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Archive for April, 2009

Quick Poll

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Learning from an instructorFor many of us, the allure of woodworking is that we get a chance to work in our own shops – our own space set up exactly to our wishes … well, maybe you would add a sweet brand new Unisaw to round out the collection…

However, there are times when you might be asked to, required to or even want to work in someone else’s shop.  Maybe you have to for your job or you sign up to attend a woodworking school.

Things may not be 100% familiar to you, and you might end up looking around a while for a combination square or chisel.  However you slice it, it is certainly an interesting experience.

So, have you ever worked in someone else’s shop?

Have you ever worked in someone else's workshop?

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Link of the Week

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Frank Klausz Online

Frank Klausz in his shopArmed with a tool chest of traditional tools from his Hungarian homeland, skills honed by years of apprenticeship under his father and a burning desire to build furniture, Frank Klausz immigrated to the United States back in 1969.

Since then, his legend has grown.  An eager instructor, Frank is quick to point out how woodworkers can master the craft with practice, basic tools and know-how. His work graces the New Jersey state house, numerous private collections and museums. And, he accomplishes much of the work on his projects using classic European style hand tools.

At his website, you can read more about where Frank is teaching, the books he has written and a little about the philosophy of this very talented woodworker.

April Fools!

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

In case you were wondering, the Veritas Variable Gang Saw mentioned in yesterday’s post was part of the company’s annual April Fools gag.

Veritas has been running this popular April Fools joke on its customers for the past six years, unveiling more and more bizarre and unique-looking tools every year.

While the Variable Gang Saw was impressive, other offierings, such as the pouchless tool belt and the Dodeca Marking Gauge have been stellar offerings.

While the do seem a little crazy after the fact, knowing that Veritas is seen as a leader in tool innovation.. one does have to wonder…

I wish I would have held off…

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

Veritas Variable Gang SawIt was just last week that I took delivery of my brand new Veritas Dovetail Saw.  I have used it several times and have gotten a lot of practice with it cutting straight lines to a marked strike line.

However, I am kicking myself today for making the move just a bit too early.

If only the folks at Veritas had let me know about their newest and most innovative saw they have ever released.  Today, the wraps were taken off of the Veritas Variable Gang Saw.

Not only is this saw made to the same high-quality specifications as the Veritas Dovetail Saw, but it goes one (actually two) better.  This triple-saw uses a dual-rod rotating axis assembly, which guarantees that by canting one blade, you can get the other to line up perfectly.

Say you want to cut a set of dovetails across the edge of a board… Simply by rotating some heavy duty brass handles, you can align a perfect 6:1, 8:1 or 14 degree dovetail pitch on each saw blade.  One full turn, and you can cut the opposite slope of the tails in one pass.

The same ease of use can be found in the adjustments to cut the pins.

This saw really takes all of the guesswork out of cutting dovetails, ensuring an airtight fit with minimal effort.

Maybe they’ll take my dovetail saw back in return?