Old Wood-Working Machines

So, you scored an awesome 1950’s vintage Delta Unisaw from grandpa before he headed off on his around-the-world travel extravaganza.  But, the saw didn’t come with a manual.  And the fence is out of alignment.  And, you’re not 100% sure how to align the trunnions…

And, the old codger will be on the plains of the Serengeti doing his best Marlin Perkins of the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom impersonation. Completely out of contact.  Bummer.

If this is the case, then you migh want to pay a visit to the Old Wood-Working Machines website.  This outstanding resource serves as a repository of old product manuals, allowing you the opportunity to surf to the right manual for your tool.

From the very common brands such as DeWalt and Craftsman through some of the most obscure one-off manufacutrers, you can find the most complete information on the site.  If you can’t, post your question at their online message boards.

Old Wood-Working Tools doesn’t charge for this information, but does accept donations to support its mission.

Woodturning Online

If you are a woodworker and find yourself with your head spinning, this might be a good place to check out.  Woodturning Online is a great place to start if you want to get into wood turning – or discover new tips and tricks.

The site offers articles for woodturners from complete novice to seasoned pro.  Tool selection, technique and a fascinating look at turning materials – including metal spinning – are covered here.

Of course, tool buying advice and reviews are offered as well – leading turners from their basic tool kit to the most exotic gouges and chisels.

What may be the most helpful features of this site are the links to woodturning associations and vendors that can supply the know how and materials to make your journey into woodturning a memorable and exciting one.

Whether you turn bowls, spindles, pens, platters, knobs or just want to get started, this is a great place to bookmark.

The Reluctant Gourmet:  Wood or Plastic?

As woodworkers, when it comes to cutting boards, if it’s not made out of wood, it’s not worth using.

While that’s our first go-to-ground instinct, the recipient may have lots of questions about wood being a safe material for the purpose.   After all, for many years, wood was seen as a material that harbored dangerous microbes and other nasties while plastic was seen as a more sanitary substitute.

This article goes into great detail and links to laboratory analysis about the nature of both materials and shows how wood actually fares very well when compared to its synthetic counterpart.

Armed with this information, you can explain how the block maple end grain wooden cutting board you built for Aunt Sally this holiday season is safe for her use in her kitchen – and back it up with sound reasearch.

The National Hurricane Center

No, this is not wood related.  At all.  However,  if you live in the area potentially affected by Hurricane Ike – please heed all evacuation orders and leave immediately.

Leave your tools behind.  Leave your prized timbers behind.  Leave your big screen tv and all that other stuff behind.  All of that stuff can be replaced, but you can’t.

The National Hurricane Center is carefully monitoring the situation, and local emergency managers will be giving you instructions.  This storm has the capability of killing hundreds – possibly thousands – if people do not evacuate.

Remember, hurricane season runs through November 30 – please pay attention to the threat!

The Diaku Dojo

Since the Japanese word for carpenter is Daiku, and the word Dojo means hall for training, it’s easy to get an idea of what this site is about. It is a community organization designed to help provide the education and skills necessary for the use of Japanese style hand tools in woodworking.

This association’s members are exceptionally talented when it comes to cutting the complex and artistic joinery traditionally found in Japanese style joinery.  The San Francisco based guild offers classes and organizes group projects to help hone the skills of its members and other students.

Links to companies who deal in high quality Japanese tools, skilled craftspeople and museums allow visitors to the site a convenient starting point for their exploration of the craft.  And, there’s even a forum where you can find answers to your toughest questions.

While most western woodworkers work primarily with familiar joinery methods, a visit to the Daiku Dojo will open your eyes to the traditional techniques used by Japanese woodworkers.

Wood Porn at Talarico Hardwoods

OK, so the name is kinda suggestive, but I promise you this is a link worth following. At Talarico Hardwoods in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, the sawyers get very excited about what they find when they cut open exotic and highly figured logs.

Just like kids who can’t wait to unwrap their presents at their birthday parties, the crew salivates at the chance to cut these green logs and unveil some interesting and incredible figure. You’ll be stunned to see the variety and quality of the lumber these guys get their hands on.

Sure, this is a commercial wood supplier’s site, but it appears that the owners on this particular page are really just interested in showing off their spectacular finds.

Some guys have all the luck…