Router Table Depot Archive Page
Saturday, June 6, 2009
By David A Thompson


There are two major players in the dustless drywall sander world. Porter Cable has a model popular with professionals that need high productivity. It features a large, rounded orbital sanding head with the electric motor mounted in the extension handle. The Dustless Technologies Turbo Drywall Sander features a smaller, rectangular orbital sanding head powered by the air flow from the vacuum. It is designed more for tight places and for sanding in corners.

The biggest problem with the Porter Cable Drywall Sander is its weight - 8.5 lbs. Holding that kind of weight shoulder-high will cause muscle burn within a few minutes and require frequent breaks. It can turn a sizable project into a misery marathon. Some people opt for manual pole sanding methods and put up with the dust to avoid the fatigue associated with the Porter Cable Drywall Sander.

The Porter Cable Drywall Sander is a good quality unit that has advantages too. For a professional drywall sander who needs a high productivity unit, it is a good choice because of it's aggressive sanding action. It enables the operator to cover larger areas quickly, but you also pay a premium price for it. It sells for approximately $430, and that does not include a vacuum - just the drywall sanding unit. For small contractors, do-it-yourselfers and homeowners, the high price of the Porter Cable system may not be worth the expense.


And in tight places like bathrooms, the Porter Cable Drywall Sander is often not practical because the sanding head is too big; it's rounded, so it won't reach into corners; the long pole inhibits maneuverability, and you can't adjust the angle of the head to reach everywhere you need to.

So, how do you handle these tight places? Manual sanding? No - that still creates dust that requires a lot of work to clean up. The Turbo Drywall Sander From Dustless Technologies goes where the Porter Cable unit cannot. It has a rectangular head so it can sand in corners. The pole is removable so you can convert the unit into a dustless hand sander - perfect for tight places. An adjustable knuckle enables you to set the angle of the head wherever you need it to accommodate even the most awkward working conditions.

The Dustless Turbo Drywall Sander is an excellent alternative to the Porter Cable Drywall Sander for people who want a lighter weight system at a lower cost. The Turbo Drywall Sander weighs only 4.5 lbs. and sells for less than half the price (only $180) of a Porter Cable unit ($430). It is also a great asset for professional drywall contractors who need the high productivity of the Porter Cable system, but also want a lightweight, more versatile system for small jobs, tight places and touch up.


A big consideration is the type of vacuum used along with the drywall sander. Porter Cable sells a 10 gallon wet/dry vacuum to go along with its model 7800 drywall sander for $370, bringing the total cost for the Porter Cable set up to $800. Dustless Technologies sells a 16 gallon wet/dry vacuum for $300, bringing the total cost for its turbo drywall sanding system to under $500.


For less money, the Dustless Technologies vacuum has some distinct advantages over the Porter Cable vacuum. While the Porter Cable Vacuum claims to deliver 99.85% efficiency, the Dustless vacuum goes further by capturing airborne particles down to .5 microns with its optional micro-prefilter. This is very close to HEPA-level performance, which captures down to .3 microns. When dealing with ultra-fine drywall dust, the extra filtration is noticeable.


Another consideration when choosing a drywall sanding system is the cost of the sand paper. The Porter Cable Drywall Sander uses proprietary sand paper that costs $5 a sheet. The Dustless Technologies Turbo Drywall Sander uses standards sized hook-and-loop sand paper sheets available at any hardware store for around a dollar a sheet.




Learn more about dust control systems at http://www.dustcollectionproducts.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_A_Thompson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Comparing-Dustless-Drywall-Sanders&id=1441370



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Jake Strong

You've got to have the right tool for the job. Today, we look the very nice Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit. This kit is a favorite of mine.

While some kits might be lacking in components, the Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit has a finish nailer, brad nailer, stapler, narrow crown stapler, air house, fasteners, nailer oil, manuals and more.

With tools, as you probably know, you really get what you pay for. While the Porter Cable kit normally runs $600, it can be had for 1/3rd of that. Talk about getting bang for your air power tool buck.

The Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit has a 120-volt, 10 amp pump. This baby provides some serious air. The portable 6-gallon air tank can also supply up to 150 psi for all those other air power tools you have. And if you don't have any other air power tools, this is a great reason to go out and get some.

The 16-gauge finish nail gun, with -inch nails, is perfect for casings and moldings. It's versatile. You can switch to 2-1/2-inch nails and secure some baseboard or moldings. It's also good for door frames and jambs. And it's just one feature of this Porter Cable combo kit. It's very nice.

Whether you're working on casings or upholstery or low voltage wiring, the Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit is a must have air power tool as far as I'm concerned. Just make sure you don't pay $600 for it. It can be had for about $230-$300 at the right place.

One thing is for sure, once your buy the Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit, you'll wish you'd done it sooner. One construction company owner, purchased a couple of them and he says they are a great investment. As C. Dwight Barnett said, "All you need is an outlet and an idea."


If you're interested in getting the Porter Cable three nailer and compressor combo kit for a fraction of the retail cost, click the link.



You can find other air power tools at a deep discount at Air-Power-Tools.com.



For high-quality, but dirt cheap, reconditioned power tools, click the power tools link.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Strong
http://EzineArticles.com/?Reviewing-Porter-Power-Tools&id=937381



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

Why Choose a Porter Cable Air Compressor?
By Mikael Dinar

There are several styles of Porter Cable Air Compressors available now. The Porter Cable Air Compressor brand of items is manufactured by Porter-Cable - a company that has been in business since 1906. The Porter Cable Air Compressors are affiliated with the Porta-Cable line of movable power tools for use in carpentry. Porta-Cable makes its products in Jackson, Tennessee, along with sister company Delta. Porter-Cable and Delta joined forces in the year 1960, but they give widely varied items

One such example is the 25 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor Portable 60 Gallon Tank 175 PSI. This product has a 175 PSI - 60 gallon equivalent tank size. Its high capacity air regulator has a starting PSI of 145, which tops out at 175 PSI. This product has the highest level of moderate-to-heavy use and off and on tool operation in its category. It has an oil-free design that is at once durable and low maintenance. It includes a direct-drive twin cylinder. Its 120 volt induction and robust torque motor offers trusty starting function, as well

Another of the Porter Cable Air Compressor models you should consider is the 20 Gallon Air Compressor 5.1 CFM @ 90 PSI model. This Porter Cable Air Compressor offers a 175 PSI - 49 gallon equivalent tank size. Its high-flow air regulator begins at 145 PSI and culminates at 175 PSI. This Porter Cable Air Compressor is built to match the strictest standards of moderate-to-heavy duty and intermittent tool operation in its product category. Trustworthy starting can be attained by its 120 volt induction and high torque engine. Its '4 Pole' 1725 RPM motor promises an extended operational life and brings down the level of noise emission. You gain remote air regulation plus control in the surrounding work area of the job site because of the remote 'quadraport' station. This product also includes a high-flow regulator and 4 quick connect bodies.

The last Porter Cable Air Compressor model on this list is called the Oil Free Induction Side Stack Compressor. This device has 6.0 SCFM that enables its 4.3 gallon tank to recharge faster. A longer tool run-time can be gained through the 150 PSI Max. 120 PSI cut-in pressure offers 30 PSI 'Bonus Air' prior to making a 90 PSI tool totally inoperable. Its 1.6 running HP induction engine was designed for lengthy use. It also comes with push to connect couplers, a High-FloSM air regulator, and an oil-free pump that will not cause oil spills; the pump needs absolutely no maintenance.


Mikael Dinar writes for an online project educating consumers about air compressors and their uses. His website is a great resource for reviews of various brands such as Porter Cable air compressors, Delta & more.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikael_Dinar
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Choose-a-Porter-Cable-Air-Compressor?&id=1405038



by: Router Table Depot 1 Comments

By Eric Griffin

We have always liked the Porter Cable Routers, but they still need to go through our power tool review steps. The first thing we noticed was the case. When we opened the case, the router was a tight fit. We usually like a little room for bits or other items that belong with the tool. We took the router out, unpacked everything, and tried to put it back. Obviously it fits back into the case, but there is no room for any other related items.

At first we though it might be heavier than the weight of 8lbs. After picking it up we found that it was extremely light because of the machined aluminum case and base it is made from. This is good news! You want a lighter router because you don't want to fight the weight of the tool. Heavier tools create more force when used, and this can wear a user out.

The 1/4" and the 1/2" is a nice feature because most workers have both sizes of router bits. Putting the router bits in place is a breeze. The router comes with two wrenches that will let you tighten or loosen the collet. This is much easier if you set the router on a workbench instead of tying to hold on to the router. We were a little skeptical of the auto release system that keeps the bits from freezing up in the tool. Anyone who has ever had this happens knows it is very annoying. After setting the router up, the rest was a breeze. There is a t-bolt that will let you adjust the height of the router, this is a snap. Once you have the router at the proper height, you can fine tune the height using the micrometer adjustment. This is just a ring you turn with your hand. You can adjust it up to 1/128"

We started out with some sharp bits and ran it through pine. The router ate through that easily. The router just laughed at us. We went to a harder wood, oak, and then walnut. Again, it ran through these without heating up. Yes, we did have a sharp blade, but as a craftsman you should know that having a sharp blade is extremely important. Well, we were bored with this testing rather quick because the router was handling everything with ease. So we ran the router blade over a bunch of plywood, hoping the blade would dull down from the glue. Well, the router ran through that test fine. The bits didn't dull as quickly as we had hoped, so we filed them dull and tried the test again. Through the pine, the router ran fine. Then the oak and Walnut caused the motor to fight a little for some air. We did have a big bit and had it set deep. We took that bit out of the tool and it did slide out with no effort, so the auto release system seemed to work fine, but we weren't done testing it yet!


We put the bit back in and tightened it as much as possible. We then beat on the side of the bit to jam it in there. We also dropped the router straight on the top of the bit and then gave it a couple whacks with a hammer. We basically did everything possible to make sure the bit would not come out, even though no one in their right mind would do all these things. Next, we loosened the collet, and this time the bit didn't come right out. We did wiggle it, and pulled with a pair of pliers and with that, the router bit came out. This told us two things. First, under normal wear and tear, the auto release system should work well, and the bits should not get stuck. Second, once the bit is in the router, it will stay in the router. You shouldn't have any worries about it coming out, unless you want it to.

All the other tests we ran the router through passed with flying colors. We dropped the tool a couple different times and it held up fine. The max height we used for the drops was 7 feet. I was pleasantly surprised that the base of plastic didn't crack.

With a couple of tricks, this router was very easy to turn into a table router for use on a table saw extension. This makes the tool that much more attractive


After using the tool for a long time, our arms felt fine. We did not experience any vibrations what so ever.

Over all, our power tool review for the Porter Cable router is EXCELLENT. We were extremely impressed with this power tool. This router has great power and wonderful features. Any craftsman should be proud to have this router in his/her wood shop

Pro's
Good power, Comes with 1/4" and 1/2" collets, will also accept 3/8", Depth Adjustment, Seal power switch.


Con's
Case is very small - tight fit for the router


Learn more about power tools, see power tool reviews, visit our forums and more at http://www.professional-power-tool-guide.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Griffin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Porter-Cable-Router-Review---690LR&id=1258802



by: Router Table Depot 1 Comments
By Thomas Morva


Porter-Cable compressors are compressors manufactured by Porter Cable Corporation. Although Porter-Cable compressors are mostly used for homes/small businesses, the manufacturer provides a large range of compressors, each one with its very own characteristics.

First of all, Porter-Cable compressors produce horsepower ranging from 0.8HP up to 7.5HP. The majority of Porter-Cable compressors produce 1 to 2HP.

Regarding the external characteristics of Porter-Cable compressors, they all come with a built-in red tank, and they are equipped with wheels or extra frames in order to provide better mobility solutions. The smallest compressors do not occupy more volume than a mini-table does, while the bigger ones are of the same size as a normal table or a medium-sized refrigerator.

Another characteristic among the various Porter-Cable compressors that has great impact on the final size of the compressor is tank size, which is measured in gallons. The smallest tank size is four gallons (~15.4 liters), while the largest is 80 gallons (~302.9 liters). There are three major categories of tank sizes. The first one is 4 to 6 gallons (~15.4 to 22.72 liters), the second is 15 to 20 gallons (~56.79 to 75.72 liters) and the third is 60 to 80 gallons (~227.17 to 302.9 liters).

An important distinguishing characteristic of Porter-Cable compressors is whether they are oil-lubricated or oil-free. Although most Porter-Cable compressors are oil-free, the ones with the highest capacity and horsepower are not. To be specific, all compressors that have a capacity greater than 60 gallons are oil-lubricated. Smaller tank capacity compressors come in both oil-lubricated and oil-free models.

Finally, the compressors come with standard equipment such as mobility kits, ASME safety valves, air regulators and gauges, operation manuals, frames (for increased mobility), and oil.


Compressors provides detailed information on Air Compressors, Compressor Parts, Compressors, Gas Compressors and more. Compressors is affiliated with Electric Pressure Washers.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Porter-Cable-Compressors&id=268992



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
Friday, June 5, 2009

Woodworking is a craft that uses wood to build or create things like tables, chairs, cabinets, and fixtures. It is a relaxing hobby for someone who likes to work with his hands, and could turn out to be a profitable business if you really become good at it.

If you are a beginning woodworker (i.e., you might have all the equipment you need in your workshop, but do not know where to begin), it is always best to learn from those who have had experience at it. That way, you can benefit from their experiences and avoid committing their mistakes yourself. Also, by learning from the experienced woodworkers, you discover how to do things better than the conventional methods.

Some of the tips from those who have had experience in woodworking are as follows:

  • When cutting plywood, cut against the grain as much as possible. Plywood is composed of bound thin layers of wood (called plies), and have the tendency to chip when the cut is along the grain. To lessen the risk of the fibers piling up when you are cutting, put masking tape along the cut line (you should always mark the cut –scored with a utility knife- you are going to make before you cut!).
  • Tracing patterns onto wood is best accomplished with carbon paper. You can find carbon paper at any of your local craft store.
  • If you are going to use a scroll saw to cut patterns, the best material to use to draw your pattern is carpet tape (the tape you use to secure your carpet). Attach enough carpet tape to the wood, and sketch in your pattern. After you are done, you simply remove the remaining tape and need not fear about any major residue being left.
  • When you are using wood glues for your woodworking, remember that the best surfaces to join are the long grain to long grain surfaces. This is because this situation results in a firmer and better spread “grip”. Parallel surfaces joined together are long grain to long grain surface joining examples. In contrast joints involving short grain surfaces are weak and will need to be supported mechanically, e.g., using nails or braces. Perpendicular joints are normally joints with short grain surfaces.

The above tips can help you get on nicely in your woodworking adventure. You may not be able to immediately apply these in your projects but it is always good information to have in case you do run into a similar situation. These tips are not only useful for you as a newbie, but even when you gain years of experience, because these are fundamental tips that can never expire in their usefulness. Continue to search for tips from the masters, develop your own as you gain more experience, and you will be able to do you woodworking much better. Do not forget, of course, to share your knowledge and experience with others. This ensures that the craft of woodworking will continue to grow.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

If you are the type who likes building or creating things with his own hands, then woodworking is a very good craft for you. Essentially, woodworking is anything that is built or created using wood, e.g., furniture, fixtures, sculptures, etc. Serious woodworkers have elevated the craft to the level of fine art, commanding high prices for their work which, in turn, appreciate in value over time.

Any good woodworker will tell you that you cannot work well with wood if you do not have the right tools for the right purpose, e.g., different kinds of saws to cut the wood in various shapes and sizes, planes and sandpaper to smoothen the surface, chisels to carve out intricate designs, drills for holes, etc. The early versions of these tools were quite cumbersome to use and only really good woodworkers were able to utilize them with skill. The challenge was not just in the creative aspect, but also on the “taming” of the tools. As a result, really good products of woodworking took a lot of time to finish.

Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, most woodworking tools are now powered by electricity and are simpler to use than their predecessors. Creativity still belongs in the mind of the craftsman but the fulfillment has become easier to accomplish. With the modern woodworking tools, you can focus on the creative aspect of the craft.

Some of these tools include:

  • Routers – specialized power tools with shaped cutters that are used for cutting grooves into the wood. With these tools, it is possible to quickly carve out shapes and designs into the wood you are working on with a minimal chance of making mistakes.
  • Table Saws – these tools really take out the pain from sawing. Equipped with a powerful motor with a rapidly-rotating circular saw half-exposed on a portion of the work table, table saws cut through wood that is passed through it evenly and in a very quick completion time. Guides installed in the table ensure that the wood is passed through evenly and steadily for a straight cut.
  • Drill Presses – these power tools perform one task, i.e., drill a straight, precisely-sized hole into the wood each and every time that they are used. The advantage of a drill press versus a handheld drill is that it is more reliable and can drill through thick wood without the shakiness of the hands.
  • Lathes – these tools spin a block of wood to which various operations can be conducted (e.g., cutting, sanding, drilling, knurling, etc.) to create a symmetrical piece about a certain axis. Table and chair legs as well as bed posts are common examples of items that are produced by these tools. You can create one of a kind symmetrical pieces or, if you have a lathe with cloning capability, you can several copies of a particular wood piece.
  • Planers and Sanders – Planers make sure that pieces that are supposed to be flat are so before they are further worked on. Sanders on the other hand, smooth out the rough edges of the piece, normally prior to finishing.


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

When building cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom, you may want to hire a contractor, but to do it yourself you will have the satisfaction that the job is done right and to your specification. Building cabinets yourself can be tedious work, but in the long run you will have final say so over your project and you can design your cabinets any way that you choose. You don’t have to follow the cookie cutter layouts that the contractors use and you can design and build anything, any size, and any design your heart desires. It not as difficult as you might think. With the right tools, plans, and a lot of patience, your kitchen or bathroom will look as good as new.


Before you start building cabinets on your own, you might want to look at some pre-formed plans to see if it is the direction that you want to go. An expert wood working person could do it by sight, but if you do not have this skill you need a base from which to work. The plans that you pick are not laid in stone and with a little imagination you can alter to plans to fit your room space with the aesthetics that you want. Once you have picked out a plan, you need to look at what materials you might need to finish your project. Do you have the right kind of tools? If not, do you want to build your cabinets with pre-fabricated materials or do you want to purchase the tools to build it from scratch. Your experience and your drive in building your own cabinets is the only guideline you need to follow.


Building cabinets is a fun job but not always an easy job. The finesse you need to make sure the corners are square and the agility and balance you need to make sure the doors sets right are skills that must be acquired. If you need guidance there are many books out there on cabinet building and even the internet has site where you can get beginning to end plans where you are led by hand through every step and procedure in the process. You can go to your local hardware store and find plenty of literature on cabinet building and you can get some first hand advice from the store workers.


Remember that your design is your own creation, but make sure that it can be done with the space you have. Cabinet building is tricky business and even an eighth of an inch outside the norm on a cut will cause your cabinets to look out of alignment and out of sink. You need reliable measuring tools and reliable cutting tools to get that professional look that you always wanted. After the cabinet is built you can put whatever stain or finish you want to add the personalized touch. Another important thing to remember is to consult the wife. Her input is the most valuable piece of advice you can get when cabinet building on your own.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

DeWalt Wood Working Routers: The Best on the Market

When choosing a woodworking router there is no better router that you can buy than the DeWalt DW618PK. DeWalt wood working routers are the most durable and efficient routers on the market. What makes this router unique is that the router has combo kits that fix and combine one motor to two separate bases. The first base is a fixed base that fits as a table mounted router and the other is a plunge base that is good for cutting groves in the middle or interior of your piece of wood. The 2.25hp DeWalt wood working router has enough power for those serious jobs that need special attention and a speed that is comfortable for the user and at the same time, the best machine for the job.


If you decide to go with a DeWalt plunge router, remember it only takes a little force to overcome the springs for your depth control issues. You would use this router in a shallow or quick routing phase that is more for shaping then for cutting or trimming. The DeWalt wood working router has enough power for this task, but the job calls for a little more finesse and not that much horse power. When you use the router make sure that you make the cut at a single depth. The plunge router works better with a larger diameter and is a lot more efficient than a fixed base router. You do lose some control, but that is over passed by the plunging action that creates great cuts and trims neat and clean.


If you plan to use a desk attachable model you might want to make sure that the DeWalt wood working router has a pin and helix design. This is a secure system that uses four pins to lock the motor into place and provide stability and accuracy. With the pins in place the motor will not drop from the casing in case it is upside down or becomes unstable. This way you can position the router in any position that includes backwards, upside down, and sideways. These routers work best on a router table, but can be used without the table at all. These types of routers are so accurate you can cut within .001 inch of your intended cut.

Either model works well, but it is up to the craftsman or wood worker to decide which router is the best for their specific task and experience level. You do not want a piece of equipment that you cannot handle or one that has too much power for you. You want to make a clean cut and a straight routing line that will not hurt the integrity of your stock. No matter what DeWalt wood working router you choose, make sure you read the manufactures’’ instructions and warnings. Even if you are experienced, read the instruction book to make sure you are getting the most out of the product. You can ask your local hardware store for suggestions or you can go online and research the subject yourself.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

Buying Router Bits Is Not Hard, But You Need The Right Tool For The Right Job

Routers are one of the most versatile tolls that you can buy for your workshop or wood shop. When buying router bits, you need to know what kind of bit you need for the job. With the right router you can put virtually any kind of design or cut into the edge of the wood you are working with. It is best to have a full array of router bits in your tool box so that you can tackle any job that comes your way or a job of your choosing. Whether you are cutting duplicate shapes or using the router to cut patterns, the right bit for the right job is pertinent to getting the job done and done right.

When buying router bits you might want to think of the two most popular routers on the market. The first is a fixed base router bit. The depth of the cut is pre-set so that you know your depth before you even turn on the power of the router. These routers do not have a plunge mechanism therefore they feel lighter and easier to control. Another router bit allows you to adjust how deep you want to make the cut as you are cutting your stock. The plunge mechanism adds weight to the router so it is more difficult to work with and you have to use a heavy hand that could lead to mistakes.

Buying router bits can be a little confusing, but each bit has been designed with a specific purpose in mind. For example a stile cutter router bit is good for cutting the inside grove or your stock or the same bit is excellent at beading on stile and arils in frame construction. The coping router bit is good at cutting and coping the ends and edges of rails in frame and panel construction. With the ball bearing pilot you can make sharp edges easily as the router slides through the stock. Even with a molding cutter router bit you can use the bit to cute multiple molding profiles. Using a table mounted router is best for this task, as it is safer and easier to use.

No matter what style of bits you purchase, when buying router bits there are three standard makes of the tool accessory. The first is the high speed steel router bit. These are inexpensive and good for most general routing tasks. Whether you are using softwoods or plastics this router bit will do wonders for your edging. The carbide tip is a little more expensive than the high speed steel and works great with hardwood materials or anything that is tougher than light plastic. The solid carbide router bit is one of the more costly router bits. These bits may look small, but they are specifically designed to specific tasks such as laminate trimming or cutting a patter in your stock.

Buying router bits is not rocket science, but if you are not sure of what kind of router bit you should buy, ask your local hardware store clerk or research the router bit online. You might want to experiment with different materials until you feel comfortable.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

When deciding on a router table you have to decide on a stand alone model or you can choose a bench top router table. The major complaint of a bench top router table is that the performance is reduced and there is not enough room for accurate measurements. A tool company called Rockler has come up with a solution to that complaint by introducing a bench top router table that, they claim, has the same performance and stability as a full sized router table. The bench top is easy to assemble and can be ready to attack your wood working task in about fifteen minutes. As you build this new table you will see that its design and flexibility is far superior to other store bought bench top router tables or even ones that you design and build yourself.

One thing the Rockler bench top router tables offer over others is height. It is taller than other bench tops which gives you that extra edge when you have to twist your body to reach that right angle. This also allows you to remove the motor if you have to make quick changes on your table or have to move your motor to another position the table allows you to be versatile and flexible during your task. This also allows for easy cleanup because you can get your dust and debris removal system under the bench and to hard to reach places. The height is not the only benefit in this bench top router table. The fence has twin face boards that eliminate the possibility of damage to your piece of wood or stock.

The fence is the most impressive part of this bench top router table. There is a front facing T-slot that allows mounting of certain materials without the need for clamps or other cumbersome attachment devices. There is also a full size miter gauge track that will accompany any miter that you have. It is pre-mounted, so there is no time wasted time changing up other equipment or strapping. The Rockler comes with a M.D.F. insert plate that has a self-leveling mechanism so that you will not tear or splinter the stock that you are working with. The plates are interchangeable with other brand name plates, but work best with the Rockler plates and accessories.

Whether you decide on the Rockler or another bench top table router, make sure that the router table is best for both your method of wood working and the space you have in your shop. Most people would agree that the stand alone router table is best for stability and accuracy, but there are many arguments for bench top router tables. Their ease of movement and the ability to set up anywhere is a plus for the tables, but their smaller size is said to sometime limit the uses it can handle. No matter what you decide make sure that you buy the accessory kit that comes with the router table you buy. The accessories sometimes make or break the main unit if not included with the table.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

I work part time for a production studio that makes all kinds of things for theme parks, restaurants, museums and other entertainment industries. It’s a real joy to go to work everyday and see something grow from a drawing into a huge 3 dimensional object. To see the skills of the people that you work with come to life is the real satisfaction though. Everyone I work with is a true professional… whether it’s with fiberglass, wood, paint or any other of the multiple materials that we use, everyone has their specialty. Here’s one of the things that I like doing.

Since I side-line designing and fabricating exhibits for the local museums in our area, a lot of the time I have to make new construction look old… sometimes it’s easy… sometimes it’s not. Now I’m sure that some of you have projects that would look just a little better if they were “faux antiqued”… but how do you make a new piece of lumber look like it’s 100 years old??? Well read on. I’ll let you be privy to one of my old, reliable methods that can put decades, even centuries, on that project that you’re working on.

ONE WAY TO ANTIQUEVILLE…

I usually construct the entire project, making sure that all of the sanding is finished and the project is ready, minus the hardware. Trunks, sea chests (one of my favorite), cabinets or whatever you’re working on should be at the near completion stage before you begin the process… at least this is the way I do it. If you plan to add “distressing” now is the time to do it… scrapes, dings, dents and other marks that you want to show will show better after the next few steps. Each of us has our own methods of doing this so if you don’t have one at this stage get out a piece of test wood and try out your techniques. Take special care to sand down any rough edges, fresh looking marks or mars, and go deep with your sanding it will look better later. Even wire brushing the wood will do wonders…

FIRST - stain your entire project at least twice, not letting the stain dry before the second coat because you’ll want it as “juicy” as you can get it. This will aid in the next process.

SECOND - Get a cheap can of flat black spray paint (the $.99 variety will do nicely) and spray the edges, scrapes, dings, scratches and other “distressing“ that you‘ve added. Go lightly at first… then using the same rag that you applied the stain with go over the painted areas and work the paint into the wood grain. Now, depending upon how much “age” you want may require a second or third application of the paint. Once it’s to your satisfaction add just a little more stain over the painted areas to work the paint into the grain. You can stretch the paint into the unpainted areas for a nice “vignette” effect. Let it dry. Your project should be to your satisfaction before you start the next process.

THIRD - WAX, Wax, wax… I can’t say it enough at this point. Personally, I use Kiwi brown shoe polish for the first and second coats… yes I said shoe polish! Afterwards I lay on as many as 14 - 20 layers of a good finishing wax to really bring out the beauty of the wood. This process actually seems to push what you’ve done down deeper into the wood. It’s also great for adding age to the dings and other distressing you’ve added because it fills in the areas with a rich look of wear and gentle age.

FOURTH - Now, get out that buffer you got for Christmas and let ‘er rip! Continue to add wax as you see fit. And you’ll be amazed at the look you’ll be able to bring up on this lovely old, “new” antique.

Top coat??? NO WAY!!! I personally love the look of a richly polished piece of woodwork. And once you see yourself, yes you’ll be able to if you’ve put enough effort into this… you’ll agree. Although a yearly touch up may be needed, depending upon where your piece sits and how much wear it’ll take, most of the time you’ll be OK. And yes I did say shoe polish!

Now you can add your hardware and other decorations… wall paper the interior, stickers, etc… etc… You may want to even “antique” them a little too. If you do a process similar to what we’ve just done is not too shabby… a hammer on the metal and a little time do wonders too.

I hope you enjoy this process… with a little practice you’ll be able to turn out great pieces of new antiques… and your friends will be impressed…

You can see more woodworking articles here


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

I spent a good bit of time yesterday in Lowes looking for a tool chest that would fit the odd dimensions under a workbench. Like most people I do not have much room in the shop, and I have built custom benches for the tools that I have. I have never been able to find anything off the shelf that would work for me. I really like the idea of having drawers in my shop. I have a larger work table with a roll around bench that I put drawers in. I filled the thing up and it is so nice being organized. Now of course, I want more.


Drawers verses bins.

Most work bench shelves have at least 11 or 12 inches under the main worktop. Putting bins in this space would hold all sorts of screws and nails, but it really wastes a lot of space behind it. Finding a toolbox that can utilize the space is tough as well. Most tool boxes are not deep enough either.


Custom solution

In this case I really need a custom solution. After wasting my time in stores and on the internet, it is clear to me now. A small chest of three drawers that measure about 30 inches wide and 18 to 20 inches deep would be perfect. Assembly is pretty fast since you can basically build the carcass out of plywood and nail it together with an air gun. The real work is in the drawers and generally I start there and work my way to the outside. This has always seemed better to me.

Joinery

You can use any type of custom joinery that you like. If you are like me, quick and dirty works well. Chances are I will be moving to a new shop every five years or so and will have to start all over again with a new solution. So building this masterpiece does not make much sense for my situation. I like rabbit joints for the drawer reinforced with glue for strength. If you cut a nice groove in the bottom for the bottom plate, you will have a very strong drawer. I like use the plastic bins from the store. You can buy them for very inexpensive and they are cheaper to buy than making them. (time wise)


Once I get the main drawer finished, I can easily copy it and make two more. I then attach the drawer slides and figure out the measurements I need for the carcass. The carcass goes together very easily and if I take the time to install the drawer slides before assembly it is much easier.


Finish

I really like to paint my plywood projects. Some people prefer the natural look, but I like the look. I match all my cabinets together and the look is appealing. So sanding is a must and I will use some wood filler to clean up the pores and fix any mistakes. That is another advantage of using paint, mistakes are much easier to conceal.


Cost

I had the plywood left over from another project, so this project is mostly about time. In about 3 hours I have a very nice drawer that does exactly what I wanted. If you can put a dollar figure on the job, you would multiply your hourly rate (what you think your worth) times the hours spent on the project. In my case, I came out way ahead since the closest tool chest was over $150. I would have to assume if someone could make this size chest, you would have a good seller on your hands.



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
Thursday, June 4, 2009

Homemade Router Tables Design Tips
By Vince L. Paxton

A router table is only as good as the bits that you use. The router table doesn't really do anything, it's the bit itself which will be cutting into your wood and creating some of the most beautiful designs which we have come to love. Router tables are very important tools which will be found in anybody's woodworking studio. Not only this, but they are quickly becoming popular for people to have in their own garage. Many people are interested to add this decoration to their own homes, and so are investing in the routers to enable them to do this.

But It Looks So Difficult!

You might think that it is very difficult to use a router to create beautiful designs, however it's not that bad. Router saws do all of the hard work for you. All you need to do is pass the piece of wood through the saw. Almost everyone can do that, and so it should be very easy!

If you don't know what to do then you can find router table plans on the internet. These enable you to create your own bits. Homemade router tables are just as good as shop brought ones. You can find these router plans for free if you search for long enough.

Bits are what make the beautiful designs possible. All of the designs you want to create are dictated by the bit itself. You can get many different types of bits which make different designs. There are edging bits which create beveling, and even straight bits which cut straight notches. You can also find dovetail bits which are very useful to create high quality draws. Other bits can be used for a number of different purposes.

You can find specialty router bits which can be used for many different projects. For example the caps on fence posts are made by using a stile bit. You can get very specialist bits which can make many more cuts in each pass. You can even get miniature bits to create beautiful dolls houses.



The Tops in Router Tables



Router table saws are about the same size as a normal table saw, and so you won't need that much space. However if you don't have much space available then you can consider one of the many bench top models which are available. It is important to align the height of your bench, if this is not correct then it is possible to use adjusters to change this.



What Your Router Table Plans Will Include



These router table plans should show you what the bit will produce when cutting wood. Bear in mind that this cut it just what the basic cut will produce, with a bit of imagination and craft then you will be able to create some wonderful designs. It is possible to adjust the angle of the bit to create unique looks.



No matter what you are using the router to do, these tools are very quick and the best way of doing this job. Nothing can create as much detail as a router for your home improvement project.




Being especially interested in router table designs, Vince Paxton was authoring plenty of papers in this particular area. His abstracts on building a router table are published on http://www.insidewoodworking.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vince_L._Paxton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Homemade-Router-Tables-Design-Tips&id=1333809



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

By Bill Benitez


If you have good woodworking skills, you have probably built projects for family and friends. You may have built some projects for money or at least considered the possibility. When you have the skills, building the projects is not difficult but there is much more to learn if you want to have a successful woodworking business.

The path to success involves three major parts.


  1. Your woodworking skills are critically important to create quality projects that will please your customers. This is true whether you are doing custom work or speculative projects for sale after completion.
  2. The customers and their desires for specific projects are important to the success of your business. No matter how good your skills, without customers to purchase the projects, there are no profits.
  3. How the transactions that take place between you and your customers are handled will determine if your business is financially successful.


Make Certain You Have Salable Skills


Let's take those three parts one at a time starting with your skills. If everyone, even those who pay you, love your work, chances are you have good skills. It is important to judge this honestly. It is difficult to charge good prices if your work is just mediocre. Make certain that every piece pleases your customers.

Hone Your Design Skills

With custom or speculative work, you will need creative design skills. Most customers will only have a very general idea of what they want. So, for custom work, you will have to listen closely, create clear and concise drawings, and explain your design clearly to avoid problems. This is a critical step in addressing the desires of your customers.

Make Certain You Get Paid


Finally, you want to use your skills to increase your income, not to lose money. So how you handle the individual transactions with customers is critical. Remember that these transactions involve two parts of equal importance. The first part is making certain you please your customer with a quality product. The second part is making certain that you get paid for your work. Financial success requires that both parts be of equal importance.

You're probably thinking, "of course I'll get paid." But I have friends in the woodworking business who wound up losing thousands of dollars because of failure to make the payment as important as the work. Even though they delivered excellent work, they were put off and sometimes never paid at all. During a conversation with one of these woodworkers, he said that the customers were unwilling to pay a deposit upfront. From personal experience, I know that isn't a big problem even though you may find such a customer on occasion. Without a proper contract and a significant up front deposit, you can have difficulties collecting for your jobs.

During over twenty years of dealing with hundreds of customers I only had three customers refuse to pay a deposit. I turned down all three jobs and two of them called me back and paid the deposit so I would do the work. So that leaves only one out of hundreds.

ake A Professional Presentation


Obviously, you have to make a professional presentation to your customer and present yourself as someone whom they deem trustworthy. Otherwise, you will meet resistance regularly. I always made certain the customer knew that I could deliver what I agreed to by showing them pictures of my other work and explaining how I would do their job in great detail. Never talk down to your customers because you have more woodworking knowledge.


Doing Jobs For Money Is Different

It is really a simple process. Start by remembering that a job for money is different from free work for family or friends. Once all the job details are settled, turn the topic to the price and emphasize exactly how you expect to get paid. I strongly suggest that you insist upon a fifty percent deposit on every job before you start. Prepare a simple contract that outlines exactly what you will do for the price and attach a copy of the drawings. The contract should be signed by you and the person for whom you are doing the job. Make certain each of you gets an exact copy. These steps make a professional impression and clearly indicates that you expect to get paid.

This is just a start to help you handle the business end of woodworking and ensure that you make money with every job. Learn all you can about how to handle the business aspects of a full or part-time woodworking business before you start.


Bill Benitez

Positive Imaging, LLC


Bill Benitez spent over 20 years operating his own woodworking business before getting his MCSE and becoming a Network Administrator, Writer, Publisher, and Web Site Designer. He has written several books on the woodworking business and self employment. His newest book is The Woodworker's Business Guide: Using Your Skills For Maximum Profit. Check it out and download a free sample edition at:



http://woodworkers-business-guide.com



For valuable information for woodworkers interested in making money with their skills, check out his web site at:



http://woodworkdoctor.com



For questions or comments please email Bill at: bill@positive-imaging.com.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Benitez
http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-Money-With-Woodworking&id=1885555



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments

By Greg F Williams

If you love to woodwork and want to increase your income, then a great way to do this would be starting a home based business. any one who has reasonable woodworking skills can easily start his or her business from home. What you will need to do is, start small and build a portfolio of your work. this is a great way to impress your potential customers.

It is indeed an excellent idea If you want to make a career in woodworking . There are many examples of people who have become rich with the help of woodworking business. If you are really serious this? Then it is just a matter of time and hard work, before you become successful with your business. A woodworking business is a good source of income, whether you work part or full time at it. If you love to work with wood then there will not be any problems for you starting a woodworking business.

It is common knowledge that many people have doubled their income by doing woodworking part time. Handcrafted wood is in great demand these days and always will be. If the handcrafted wood has a beautiful design and is of good quality then you will find that you can ask the price you want from your customer. If you decide to manufacture wooden toys then it is indeed a golden opportunity for you to start a woodworking business at home. Children always love to play with wooden toys. But then you will also find that most wooden products are marketable today.

If you are a skilled worker and are able to manufacture furniture, such as cabinets, chairs and tables then you should not think twice about starting a woodworking business. Cabinets, chairs and tables are used every day and also in great demand. Hence there is no way that you will remain idle if you start a woodworking business manufacturing these products. In fact you may find that the orders you receive for making cabinets and furniture will be so many, that you will have to consider hiring skilled workers.

At present the woodworking business is booming. Thus, there is no reason that you will make a loss if you start a woodworking business. If you have the skill and talent combined with some design flair, then you can easily make money with a woodworking business.

If you want to start a woodworking business then you should know the requirements for opening this business. More importantly you should be clear about the type of wooden products that are going produce. From the type of wooden products that are going produce, you will be able to get an idea about the tools and supplies that you will need to start your business.

A good idea when you start is to advertise your business through newspapers this is a great way to attract potential customers. You could also create your own website where you can showcase your products to your potential customers. A website is indeed a nice way to showcase all your wooden products.

You could also make extra money with your website, by placing adverts with the name of suppliers in your city that can provide the various woods needed as well as wood manufacturing tools.

Never make the mistake of using sub standard materials. Quality is important especially in wooden products that will be in daily use. A substandard product will definitely ruin your reputation, which will have an adverse effect on your woodworking business or it could even put you out of business.

Greg F Williams is an online author and maintains a site devoted to Woodworking Tips You can find out a lot more woodworking by going to my site Free Woodworking Tips Where I share over 30 years of woodworking experience with you.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_F_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Woodworking-Business---Tips-on-How-to-Start-One&id=1340309



by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Liz Wood

People don’t often realize it, but kitchen cabinet doors can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen and add to the overall beauty. The quality of cabinets plays a major role in the way they will make your kitchen look. Cabinets of poor quality will make your kitchen look worn and unflattering, but quality cabinets can completely change that look. And it’s simple because all you have to do is change the kitchen cabinet doors to achieve your new look.

The first thing you should know about kitchen design is that cabinets can be made from a wide range of woods which include:

Oak

Maple

Pine

Cherry

Hickory

Poplar

Alder

Birch


Cherry, Birch and Maple are popular choices for cabinetry. If you are looking for a more affordable option, Alder and Poplar are great choices and also work well with glazed finishes. Pine is a soft wood that is also popular among many homeowners. Hickory and Oak are the heaviest of your choices. Keep in mind, particleboard and plywood is also used in the cabinet construction.


The style of the door is also important. The four main types of doors include inset, lipped, partial overlay and full overlay. There are five main types of cabinet door shapes which include flat slab, recessed panel, raised panel, beadboard panel and curved panel.


Common cabinet design styles include traditional, country, shaker and contemporary. Raised panel doors create a more traditional design. Full overlay doors create a more contemporary look.


When it comes time to purchase your new cabinets, there are three main types of kitchen cabinets to choose from. These include stock kitchen cabinets, semi-stock kitchen cabinets, and custom kitchen cabinets. Stock kitchen cabinets are limited in design options, but also very affordable. Custom kitchen cabinets allow you to get exactly what you want with a very high level of craftsmanship. However, be expected to pay for such customization. Semi-stock kitchen cabinets are a happy medium between stock and custom cabinets, offering a certain level of customization.

Cabinet construction types include framed and frameless. Framed cabinets consist of two components, the cabinet box and the face frame. These two components are assembled together. Frameless cabinets, also referred to as European-styled cabinets, consist of a box with no face frame. Frameless cabinets provide better accessibility and extra interior space.

The last thing to know about cabinet design includes the decorative pulls and knobs. Not only are knobs and pulls put in place for aesthetic purposes, they also protect the wood and finish of the cabinets. They are available to many shapes, sizes, and styles which include but are not limited to brushed chrome, plastic, ceramic, glass and iron.


About the Author: To learn more about kitchen cabinets, and for a free price quote on replacing or refacing cabinets visit www.KitchenCabinetsKey.com.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=93517&ca=Home+Management


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Rastus Filby

If you get bored with your current set of cabinets, then you will find that a little cabinet re-facing will help you to solve this problem. Many times the cabinets are in proper condition but they may look out of date and old because of their look and design. The methods given here would not only save both time and money, but will render any home looking in vogue and fresh once again.

A number of ways are available for you to choose from whereby you can re-face your home. There is no hard and fast rule to do it. Some ways will take a long time, and there are some ways by which any person can accomplish the task by himself or herself. If you have a long-term project in your mind, then you can do both the outdoor and the indoor. If the frames of the cabinet have not dilapidated much, then you can comfortably get along without this step.

One way of re-facing your cabinet is just to peel off the old varnish and put a new layer on it. This may take some time to finish, but it will exude the natural grain of the wood on the cabinets. You may also have to put more than one layer of new varnish on the cabinet. You can make this your own fun and fresh way of adding style to your kitchen décor.

You can also install new doors for cabinet re-facing. In case your doors have become cracked, dingy or at the point of breaking, then you may have to invest in new doors. But if you want to avoid buying new doors, you can either make them yourself or appoint another person to do it for you. There are many styles to choose from for your doors in your project of cabinet re-facing, and they are rarely difficult to fit.

A quick way to re-face that cabinet of yours is through painting. Some cabinets need to be stripped off their all the paint and start afresh. This would be required if the paint is cracking off or peeling. For some cabinets, you may have to begin with a coat of primer, and then add the actual paint. Needless to say there are a variety of colors you can choose from. There is a definite kind of paint for the cabinet, which you can use so that it remains good and nice for a long time. This paint can be easily procured from any ordinary shop that sells paints. This is an enjoyable and inventive way to add that extra touch to your kitchen.

With a little bit of re-facing your cabinet you can a lot of personal touch to your home. This would also make your home more beautiful than ever, where you will feel good to be. Again, your guests would feel welcome and good in the fresh and inviting surroundings. At the end of the day, all the effort would be worth it.



About the Author: Visit the following sites for more info on cabinet refacing, kitchen cabinet refacing and cabinet refacing costs.



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Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=73129&ca=Home+Management


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Jesse Akre

Your kitchen, it looks exactly like it did when your home was built thirty years ago. So, you have decided to change up its look and are going all out by painting, installing new molding, and yes, you are even refurbishing your cabinets. If you are going to do this, you need to do it right so when you put your cabinets back together, make sure you buy new hardware for them and that includes cabinet door hinges. There are many options, all of which are sure to please.


Now, if you are thinking that not getting new cabinet door hinges and hardware for your newly refurbished cabinets is not a big deal. Think again. For example, let’s say that you go with a completely new look with your cabinets and instead of a dark finish, you went with something a little lighter and more modern. Like, ones that have a gorgeous cherry finish. Well, then if you go with the dark ones that were on there before, then the look of your cabinets will be pretty off. So, you need to go with something that is also more modern looking and a great choice would be ones crafted out of steel that have a brushed finish. Or, maybe the look of your cabinets now have more of an old cottage type feel them. Well, a great option for you would be ones crafted out of wrought iron that have an oil rubbed finish.

As you can see, when it comes to cabinet door hinges, there are a lot to choose from that makes it pretty easy for you to find ones to match the look and styling of your kitchen cabinets. Along with the wrought iron and stainless options mentioned above, they can be crafted from a wide variety of other metals like brass and copper and can feature a wide variety of finishes including polished and satin. If you want to easily see all the options that are available, the fastest and easiest way to do it is by hopping on the internet for some online shopping. You can browse the many selections in no time at all and will probably find what you want at the lowest prices possible. Plus, when you do make a purchase, it gets shipped right to your door so you do not have to waste any time and gas by going to the hardware store.

And, when refurbishing your kitchen cabinets, remember that you will not only need to buy new cabinet door hinges for them, but other new hardware for them as well. That other hardware includes cabinets knobs, drawer pulls, and drawer slides. If you just get new hinges and not all the other options, then you are going to have a very mismatched look going on in your space, which is really tacky and makes it seem like you have no sense when it comes to design and home decorating.

So, you need to make sure that when refurbishing your kitchen cabinets, you get new kitchen cabinet hardware and that includes cabinet door knobs. If you do not, you kitchen will turn into an eye-sore.



About the Author: Jesse Akre shares with his thoughts on cabinet hinges, door hinges and hinges.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=186657&ca=Home+Management


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Dorothy Kimble

There are many beautiful things that are made out of wood and these beautiful wood crafts are the results of the talented woodworker. Woodworking is a beautiful art, although it may not be delicate as some artwork is. Creating beautiful things out of logs of wood and wooden boards it truly a wonderful and beautiful form of art that takes talent.


Being able to take a meaningless piece of wood and turning it into a beautiful artwork is what fuels the passion of the woodworker. Woodworking can be a very fulfilling hobby and hours of recreation can be found if one has woodworking as a hobby. The following are some reasons that woodworking is such a wonderful hobby to have.

First of all you will find that woodworking is not only a hobby that brings about financial benefits, but there is more to this hobby than that. People who do woodworking as a hobby do it for more than the money. Woodworking is a pleasure and is a hobby that brings about great personal satisfaction. Creating something gives people a feeling of meaning that is more important than financial gain. While it may be hard to actually make a full-time income doing woodworking, having it as a hobby allows people to enjoy their woodworking without having to worry about bringing in profit for their work.


Secondly you will find that a hobby of woodworking does not always mean that you are the one doing the work. If you do not have the talent or time to do the actual woodworking work then you may enjoy collecting woodwork that has been made by others as well. You may find fulfillment building beautiful collections of woodwork and maybe you will enjoy restoring woodwork that has already been made by others.


Thirdly you will find that you can actually save some money if you have woodworking as a hobby. Even if you are not making money with your woodworking hobby, you may find that you can save some money instead. You may be able to start making things that you would have had to buy, which will save you money, as well as giving you the satisfaction of knowing that you created that with your own hands.


Woodworking as a hobby can be relaxing and fun, and there is definitely more to it than a way to earn money. If you enjoy just taking the time to work with wood and create new things then you will enjoy your hobby of woodworking.



About the Author: Dorothy Kimble is a staff writer at Crafts Digest and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Recreation Digest.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=104910&ca=Arts+and+Crafts


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Peter Wilson

So think you’d like to build a bathroom cabinet. Perhaps a new curio for the front room is in order. You even recognize how nice it would be to make a captain’s bed with a full set of drawers underneath and a headboard that holds books. If you have big plans for building something out of wood, then make sure you have the right woodworking plans and patterns so that you can do it like the professionals.


What’s In a Woodworking Plan


Commercially sold or free woodworking plans found online take all the guess work out of a project. A good plan, not only list the lumber you will need – type and quantity, but it can give you estimates on how long the whole project will take and evaluate it by skill level. For example, a beginner may not be ready for a curved wood curio cabinet top, but could really do nicely making a lighthouse style birdhouse.


Wood working patterns also contain a hardware and accessories list. You will know ahead of time just how many hinges, knobs and drawer rails your project requires. It will give a description of the best materials to use and even where to get them.


A tool list helps you make sure you have everything you need to work with your supply list. Many plans don’t assume you already own any of the tools so the list is comprehensive and complete. If you need a particular saw blade, the plans will let you know right there in black and white.


Another helpful part about using a woodworking pattern is that all your measurements are there. If you are making the captain’s bed with underneath storage drawers, you will not need to calculate or guess the width each drawer needs to be in order to fit three across. The figuring has been done for you. Even better than just planning, the plan author has most likely made the project several times, so they know from experience.


How Hard Is It To Read Woodworking Plans?

Many plans are created to overcome the language barrier. Pictures illustrate each step and are often all that is necessary without added written descriptions. For those steps that may need the additional explanation, written directions are usually in several of the most common world languages.


You don’t need to have a degree in hammering and gluing to understand how these directions work. If you have every put one of those “some assembly required” toys together, then you will be pleasantly surprised that reading woodworking plans is actually easier!


The Finishing Touches


Many wood working patterns come with illustrations or photographs of the finished project. Line drawings are always included, but it is also nice to see the finished piece in a photograph. This will give you ideas for staining or painting the finished wood project. Also you can get an idea of how it might look in a room in your home. Don’t be afraid to take on a wood working project just because you can’t see how it’s all put together from the outside. Chances are somebody has wanted to make one of their own and has drawn up just the pattern you need.



About the Author: Peter J. Wilson routinely makes papers on problems dealing with free woodworking patterns and scroll saw patterns. You might find out more about his writings on woodworking plans over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=102359&ca=Arts+and+Crafts


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Johnathan Bakers

Having the right craftsman tools is important for anyone that is into woodworking, whether it is simply as a hobby or whether you take up woodworking as your profession. The right tools in your workshop can make a big difference to the outcome and result of your work, which is why every woodworking professional or enthusiast likes to ensure that they have the right equipment in order to work at their best. You can get a wide range of woodworking machinery and tools these days from high quality and reputable manufacturers, which means that you can ensure high quality work and craftsmanship every time. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to equip your workshop either, as you can get some great deals on used woodworking tools these days, enabling you to get the tools you need without having to break the bank. The choice of tools available these days means that professionals and enthusiasts alike can pick up some real bargains, and by expanding your workshop you can also enjoy expanding your capabilities and improving on the work that you produce.


Enjoy great deals on tools from top manufacturers

When buying tools with which to equip your workshop it is important to look out for woodworking machinery that boasts quality and fine craftsmanship as well as value for money, as this will ensure that you have just the equipment you need to do the best job possible with your skills. You can get some great deals on tools and machinery from manufacturers such as Milwaukee tools, as well as Rockwell tools and Rigid power tools, all of which offer affordability and value as well as great reputation and high quality. With this type of woodworking machinery and equipment your workshop will soon have everything you need to be as creative as you wish and produce high quality work either for yourself or for customers. With higher quality tools and more affordable prices appearing on the market on a regular basis, it is easier than ever these days to create a workshop that will make your job and your life easier and will help you to make the most of your skills.


Enjoy the convenience and value of shopping online

Whether you are looking for woodworking machinery that is used or whether you want to order brand new tools for your workshop, going online to make your purchase can save you a great deal of money as well as inconvenience when equipping your workshop with the necessary tools. You will find some excellent deals on machinery from top manufacturers and you can get far more for your money simply by comparing deals and prices. Finding tools to fit in with your needs and budget is easier online, as you have far more choice. And in addition to all this you don’t have to worry about going out in order to make your purchases as you can browse the various deals and prices from the comfort of your own home, place your order online, and enjoy fast and efficient delivery to your home or other chosen address.



About the Author: Johnathan Bakers frequently pens summaries on things relating to used woodworking equipment and power tools. You can learn about his writings on woodworking machinery over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com .



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=95794&ca=Arts+and+Crafts


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
By Linden J. Walhard

n woodworking, as time goes by, you realize that will need more than one saw in your shop. Beginning woodworkers tend to primarily purchase miter saws and table saws. In order to purchase tools that will serve you properly as you gain more experience, you need to know what to look for in a saw. A great tip for gaining inspiration or information on more DIY projects is to check out woodworking stores that sell discounted tools and woodworking shows can be a great source as well.


How to Choose a Woodworking Saw

Many times the first and most important power tool people buy for their workshop is the table saw. Typically, voltage for saws come in 120 or 240. Normal household circuits take 120 voltage for saws. For 240 voltage, a dedicated circuit is required. Most of the time a 120 volt saw will suffice, but if you require more power you can get an electrician to put in a dedicated line for you. Usually only professionals, who have regular use for their saw, require 240 voltage.


Take these things into consideration:

Motor power

Left or right tilt direction

Capacity of dust collection; too much dust can be a health hazard and can be a mess to clean

Fence Accuracy; you want a fence that will be easy to use and adjustable.


Woodworking Miter Saws

It can be daunting when you are trying to pick out a Miter saw because there are so many options out there on the market. When working with wood, they are one of the most important pieces of equipment because they handle cutting angles precisely and quickly. If you want to narrow down your options when choosing a saw, an important source of information is reading reviews.


Furniture making projects and replacing trim for your entire house are examples of big jobs that are great for Miter saws. In terms of the entire appearance, a tight Miter can make a big difference. Two options for miter saws are to either use them on the ground or on a stand. The stand option is best when you have to cut a lot of wood.

Jigs for Woodworking

Woodworking jigs, which tend to be an essential part of a diverse-array of projects, increase accuracy and save time. When you need to create many pieces, using jigs can not only be much faster, but can ensure that all pieces are identical. You end up with more professional and consistent results. Depending on the type of project and the desired results, you can determine what jigs you need.


Woodworking supply shops will sell jigs, but you may be able to find cheaper options on the internet. Consider making your own jigs if you’d like to save more money. You don’t want to spend too much money on expensive wood when making them, because usually, they are used only once.


Most Common Jigs

Taper jigs are used for tapering table legs, chair legs, and other furniture.

V bock jigs are great for boxes and frames.

Dovetail jigs can aid in making dovetail joints.



About the Author: Focusing on latest news in power tools, Linden Walhard is publishing especially for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . You might discover his publications on woodworking on his site.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=141858&ca=Arts+and+Crafts


by: Router Table Depot 0 Comments
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