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The Difference Between a Jointer and Planer
Beginning woodworkers all ask this basic question; what is the difference between a jointer and a planer? The answer is simple, a lot! And is there such a thing as a jointer planer. No! Each machine does a completely different surfacing operation. A jointer flattens a face or straightens and squares an edge, and a
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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. This is the unique feature of the Powermatic Tenon Jig. Sandwich the cutting
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Kauri: An Ancient Wood
Meg went to college in Ashland, WI, and while there learned about Ancient Wood, a company that imports kauri from New Zealand. Knowing that I was sort of interested in all things wood-related, she passed their information along to me and I was able to tour their facility. What’s the deal with kauri? The kauri
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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Shop Dust Collection: Shop Vacuum vs. Dust Collector
Woodshop dust collection is a mysterious topic for many woodworkers, but we at WWGOA like to approach it in very simple terms that we can all understand. When contemplating woodshop dust collection, the first question that many woodworkers as is “Do I really need a dedicated dust collector? Can’t I just use a shop vacuum
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Top 5 Stationary Woodworking Power Tools for Beginners
Whether they’re just getting started, or have been involved with woodworking for a while, many woodworkers wonder what woodworking power tools they should add to their shop. The answer to this question can be subjective, and depend on what types of woodworking projects you commonly build, but George Vondriska is ready to provide you with
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Dust Right® Universal Small Port Hose Kit: Product Review
When I started working wood 35 years ago the power tools never came with dust ports. Those were the days of paper masks, clouds of dust and wading through shavings on the floor. Today, all sanding, shaping or cutting tools have built in dust ports. That’s a good thing. The bad thing is lack of
Buying Advice
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Hi, Im interested in purchasing a JET Drum Sander… Between the JET 1632 and 1836… I’m on the fence… Any thoughts on one vs the other… it is about $200 more for the 1836… also the 1836 is 2″ bigger and has the 1.75 hp vs the 1.5 on the 1632. I like the 1632 but hate the thought of a year down the road I should have spent the extra $200 for the 1836. Thank you for any advise/thoughts on which way I should go. My email is eilers2020@gmail.com. Thank you!
Hi James. Power and capacity are important with a drum sander. Between the two that you are looking at, I would lean toward the 1836. Before you pull the trigger, I’d also suggest taking a look at this one: https://amzn.to/2Lj2gCh. The same people who designed the Jet drum sanders left to start SuperMax, and these guys know what they are doing. George has one in his shop and loves it. It’s a very impressive machine, and roughly the same price as the Jet 1836.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
Looking for good 10″ Table saw blade sharpener
where do i start? i am wanting to make nice things not for money just to keep me busy. I have ran big saws chainsaws ect. not small equipment. I have a good table saw band saw router. It is overwhelming to me.
Hello Clinton,
I would start with one tool at a time. For me, the best place to start would be by mastering your table saw. Make a few boxes out of inexpensive wood. Experiment with different joinery techniques; butt joints, miters, splines, biscuits, etc. Once you feel like you have the hang of that, move to the band saw. Build a couple bandsaw-centric projects like a reindeer https://www.wwgoa.com/video/post-haste-project-how-to-make-wooden-christmas-reindeer-010244/. If you can get the hang of making those reindeer, and they are not that hard, you will be well on your way to mastering the bandsaw. Then move to the router, and so on. We have a section of free plans for beginner woodworkers that you might want to check out as well: https://www.wwgoa.com/projects/beginner-woodworking-projects/.
The trick is to start slow and be patient with yourself. We all start out by making some firewood in our early projects. It’s fun to learn, and you’ll be making “keepers” before you know it.
Cheers,
Paul
WoodWorkers Guild of America Video Membership
Want to buy a corded Miter Saw , looked at Dewalt 780 12″ < Jet 12" , Kaypex Festool 10' . Could you please let me know which corded Miter Saw to buy ?And if any other good ones to look at Thank You , Fred
Hi Fred. Those are all good options. You might want to also take a look at this one, which is what I have: https://amzn.to/2HUJu1K
In my opinion it delivers cut quality that is on par with the Kapex saw, although the Kapex is a smooth operating saw and people who own them seem to really like them. My choice came down to the DW 780 vs. the Bosch Glide. I went with the Bosch mainly because of the space savings vs. the 780. The glide mechanism is efficient and doesn’t require as much space behind the saw, which is nice in my small shop. I was able to upgrade my 10″ miter saw without re configuring my benches.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA