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Issue 62
August 2009 |

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They tell me that computers make life easier. I'm not so sure of this but I guess it's a matter of perception. It was brought to my attention that some of you have received multiple copies of our last eNewletter. I believe that we have rectified the problem but as they say 'the proof is in the pudding'. Please let me know if you receive multiple copies of this eNewsletter and I will try to sort things out. As for the last eNewsletter, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience that the technical 'hiccough' may have caused.
This month, we have a whole host of new products that have come available for you to take a look at. As well, we have a long-overdue review by Carl Duguay, of a dovetail saw made by Ed Paik, owner of Medallion Tools. Ed's work is incredible and it's easily one of the best saws I've ever tried. Finally, don't miss the tool tip this month on how to adjust your table saw's mitre gauge bar for a perfect, slop-free fit.
Work safe . . . work proud.
Vic Tesolin
Editor, CWHI Magazine
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| Tool Review |

As far as I'm concerned, Ed Paik, owner of Medallion Tools in Oakville, Ontario, has 'the touch'. The touch for making a gem of a hand saw. His Medallion Dovetail Saw is as wonderful to use and it is to look at.
The unit I tried out had a 15ppi blade with the teeth hand cut and set in a rip pattern (a 16ppi crosscut version is also available). Ed uses polished Swedish spring steel (tempered to RC 48-52) for the blades, which are 8" long and have a 1 15/16" cutting depth. The blade measures 1/64" (.0156") thick and has only 1/128" (.0078") of set on each side. In use this delivers a lovely 1/32" (.0312") kerf. You can't get much better than this on a Western style saw.
A 1/4" by 3/4" solid brass back holds the blade rigidly. The classic bird's eye maple handle (fixed to the blade with traditional brass split screws) was the most comfortable saw handle I've used. Just like a Saville Row tailor Ed customizes each handle to the user's hand size. The saw comes fully sharpened, and unless you're cutting hundreds of dovetails a day, will last several years before it needs to be re-sharpened (which Ed will do at a very reasonable rate). I used the Medallion Dovetail Saw over a three month period, cutting dovetails (and the occasional crosscut) in a range of hardwoods – the saw cuts exceptionally fast. The narrow set makes it easy to start cuts and it tracks like a bloodhound. Superbly made, excellent heft and balance, remarkable value. $170 plus shipping at: medalliontools.com
Carl Duguay
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| Shop Tip |

Over time, the metal mitre bar that comes with most table saw mitre gauges become loose and don't run true in the mitre bar slot. Some mitre bars have set screws along their length but most don't. The fix is quite simple and all you will need is a metal punch and a hammer. You're going to dimple the mitre bar at the top and bottom with a firm strike with the hammer on the metal punch. This dimple will create a burr which will serve to thicken the mitre bar slightly, which in turn will allow the mitre bar to run in the slot without any slop. If you find that your adjustment made the bar too tight, simple strike the dimple lightly with just the
hammer face. This will reduce the burr and loosen the fit.This quick
and easy adjustment takes only a few seconds but will increase your
accuracy with the mitre gauge.
Vic Tesolin, Editor
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| What's New? |
This 37mm compass and the smaller 15mm and 20mm sizes are perfect additions to walking stick handles and other wood turning projects. At under $1.50, they won't hurt your pocket book either. Now available at Workshop Supply or your favourite tool dealer that stocks their Black Jack branded products.
Forrest has come out with a new Signature Line saw blade. The Signature Line Chop Master features more teeth with newly angled carbide points to create less cutting pressure. That makes it easier for the saw blade to penetrate wood – as well as composites – run cool, and cut smoothly at any angle without bottom splintering, side scoring or vibration. The blade also has a smaller gullet – or valley between each tooth – making the blade cut quieter. The new Signature Line Chop Master has 90 teeth and -5° hook to control feed rate. It is currently available in 10- and 12-inch diameters with 5/8- or one-inch center holes. Custom sizes are also available.
Like all Forrest blades, the Signature Line Chop Master features super hard, corrosion-resistant C-4 micro grain carbide saw blade tips that provide up to 300 percent longer life between sharpening. Proprietary grinding techniques and hand straightening guarantee the finest cutting edges possible coupled with exceptional perimeter concentricity, perfect plate flatness, and side runout to +/- .001”.
To get more information or to order the Chop Master, visit forrestblades.com
LENOX introduces the new Snap-Back Arbor. The versatile design features drive-off pins to allow easy attachment and detachment from the saw with no need for adaptors. The drive-off pins also prevent the arbor from tightening on the saw during use, which in-turn prevents threads from stripping.
The unique design allows hole saws to be switched out much quicker than most other arbors on the market. The sleeve doesn’t need to be held back to engage/disengage the arbor and requires no secondary tightening; eliminating the need for yet another tool on the job.
“This arbor is designed to reduce the time and frustration commonly associated with hole saw use,” stated Anna Whitton, director of North American marketing, LENOX. “The LENOX Snap Back Arbor will definitely reduce the time and effort needed to do the job and the non-proprietary design can be used with any hole saw; no adaptors required.”
LENOX Snap-Back Arbors are available at LENOX distributors nationwide. For more information, visit lenoxtools.com
Bosch has expanded their pneumatic fastening family with debut of new finish & trim tools. Bosch’s finish tools gain an especially narrow nose and slim body thanks to Full Force Technology, a patented, highly efficient air chamber design. This means line-of-sight and precision in the applications where it matters most. The design also delivers outstanding maneuverability when working in tight spaces, superior balance and ergonomics for all day use and the best power-to-size ratio in the industry.
The new lineup includes the following four tools:
- FNA250-15: 15-gauge angled magazine finish nailer
- FNA250-16: 16-gauge straight magazine finish nailer
- BNS200-18: 18-gauge brad nailer
- STN150-18: 18-gauge finish stapler
In addition to the performance benefits associated with the Full Force Technology design, Bosch’s new tools are packed with features designed to protect work surfaces and produce great looking finish work. All four tools feature tool-less adjustable depth-of-drive, dry fire lockout, in-line self cleaning air filters and no-mar nose covers to protect delicate work pieces.
 
To learn more, visit boschtools.com
Bosch Introduces SPS10 Professional Super-Compact Screwdriver which is perfect for finish carpenters & interior installers. At barely 1 lb, the SPS10 still delivers enough torque to consistently drive ¼” screws, and the 4V Max Litheon battery produces enough power to drive up to 110 screws on a single charge. The SPS10 Super Compact Screwdriver comes with two 4V Max Litheon batteries, the BC330 Multi-Charger and a sturdy canvas carrying bag. The SPS10 is covered by Bosch’s standard cordless power tool warranty and is eligible to be registered in the Bosch ProVantage Protection Plan.
It is available now through authorized Bosch distributors nationwide. To find out more, users may visit boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.
Kerry-All Pouches are made from woven polyethylene, 10 x 8 weave, with an 11mm thickness. They are silver on the outside and black on the inside, with a Velcro opening that is easily closed and opened. The silver outside is treated with an ultraviolet light inhibitor to prevent premature aging in sunlight.
These pouches are made from much heavier woven poly than the typical blue or green tarps you see at your hardware store.
Presently, they are offering a large size, suitable for up to six sheets of 3/4" x 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. They can also be used to carry 4' x 8' sheets of drywall, or smaller items.
They now offer a long narrow pouch (3' x 17'), suitable for baseboard mouldings and other trim pieces, for transporting on the back of a flatbed trucks.
For a limited time, they are offering the large (4 x 8) pouch at a special introductory price of $79.95, plus shipping and handling. The long, narrow ones are $89.95, plus S&H.
For order details or further information, please use the e-mail "Contact Us" page on their website or call toll-free at 1-877-566-1335.
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Wood Show Change
There has been a change with the dates of the Calgary wood show for this fall. The dates are now October 23, 24, 25 2009. The venue is still the Calgary Stampede Round Up Centre. For more information on this show and other shows in western Canada, go to the Wood and Tool Show site.
Mohawk Wins Award at AWFS
Mohawk Finishing Products has been awarded the 2009 AWFS New Product Sequoia Award – Green/Environmental: General Category for their line of GREENGUARD Certified Waterborne Finishing Products. The award recognizes innovation for new-to-market products. Entries were evaluated on quality, production impact, practicality, innovation and user-friendliness.
The Mohawk Waterborne System includes Waterborne Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer and Sealer, Conversion Varnish, Dye Stains, Dye Concentrates, Dye Stain Base/Reducer, Wiping Stains, Wiping Stain Base, Glaze, Glaze Base and Colorants System. All of the waterborne products have very low VOC’s and have been designed for production environments that need quality materials. They are formaldehyde free, phthalate free, lead free and LEED® credit worthy for low emitting technologies. For more information on Mohawk finishing products, visit mohawk-finishing.com
Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo
Canadian woodworkers and suppliers will celebrate a return to better times at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo, Sept. 24-26, 2009, at the International Centre in Mississauga (Toronto), ON.
Canada’s premier industrial woodworking event will feature machinery and supplies from hundreds of international manufacturers. This trade show is geared towards the commercial and industrial side of woodworking and will offer a chance to look at some of the major players in the field.
Through special promotional consideration with the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo, Canadian Woodworking readers can attend the expo for free by registering online using the case-sensitive VIP pass code: CANADIANWOODVIP.
For more information or to register to attend the show, visit woodworkingexpo.ca.
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In this issue of Canadian Woodworking &
Home Improvement Magazine |
Each month, Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement Magazine brings you a range of woodworking projects, techniques and tips that will help to improve your woodworking skills. Visit
canadianwoodworking.com to subscribe.
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In the August/September issue:
- Raised Panel Doors
- Message Board
- Dining Table
- Honey Dipper
- Click Flooring Installation
- Low-angle Block Plane
- Custom Hand Rails
- New Tool: Delta Unisaw
- Milk Paint Finish
- Adjustable Circle Cutting Jig
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