Posts Tagged ‘woodworking’

Router table lifts are very popular right now.  There are several brands out there and they all seem to cost in the same general price range.  People are really buying them up pretty fast.  In my opinion you do not always need one.  Consider the type of routing you will be doing and let that help you figure out whether you should buy one or not.  If you spend the majority of your time on the router table, then maybe it’s a good idea.  If you only use your table for edge profiling stock, then you might put your $300 bucks to a better purchase.  If you are advanced in your skills then buying a lift is a natural way to improve and make your woodworking more time effective.

Another great video by the woodwhisperer.

I would say that this is a loaded question.  I am a big believer in having as many router bits as possible.  If you can afford it, more is best.  If you cannot then sometimes its best to find a nice collection that is sold in a set.  These sets often times give you a little bit of everything.  This can be great if you are doing some work that calls for a round over or flush trim bit.  You will not get away from having to go and buy additional bits entirely since there are always times when you need something special.  Other woodworkers build their collection as they need them.  They only buy what the project that they are working on requires.  This takes a bit longer to build a collection but it more cost effective.

Most woodworkers are on a budget, so going out and buying all the tools for your dream shop is not a reality.  Sometimes buying used tools can be a great option for increasing your shops offerings.  I love to find stuff at garage sales and on craigslist.  When I am at garage sales I find that finding a decent tool usually falls into two categories.  It’s a decent tool at a great price because the seller usually has no idea what it is or they have good tools and are priced really high.  Occasionally you can find someone that is moving and just wants to clear everything out, but that is not usually the case.  Look at the seller, if you feel comfortable with the tool brand and the fact that it may not look that beat up, take a chance.

I occasionally buy tools on craigslist.  These tend to be a bit higher since the sellers are not as desperate as garage sale sellers.  I have found some pretty cool stuff over the years and the offerings are always changing, which makes looking for them fun.

The one place I do not buy is from pawn shops.  The tools that are for sale in most pawn shops are so beat up that I can never see myself paying for one.  Another factor is pawn shops always seem to want some crazy price for the tool.  Most of the time I could buy the same tool brand new, for the same price.  I know they want to add some haggle room, but I prefer not to have to go through that.

How to Use a Router Table when Using a Plunge Router — powered by eHow.com

Skil 1810

Specifications

Fixed base router with 9 AMP/1-3/4 HP motor

Fine depth extension rod; 1/4-inch bit capacity; collet lock

Die cast metal fixed base for durability

Includes collet wrench, 1/4-inch collet

2-year warranty

Other Resources

makes a better anvil than router

Not for use with a table

http://wize.com/routers-and-shapers/p737854-factory-reconditioned-skil-1810-rt-1-4

Replacement Parts

Porter Cable 892

Specifications

• 2-1/4-horsepower motor for smooth, reliable operation
• Alter height, lock and unlock, and release motor from the mount–all from above, not below, the table
• Auto-spindle lock for one-handed bit changes
• Weighs 12.6-pounds when shipped
• Includes carrying case, sub-base, 1/4- and 1/2-inch self-releasing collets, and wrench

Comparison Shopping

Rockler  $205.99

Other Resources

E Replacement parts

I found a nifty site that can help you find available coupons for your favorite woodworking sites.  If you are planning on making a purchase in the near future, its always great to have a coupon to save a little money.

The name of the site is called Rateitall.com and its not just limited to woodworking sites, it carries coupons for all sites of sites that have them available.  Below is a picture of the search return that received when I put in the term “woodworking”  if the link does not bring up the same result, just add woodworking into the search box for a current list.    Each site is listed and you can follow the link right to the page.  When you click the site it brings up the current items that is available and the percentage of people that were successful using the coupon code.

Rate it All

Milwaukee 5619

Specifications

• D-handle router with a 11 Amp, 24,000 rpm motor
• Exclusive linear depth adjustment features a large steel motor lock lever and depth adjustment gearing
• Soft-Grip D-handle with lock-on trigger switch; comfortable over-molded rubber grip wrapped around the base
• Includes two 1-1/8-inch collet wrenches, 1/2-inch collet and 1/4-inch collet
• Tool weighs 9.2 pounds; 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

Comparison Shopping

Tool Barn $158

Tool King $169.99

Pics

Another great tool from Milwaukee

great router

Excellent product

Where’s the variable speed?

ergonomic masterpiece

Thanks Milwaukee

Outstanding Router

One of the BEST

Well thought out design

Other Resources

Wize product review

Replacement Parts

By now you have seen these, they are pretty much available in most woodworking catalogs.  At first I did not think to much of them until I held one in my hand.  I thought I could just do what I have always done and use a piece of scrap wood.  Sure enough these things work, and they work well.  For $12 its not too bad and they will find a lot of use in your shop.  Here is an interesting factoid, do you know what the difference is between the Rockler bench cookie and the Bench Dog Bench cookie is?  The answer is, nothing.  Rockler owns Bench Dog and the only difference is the color.

• Rout, sand, cut and carve without using clamps
• Raise up workpieces for easy edge finishing
• Support projects without leaving marks
• Assemble projects on a stable, non-slip base
• Set up quickly for any application

Some feedback for the Rockler side

Simple and Strait forward,

Very useful,

So Far, So Good,

Good Stuff

From the Bench Dog side:

Works Great!

Nothing but awesome!,

shipping and tax free alternative to Rockler cookies

Bench Dog Cookies Great Shop Item

Doggone Good

And Just for fun….

Bench Dog Cookies,  get them here

Rockler Bench cookies, get them here