Tool Parts Direct

If you need a replacement part for just about any power tool, Tool Parts Direct might be worth a look. They stock genuine replacement parts for just about all the major brands - over 325,000 parts! Finding what you need is very easy, as you can search by part number, or, if you don't know the part number, you can search through the parts diagrams. Prices seem to be pretty decent. It appears that most of the parts listed are "non-stock" items, which means that Tool Parts Direct orders them from their distributor, then ships them to you. Expect your order to take from 10 to 15 days to arrive.

Order Tree

If you're looking for small engine parts (lawn mowers, chainsaws and the like), then check out the Order Tree site. It's much the same as Tool Parts Direct, except that the illustrations open up in a separate window. They seem to carry parts for just about every small engine manufacturer under the sun. Fortunately there is a Canadian parts dealer that you can order from: Barrett Marketing Group at 800-561-0004.

Cords Canada

Finding it hard to find a 3/8-16 acorn nut? Or how about a white teflon washer with an inside diameter of .328"? Cords Canada is a major supplier of plastic and metal parts for almost every imaginable application. They carry literally millions of parts. Cords has long been the exclusive Canadian distributor for the well-known product lines of Heyco, a pioneer of quality products for the electrical and electronic industries. They are also exclusive distributors of Associated Plastics ties, Euro-matic hollow balls, Thogus tube and hose fittings and stockCap vinyl dip moulded products. If you're looking for Fastex fasteners, Dek Cable Accessories products, Davies knobs, 3M adhesive Bumpons™, Dennison fasteners or Plastiglide protective products, you now know where to find them.

Course, you can't buy a single acorn nut or washer - a lot of the smaller ticket items are sold in quantities of 100. Still, when you need 'em, you need 'em!.

BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer

Has Bosch come up with the ultimate rotary hammer? Judging from the specs, they may have. The Bulldog has a 7.2 Amp bite that delivers up to 1,300 rpm and 5,800 bpm. It has 3 modes of operation - rotation only, rotary hammer and hammer-only mode. Its Vario-Lock™ Positioning  rotates and locks the chisel into 36 different positions to optimize the working angle. Even the power cord pivots for added flexibility. The SDS-plus® Bit System provides tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking, dust protection and maximum impact energy transfer rate. If that's not enough, there is a variable speed reversing trigger and a integral clutch to minimize torque reaction.

Conset Electric Height Adjustable Desking

Wood Technology, Inc. has introduced the Conset, an electric height adjustable desk system. Available in both a single and dual pedestal mechanism, the Conset is capable of raising a table or desk top from 25.6" to 47.6" with the touch of a button. The units, which are available at highly competitive prices, promote a healthy work environment by enabling the user to easily adjust their work surface from a sitting to a standing position. They are especially suitable where multiple users share the same work station and are easily adaptable for use by individuals with disabilities. The single pedestal unit has casters allowing it to be easily moved about an office or home. A high quality German Bosch motor powers the dual pedestal and both units have a 0 watt standby with weight capacities of 154 lbs and 330 lbs respectively. Available in black and silver.

CNC Tooling Solutions

BC Saw & Tool has just released CNC Tooling Solutions, a catalogue devoted exclusively to the tooling needs of CNC machines. There are over 75 pages featuring sections on: router bits and profilers, drilling systems, tool holders and collets and of course a large section featuring diamond tooling.

This catalogue is a must-have for shops cutting wood, non-ferrous metals and plastic – all of your tooling needs are covered. To request a free copy, call: 888-251-2236 or visit their web site.

Bosch BLUECORE™ Batteries

The new exclusive Bosch BLUECORE™ batteries provide up to 50-percent more cordless battery life, while new 30-minute single and dual-bay chargers cut charge times in half. These batteries are compatible with all current Bosch cordless power tools. And supporting the new line is the Bosch guarantee that in the event any battery fails in two years or less, the company will replace it through its free PROVANTAGE™ Tool Protection Plan.

Each new Bosch BLUECORE NiCad battery (9.6, 12, 14.4, 18 and 24 –volt) integrates advanced cooling rods positioned between the pack’s individual cells. While other batteries would normally build up hot spots, which speed up chemical breakdown, slow the recharging process and eventually damage individual cells, the BLUECORE cooling rods absorb the heat to dissipate it away from the cells. This keeps the battery cool and functioning at optimal levels.

Further durability enhancement stems from a special sensor embedded within each battery pack designed to effectively measure internal conditions. When a BLUECORE battery is placed into any Bosch charger, the sensor communicates its conditions to a microprocessor within the charger. The charger then uses this information to optimize energy flow and maximize battery charge capacity.

Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers

Irwin vise grips are the standard against which all pliers are measured. Their new Vice-Grip GrooveLock pliers feature a quick adjusting press-n-slide button that quickly adjusts the lower jaw up to 50% faster. The all purpose jaw grips onto flat, round, hex and square work pieces to provide tremendous holding power, while the multi-groove ratcheting system allows for precise positioning by providing more groove positions than standard groove joint pliers. An anti-pinch feature prevents handles from pinching your fingers, and the Protouch™ Grips are molded for comfort and provide less hand fatigue. Now, who said pliers are just pliers.

Prohold Tip Screw Holding Tools

Bondhus Corporation announces an extension of its revolutionary new line of ProHold™ Tip screw-holding tools to include: ballpoint hex T-handles, screwdrivers and L-wrenches, and star T-handles, screwdrivers and L-wrenches. The tip of each tool has a non-magnetic, corrosion-proof button that securely holds screws to the tool at any angle, eliminating dropped screws even in hard to reach applications. This button is located on the flat of the hex tool, eliminating the weakened tool corners and tool failure associated with similar competitor products.  All ProHold™ tools feature Bondhus’ proprietary ProGuard™ finish, which offers five times more corrosion protection when compared to competitor finishes. The ProHold™ tool line is the first line of screw-holding hex tools available in a full range of inch and metric hex sizes from .050” through 3/8” and 1.27mm through 10mm.

Face Frame Conversion Plates

Wood Technology, Inc. announces that it now has a face frame conversion plate available for the Evolve Silent-Close Hinge. This innovative self-closing hinge won the 2004 Challengers Award at IWF.

Blue Max Framing Hammer

Vaughan and Bushnell have long been synonymous with hammers. Their  line of Blue Max™ California Framers® are extremely popular with carpenters, home builders and serious DIYers. They now have

a new curved, hatchet style, 21-ounce fiberglass handle Blue Max™. After a few hours of pounding away you'll really appreciate the curved handle on this hammer - it allows for a much more natural alignment of the wrist, resulting in considerably less fatigue. Likely, it will reduce the chance of arm injury. 'Hammer sting' is also another annoying result of prolonged pounding. The hollow-core handle on this hammer provides a shock-absorbing

effect, reducing sting. As with all Blue Max™ hammers, Vaughan’s exclusive Head-Start™ magnetic nail-holding notch provides you with increased reach and one-handed nail starting. This is a feature that I particularly like, specially when I'm on a ladder or scaffolding, given that I only have two hands - one to hold the hammer, one to maintain balance. The extra large, milled striking face means that I don't miss as many nail heads as I used to, and the high impact overstrike guard will go a long way to maintain handle life.

You can get this Blue Max™ hammer for $49 from your local Home Hardware store. A great price on a great hammer.

By the way, if you need to know just about anything on hammers - their history, styles of hammers, collecting , care and maintenance, visit the Vaughan and Bushnell Hammernet site.

EZTouch Sanding Pads

I came across these pads at my local Richelieu outlet. These pads are 4 1/2" by 5 1/2" and 3/16" thick. They come in four grit sizes, P120/180, P320/400, P500/600, P800/1000 and P1200/1500. They are particularly well suited for sanding curved work. The P500/600 grit works very well for sanding in between coats of finish (I back it with a piece of wood when sanding flat surfaces). What ever process they use to bond the grit to the pad works very well - I was impressed at how long these pads last. I found that you can wash the pads to get rid of the accumulated dust. Don't use them for rubbing out a finish though, as Mineral Spirits dissolves the ink on the back of the pads (yes, I did try it!). Priced at about $35 per box of 20.

The Complete Guide to Decks

Soft cover, 350 pages, over 750 photos, ISBN: 1589232003, $29.95

If you've ever though of building a deck, but felt that you didn't have the know-how, then get a hold of this book. The editors of Creative Publishing International have produced one of the best instructional books that I've seen in quite a while. The seven sections contain detailed, step-by-step instructions on  just about every facet of deck construction and maintenance. Virtually every step is accompanied by photographs. These are exceptional photos, over 750 of them, designed and shot to accompany the text.

The book begins with an introduction to the basics of deck construction, outlining the tools and materials you need. This is followed by a short, but clear section on deck design. The main body of the book takes you through each step in the construction of a typical deck. If you follow the steps outlined in this section you'll have no trouble in building your own. A following chapter covers a range of more advanced techniques.

This edition now includes complete plans and directions for 10 complete decks, and also includes directions for additional deck accessories, including the installation of low-voltage lighting systems, built-in bench seats, an integrated overhead arbor, wood-sided privacy walls and decorative railings.

An all-new idea section gives dozens of new ideas for deck design and accessorizing. The book has also been updated to feature information on the latest developments in chemically treated lumber, and the use of synthetic and composite decking materials that are growing in popularity.

20th Canadian Wildlife Carving Championships

Dates: September 24 and 25
Phone: (705)-526-7809
Address: Wye Marsh Center, Midland, ON
Web site
E-mail

8th Annual Woodcarving Show and Competition

Dates:  October 22, 23, 2005
Contact:  Julie Lawrence
Phone:   (519)977-0823
Address:    The Moose Lodge, 777 Tecumseh Rd. W., Windsor. ON
Web site
E-mail

DMT has a Birthday

DMT has just entered its 29th year as a leading manufacturer of diamond sharpening technology (see Canadian Woodworking Magazine Issue #29 for review of DMT DuoSharp bench stones).

The company was recently purchased by Mark Brandon of Vogel Capital Inc, formerly president of Tyco Adhesives, a world leader in the manufacturing of adhesive and corrosion protection products.

New Lifetime Service Agreement from Ridgid

When RIDGID® announced in April that it was offering a Lifetime Service Agreement on all power tools and pneumatic nailers and staplers, it also allowed those who bought their RIDGID® tools previous to April 15, 2005 a 120-day window to sign up for the Lifetime Service Agreement.
 
RIDGID® has just announced that they have extended that 120-day window to September 30, 2005 (the original cut-off date was August 12, 2005).
 
The Lifetime Service Agreement – the only one of its kind in the power tool industry – provides free service and parts on normal wear items, including batteries and O-rings, for life, for the original tool purchaser. In addition to the service agreement, RIDGID® professional tools continue to carry a 90-day satisfaction guarantee as well as the industry-leading three-year limited base warranty.

It's Not Plastic

Nobody Knows

INTERNATIONAL WOODCARVERS CONGRESS 2005

The “Congress”, an annual June event held in Davenport Iowa, is a mecca for serious carvers. The competition categories are wide-ranging and include human figure, wildlife, ornamental, caricature, abstract.  As one of the best-known and respected carving competitions in North America, it attracts participants from as far away as Australia, Japan and even Mongolia.  This year, the participants entered close to 600 carvings for the judges’ consideration.

In the final analysis, the judges awarded Best-in-Show 2005 to Marvin Kaisersatt (Faribault, Minnesota) for his caricature carving “Catch and Release”.  This complex and detailed carving was made from a single piece of basswood.  The First runner-up was Buell Burns (Trenton, Ohio) for his diminutive carving “It’s Not Plastic”.  (Notice the American nickel added in the photo for comparison.)  The Second Runner-up was James W. Huck (Poplar Bluff, Iowa) for his magnificent black walnut carving “Nobody Knows…”.

In addition to the competition, the “Congress” is a week-long event that offers seminars of various lengths given by many of this continents most accomplished carvers.  More information is available from the Affiliated Wood Carvers’ Web site: http://www.awcltd.org.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Furniture Society is sponsoring the Show Us Your Drawers biennial traveling exhibition. The show will premiere in June 2006 at the Furniture Society’s Annual Conference to be held at the Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana. Furniture in all media is eligible. Jurors are: Vladimir Kagan, Mark Leach, and Rosanne Somerson. The Entry Fee is $35, and the Deadline is December 15, 2005. A prospectus is available on-line. For more information contact Andrew Glasgow, Executive Director, at 828-255-1949 or by email.

Uvex wins an Industrial Design Award of Excellence

Uvex FitLogic(tm) Safety Eyewear from Uvex is among the winners of this year's coveted Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) . Taking an award in the 2005 Business & Industrial Products category, Uvex FitLogic is a new safety eyewear style that provides virtually infinite adjustments for face, cheekbone, ear and nose profiles. The annual IDEA awards competition is co-sponsored by Business Week and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).

2005 Golden Hammer Writing Award Winners Announced

The National Association of Home and Workshop Writers (NAHWW) has declared nine winners of its 2005 Vaughan Golden Hammer Writing Awards. The competition, which offers cash prizes and the prestigious Golden Hammer, honored the best writers in three categories: Feature Articles, Books and Photography.

The late Danny Proulx of Russell, Ontario, who was a long time writer for Canadian Woodworking Magazine, won the 2nd place award for 'Best How-To Photography'.

Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Company, a leading producer of hammers and other quality hand tools, co-sponsors the annual Golden Hammer competition, which is not limited to association members.

Steven D' Antonio of Bellingham, Massachusetts, is the proprietor and sole craftsman at The Luthiers Bench. The web site is new, so, despite 20 years of woodworking it only displays the instruments that Steven has made since he started the site.

The electric guitar is made from Maple and Brazilian Purple Heart with ebony for the fingerboard.

The Baritone Ukulele is made using western red cedar for the top, mahogany for the neck, with the back, sides and head stock made from a piece of afromosia that had been drying since 1988. The fingerboard and bridge are Indian rosewood.

Both instruments were finished using a barrier coat of ColorTone Shellac and about 14 or more coats of Deft nitrocellulose lacquer. The finish was sanded back heavily after the 6th and 12th coats with 320 grit paper, and the final coat was sanded successively with 600, 1200, and 2000 grit papers then brought to a mirror finish on a buffing wheel. Also, both instruments sound fabulous and the owners are very pleased with them.

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