Featured
Link |
News |
Reviews |
Readers Gallery
This Months Issue
If you’ve only got a minute to look at this
issue, be sure to click on our Readers Gallery.
We’ve had some truly stunning work sent in recently, and I just don’t want you
to miss them. While you’re looking, be sure to click on the ‘Show My Work’
button, and send us a photo of a recent project.
If you’ve received your Feb/Mar issue of Canadian Woodworking Magazine,
you’ll have seen the contest that we are putting on with Home Hardware. Because
Canadian Woodworking magazine is now available at Home Hardware stores across
Canada, we’ve put together a contest that is exclusive to Canadian Woodworking
readers. There is a $3,400.00 prize, so be sure to get your ballot – it’s
stitched into the current issue of Canadian Woodworking magazine.
Thanks, and enjoy!
Paul Fulcher, Publisher
|
 |
|
 |
Jan Coulter, Furniture Maker
|
Birch Bedside Tables |
Oak Arts & Crafts Chesterfield |
Oak Arts & Crafts Bookcase with glass |
Oak End Tables |
It never ceases to amaze me the number of accomplished
woodworkers that there are in Canada. You'll find them tucked away in the most
unlikely of places, quietly plying their craft. Doing honest work.
Working out of Bridgetown, Nova Scotia's prettiest town, Jan
Coulter has been making quality solid wood furniture since 1990.
Working mostly in hardwoods, Jan's furniture focuses primarily on
original designs that draw from the Arts & Crafts and Mission
traditions. Crafted with attention to detail, using traditional joinery
techniques, and hand-oiled finishes, she produces furniture imbued with clean
lines, simplicity of design, generous proportions, and the occasional ‘live
edge’, all a response to her unique style and a commitment to her craft. Jan is
also skilled in traditional chair-seat hand-caning and machine-caning, rushing,
and Danish rope. To see more of Jan's work, click
here.
Throughout the rest of 2006 we'll be featuring web sites
from woodworkers across Canada. |
 |
Milwaukee Pneumatics
 Milwaukee
Electric Tool Corporation introduces a complete line of professional
pneumatic fastening tools and accessories designed from the ground up to fit the heavy-duty needs of
professional contractors, framing carpenters, finish carpenters, roofers and re-modelers
The pneumatic fastening tools
include:
-
3 1/2" Round Head Framing Nailer, 7100-20
- 3-1/2” Clipped Head Framer, 7110-20
-
Coil Roofing Nailer, # 7120-21
-
15 gauge Angled Finish Nailer, # 7140-21
-
16 gauge Straight Finish Nailer, # 7145-21
-
18 gauge Brad Nailer, # 7150-21
-
18 gauge Narrow Crown Stapler, # 7155-21
All these new tools comes with
Milwaukee's generous 5
year warranty, and feature:
-
Magnesium housings that are extremely light, reducing fatigue.
-
Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustments for precise fastener depth control,
preventing overdriving.
-
Selectable triggers providing contact actuation or single sequential
actuation modes for higher productivity and accurate fastener placement
without having to switch out triggers.
-
In-handle, self-cleaning air filter extends motor life by keeping debris
out of power head.
-
Tool-free adjustable exhaust with muffler lowers noise levels and
directs exhaust away from user.
-
Internal piston catch ensures the piston is always in the top position
for maximum power and velocity on each stroke, preventing misfires.
Ergonomically designed rubber over-molded handle and trigger provides
productivity and comfort.
Contact Milwaukee
to find a local dealer or for more information or pricing.
|
Dia-Sharp Double-X (D8XX)
 DMT
is a recognized leader in diamond sharpening. Their new Dia-Sharp Double-X is a
heavy duty, extremely course continuous diamond surface (120 mesh/120 micron)
for quick stock removal. The surface is guaranteed to be within +/- .001" of
flat - which is as flat as flat can be.
You can use the D8XX for removing nicks and chips on tools, for
flattening the back of chisels and plane blades, and for flattening waterstones,
oil stones, and synthetic stones.
The precisely micronized monocrystaline diamond surface leaves a
uniform scratch pattern, and unlike conventional abrasive stones, can take a lot
of abuse without chipping, cracking or hollowing. Pricing is $89 US. |
Irwin 29 Piece Metal Drill Bit Set
These new kits from Irwin come in 5 finishes:
'cobalt', for hardened steel; 'titanium' for up to 6x longer bit life; 'black
and gold', for rust resistance; 'turbomax' for up to 10 times faster starts; and
'black oxide' for corrosion resistance. All these bits feature a 135º
split tip point, have a reduced shank to fit 3/8"chucks, and come in
1/16" to 1/2" sizes in 1/64" increments.
The metal storage cases feature a rubber over mold to protect the case if
it's dropped; removable cartridges so you can easily carry bits around the work
place; and a tap and drill reference chart attached to the case.
|
New Products From Busy Bee Tools
The new CT084 Super Tenon Jig ($85) from
Busy Bee Tools features an all cast iron body that will fit any 3/4" table
slot, while adjusters allow for a snug fit. The clamping plate is 5" and adjusts
20º from vertical. The fence
tilts 45º to facilitate
cutting compound angles. There are two handles for ease of control.
 The
CT096 Mortising Machine ($525) is a heavy duty cast iron floor model. Features
include:
- 1 HP, 9.6 AMP, 110V motor
- Spindle speed of 1,750 RPM
- Chisel size from 1/4" to 1" with 3/4" bushing
- 15 3/4" x 6" table with a 2 1/4" fence
- Quick set vise with two hold-downs
- 6 1/2" long by 5 1/2" wide table movement
- 8 1/2" chisel stroke
- 5 1/2" distance from fence to chisel centre
- 57" overall height
- 125 kg
The CT096 comes with a 5/8" chisel and a 2 year warranty. |
Juried Woodworking Exhibition
If you live in or near Port Alberni, BC, it's time to plan for
the third annual Juried Woodworking Competition hosted by the Alberni Forest
Festival. The Festival, held at McLean's Mill, showcases the best of local
artisans and craftspeople.
This year’s competition runs from July 7 to 9, with judging
held on July 8th. For more information contact
Joel Graboski. Entry forms are
available at all local building supply outlets in the Port Alberni area. |
89pc Driver Bit Set
from Ryobi Tools |
|
 |
| Item: |
A988901 |
Price: |
$69.95 |
Rating: |
 |
| Source: |
Home Depot |
| These four new boxed sets of drilling
accessories From Ryobi are nicely done up. They'll stay organized in those
nice blue cases, won't get
lost, and can be easily transported to the job site or around the house or cottage A
little icon on the case lets you know what's inside without having to open it
up. Clever. The boxes are very durable, and won't easily chip or break - we
tossed them across a concrete floor for proof. The spade bit box contains bits from 1/4" to 1
1/4" in seven of the most commonly used sizes. They feature scribing spurs and
beveled cutting edges, which make for faster and cleaner drilling, and who
doesn't want that. The bits fit snugly in the holders, but are easily removed.
The twist bit box contains 32 bits, ranging from 1/16" to
3/8", There are two of each of the smaller sizes (1/16" to 5/16") and the 1/4"
size. This makes a lot of sense, as the small ones are more likely to break or 'walk off'.
There are two configurations of 1/4" hex shanked driver bits, both containing
the most commonly used sizes in straight, phillips, robertson and torx
configurations. These are the same standard quality bits you're likely to find
at most building supply outlets.
The 1” long bit set consists of 30 assorted bits along with 10
nut drivers, from 3/16" to 1/2", and an adapter. This is the set that
I found most useful. The bit strips can be easily removed and re-inserted.
The 2” long bit set consists of 18 driver bits
and three socket head adapters (1/4", 3/8" ad 1/2").
These are good, general purpose sets that provide you with
decent quality bits in the most common sizes. The best thing about them is the
price. For under $70 this is a good deal. |
Boxes are easy to identify
Spade bits
Twist bits
|
 
Short driver bits
Long driver bits |
|
|
SharpShooter Stapler
from Stanley Canada |
|
|
| Item: |
TR250 |
Price: |
$29.95 |
Rating: |
|
| Source: |
Home improvement and tool supply stores |
| When I need to shoot a lot of brads or staples,
nothing beats my pneumatic stapler. However, I don't necessarily want to fire up
the compressor to shoot half a dozen staples, say, if I'm putting together a
mock-up for a project. Nor do I want to lug the
compressor to a job site when I know that I'm only going to be knocking in a
dozen brads. No, for situations like this a manual
stapler is the way to go. And the new Stanley SharpShooter is an
excellent choice if you're looking for a heavy duty, professional level
combination stapler. The TR250 shoots 1/2" and 5/8" brads, and five sizes
of staples (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2" and 9/16"). You can use the Stanley supplies
(TRA700) or the common Arrow T-50 staples.
According to Stanley, The E-Z push ergonomically designed soft
grip handle requires 30 percent less force than other leading brand staplers
while generating 37 percent more output. When stapling even into hardwoods, it
doesn't take much hand pressure to drive the staples home. The high-low power
switch on the end of the stapler helps out here. you could use this stapler for
long periods of time without much undue hand stress. There is a cable tracker on
the front of the housing - you can quickly lower a cable guide to facilitate
safe tacking of most cables, easily up to 1/4" diameter.
The aluminum cast housing makes this a very durable tool that
will stand up to years of hard use and tool box storage amidst other tools. A
nice touch is the handle lock that makes tool box storage more convenient.
Loading ammunition is effortless.
All in all, I really liked the TR250. It's easy to use
and does an excellent job of driving all the sizes of staples and brads that it
can accommodate, particularly in hardwoods and sheet goods. |
The TR250
3/8" staple driven into cherry using the high power switch (left) and low power
switch (right)
Loading staples |
| Bits and Blades |
|
|
| Item: |
1080ATB |
Price: |
$54 (blade)
$10.50 (straight)
$19,75 (roundover) |
Rating: |
 |
| Source: |
www.sawsandtools.com |
Sawsandtools is a web based supplier, based in
Ontario. They have a number of blades listed on their site, including this 80
tooth triple chip saw blade. The business end of a saw blade are its teeth, and
the carbide teeth on this blade are large enough to provide for a good half
dozen sharpenings, if not more. The brazing on the teeth looks to be very well
done, and the
blade has literally no run-out. The body of the blade is 1/8" thick.
I found this blade gave very good results cutting with the grain on domestic and
exotic hardwoods, as well as crosscutting and ripping plywood and MDF. The
quality of the cuts is not as clean and splinter free as what I get with my
premium blades, but for general purpose sawing, it's good value.
Sawsandtools also has a variety of router bits on its web site. I tried a 1/2"
straight bit and a 3/8" round over (all their bits are available in both 1/4" and 1/2" shanks). The router bits are priced competitively
with other brands. Again, the brazing on the bits looked to be well done. These
are not micro grain carbide bits. Like the saw blades, these bits dulled
noticeably sooner than the premium bits I generally use. Of course, they cost
about 30% less.
|
10" 80 tpi blade
3/8" roundover and 1/2" straight bits |
|
|
ProSite Miter Saw Protractor
from Starrett |
|
|
| The 12" ProSite has been on the market for some
time now, and has fast become a favourite with trim carpenters – in fact, with
anyone making cuts with a miter saw. Now, the ProSite is available in a 7" model
– sized just right to fit into a tool belt or pocket.
Using the ProSite is a
piece of cake. Place it in the corner where you will be installing the trim.
Open the two arms and you'll see a red arrow pointing to an angle degree on the
red scale. This shows you the angle for your miter cut. Simple as that. The
ProSite is made from 1/4” aluminum and has a Teflon 'O' ring between the arms
for smooth and precise operation. There is also a set screw that enables you to
adjust the amount of play between the arms. The scale is very easy to read, and
is very accurate – I think to within a few tenths of a degree. If you make your
living as a carpenter, then take a good look at the ProSite. If you're a DIYer
and plan to be installing more than a few pieces of moulding, it will save you
time and lower your frustration level. |
 |
|
|
Woodboring Bits
from Ridgid Tools |
|
|
| Item: |
341430 |
Price: |
$5.95 to 7.95 |
Rating: |
|
| Source: |
Home Depot |
| These new woodboring bits from Ridgid are not at
all boring bits. For carpentry work, rough woodwork, and a myriad of home
maintenance tasks, these are ideal bits. Three features
in particular make these bits worth getting. The first is the self-starting
screw tip that really pulls the bit into the material. Second is the
resharpenable cutting edge - a cutting spur and a side lip. This cutting edge
slices through wood like there's no tomorrow. Very fast, with a reasonably clean
hole. Third is the 1/4" hex shank, which makes for fast bit changes.
These bits comes in 6 sizes: 1/2" ($5.97), 5/8" ($6.49),
3/4" ($6.97), 7/8" ($7.49), 1" ($7.97) and
1 1/4" ($ 8.97). A three piece set of the smaller sizes can be had for $19.97,
while a six piece set is $34.97.
Good value in general purpose bits.
|
 
 |
|
|
EyeArmor
from Life Eyewear |
|
|
| If you wear prescription eye glasses, it's still
a good idea to wear eye glass protection in the shop. For one thing, replacing
prescription glasses can set you back hundreds of dollars, while safety eyewear costs a
hang of a lot less. Prescription glasses also provide protection from debris
that comes towards you only from the front. You certainly don't want to damage
your eyes - a used pair are very difficult to come by.
Live Eyewear's new EyeArmor collection consists of three colors of
over-prescription glasses - clear and yellow tints in a medium size and a smoky
tint in a large size. They are made of impact resistant polycarbonate and
feature scratch resistant, anti-fog lenses that are optically correct.
I found these 'overs' to be very lightweight, and I liked the
fact that I could adjust the temples for a comfortable, snug fit. The
adjustable safety head strap is a nice feature that keeps the overs securely in
place. I also like the small side shields that provide that additional level of
protection from flying debris. They come in a handy storage pouch that doubles
as a nifty cleaning cloth.
Great value in light weight, functional eye protection. |
 |
|
|
Ryobi MultiTASKit
from Ryobi Tools |
|
|
This new kit from Ryobi, built around
their innovative and highly popular AirGrip technology, features four
attachments: laser level, lighting head, magnetic tray and helping hand, along
with a vacuum base (the AirGrip). These
attachments snap onto the vacuum base, which enables you to 'stick'
the accessories to any flat, smooth surface without leaving a mark – no tape, no nails, and no
damage. A very clever product, which is especially useful when working alone.
Certainly an item that seniors and physically handicapped people might want to
look at. The AirGrip base operates on two AA batteries that give up to 4 hours
of continuous vacuum gripping.
The laser level, which also requires two A batteries, is just the ticket for
helping you to align pictures, curtain rods and
the like, accurately. It shoots a light beam up to 30’ and is reliable to within
+/- 1/2" over 20'. I found that it works as well as any of the other similar
laser levels on the market.The lighting head has 3 medium density lights
that you can
tilt 90° vertically and 360° horizontally. It also
operates on two AA batteries. For such a small unit it gives a surprising amount
of light.
The helping hand, is a pretty neat accessory - as who hasn’t wished for a third hand at one
time or another. If you've ever had to install crown moulding by yourself, then
you know what I mean. The helping hand extends up to 3” and rotates 35°
vertically and 360° horizontally. It's rated to hold up to 12 lbs.
Finally, there is my
favorite, the magnetic tray holds screws, nails, nuts
and the like, and has a couple of holes that will accommodate screwdrivers or
other such tools. The tray tilts as the lighting head does.
The one complaint I have is with the on/off switch on the side of
the AirGrip unit. It's very sensitive - you barely touch the switch to activate
the unit. You can inadvertently turn the unit on or off when just picking it up!
Nonetheless, for under $80 this is a pretty useful home maintenance product
from the clever people at Ryobi.
|
The MultiTASKit
The AirGrip unit
The vacuum base
|
Laser level mounted on the AirGrip Magnetic tray mounted on
the AirGrip |
|
|
Pocket Hole Solution to Trim
Carpentry
by Gary Striegler |
|
|
| If you’re a professional trim carpenter or a
serious DIY woodworking enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to learn more about
Pocket Hole Joinery. It's a technique that uses a special Pocket Hole Jig, step drill bit, and self-tapping screws to
produce strong, tight-fitting wood joints in a fraction of the time of more
traditional methods such as dowelling, mortise and tenons, and biscuit joinery.
Gary Striegler, a second generation homebuilder with over 25 years of hands-on
experience, demonstrates some of his time proven techniques for creating classic
home details that set his work apart from the competition. In this two hour DVD,
watch as Gary uses the speed, strength, and simplicity of Pocket Hole Joinery to
create a variety of eye-catching trim details for the home. He shows how to use
pocket hole joinery for installing wainscoting,
building a fireplace mantel, a bookcase, window seat, a newel post, stairs, and
a door jamb extension.
Atom Egoyan didn't direct this DVD, but it's pretty well done.
There are a few times that the camera work is a bit 'iffy', but for $10, it's
not bad. If you've recently bought a pocket hole joinery kit, then this DVD will
really open your eyes to the full potential the jig has to offer.
You won't want to miss our upcoming article on pocket hole
joinery in the June/July issue of Canadian Woodworking Magazine. |
 |
|
|
Woodshop for Kids
Jack McKee |
|
|
| Item: |
ISBN: 978-1-884894-53-4
210 pp, softcover, 83 photos, 78 illos |
Price: |
$21.95 US |
Rating: |
|
| Source: |
Hands on Books or 360-671-9079 |
| Jack McKee has taught woodworking to kids
for over 15 years. He has also worked as a mechanic, remodeled houses, built
small boats, and designed equipment used by children’s museums, schools and
preschools. His first book, Builder Boards, tells how to construct a set of
notched boards children use to construct their own playhouse. His articles have
appeared in Home Education, Tech Directions, Early Childhood Today and Wooden
Boat. He also teaches “Woodshop for Kids,” a workshop for teachers.
Woodshop for
Kids has you everything you’ll need to know in order to get kids started using real tools
to build real projects. Safety, tools, wood, measuring, hammering, nails and
screws are all discussed in this book. Construction details for 52 projects are given.
There are projects for children as young as 5 years of age here, all the way up
to the teens, with projects ranging from the very simple like spinning tops all
the way up to more advanced projects like boxes, boats, and bird feeders. Each
project has a picture of the finished item, a materials list, list of the tools
needed, a set of step-by-step construction notes, and tips on using the finished
project. If you have children or grandchildren, buy this book. It's likely to be
one of the best investments you'll make in 2006. |
 |
 |
|
Pagoda
Brian N. McEvoy, Edmonton
This beautiful Japanese style pagoda started
life as a piece of Alaskan yellow cedar. It is hand turned from 12 segments. The
walls of the 5 rooms are 1/16" thick and hand carved with traditional Japanese
designs. The pagoda is finished with copper and gold leaf. Measures 22" wide by
43" tall, and weighs a mere 11 pounds. You can see more of Brian's work
here.
|
|
Bar Stool
Trish McCulloch, Oakville
Trish, a recipient of a 2005 Ontario Colleges
of Applied Arts and Technology award of excellence, is a second year student in
the Furniture Design Program at Sheridan College, and a graduate of Carleton
University with a BA in architectural studies. The wavy bar stool is of her own
design, and is made of laminated maple with walnut legs. Contact Trish
here.
|
Patio Set
Michael Bowler, Ottawa
Mike started building this patio set in January of 2005, and
finished it in November - just in time for the winter BBQ season! The set is
made from cedar decking material, held together with a copious number of deck
screws. You can see photos of the construction process and get a copy of the
original design plans on Mike's
web site. |
| |
|
If you would like to see your work in
this newsletter, send an image along with information about your
project to:
|
|
|
|
Issue #20
February 2006
Have
problems
viewing this newsletter? Read it on our web site
here.
Visit our web site
by clicking here
Contact
our Marketing Manager
for information about advertising in this newsletter
Advertising Sponsors
Click on a logo to visit their web site. |
| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
Suppliers
Send new
product information for inclusion in the newsletter
contact us today
|
|
