I've recently decided to learn how to turn wood. I have a lot of experience with furniture making but not much to speak of at the lathe. How hard could it be?
The truth is this; the learning curve goes pretty much straight up, and at this point there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. I'm learning new ways to sharpen, new rules to remember and about a new set of tools that I know nothing about. I do know what a catch is and I also know that it is important to keep the tool on the tool rest through the entire cut.
Craig and Donna at Easy Wood Tools recently sent me a set of their turning tools to try out. If you haven't seen these tools before, do yourself a favour and check out their website. The turning tools that they have invented make easy work at learning how to turn wood.
The long and the short of it is these turning tools had me turning a bowl in no time without the frustrations involved with traditional tools. I would have included a picture of my first walnut bowl, but the truth is that it is UGLY…turns out that design is the next thing on my list of turning techniques that I need to work on.

Work safe ... Work proud.

Vic Tesolin

Correction: In our last eNewsletter we reported that the Skil Flooring saw was $159. We have been informed that the MSRP in Canada is $199 and it will be avaiable at the end of April. Sorry for the confusion this may have caused.

Forrest Introduces Smaller Diameter Blades

Forrest Manufacturing now offers versions of its Woodworker II and Woodworker I blades in special sizes to fit the leading brands of trim and plunge saws.  This allows woodworkers to achieve the same quiet, precise, splinter- and scratch-free cuts as with Forrest’s conventionally-sized blades.
The 40-tooth, alternate top bevel blades are available in 4 3/8, 4 1/2, and 5 3/8-inch diameters with respectively 20mm, 3/8-inch, and 10mm bores to fit Makita, Porter-Cable and DeWalt circular saws. They have a 20° hook, so each tooth leans forward to help pull wood into the blade, accommodating a higher feed rate.
“They give woodworkers portability and exceptional performance, as well as the ability to achieve a variety of tasks more quickly,” says Anthony Ferrato, technical sales and service representative for Forrest.   
For more information and a complete list of the saw blades available, check out forrestblades.com.

Bosch NailKiller Bits Make Short Work of Hidden Fasteners

Auger bit users dread few things worse than encountering nails hidden in studs, joists, or sill plates. Until now, those hidden nails typically meant two things – the end of an expensive bit and a very sore wrist at the end of the day
Unlike traditional auger bits, Bosch’s Nailkiller employs an innovative reinforced tip that effectively pushes hidden nails to the side when the bit makes contact and allows a more aggressive part of the bit to cut through the fasteners. The result is an auger bit that lasts, on average, nine times longer than the market leading auger bit. Independent testing of the Nailkiller bits revealed that a 1” Nailkiller bit was capable of driving through up to 301 hidden nails, versus only 33 for the current market leader, when used with a right-angle drill.
For added durability, Nailkiller boasts a reinforced spine that significantly improves the bit’s ability to withstand heavy-duty applications and deliver precise drilling performance job after job.
Beyond the jobsite performance enhancements, Nailkiller has one more trick hidden up its sleeve. By combining the finish quality of a spur auger with the nail-cutting toughness of a ship auger, the Bosch Nailkiller eliminates the need for two types of auger bits. The new bit delivers the best of both worlds, taking the hassle out of decision making for the end user while also easing the inventory-management lives of retailers.
Most Bosch’s Nailkiller Auger Bits utilize a 7/16” shank with power groove, which will fit any ½” corded drill, as well as impact drills equipped with quick connect chucks. Other shank sizes are available for specialty applications. Bits are available in lengths ranging from 7-1/2” to 24”, and diameters from ¼” to 1-1/2”.
The Bosch Nailkiller is now available through authorized dealers nationwide. To find out more or to find a local dealer, users may visit www.boschtools.com.

Simple Signmaking Jig from Rockler

Previously, woodworkers would either have to hand carve (which can take many hours) or use complicated router jigs to create custom wooden signs.  With moving parts, clamps and templates, these jigs are time consuming to set up and use.
“Our new Interlock system is made up of interchangeable puzzle pieces.” Says Jim Frey, Product Developer for Rockler, “Just snap them together, tape them down with masking tape, and rout your sign.”
The Interlock system gives woodworkers a lot more flexibility than traditional jigs, allowing for more creativity.  For instance, the templates can be set up in arches, stacked designs, circles and more.  Plus, they work on nearly any surface—you could even use them on a wall.
“Years ago I bought a sign-making jig,” Rockler customer and woodworker Rick Garrett of Lansing, Michigan says “It’s just a pain to put together.  I like to make signs for my family and friends, and with the Interlock system I can just reach in the box, and set up the letters any way I like.”
“If I wanted to make them (custom wood signs) at a craft show,” Garrett said “It is a lot easier to carry my box of templates, a small router, and my bits.  Reach in there; grab whatever letters or numbers I need.  I want it so I can do it quick.”
The Rockler Interlock Signmaker’s Templates are available in both 2 ¼’’ and 4’’ sizes for both numbers and letters.  Each letter kit comes with 40 letters with duplicates of common letters and three spacers.
Each numbers kit includes two sets of 0-9 and nine commonly used symbols including: @ and &. Pricing is $19.99 for the 2 ¼’’ sets, and $29.99 for the 4’’ sets.
The Interlock Signmaker’s Templates are available at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware stores nationwide, Rockler’s 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