Canadian Woodworking Magazine eNewsletter


Veritas Block Planes and Dovetail Saw
DX60 (top) and NX60 Dovetail Saw	Veritas has introduced the first planes in a new line of premium hand planes. The DX60 ($189) has a ductile iron body with a durable powder coat polymer paint finish. The NX60 ($299) has a highly polished, rust resistant, unique nickel-resist ductile iron body. Otherwise these planes feature the same superior tolerances. Precision machining guarantees that the sole and bed are virtually dead flat (both within tolerances of .0015".) The back of the blade is lapped flat within +/- .0002". The Veritas Dovetail Saw ($69) features a .02" thick blade with 14 rip-cut teeth per inch and .003" of set per side. Depth of cut is about 1 9/16". A unique stainless steel/glass fiber/polymer resin composite handle ensures a super rigid spine. Bubinga handle.

Kreg Pocket Hole Joinery Accessories
Quick Change Kit Quick Change Pocket Hole Bit Adapter	The Kreg Tool Company, the leader in products and accessories for pocket hole joinery, now has a new Quick Change Pocket-Hole Kit (# QUIK-KIT). This one simple kit provides everything you need to switch from drilling pocket holes to driving pocket screws, in just seconds. Components include an innovative Quick Change Chuck, a 6" #2 Square Driver, the all new 3/8" Hex-Shank Pocket-Hole Drill Bit, and Allen wrench and depth collar. The Quick Change Pocket-Hole Bit Adapter (# QUIK-ADAPT) is a simple adapter designed and precision machined to add quick change compatibility to the standard Kreg round shank (KJD) drill bit.

Stanley FatMax Utility and Snap Off Knives
Retractable Knife (closed) Retractable Knife (open) Snap-Off Knife To read the Press Release click here	Stanley has five new FatMax® Knives featuring blade wipers that help prolong the life of the blade, a blade-clamp button designed to reduce blade wobble, a rubber grip for hand comfort and a high visibility yellow finish. The innovative blade wiper removes debris from the blade as the blade is retracted, reducing the need for cleaning blades by hand, and helping to extend the life of the knife. The Retractable Utility Knife (# 10-778)features a push-button blade door that allows for quick blade changes and easy access to the five standard utility blades stored inside. The thumb pad is ergonomically designed to provide a correct cutting angle. The Snap-Off Knife (#10-481) is available in three sizes (9mm, 18mm and 25mm) and offers a continuous sharp edge with its snap-off blades. All three sizes feature a blade wiper, a stainless steel barrel that resists rust, and a removable blade snapper that allows for safe and easy use when snapping off dull blades. The cartridge holds six replacement blades for the 9mm and 18mm models, and four in the 25mm model.

New Sanding Tools from Gator Finishing
Zip Sander To read the Press Release click here Zip Sponge To read the Press Release click here	Gator Finishing's new "Zip Sander" and "Zip Sponge" offer woodworkers new options to enhance their sanding tasks. With multiple grit hook-and-loop sanding sheets enclosed, the Zip Sander allows the user to take a project from rough sanding to the finest of surface finishing without changing sanders, just the sandpaper. The Gator Finishing System, with its number and color-coded sandpaper identification system, makes it easy for the first time do-it-yourselfer and the seasoned woodworker to use the right sandpaper grit every step of the way. The Zip Sponge features a rigid, durable plastic holder base that snugly grips the sanding sponge. Its ergonomically shaped handle, based on the award-winning Zip Sander design, is soft and squeezable, and keeps the user’s hand from coming in contact with the sanding sponge. This offers a comfortable, effective sanding experience that eliminates the scrape and wear on a user’s hands.

Magnetic LED Light
	While it looks like something that James Bond or Batman might use, it's much less perilous and a heck of a lot more functional for the woodworker, tradesperson or home handyperson. The golf ball size Striker Magnetic LED light is the perfect little spotlight to illuminate those hard to see places. Its small enough to fit into tight places, and 12 rare earth magnets hold it securely to any metal surface. The light is powered by three internal alkaline button cell batteries. In a pinch you can use it as a pick up tool for dropped screws, nails and the like. Toss it into a toolbox, office drawer, or onto the fridge. Under $8 at Home Depot and Home Hardware.

Lenox Introduces Tough T2 Technology for Reciprocating Saw Blades
	T2 technology delivers up to 100% longer blade life and 25% faster performance in metal cutting applications versus the prior generation of LENOX reciprocating saw blades. The new technology is applied to the entire range of metal cutting reciprocating saw blades including LENOX Gold™, LAZER™ and Bi-Metal. Each T2 Technology blade features optimized tooth geometry for each unique TPI specification. The patent-pending design is optimized to minimize friction and heat build-up when cutting through the widest variety of metal materials. Heat build-up in reduced by improving cutting efficiency which in-turn eliminates premature tooth dulling and blade failure. T2’s design prolongs blade life and produces a much faster cut – ultimately leading to higher productivity by spending more time cutting and less time changing blades.

Power 12V and 18V Power Tools From a Car or Boat Battery
	The E12VP from Montour Marine Systems is a unique way to power your 12V or 18V power tools from a 12V car or boat battery. The E12VP locks into the handle of your power tool just like the battery pack, but there is no battery inside. The connecting cable to a 12 Volt battery is 25 feet long. An extension of 15 feet lets you connect to a 12 Volt battery 40 feet away. Battery clips are rated at 40 Amperes and a circuit breaker protects the tool against an overload. You have endless 12 Volt power. No extra weight. $93.90 US

Earlex HVLP Spray Stations Now Available in Canada
To read the Press Release click here	Earlex HVLP spray stations are now available in Canada. Earlex is recognized worldwide as the technology that is quickly replacing noisy, heavy, vibrating electric buzz guns. Earlex spray stations are designed for a wide range of painting projects - from detail work such as painting furniture, doors or windows to large inside and outside surfaces like walls, ceilings or decks - with little to no previous experience required. Priced from $179.99

CT-15 Multi Square
	This little tool from Bridge City Tool Works, measuring approximately 4.125″ tall, .875″ wide and .73″ thick at its widest point, is packed with features. It contains an 8:1 dovetail saddle square, a 6:1 dovetail saddle square, a regular saddle square and a cam lock sliding t-bevel which can be quickly set as a try-square or a double square. It is precisely machined from solid stainless steel. $289 US

Tormek Seeks Dealers for its T-7 Stone Sharpening System
For Dealer Enquiries contact: Geoff Brown	Tormek is looking for dealers across Canada for its Tormek T-7 wet stone sharpening system. The T-7 is rated for continuous use and has a vast array of specialty jigs available so you can quickly and easily sharpen virtually any home, garden or workshop tool. The heart of the T-7 is the Tormek SG-250 10" x 2" grinding wheel turning at a slow 90 rpm through water, which acts as a lubricant for faster grinding while it continuously cools the tool edge to prevent "bluing" the metal. After grinding, the 8-3/4" x 1-1/4" genuine leather honing wheel gently removes the burr and hones the edge to razor sharpness. The included SE-76 Square Edge Jig changes the task of grinding tools square from tricky to foolproof. It references from the flat side of the tool for unparalleled ease in tool mounting. It also has travel limit stops that prevent you from running the tool off the edge and scraping a knuckle. The T-7 System also includes the Angle Master , Honing Compound , Stone Grader , Diamond Truing Tool , Handbook and Instructional DVD.

Space Saving Bench Systems
To read the Press Release click here	Unlike traditional workbenches, Bench Solution can be mounted at any height, so the user can be sure that the 60" x 24" work surface is at a comfortable, convenient height. The versatile IdealWall™ Solution is the perfect companion to Bench Solution. Its 60" x 36" storage area provides ample space to efficiently organize a wide range of tools and other items. Other IdealWall sizes available separately. From $659 US.

Franklin Multibond® 4000 FF
To read the Press Release click here	Franklin International has introduced its first completely formaldehyde-free, water-resistant one-part xPVAc adhesive for lamination: New Multibond® 4000 FF, the high-performing, truly green solution for laminating engineered wood flooring, interior plywood, cabinet panels and flush doors. Multibond 4000 FF meets tough global standards for water resistance and formaldehyde emissions. First, it meets ANSI HPVA EF 2002 Type II specification and the tough European DIN EN 204 D3 standard. But, unlike other water-resistant PVAc adhesives, it contains absolutely zero formaldehyde. End products fabricated with this adhesive would pass stringent formaldehyde rules in California, Japanese Four Star, the European EO formaldehyde-emission standards and the LEED® low-emitting materials requirement.

New KJP Select Hardwoods Web Site
	KJP Select Hardwoods has a brand new web site. It makes finding and offering your favorite domestic or exotic woods easier than ever. And don't forget to check out their regular on-line specials.

Workplace Safety Training Course
	Workplace safety has just been given a significant boost in a new on-line training initiative announced by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). There are seven areas of training: 1. Health and safety for small business 2. Violence in the workplace 3. Health and safety committees 4. Electrical hazards 5. Office ergonomics 6. Preventing falls from slips and trips 7. Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) for workers The program is available to both CFIB members and non-members.

3rd Annual Home Depot St. Catharines Woodworking Show
Miniature Furniture Six Foot Passenger Train	Winners from the 3rd Annual Home Depot St. Catharines Woodworking Show have been announced: Joe Davidek, St. Catharines, ON, wins first place in the small category for his "Miniature Furniture" John James, Hamilton, ON, wins first place in the large category for his "Six Foot Passenger Train". Congratulations to both Joe and John.

Former Head of Forrest Manufacturing Dies at Age 80
	We’re sad to report the death of James E. Forrest Sr. For over 40 years, Forrest ran Forrest Manufacturing Inc., a New Jersey-based manufacturer of high-quality saw blades founded in 1946 by his father, Albert Walter Forrest. He initially supervised the sharpening operation before assuming management of the entire company. In the mid 1970s, Forrest introduced standardized large-run saw blade manufacturing and also designed some of the company’s most successful and popular saw blades. Among them are the all-purpose Woodworker II; the Dado King, the first dado set able to cross cut veneer plywood; the Miter Master, which finely cuts difficult materials, such as aluminum extrusion; and the No-Melt blade, designed for cool, melt-free cuts on plastic sheets and extrusions. His son, Jay Forrest, now runs the company, which continues to produce top-quality saw blades and deliver exceptional customer service.

New Book: Kid Crafts Woodcarving by Everett Ellenwood
Available through your local book retailer	Perfect for children or anyone who wants to learn a hobby that lasts a lifetime - woodcarving. With just a few basic tools, scrap wood and the safe techniques outlined in Kid Crafts Woodcarving, you'll be on your way to creating keepsakes and hand-carved gifts. You'll learn how to make basic cuts, how to use tools, and practice each using 7 projects for a whistle, musical frog, snowman ornament and much more. Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing ISBN 13: 9781565233669 Pages: 122 Size: 8" X 8" inches Price: $16.95

New Book: Carving Gargoyles Grotesques, and Other Creatures of Myth by Shawn Cipa
Available through your local book retailer	If you've ever wanted to carve a gargoyle, grotesque, chimera or guardian, or just understand their differences, this unique step-by-step tutorial from renowned woodcarver, Shawn Cipa, will guide you from start to finish. In addition to being led through the entire carving and finishing process, you'll also discover fascinating legends and lore about each of these spirited creatures, where surviving gargoyles can be found around the world, and the facts and conjecture surrounding their purpose and meaning. Includes two complete projects and 26 additional full page patterns for creating functional and decorative gargoyles from wood. Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing ISBN 13: 9781565233294 Pages: 160 Size: 8 1/2" X 11" inches Price: $21.95