Thursday, December 23, 2010

Woodcraft Brings Back Its Mortiser-AND ON SALE NOW!


Woodcraft has brought back its Steel City Mortiser as the Wood River brand. On sale for Christmas. - Read More

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Tool Review-Woodpecker Router Lift


The Woodpecker's Quick Lift 420 is a great solid removable router plate insert. The lift allows for easy change out of your router motor for other use or storage. These lift plate allows for the installation of various diameter center opening twist lock plate inserts to accommodate various bit sizes. The lift allows for easy bit changes by removing the twist lock plate insert and then using the silver "L" handle to raise up the router allowing easy access to the chuck. Once set up the venier handle makes for quick and precise setting of the router bit height. -Read More

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Workshop Renovation Part XIV-Work Bench and Tool Cabinets


HTML clipboardThe last major part of my workshop renovation project was to build an new general purpose work bench. This project possessed many of the same goals modular construction, secure storage and dust free storage and portability. Additionally I was trying to replicate the quick access to hand tools of my old peg board wall mount. Construction of the cabinet carcasses was virtually the same as all the cabinets of the miter bench, with the exception of a heavy duty front cross piece.-Read More

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Tool Review-DeWalt 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light


Dewalt has a series of light sources that utilize the same batteries that power their various cordless tools. Since I had decided to use their 18volt systems years ago, I have a good supply of these batteries for use with extra tools and lights. Although I have a Dewalt flashlight and "snake light", I often find their illumination too narrow in larger spaces. Dewalt has solved that with their new DC527 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light. -Read More

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Cool Your Electronic Componets Easily


Today's DVRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, etc. generate a lot of heat when running or in standby. Put these in a enclosed cabinet and the problem becomes worse and can lead to premature component failure. Venting the cabinet is not always a possibility, but there are other ways to increase the air flow and dissipate the heat.-Read More

Monday, May 31, 2010

Home Repair-Dual Flush Toilet Conversions


One of the great ways to save money and "GO GREEN" is to convert an older toilet into a dual flush model that reduces water usage. There are numerous methods of doing this and the various conversion kits on the market range from $20 to $100. Further the complexity of making these conversions can range from a quick installation to nearly replacing to the toilet.

After some research I have found a reasonably priced and easily installed dual flush conversion kit that will pay for itself as soon as it is installed.-Read More

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Tool Review-Steel City Model 25200 Mortiser


If you do a lot of joinery a mortiser is a must and ease of operation will improve your accuracy and project satisfaction. I purchased the Steel City Mortiser through Woodcraft after much comparison of the different models and features. Based on the features and price Steel City was the way to go and did not disappoint.-Read More

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Shop Tips-Cordless Tool Battery Rebuilds


HTML clipboard One of the downsides of cordless tools is the expense of replacing worn out batteries. I have often found it cheaper to buy another drill on sale, that comes with batteries, than it is to buy a replacement battery. After dealing with this for years, I finally decided to see if I could have my battery packs rebuilt. The answer was yes and for about half of a new battery.-Read More