition from May 24 to June 1.

This is not a trade or commercial style show, but rather a non juried exhibition of work from the Guild members. 

The exhibition will be held at the Galleria Building, 114 - 15 Innovation Boulevard in Saskatoon.

Form more information contact Bob Baker, Publicity Coordinator.
 
 

 
 
 
 
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1001 Tips For Wood Workers 
 

"How do I ____?" Likely the most common phrase uttered by new woodworkers. It's natural that you'll have lots of questions when you first begin learning anything new. And even after you've gained experience, you'll still be looking for quicker and better ways of doing common tasks.

Percy Blandford's new book, "1001 Tips for Wood Workers" is chock full of great tips from a lifetime of woodworking. Read more...
 
For a complete list of product reviews
click here 
 
Check out these
NEW reviews:

Irwin Quick Adjusting Wrench

Irwin Pro Touch Snap Knife

 
Storing Water Based Finishes
By
Ron Sikorski, Regina, SK
 





Since I’m in a basement shop, shared with a furnace, I am very reluctant to use oil based products with high solvent contents. Believe me, I love lacquer for ease of application, fast drying time and the look and feel it gives unstained wood. However, it's dangerous to use lacquer in the same room as an open flame (the furnace pilot light).

It is for this reason I use water based finishes. One small problem with this finish is that if you don’t use it frequently, or buy too big a container, the can can start to rust round the rim and lid. This rust debris then falls into the finish the next time you take off the lid. Pouring some of the contents into another container or putting a brush into the can only causes more rust debris to contaminate the finish.

My solution is a glass jar (the one pictured here is a kitchen canister) with a hinged lid, and a rubber seal on the lid - the one pictured was a kitchen canister that was destined for the glass recycle. What was my wife thinking! I find that not only does it solve the contamination issue, it's also a lot easier to open and close.
This month's prize is a
Sanding Mop Kit
courtesy of:
Stockroom Supply




For a change to win next month's prize, send us your woodworking tips, reviews or stories.

Click here
to submit
 
 





Ken Beswick, Victoria, BC

After seeing Chico Sakman's wine cabinet featured in Issue #34 (Feb/Mar '05) of  Canadian Woodworking, Ken decided to build his own wine cabinet.

Ken changed the design to accommodate three large drawers, of which only one is used for wine storage; the other two are used for linens and cutlery.

The two top drawers feature hand cut half blind dovetails, Ken's first attempt with these joints. The primary wood is red oak. Black walnut was used for the door panels and top panel inlay, and the drawer sides are maple. The drawer pulls are oak, dyed with an ebony stain.

Ken applied an Early American stain followed by three coats of satin varathane.

See more samples of our readers work
click here 
 
For tips on taking photos
of your work
click here 
 
In This Issue of Canadian Woodworking Magazine

Each month Canadian Woodworking Magazine brings you a range of woodworking projects, techniques and tips that help you improve your woodworking skills.

   
 In the Apr/May 08 issue:
  • Arts & Crafts Style Quilt Rack
  • Recycle Centre
  • Tambour Spice Cabinet
  • Tangrams
  • Leaping Trout Intarsia Project
  • Key Holder
  • Cane Saw
  • Routing Basics: Specialty Bits
  • Shop Tools: Cordless Screwdrivers
  • Air Tools: Compressors
  • Home Improvement: Hardwood Flooring
  • Granite Machinery Table Tops
  • Wood Chuckle
  • Shop Jig: Featherboard
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