KS Woodwork Blog

I recently posted about the expensive Festool product line that Rockler is offering. Since many of the Festool products are outside the price range of my hobbyist budget I was able to locate a review.

The Festool TS 55 and TS 75 Plunge Cut Saws Review shows the benefits of the $400 circular saw. When combined with other components of the Festool product line production work is faster and easier.

Related Posts:

Rockler / Festool Product Offering

KS Woodwork

Material prices seem to go up faster than the price of gas. Wood Magazine published an article with 16 tips on how to save money on lumber purchases. I found out a few new ideas to try. I frequently use the second suggestion. The grain of smaller pieces can be arranged in panels where the seams blend in.

2. Buy lower grades.
The next two grades below FAS and Selects are #1 and #2 Common. These boards are narrower and shorter than the higher grades, and yield fewer clear cuts. But prices can range 30-50 percent lower than FAS. So even if you have more waste, you may have a real bargain. If you can’t find #1 Common at your regular dealer, try one that caters to contractors and cabinet shops.The entire article can be viewed at the following address:

http://www.dewalt.com/us/articles/article.asp?Site=woodworking&ID=875

KS Woodwork

Dewalt is giving away a 10″ Compound Miter Saw - DW713. All that is required is to fill out a form on Dewalt’s website: http://www.dewalt.com/us/members/register/homepage_1/

There are 6 more days to register.

DW713

15 Amp Motor
5,000 RPM
3 1/2″ Base Molding Capacity (Verticla)
4-1/2″ Crown Molding Capacity (Vertically Nested)
6″ Horizontal Cross Cut Capacity
2 X 4 Max 90 Cross Cut
2 X 6 Max 45 Cross Cut
0° - 50° Miter Capacity
-3° to 48° Left Bevel Capacity
35lbs Tool Weight

Includes:
Carbide blade, blade wrench, dust bag

KS Woodwork

Here is a good buying guide for anyone looking to buy a bandsaw. I found this link on ToolKing’s website when shopping.

Bandsaw Buying Guide

They have a wide variety of power, hand tool, air tool and welding reviews on the main page.

Tool Buying Guide

KS Woodwork

I watched an episode of The New Yankee workshop today. I have recently read about Pen Turning on various woodworking forums. Pen turning would work well as a winter project as it could be setup in our utility room. The workshop is not currently heated or air conditioned. The video clip can be viewed at:http://www.newyankee.com/video.cgi?0506

KS Woodwork

In a recently received woodworking catalog I noticed a new product. A straight cutting bit for routing using a top or bottom mounted template. This bit was different due to the slight angle of the cutting edge. The catalog states that cuts on difficult or end-grain have less tear out compared to conventional bits. There is a full review on Rockler’s website that can be viewed at: http://www.rockler.com/blog/index.cfm?CommentID=233

Shear Cutting Flush Trim Bits Produces a smoother cut than traditional straight-fluted bits. Eliminates tear-out problems from routing end or cross grain on hard woods. .. Shear Cutting Flush Trim Bits