Buying Advice

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  • Product Review: ISOtunes Pro

    ISOtunes Pro headphones offer some cool benefits for woodworkers: Bluetooth connection to your phone, hearing protection, and—what I think is the coolest feature—suppression of background noise when you’re on the phone. That means you can keep workin’ while you’re talkin’. This video provides you with an example of just how the noise suppression works. Check… Read more »

  • Product Review: ISOtunes Pro

    If you’re going to be around tools, you’ve GOT TO use hearing protection. If you don’t want to have to choose between music, phone calls, and hearing protection, you should have a look at ISOtunes Pro. Learn more about them with this product review. I have my share (or more) of electronic devices, and I… Read more »

  • Product Review: Dowel Wizard

    Looking for a way to easily incorporate dowel joinery in your woodworking projects? The Dowel Wizard may be an answer for you. It’s self-centering, and easy to align. Check out our review of this new product. Dowels are a time-tested means of joining parts. They’re easy to come by, and very strong. The down side?… Read more »

  • Buying Advice: Random Orbit Sanders

    Random orbit sanders provide an excellent means of sanding your projects.They have the speed of a disc sander but, thanks to their orbit, leave few, if any, sanding marks. This is the best of both worlds when it comes to sanding. Speed, and a great finish. Features If you’re shopping for a random orbit sander… Read more »

  • Powermatic Tenon Jig: Product Review

    The Powermatic TJ Tenoning Jig has a unique feature; you can use the cutting tool you cut the mortise with to set up the jig and dial in the resulting tenon. Seems like a great idea. Does it work? Let’s find out. The guide bar is designed for 3/8” x 3/4″ slots. The fit can… Read more »

  • Kauri: An Ancient Wood

    Thanks to my daughter, Meg, I stumbled across what may be the oldest wood in the world; kauri. It comes from New Zealand, where the trees fell into a peat bog as much as 50,000 years ago. Here’s what I’ve learned about this amazing material. Meg went to college in Ashland, WI, and while there… Read more »

  • Turning a Kauri Bowl

    In this video, George Vondriska is in the shop working on an extra special piece of wood known as Kauri. Kauri wood, which comes from New Zealand, can be up to 50,000 years old and was formed when fallen trees were preserved in peat bogs. Join George as he discusses and discovers the working characteristics… Read more »

  • Tool Review: DeWalt DWS780 12” Dual Bevel Compound Miter Saw

    If you’re considering adding a new miter saw to your shop, don’t make a move until you’ve read this great product review of the DeWalt DWS780. Does it make the cut? Read on to find out. I’ve owned several miter saws in my woodworking career. In fact, when I started out in carpentry, we were… Read more »

  • Great Auto-Adjusting Clamp Solutions

    Looking for cool clamping solutions for your shop? The new Automaxx clamps from Kreg are worth a look. They provide excellent clamping power and, amazingly, they auto adjust to varying thicknesses of stock. No fussing with the clamp capacity; just squeeze and go. Applications Kreg makes their Automaxx clamps in a variety of configurations. Whether… Read more »

  • George’s Tips on Impact Driver Tips

    Buying a tip for power driving screws may seem like a no brainer but, like any tool, it pays to know what you’re getting and what you should be shopping for before making a purchase. This is especially true if you’re putting screws in with an impact driver. Impact drivers exert a lot of torque,… Read more »