WoodWorkers Guild of America » General Discussion

1. 

   George Vondriska
   

   preferred member
   Joined: Sep '08
   Posts: 150

   I've got a few favorite electronic devices that really help me in the shop; digital fractional calipers, digital planer readout, fractional calculator, and a handy piece of woodworking software. How about you? Anything electronics that you regularly use?

   # Posted 1 year ago
2. 

   Paul Mayer
   

   preferred member
   Joined: Dec '09
   Posts: 116

   This is a great topic, as I am always wondering what others are using. I am not big into gizmos, but I use a digital caliper quite a bit. Not sure if this counts, but I also use a moisture meter with a digital readout pretty regularly. Other than that, not a lot of digital stuff in the shop itself. I use the computer all the time for design. I have used Sketchup a bit in the past, but with limited success due to my own inability with the tool. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that my primary "design" tool is powerpoint. I would never recommend this for anyone, because to say it is clunky as a furniture design tool would be a gross understatement. But I know the tool well from my use of it in my day job, so in spite of its limitations I can generally get it to do what I need. But, do not attempt this at home unless you are a full blown masochist like me...

   Paul http://www.vernswoodgoods.com

   # Posted 1 year ago
3. 

   Gary D.
   

   member
   Joined: Feb '10
   Posts: 11

   I don't have any yet but I have been meaning to get a digital height gauge and a digital planer readout. George, what woodworking software are you using?

   # Posted 1 year ago
4. 

   George Vondriska
   

   preferred member
   Joined: Sep '08
   Posts: 150

   I use the Woodshop Calculator software all the time for board foot calculations and door part size calculations. I also use Cut List Plus to determine parts lay out on sheet stock. I have TurboCad drawing software, but haven't found the time to get good at using it.

   G

   # Posted 1 year ago
5. 

   Bruce H.
   

   new member
   Joined: Apr '09
   Posts: 1

   George,
   I love gadgets. The two electronic gadgets I use are my Tilt Box to make sure my table saw blade is exactly what I want it to be, and my adjustable square to measure inside and outside angles to less than a cat's whisker. I have a fractional caliper also, but I bought it too early, before the electronic models were available.
   Bruce H.

   # Posted 1 year ago
6. 

   Paul B.
   

   new member
   Joined: Oct '09
   Posts: 1

   Pal here, I also use the tilt box and digital calipers & calculator. I alsouse a dgital protractor to setup angles such as 22.5 degrees on the table saw. I also use sketchup as well.

   regards Paul

   # Posted 12 months ago

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