Woodworking 101--Tools and Tips
- Thread starter jimreed2160
- Start date
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
fartymarty
Well-known member
...a waste of typing?turbowoodworker
Well-known member
I like the Katana line from MLCS but CMT is a good line too.
jar944
Well-known member
For router bits amana seems slightly better than cmt. Both are decent though.
In my opinion the replaceable carbide insert bits are superior to the brazed carbide (of any brand)
Amazon or tools today will have most of their lines.
In my opinion the replaceable carbide insert bits are superior to the brazed carbide (of any brand)
Amazon or tools today will have most of their lines.
Thanks everyone for the responses!
I didn't know these routers had an attachment like that, now contemplating buying it for $18 vs getting that whole router package for $80.
And thanks for this, never shopped at this site but I was looking over their stuff and noticed the dust-extraction attachment on this 'Rocky 30' trim router - https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/rocky30_router.html - I think that's a Makita clone, just like the HF Bauer trim router I have, and I found this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUUHMS0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I didn't know these routers had an attachment like that, now contemplating buying it for $18 vs getting that whole router package for $80.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Just finished building an urn for my FIL's ashes; he goes into the National Cemetery here in AZ on Wednesday- on St Patricks Day, which would have been his 65th Wedding Anniversary. He was career Army; the columns are wood from the state trees from everywhere they lived.
Foundation is Red Oak
Columns are:
Pecan
Pinon Pine
Sitka Spruce
Live Oak
White Oak
Red Oak
Eastern Hemlock
Cottonwood
Dogwood
Palo Verde
Pinon Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Palo Verde
Western Hemlock
Palo Verde
Box is Aspen.
He was quite a man, enlisted in the Army in the late 1950's, married his wife back home in NJ between boot camp and his first posting in TX. Earned his commission via OCS, did two tours in Vietnam, retired as a Major in 1976. He earned two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, and a commendation medal. They raised a son and four daughters; one of whom I was lucky enough to marry. After his retirement he had a 20 year career in the business side of academia. Not bad for the son of a bread truck driver from NJ.
RIP Tom, you were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, Executive, and Mentor.
I was proud to have you as my Father in Law.
Foundation is Red Oak
Columns are:
Pecan
Pinon Pine
Sitka Spruce
Live Oak
White Oak
Red Oak
Eastern Hemlock
Cottonwood
Dogwood
Palo Verde
Pinon Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Palo Verde
Western Hemlock
Palo Verde
Box is Aspen.
He was quite a man, enlisted in the Army in the late 1950's, married his wife back home in NJ between boot camp and his first posting in TX. Earned his commission via OCS, did two tours in Vietnam, retired as a Major in 1976. He earned two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, and a commendation medal. They raised a son and four daughters; one of whom I was lucky enough to marry. After his retirement he had a 20 year career in the business side of academia. Not bad for the son of a bread truck driver from NJ.
RIP Tom, you were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, Executive, and Mentor.
I was proud to have you as my Father in Law.
pronator
Well-known member
Just finished building an urn for my FIL's ashes; he goes into the National Cemetery here in AZ on Wednesday- on St Patricks Day, which would have been his 65th Wedding Anniversary. He was career Army; the columns are wood from the state trees from everywhere they lived.
Foundation is Red Oak
Columns are:
Pecan
Pinon Pine
Sitka Spruce
Live Oak
White Oak
Red Oak
Eastern Hemlock
Cottonwood
Dogwood
Palo Verde
Pinon Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Palo Verde
Western Hemlock
Palo Verde
Box is Aspen.
He was quite a man, enlisted in the Army in the late 1950's, married his wife back home in NJ between boot camp and his first posting in TX. Earned his commission via OCS, did two tours in Vietnam, retired as a Major in 1976. He earned two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, and a commendation medal. They raised a son and four daughters; one of whom I was lucky enough to marry. After his retirement he had a 20 year career in the business side of academia. Not bad for the son of a bread truck driver from NJ.
RIP Tom, you were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, Executive, and Mentor.
I was proud to have you as my Father in Law.
That’s beautiful, PugetDude.
MJOPE
Well-known member
Just finished building an urn for my FIL's ashes; he goes into the National Cemetery here in AZ on Wednesday- on St Patricks Day, which would have been his 65th Wedding Anniversary. He was career Army; the columns are wood from the state trees from everywhere they lived.
Foundation is Red Oak
Columns are:
Pecan
Pinon Pine
Sitka Spruce
Live Oak
White Oak
Red Oak
Eastern Hemlock
Cottonwood
Dogwood
Palo Verde
Pinon Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Palo Verde
Western Hemlock
Palo Verde
Box is Aspen.
He was quite a man, enlisted in the Army in the late 1950's, married his wife back home in NJ between boot camp and his first posting in TX. Earned his commission via OCS, did two tours in Vietnam, retired as a Major in 1976. He earned two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, and a commendation medal. They raised a son and four daughters; one of whom I was lucky enough to marry. After his retirement he had a 20 year career in the business side of academia. Not bad for the son of a bread truck driver from NJ.
RIP Tom, you were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, Executive, and Mentor.
I was proud to have you as my Father in Law.
I’m sorry for your loss, PugetDude. The urn you made is a tremendous way to honor him. It’s beautiful...
That's looks even better on the big screen bud. Once again, nice job!.
And your FIL sounds like one hell of a man. Why'd he let you marry that wonderful daughter of his?. lol
My sincere condolences to you and Steph, RIP Tom.
And your FIL sounds like one hell of a man. Why'd he let you marry that wonderful daughter of his?. lol
My sincere condolences to you and Steph, RIP Tom.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks; my wife did the finishing- 10 coats of wipe-on poly, sanded to 320 grit between coats.
Lyndon
Well-known member
Just finished building an urn for my FIL's ashes; he goes into the National Cemetery here in AZ on Wednesday- on St Patricks Day, which would have been his 65th Wedding Anniversary. He was career Army; the columns are wood from the state trees from everywhere they lived.
Foundation is Red Oak
Columns are:
Pecan
Pinon Pine
Sitka Spruce
Live Oak
White Oak
Red Oak
Eastern Hemlock
Cottonwood
Dogwood
Palo Verde
Pinon Pine
Eastern Hemlock
Palo Verde
Western Hemlock
Palo Verde
Box is Aspen.
He was quite a man, enlisted in the Army in the late 1950's, married his wife back home in NJ between boot camp and his first posting in TX. Earned his commission via OCS, did two tours in Vietnam, retired as a Major in 1976. He earned two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, and a commendation medal. They raised a son and four daughters; one of whom I was lucky enough to marry. After his retirement he had a 20 year career in the business side of academia. Not bad for the son of a bread truck driver from NJ.
RIP Tom, you were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, Executive, and Mentor.
I was proud to have you as my Father in Law.
Scott
Mate, that is a moving tribute. Glad I subscribe to this thread so that I saw it.
Lyndon
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks, Lyndon.
Bad news is I had to buy enough to build two of these- My MIL is now in the final stages of Hospice- probably only a week or two left.
Gotta say, my wife is one tough lady the way she's able to deal with this.
Woody1320
Well-known member
Thanks, Lyndon.
Bad news is I had to buy enough to build two of these- My MIL is now in the final stages of Hospice- probably only a week or two left.
Gotta say, my wife is one tough lady the way she's able to deal with this.
So sorry to hear that, man. That's very sad. But that is an amazing way to honor both of them. And the first one came out incredible. You should be proud.
Joe Perkins
Member
An informative thread!
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Scott, that's a beautiful tribute to your in-laws. If you can find a way, let your wife know she isn't alone in her grief. The toughest among us can break down when the pressure subsides. That's when you can really help her deal with the loss.Thanks, Lyndon.
Bad news is I had to buy enough to build two of these- My MIL is now in the final stages of Hospice- probably only a week or two left.
Gotta say, my wife is one tough lady the way she's able to deal with this.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
PD: sorry for your loss. 
nice to see your skills put to good use and i'm sure your FIL and MIL think you are/were a great man for their daughter too.
take care and thanks for sharing your project and the story.
nice to see your skills put to good use and i'm sure your FIL and MIL think you are/were a great man for their daughter too.
take care and thanks for sharing your project and the story.
56vette461
Well-known member
Thanks, Lyndon.
Bad news is I had to buy enough to build two of these- My MIL is now in the final stages of Hospice- probably only a week or two left.
Gotta say, my wife is one tough lady the way she's able to deal with this.
Beautiful craftsmanship, and a wonderful tribute to your wife's family. So many stories are evident in your tribute. The Lords peace and blessings to your family.
This great thread could use a bump! I've been out of town and really missing my shop, but I had another question for the seasoned folks here.
Any recommendations for an oscillating spindle or belt sander? Or something that's a step up from a 4-inch belt / 6-inch disc sander? Would be nice to get something bigger or at least with a bigger table so sanding bigger pieces is easier, but still preferably at around $350 or less. (Definitely no money or room for one of those big wide belt sanders some of you might have.) This WEN machine caught my eye, but I don't know much about WEN quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJ7X6D6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
PugetDude - belated condolences and all the best to your family during these tough times, but you've created a very thoughtful tribute!
Any recommendations for an oscillating spindle or belt sander? Or something that's a step up from a 4-inch belt / 6-inch disc sander? Would be nice to get something bigger or at least with a bigger table so sanding bigger pieces is easier, but still preferably at around $350 or less. (Definitely no money or room for one of those big wide belt sanders some of you might have.) This WEN machine caught my eye, but I don't know much about WEN quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJ7X6D6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
PugetDude - belated condolences and all the best to your family during these tough times, but you've created a very thoughtful tribute!
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Wen is bottom of the barrel.
Look for an older stationary Delta 6" x 48" belt/ 12" disc sander (shown).
For a spindle sander The Ryobi is pretty good for an inexpensive machine.
MJOPE
Well-known member
The Wen machine you reference is very similar to a Rigid I bought several years ago. I’ve used it quite a bit over the years and it’s worked very well. I’ve never owned a Wen tool...
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
I had a harbor freight 6 x 48 belt disc & I'll be honest I used it for 20 yrs & sold it for 100$, they're only 200$ on sale. I replaced it with a powermatic 6 x 48 with 12" disc , 3 ph motor, big upgrade the 3 ph gives you a very nice speed range to sand anything. More for woodworking I picked up a Delta 89" edge sander, I was skeptical at first but I use this sander all the time, highly recommend one, plus you can contour sand on the roller. I went with delta, but jet & grizzly seem like the same machine just see which one you can get a better price on.
https://www.toolbarn.com/delta-31-4...800rLoHYcnYRcEFp7lzykm8n9dvwdScQaAkBfEALw_wcB
Thanks all for the tips!! I'd been looking for a bigger used belt/disc sander but no luck so far (on really any type of used stationary sander), so now I'm thinking just buy something new. A big edge sander is way out of my budget at the moment, but something I'd consider further down the line.
250
Well-known member
The problem with looking for a ‘used’ what ever is that the time line on which they show up is completely variable. I love the old stuff, but hate the wait. Given that you’re somewhere in the Midwest, you’ll have better luck than some areas of the country.
I hear you re: "hate the wait" and yup, I live in northwest Indiana and except for a bigger sander, I've been able to find plenty of decent used tools for cheap and build up a little shop, make some stuff and learn what I want to upgrade when I have the funds....which is most of it heh, besides the Dewalt planer I bought new.
But I'm currently in northern Louisiana and might relocate here, and it definitely seems like there's less of a market for used tools. So I'll have to make some decisions on what moves with me and what I sell off.
Anyway, a while back I mentioned making my own shelves. I ended up putting four on this wall. Nothing fancy but it gets some of the plants off the tables...
And recently, on top of getting paid for some work I was given a pile of hardwood. Some milled down and some still rough but dry, a lot of walnut, some red and white oak, maple, poplar, and even a bit of mahogany and sapele. Besides two walnut panels that are about 2ft x 3ft, it's mostly 2-4ft long boards, so mainly for smaller projects I guess but enough to keep me busy for a while. I can't wait to get to work with it!!
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Renegade1LI
Well-known member
Take a look at the shop fox W1712, it gets good reviews & the price isn't too bad.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Well, I hope I'm done making urns for a while. Previously posted a picture of my FIL's urn in this thread, he was interred with full military honors on March 17th, St Patricks Day; their 65th wedding anniversary. My MIL died two weeks later in memory care, she basically shut down after his funeral- she didn't attend, hadn't recognized him for quite some time, but on some subconcious level she knew he was gone.
Got her urn out of the same boards as my FiL's. Alder box, Oak Foundation, columns are the state trees of every state they lived in. The pewter angel hung in their home(s) for as long as anyone could remember- seemed fitting to use it on her urn.
Got her urn out of the same boards as my FiL's. Alder box, Oak Foundation, columns are the state trees of every state they lived in. The pewter angel hung in their home(s) for as long as anyone could remember- seemed fitting to use it on her urn.
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Woody1320
Well-known member
That's beautiful, man.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I'm working on an outdoor garden bench that might double as a bar and wanted to know if any of you know of a product that I can put on cheapish butcherblock to keep it kinda weatherproof and looking good?
also it seems like this thread needed a bump too so hope all you woodworkers will start posting your cool projects again for all of us to enjoy.
i'm also in the middle of a big cedar fencing project and having great results with PPG stain (used to be Sikkens brand).
also it seems like this thread needed a bump too so hope all you woodworkers will start posting your cool projects again for all of us to enjoy.
i'm also in the middle of a big cedar fencing project and having great results with PPG stain (used to be Sikkens brand).
acer66
Well-known member
No help here and I was looking for this thread so thank you for bumping it.
I bought a Triton router for my router table and was wondering if anyone has one and if so how did you connect the router base vacuum hook up with the one in the back of the fence?
Thank you.
I bought a Triton router for my router table and was wondering if anyone has one and if so how did you connect the router base vacuum hook up with the one in the back of the fence?
Thank you.
Ray-CA
Well-known member
Just finished these during the last week or so...
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice!Just finished these during the last week or so...
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Anybody use boiled linseed oil on wood outside? I use it for wood handled tools and thinking since I’m going to use this butcher lock bench for a month or two while building our fence that I could use BLO to protect top while I’m working on it and then maybe sand it off and put on a few coats of poly and let my bride use it as her garden bench instead of buying or making one.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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rlitman
Well-known member
HELL NO! Unless you plan to re-oil it weekly, don't expect it to look good for even a month. And at the end of that time, it'll probably need a serious belt sanding to get past the black nasty surface.
But the biggest issue is water intrusion. Butcher block is laminated wood, and leaving it out in the weather is asking for trouble. As water soaks in, it will expand the different pieces at their different rates. Even if the glue is truly waterproof (nowadays, it probably is), the strips will eventually delaminate anyway.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Thanks cause that was what I was thinking and I get tired of google and YouTube vids for my confirmation.
My thinking is I’ll give it a few coats of poly to try and seal it while I’m using it this summer and see how it looks when I’m ready to give it to my bride as a garden workbench.
At worst case it’s a fairly cheap butcher block on a decent metal frame that I can make a 3 inch thick cedar top for it once the butcher block looks terrible if poly doesn’t keep water out. Thanks fir your thoughts
anybody like a particular brand or type of polyurethane?
My thinking is I’ll give it a few coats of poly to try and seal it while I’m using it this summer and see how it looks when I’m ready to give it to my bride as a garden workbench.
At worst case it’s a fairly cheap butcher block on a decent metal frame that I can make a 3 inch thick cedar top for it once the butcher block looks terrible if poly doesn’t keep water out. Thanks fir your thoughts
anybody like a particular brand or type of polyurethane?
Boiled linseed oil is essentially paint without pigments. The biggest problem would be mildew if kept wet. If you use poly, make sure you use an exterior version.
rlitman
Well-known member
Not sure (formulations have changed too much since I last bought), but it needs to be "spar" urethane, with good UV properties. Spar urethanes need to be regularly stripped and re-finished (every year or two). With solid wood, that's mainly cosmetic, and you can stretch the interval a bit. With laminated wood, you've got less room for error.
rlitman
Well-known member
It's missing a lot more than pigments, which is why we don't use it as deck stain. Also, pigments are the primary form of UV protection for paint. UV will rapidly break down the polymer formed by BLO, leaving you with no protection.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Thanks to both of you for commenting on this. I know BLO is far from the best or even the correct method to keep exterior wood lasting a bit longer than with nothing but it sure works better than nothing on shovel and rake handles.
I think I’ll stop in at rocklers today to see what they might recommend cause I doubt HD or Lowe’s carries a higher quality product.
I think I’ll stop in at rocklers today to see what they might recommend cause I doubt HD or Lowe’s carries a higher quality product.