bestpowertoolsblog-blog

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The Dewalt DW745 is a good investment especially if you’re looking for a compact table saw that can do the job of a full-sized one. You can expect an efficient cutting performance while achieving precisely what you require from such tools.

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Plough Plane Thread Repair

This article describes a process which I used to re-build several rows of broken threads on a boxwood screw arm of a Casey Clark & Co. plough plane. The process involves casting replacement threads out of epoxy cement, which is tinted with earth pigments, in order to match the color of the original threads. The results I obtained were very good from both a mechanical and visibility standpoint.

I began collecting old tools several years ago, and find great satisfaction in restoring them to working order, then using them in my shop. The plane in question was found at an outdoor farm auction in the fall. It was a drizzly rainy day, and all of the non-furniture items were layed out on hay wagons in the rain. There were several tools, and when I spotted a screw-arm plough plane, my heart began racing. This type of plane had been on my wanted list for some time. I gave it a quick but thorough going over, and everything was perfect. One of the locking nuts was seized, and there was a small chip in one thread near the tip of one arm. The thought of this tool sitting out in the rain was very disconcerting, and I casually mentioned to the owner that all of his nice wooden tools were getting wet. "Oh, they'll be O.K. once they dry" was all I got, so I left it at that, and kept my eye on the plane. My wife and I wandered around some more, grabbed a coffee, then moved back in once the auction was about to start. I took another quick look at the "my" plane, and sure enough, some bungler had forced the seized locking nut, stripping three rows of threads. My heart sank, I kicked myself for not insisting that it be taken out of the rain and eventually bought it for $75. Once at home, I decided that I wanted this tool to be usable and that I had to figure out a way to rebuild the missing threads. The fresh break stood out like a beacon from across the room. Here's what I did.

I purchased some "Rubbertex Molding Compound" and mould release spray from the Lewiscraft craft store, some plasticine, some two part epoxy cement (the squeeze tube kind, avoid the fast setting 15-minute epoxy, you may need the open time), and a selection of earth pigments from Lee Valley. Using the good screw arm, I selected an area of threads that matched up with those that I wanted to rebuild. These threads were given several coats of paste wax. A "dam" was then built, using plasticine, around the area from which the mould would be lifted (note: you're working with the good screw arm, not the one needing repair). The exposed area within the "dam" was at least 2 threads wider than the area needing repair, and no more than half the circumference of the screw.

The area within the dam was lightly sprayed with mould release. Using a soft artist's brush, a thin layer of the Rubbertex compound was painted onto the threads within the dam. Once dry, another layer was painted on, and so on, until the compound was about 1/8 to 3/16" thick. This took 24 to 36 hours, as approximately 2 hours drying in was required between coats. Once dry, the thread mould that was created peeled away smoothly, without leaving any traces. The plasticine was trickier to get off. I used a dental pick to clean it all out.

Next, I drilled three anchor holes (1/16" bit) in the area needing repair. Because this was a large area I felt the repair would need the extra grip, and yes, I cringed at having to do this. For smaller areas or single threads, this would not be necessary. I then mixed up some test batches of epoxy, mixing in various combinations an earth pigments to try and match the color of the boxwood threaded arm. In the end, the yellow ochre pigment alone gave the best match.

The inside of the mould was sprayed with mould release. A small amount of tinted epoxy was mixed and applied (I used a toothpick as an applicator) to the area needing repair, as well as to the mating surface of the mould. I found it easier to repair a small section at a time (90 degrees of the circumference). The mould is pliable enough that you can "roll" it on, beginning off of the repair, and rolling towards the repair. This will push the excess epoxy out of the end of the mould. The excess squeeze out was allowed to set for 15 minutes or so, then picked off with a dental pick. Allow everything to set 24 hours, then peel away the mould. Voila! You have cast replacement threads. In my case, three castings were required to repair the damage that was three threads wide and 270 degrees of circumference. The match is so good that it is only noticeable if you are looking for it.

When filling the mould, try to eliminate all air bubbles by running the toothpick right down into the threads. Any air bubbles in the moulded threads can be disguised as small chips, by shaping with an x-acto knife. A word of warning regarding the rubbertex compound. It will slightly darken the wood of the area where the mould is created. Next time I will give a third or fourth coat of wax before making the mould. You may also wish to try dental putty if you have access to it. It is faster setting and is likely to be less reactive with the wood. I could not find a supplier nearby but would have tried it had it been available.

The best part about this re-build is that the plough is now completely usable, and I don't have to worry about the damage spreading. Now if I could only find a set of plough plane irons.

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Ron Clarkson - Furniture Maker Extraordinaire

When the prototype for one of Ron Clarkson's furniture reproductions sold for $3.6 million at Sotheby's in New York last January, Ron wasn't the least bit surprised.

"It was a gorgeous piece", he said. "That desk was a beautiful example of the craftsmanship of furniture makers from the 18th century".

Made from mahogany and adorned with intricate hand-carved shells, "that desk" is a Newport block-front knee-hole desk, 1765-1785, originally made by Edmund Townsend. Ron, who crafts furniture reproductions in his Chestertown, Maryland, studio, was commissioned by the owners to make a reproduction of the piece before it went on the auction block in New York.

"Making any kind of a reproduction is a challenge," Ron said about his work. "It takes a lot of research to get the feel of the piece and to make an accurate reproduction."

Research on the Newport desk began with photographs of the actual piece and measurements taken from the original while the desk was still in New York. Based on the photos and the measurements, Ron made a pattern for the reproduction. His patterns were drawn actual size (The desk measures 33" high, 37" wide and 20.5" deep.) and included detailed drawings of the carved shells on the desk drawers. Working with the combination of power and hand tools, Ron needed almost two months to reproduce the desk. The finished piece now reminds the previous owners of the original piece.

Ron first became interested in furniture reproduction more than 25 years ago when he started doing furniture refinishing and repairs for a small shop in his hometown of Chestertown, Maryland. Gradually, his interests focused in on reproductions of furniture from 18th century America, such as Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Newport style furniture.

"I like being able to bring back a form of artistry that I feel has been missing," Ron said. "The furniture makers who were creating chairs and tables and such back in the 18th century were doing so on a commercial level, yet still managed to put artistry and elegance first in their work."

Today, Ron finishes eight to ten reproductions each year. He has made chairs, cabinets, "pie-crust" tables, beds and more, and his pieces have been purchased by collectors as far away from his studio in Chestertown as Washington, Florida, Michigan and England. In addition to carving, Ron also finds time to give lectures and teach classes about antique restoration and reproduction.

Recently, Ron has been working on two Chippendale chairs featured in his new book published by Fox Chapel Publishing, Making Classic Chairs: A Craftsman's Chippendale Reference. In it he discusses researching antique furniture, pattern making, wood choices, power, and hand tool uses and finishing techniques.

"I use mahogany wood for the Chippendale chairs," Ron said. "It's a hardwood with a beautiful grain and can stand up to the fine details that need to be carved on the chair back and feet."

Ron begins work on the chairs by first cutting pieces of mahogany wood to size with a bandsaw. Some areas of the chair, such as the chair back, need to be cut from two pieces of wood and then glued together.

Patterns are then transferred to the wood pieces with a pencil. Ron draws detailed patterns for his reproductions based on the dimensions of the actual piece. His patterns are drawn actual size and include many cross-section reference points and shaded sketches of hand-carved details.

Work on the chair begins in earnest. Each piece is shaped and mortises and tenons are made to join the piece together. A dry fit of the various pieces helps Ron to correct the structure of the chair before detail work begins.

The detail work on the chairs is done by hand. Ron uses a wide variety of chisels, gouges, and veiners to carve the intricate flowers and the traditional hair-covered ball-and-foot chair legs.

Ron's final step is to glue the chair together and stain it. "Finishing is such a subjective thing," Ron said. Everyone has his own preferences for stains and finishes. I try not to make any recommendations in this area, but just tell people how I prefer to do it."

Ron uses several shades of brown water-based stains mixed together to create the color he needs to stain the chairs. A spray system is used to apply the stain evenly over the chair.

To those carvers interested in making furniture reproductions, Ron encourages them to be patient. "Don't rush through the process. Take the time to understand what the makers of that time period were trying to accomplish and to get a feel for the piece." Many museums have collections of antique furniture and a number of good books are available for additional research.

He also tells his students not to be afraid to make mistakes. "That's how you learn," he said.

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Woodworking Attitude

A good attitude, common sense, and these helpful hints make woodworking a more fulfilling - and profitable - experience.

After I graduated from college twenty-two years ago, I decided to go into business for myself, creating utilitarian works of art for others. But, my seven years of college as an art major didn't really prepare me for the real world.

It was that school of hard knocks, however, and a cultured attitude that actually afforded my success in this field.

What are the reasons most of us go into professional woodworking - a demanding business - in the first place? I believe it's love for the work and the need to make your living at something you enjoy.

As I began to taste success during my third year of business, many people would ask me how they could learn my trade. These people had a genuine desire to do fine woodworking for a living. The technical part you learn by doing as much as you can. The way to get the work is never to be afraid of a challenge. It's not about money it's really about attitude. A willingness to be adaptable to your clients' tastes forces you to become very versatile, which opens more doors for the future.

The woodworking business is about pleasing people- producing exactly what they think they want. If you have an idea or concept you believe will work well, there's nothing wrong with selling your client on it. Just remember, your client must be happy when all is said and done.

Don't be discouraged by a lack of equipment. I started my business with a cheap 10" table saw, a band saw and a few hand tools. Not many of us have the privilege of outfitting a whole shop when we start. Part of the woodworking challenge is to get the most from your tools. It's incredible how many operations can be completed with the tools I just mentioned. You can expand your tools while you work on finding a job to pay for the new tool. As an example, I landed a big molding job that more than paid for my first shaper, which became an asset in my shop. I added every piece in my shop the very same way. It didn't take long before my shop was complete, and paid for.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so keep a portfolio of your best work even if it seems to cost a lot of money. The expense is peanuts compared to what you save by not having to prove yourself over and over to new clients.

When your clients see a photographic record of what you can do they will be more comfortable. A portfolio also helps our creative side by allowing us to reflect on the work we've done.

It's important to do as many commercial projects as possible. These jobs may be a little more stressful, but they make us more efficient and better organized. This will lead to an increase in production. The long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term headaches. Your private work will evolve from these "exposure type" projects. Always take things at your own pace in terms of workload, but always be willing to pick up speed and efficiency.

I'm a firm believer of following all leads - you never know what might come from that menial job. It becomes impossible to follow up on every lead, but you can learn a lot just in your initial phone conversation.

Try and find out the scope of the inquiry. Is it a new house that needs to be furnished? Am I speaking to a contractor in the business of building places that need to be furnished? I'm sure you get the idea. The bottom line is that it doesn't hurt to talk to people, and you can always politely say no.

A perfect business is one that has just enough work to keep you busy at your comfort level. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case for a custom furniture or sculpture shop. We need to make hay while the sun shines. Ask clients what their timetable is even when you're busy. If you expect work to slow down in a month, find out if your schedule's convenient for them. Get the work, but be honest about the timing. If they're willing to wait you won't disappoint them.

Safety is an attitude in itself! I have always lived by the motto that power tools only bite one time. In other words, take no chances. Think safety while you're honing your skills. Think about what could go wrong before you begin any operation.

We need to take vacations from our work. I know this seems impossible when you work for yourself, but there's nothing better for a healthy attitude than taking a break. Visit museums and galleries. See what other people in our field are doing or have done. Follow the trends if only to be more aware. The key to a long and successful career is adaptability and a good attitude!

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Sharp Edges The Easy Way

The Makita 9820-2 Electric Sharpener Does Them All

The venerable Makita Electric Sharpener has been enjoying something of a boom in popularity lately, which has inspired us to offer this review of an old favorite's fine performance features. The 9820-2 is a powerful Waterstone sharpener. If you've ever used Japanese Waterstones for sharpening by hand, you've seen how terrifically efficient they are and how sharp an edge they can create; perhaps you can imagine how easy sharpening is when the stone does all the work for you at 560 rpm.

Makita designed the 9820-2 for sharpening jointer and planer blades up to 16" in length. It does that job beautifully, and the quality of its work makes a great difference in the quality of work you can expect from your machines.

The sharpener's territory isn't limited to machine knives alone. Practically any hand tool in the shop can be ground and sharpened with ease; chisels and plane irons can be jigged and ground to a perfect bevel, while carving tools, turning tools, knives or any other tools you can think of can readily be sharpened free-hand. All your grinding and sharpening can be done with absolutely no risk of overheating an edge and drawing the tool's temper; a constant supply from a gravity-feed tank on the sharpener keeps stones from clogging or glazing and keeps a tool cool through even the most vigorous grinding.

Green Wheel

We're proud to have developed several years ago a coarse grinding wheel for the 9820-2, a stone that vastly enhances the machine's speed and general usefulness. Makita equips the sharpener with a 1000 grit wheel, a stone which provides a very good cutting edge - sharper that you've ever seen on a planer blade - but which is too fine to quickly waste away a large amount of steel you've got to remove when an edge is badly damaged or misshapen. Our Green Wheel, a silicon carbide stone of 120 grit, will grind the hardest steels as aggressively as a coarse wheel on a conventional bench grinder. Rather than spending ten or fifteen minutes on the 1000 grit wheel, we'll get the job done in a fraction of the time on the Green Wheel, then follow up with about sixty seconds work at 1000 grit to polish the edge to perfection.

We expect to routinely turn out edges that are within a few thousandths of dead straight over twelve inches, with no bowing or distortion of the knife and absolutely minimal wastage of steel. We've been able to re-grind knives a good dozen times when they'd normally last through no more than three commercial sharpenings before having to be replaced.

Mounting Machine Knives

The 9820-2 comes equipped with a stout cast iron blade holder that can handle practically any known make of jointer or planer knife up to about 16" long. If you're willing to ignore reasonable limits and work a little harder, you can sharpen 18" or even 20" knives pretty well, too. Jointer knives are a snap since you can put two or three of them end-to-end in the holder and sharpen them all at once.

The fine points of operating the tool are covered pretty clearly in one of our Highland Hardware user's guides that we provide with every sharpener we sell. The guide has worked pretty well for the last ten years or so - it's only two pages long, but it has helped thousands of people master the sharpener's capabilities with no trouble at all.

Sharpening Hand Tools

Chisels and plane irons almost always get the benefit of being jigged in a simple optional aluminum fixture manufactured for the purpose. The Hand Tool Jig replaces the Makita tool holder, but rides on the tool rest in a similar fashion, allowing easy set-up for the correct grinding angle. We also use the sharpener on the backs as well as the bevels of some tools. Though we're fanatic enough to insist on using a lapping plate or a diamond stone for flattening the backs of plane irons, we've found no faster or more effective way to polish the backs of chisels than the 9820-2.

Hand tools other than chisels and plane irons can be sharpened freehand far more easily than you might expect. The tool rest can be removed from the front of the sharpener, leaving the front 3/4 of the sharpening stone fully accessible. All you have to do is show the tool to the stone at whatever angle is called for, and let the stone do all the work. Knives of all sorts are simply stroked lightly across the stone at a low angle; scissors, screwdriver blades and gardening tools can be ground or sharpened with a few seconds work and very little effort.

Proven Reliability

Well, gosh. Sounds too good to pass up - guess we'd rush out and order one ourselves if the 9820-2 we've been using for years weren't perfectly sound. The Makita sharpener is one of our top two or three all-time low maintenance machines; we've had no more than two or three calls for help in all these years. If bells and whistles are where you get your jollies, there's bound to be something else out there that will make you happy. But if you're willing to settle for a sharpening tool that's just simple, effective and reliable, we've got your number. Give us a call.

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Workbench Story

I started on my bench after I read The Workbench Book by Scott Landis about 8 years ago. It appeared that the one by Ian Kirby would be the easiest to build, but after meeting Mr. Kirby and looking at his methods, I decided that his philosophy of woodworking was just too persnickety for me. I wanted a bench that could hold the work firmly in place whilst being plied with a various hand tool.

So I went the whole hog with a bench similar to the one built by Frank Klaus. It has the old-fashioned wooden tail vise with the single screw and the old-fashioned shoulder vice that, because it has no parts to get in the way, allows easy clamping of drawer sides for sawing, etc. This style bench, of course, would be the hardest to build.

I started by acquiring the vice hardware, which for this style, is the cheapest of all vice hardware. I think that at the time it came to about $50 altogether (it's a little more now).

Having the hardware in hand, I could proceed with full-sized drawings. I ended up with a design about halfway in size between Frank's and Tage Frid's smaller version as featured in The Small Workshop collection of Fine Woodworking's Essential Workbench Plan.

The first thing built was the base. I used 8/4 maple with through-wedged mortise and tenon joints. This was the largest thing that I had built up to then and was really more like timber frame construction. Chopping those mortises out was the work of a month's spare time and really satisfying exercise. Doing it on the Workmate made the anticipation of completing my `real' bench that much more intense. When the base was done I was surprised at how strong it was. Had it been carved from a block of steel it would have seemed no stronger.

Next came the top. I used various scrap and some specially purchased bits of maple, mahogany, and cherry. This was my first glue-up of serious proportions and I made a complete hash of my first attempt. I was trying to do the edge jointing with a Record 07 (that was, unknown to me, seriously out of flat) and I could never get the surfaces to match. After a bunch of screwing around, I decided to rely on the strength of my clamps to force the joints together. The result was so disgusting that I put the whole project aside for 2 years.

During this hiatus, I thought about what I had done wrong and considered going right from the table saw to glue-up (which would have yielded better results) but couldn't bring myself to do it. I ended up making a contraption for my router that gave serviceable results, but not as good as I had hoped.

Now came the time to flatten the top. I started out with the Record 07, again and again, ended up with a hideous mess. It looked like someone had been hacking at it with a machete. I really learned to loathe that stupid plane.

Another 3 years passed while the idea of a nice woodworking bench started to look like an expensive pipe dream.

I decided that a belt sander was the answer to my problem reasoning that a fine grit would prevent gouging. It didn't. Now I had a surface that looked like it had been hacked with a machete and dragged behind a truck down a concrete freeway.

Time for another 2 years doing the Workmate Watusi. I thought about taking the top to a cabinet shop, but I was too embarrassed. They were sure to ask what I had done to create such a unique surface, perhaps even report me for ripping off some example of the local public `art' (it really did look bad). I thought about ripping the thing up for table legs or something that might be of use.

It should be obvious at this point that I am a self-taught woodworker. I never attended an industrial arts class. I had no skilled woodworkers around that I could learn from. I read a lot, but that is one-way learning; I needed advice and feedback.

Then I discovered the Oldtools Group. The first thing I learned was that I had never used a decent hand tool. A Stanley #8 jointer plane from MofA changed that. After the iron was scary sharp, the job of flattening the benchtop was the work of an evening. The rest of the bench went together in less than a month. Good tools and confidence gained from using them have increased my woodworking output and fun by an order of magnitude.

In the last few months I have built:

A raised wooden floor for my workbench area (it's much better than concrete)

Two desks

Many dovetailed drawers (the shoulder vice and IT saw makes this easy)

A hanging tool cabinet

Another bench

What I learned:

Good hand tools give me better and faster results than power tools

Having a serious woodworking bench is even better than I thought

Bad handtools are worse than useless

Confidence is a better motivator than need

The Oldtools group is the most productive tool I've used

Eight years is a ridiculous amount time to take to get a bench built, but I suspect that I am not the only one (wink wink, nudge nudge). I am glad that I did finish it, and I am glad I waited for the right tools and skills and that I built the bench I wanted. My second bench (for my son) took only 2 weeks!

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Sharpening Systems

If you ask ten woodworkers, "How do you sharpen a tool?" You will undoubtedly get ten different answers. There are as many "sharpening tools" for woodworkers on the market today as there are different types of tools that need sharpened. A woodworker looking for the answer to the above question can quickly find himself lost in a sea of wet grinders, wet-dry grinders, diamond stones, Washita, Arkansas, Ohio, Japanese, man-made and natural stones, silicon carbide--the list goes on.

Whenever someone asks my opinion about "sharpening tools" the image of my Grandfather, "Pop" we all called him, always comes to mind. Whetstone is plentiful where I grew up in Ohio. That is where Pop's "sharpening system" came from. We would find smooth, fairly flat stones down in the creek behind his house. I can distinctly remember him whittling away on the model sailboats he used to make for us kids. The model making required very sharp carving knives (which we weren't allowed to touch) and precise fittings. I would watch intently as Pop would spit into a small, flat piece of whetstone, rub it around with his finger and proceed to draw one of his knives across it slowly and evenly, switching one side then another. I would count out twenty strokes then hold out my arm. Pop would smile and carefully draw the knife across my forearm, shaving a spot bare, "Yup," he would say, "sharp as your Granma's tongue."

There is a moral to this story. You can get just as sharp an edge from a $300.00 "sharpening system" as you can from my Pop's whetstone and spittle. I have watched in amazement while a woodworker sharpened a chisel using nothing more than a piece of plate glass, water, and a sheet of automotive sandpaper. It is not the money you spend that will get your tools sharp, it is the skills you acquire learning how to sharpen and care for your tools properly.

Here are some basic's to help you get the best results from your sharpening efforts:

Protect sharpened edges. A pile of chisels in a toolbox will not stay sharp. Edges should be individually protected.

Use some form of wash to draw spent abrasive away when sharpening. Use water with natural stones, honing oil with synthetic abrasives.

With stones, you want to use the entire surface when honing. Keep from putting grooves in the stone.

Keep your sharpening stones, wheels, abrasives, whatever you use free of dirt and dust. Keep them closed in a container and out of the way when not in use. Oil stones can be stored submerged in oil. Water stones should be stored dry.

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She Is A Woodworker!

Some time ago we received an e-mail from Kristin McCrea

. The fact that she does woodworking for living and that she even converted an old barn into a house in which she lives now made me curious. Besides woodworking, she is very handy with computers, having no problems with dismantling them in order to install a new card, but having problems making them work afterward! In any case, she is an extraordinary person and this is her story about building a house and making birdfeeders:

As for the house, oh what an adventure! We first dismantled a barn and moved it five miles. The skeleton was reused for the main section of the house, other pieces were incorporated into the new kitchen wing. I ended up with a 2,700 sq. ft. structure. My goal was a space that was not extremely barnlike but used the expanse of space in a contemporary way.

Volume, light, and shadow played a role. I tried not to waste space on hallways and to give a flow to the living space. The exterior was incorporated by the use of extensive glazing and a 1,500 sq. ft. tiered deck leading to a small pond. Lighting of both the interior and exterior was taken into account to open up space.

This was a hand on the project. I not only designed the house but built and installed many things from roof trusses to the cabinets in the kitchen and baths. I had a partner in this project, Elva Reid, who not only helped to pay the bills but also got the 2,700 sq. ft. of 8" pine flooring laid on the diagonal done while I was busy with other details.

It was an act of either love or insanity. We built during the wettest season on record. After clearing an acre or more of cedar, we fought with hydro to have the lines laid underground, forcing us to take a very hand powered approach to the early stages of building. Things did get better and the first large power tool we bought was a radial arm saw, about the time we were installing the flooring. I always wanted to write Black & Decker and tell them what a little circa 1972 orange skill saw could do.

Our building inspector wrote us a note on the final permit to occupy that this was the best-built home he had ever inspected. Mind you, he came for coffee each week and I was able to pick his brains, to ensure we were building code. He was even there one day during a torrential rain and could see first hand how the drainage grading worked.

It was during this year and a half that I began to build the birdfeeders I do today. Sundays were our day off but we still went to the sight to organize for the next week. I began to turn the construction scraps into birdfeeders.

For some time the picture of a miniature mill was evolving in my head. One day I heard of a competition. I entered it and my model won first prize. In the interim, I was approached to replicate St. Marks church in Port Hope, Ontario, one of the oldest buildings in this very historic town. The church's architectural board purchased it and auctioned it at a fund-raiser. To give you an idea of scale, each of these pieces is over 2' long".

That was 10 years ago, my arm still suffers from tennis elbow. I now have a full shop of tools and use each one. I have learned that each does a job easier and most importantly safer, especially with the small pieces needed for my structures.

As small as they are I still start with 16' boards. For crosscutting, I depend on a well set up a radial arm saw. My 3 HP table saw with an Excalibur fence and hold downs then rips the widths I need. A band saw has been an important and safe addition to my shop used primarily as a small resawing machine. My belt sander and a scroll saw complete the list of my larger tools. I use my 6 or so other sanders on demand, hand and power chisels are always in use for the doors and windows. I plane with a 12" board planer, a small electric and most often a very small Stanley hand planer. Throw in a few drills and a few weeks and anyone can come up with this type of thing.

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Powermatic 1792000K Review

The Powermatic 1792000K Model PM 2000 3-Horsepower Cabinet Saw is one of the leading models in the industry today. This is an exceptionally well-built unit that delivers incredible results. No other product will give you a comparable value. This is a tool that will be a favorite in your home workshop for years to come.

Pricing and Shipping details:

Order  Powermatic 1792000K online and have it delivered right in front of your doorstep!

Review:

This is an award-winning saw so you can rest assured that you are getting the very best possible. It sets a new standard for innovation and customer satisfaction. With a three-horsepower, one-Ph motor, you also know that you are getting unparalleled power. This is an excellent buy for practically anyone interested in woodworking, whether you are a hobbyist or professional carpenter, joiner or cabinet maker.

With a variety of patented features, you are sure to find something that works for you. This model boasts the heaviest cast-iron base in its class, designed specifically to eliminate table vibration so that you can get the most precise cut possible. It was created for smooth operation and comfort of use.

How it looks:

Its box-style, cast-iron construction is made of stress-proof steel. No other saw on the market has this type of durable quality. This is a heavy-duty machine that will not wear out over time. It even has two 8-inch wheels that make blade height and bevel adjustments effortless.

This product provides you with an amazing amount of workspace. It will allow you to complete almost any project with ease. It has a variety of safety features that are unique to this unit. In particular, a magnetic on/off switch with a removable key helps prevent accidental start-ups. This saw also comes with a 5-year warranty for your added convenience. This product is guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

Powermatic 1792000K Features and Specifications

Left-tilting table saw with 50-inch fence

Arbor lock

Built-in retractable casters

Dust collection

3-horsepower, 1-ph, 230-volt motor

Riving knife with quick release

Poly-v belt

Cast iron trunnion and extension wings

Includes saw, fence, left and right wings, arbor wrench

Measures 85-by-37-by-34-1/2-inches

Weighs 600 pounds

Five-year warranty

Powermatic 1792000K Model PM Cabinet Saw Reviews

The Powermatic 1792000K Model PM 2000 3-Horsepower Cabinet Saw impressed customers of all ages and skill levels. This is a great choice if you want to add a high-quality table saw to your home workshop. It is of remarkably high quality and comes at a great price. No other model even comes close.

Customers really appreciated its great directions; they are straightforward and to the point. It is also remarkably easy to assemble so that you can get started right away. This saw will not disappoint.

In general, there were almost no issues with this cabinet saw. No one had anything negative to say about the functioning of the machine. However, there were some customer complaints about missing parts. This was luckily a rare occurrence but was definitely an inconvenience. Other than this minor drawback, the Powermatic works exceptionally well.

The most important feature of this machine is how smoothly it runs. You will not have to worry about any glitches. It is also extremely quiet so you won’t disturb those around you. This is a table saw that you don’t want to miss out on.

Conclusion

We researched thirty customer reviews of the Powermatic 1792000K, this saw got an average rating of four and a half stars out of five. It just doesn’t get much better than that. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Powermatic 1792000K Model PM 2000 3-Horsepower Cabinet Saw to our readers.

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Ridgid R4510 Review

The Ridgid R4510 Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand

is a great addition to any home workshop. This is a versatile unit that delivers incredible results. No other product gives you the same amount of precision. If you are in the market for a portable table saw, you owe it to yourself to try this unit.

With a wide variety of unique features, this product has everything you need to complete your various tasks. The micro-adjust fence allows you to fine-tune your adjustments for the best accuracy. This Retract-A-Rip fence is remarkably well balanced and consistent. Another great feature is the soft start, which ensures a smooth start-up every time. It also prolongs motor life and reduces breaker tripping.

Review:

This portable table saw is equipped with a 15-amp motor. You will have more than enough power to complete all of your various tasks. The onboard storage gives you ample storage space for the rip fence, miter gauge, blade guard assembly, extra blades, and power cord.

The tool-free blade guard is another amazing feature. There is also a single-handle bevel and height adjustment option. It has never been easier to adjust your machine. These remarkable features all work together to give you the best experience possible.

The Ridgid R4510 Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand weighs in at 122 pounds, this saw is a perfect weight. It is light enough to be portable but heavy duty enough to provide stability. This machine comes with everything you need to get started on your next woodworking project including the table saw, table saw utility vehicle, carbide-tipped blade, blade guard assembly, miter gauge, blade wrenches, and manual.

Ridgid R4510 Features and Specifications

Features onboard storage for easy reach

Tool-free blade guard

15 amp motor heavy-duty power with soft start

Single-handle height/bevel adjustment

Micro-adjust fence for fine adjustments

Ridgid R4510 Portable Table Saw with Stand Reviews

The Ridgid R4510 Heavy-Duty Portable Chain Saw with Stand is a customer favorite This is a solid machine that will not wear out over time. It will work consistently and efficiently. In addition, no other table saw can match the performance of this product. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and portable bench saw to add to their collection of power tools.

It is exceptionally easy to operate. Even if this is your first time using a table saw, you will be able to use it with ease. It is also perfect for storage and can fit almost anywhere. Customers also appreciate its high-quality stand, which adds to its stability.

There were very few complaints about this model. Most people were satisfied with their purchase and had no regrets. However, one customer found that it didn’t have enough power. This was not a common complaint and most people did not find this to be a problem.

This table saw is very durable; you will not have to worry about getting another one for years and years. It is also light enough to be portable. Customers also like that you can set it up in minutes. This is a great purchase that is sure to exceed your expectations.

Conclusion

Overall, this portable table saw received a positive response from the majority of customer reviews. Out of the twenty-three reviews that we studied, it got an average rating of four out of five stars, not bad. We, therefore, recommend the Ridgid R4510 Heavy-Duty Portable Table Saw with Stand to anyone looking for a reasonably priced quality portable table saw.

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Bosch 4100-09 Review

What the Bosch 4100-09 provides, is a full-service portable table saw with numerous bells and whistles. It is sleek and easily hefted by convenient handles and the gravity rise stand works quite handily.  With built-in wheels on the stand, the whole contraption converts into something akin to a dolly for easy relocation of the table saw.

Review:

The 15 amp 3650 rpm motor of the Bosch 4100-09, isn’t too dissimilar from other portable models, albeit on the upper end of power for its class.  Where the Bosch 4100-09 really sets itself apart isn’t in the standards of what table saws offer, it’s in the way it executes them.  On-tool storage allows for quick and easy access to all of the tools right where you can reach them. The square lock rip fence is quickly mounted or removed as necessary and locks very snug into place. This is one table saw where having a square edge will not be an issue.  The aluminum finish of the Bosch 4100-09 allows for smooth even gliding of materials

The 21-1/2-inch square tabletop and 25-inch rip capacity give this saw more cutting room than any table saw in its class.  Sheet goods and larger stock are handled easily.  Of course, the Bosch 4100-09 handles all standard materials including hardwoods without the ugly burn that other table saws may cause.

Consumer reviews and drawbacks:

How it looks:

The most concrete of consumer issues for me is the desire from one user for an improved precision with beveling.  He noted that he could perform acceptable crosscuts on the Bosch 4100-09 but that he would prefer utilizing his stationary saw. For the vast majority, however, the beveling performance did not seem to be an issue. For full reviews and details see the button below:

What’s in the box?

Bosch 10-Inch Work-site Table Saw,

Gravity-Rise Stand with Pneumatic Wheels

SquareLock Rip Fence

T-slot Miter Gauge

Smart Guard.[/custom_list]

Warranty coverage:

As a Bosch product the 4100-09 table saw comes with an unconditional 1-year warranty on parts, 30-day money back guarantee, and a 1-year service protection plan.

Value for money

All things considered, the Bosch 4100-09 is an excellent buy. At first, the price may seem steep considering that the DEWALT DW745 (which I reviewed here)can get the job done for about 30% less.  And while the Dewalt DW745 is an excellent table saw in its own right, the additional features of the Bosch 4100-09 are well worth paying for in my opinion.  You get about twice as much rip capacity, the extremely handy gravity rise stand, and the added convenience of on-saw tool storage. This may not be a budget table saw, but that isn’t to say it doesn’t earn its keep. If the additional features and rip capacity are desired then the extra money would be well spent

List of technical specs:

Type: Benchtop

Amperage: 15.0

Max. Motor HP: 4 HP

Speed: 3,650 RPM

Rating: 120 V

Dimensions: 39.3 x 29.7 x 21 inches

Saw Weight: 60 lbs

Warranty: 1 year, 30-day money back guarantee[/custom_list]

Conclusion:

There aren’t many cons you can find about 4100-09 model. Its only competition is Dewalt DW745 and if I tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure which of them to place on the no.1 spot on our list of recommendations. Both of them are great buys, but at the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

Check  Bosch 4100-09 detail offer here!

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Best Portable Table Saw Review

When talking about table saws, we mostly think of those large ones with huge cabinets first. They are undoubtedly the most advanced of them all, and every professional workshop has one. But they are not portable and you can’t carry them around without asking your friends and coworkers for help. Job-site saws are the solution because they are small enough to fit any car trunk, and they usually weight less than 80 pounds.

Portable (also called benchtop) saws cost up to $1000, but there are so many of them on the market that finding the right one for your needs and budget can be challenging and time-consuming.

Who needs a portable (benchtop) table saw?

Portable (also known as benchtop or job-site) table saws are the most affordable and lightweight from all types. They are designed especially for workers who need to carry them around often, so they need to be light and small.

They are mostly made of iron, plastic, and aluminum, and they often weigh less 50 pounds. Most of them feature universal motors with direct drive, which are not as durable as other types, but they have higher power output ratios for their size.

On the downside, they have shorter rip fence and they don’t cut as precise as other larger types. Their motors are powerful enough, but they don’t offer the same level of stability as some other larger types.

Top 3 Portable Table Saw Reviews

There are hundreds of benchwood saws on the market, but only a few of them received praises and high ratings like the products listed below. For more information on how to choose the right table saw for your needs, you are welcome to read the Best Portable Table Saws Reviews for the Money

Dewalt DW745

Not only is Dewalt DW745 ranked on top of our benchwood list, it is also ranked on our top list of all types of table saws. Dewalt brand was established back in 1924, and there aren’t many workshops in this world without at least 1 of their power tools. They are one of those companies with the highest reputation, which results in high quality of their tools and other products.

DW745 offers everything that you wish from a lightweight and portable table saw. It weighs about 45 pounds, so its portability is not a question. It comes with 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, and 90-days money-back guarantee if for some reason you aren’t satisfied with its performance. This really says a lot about the quality of Dewalt power tools.

Just like most similar products, DW745 features 15 AMP motor, which delivers all the power you need for cutting through hardwood lumber.

Bosch 4100-09

If we would have to highlight the best feature of Bosch 4100-09, it would be its innovative gravity-rise stand, which is included in a package with no extra costs. When we went through more than 200 positive customer reviews, we found that most of them highlighted the easiness of use and portability.

Some job-site saws don’t have a motor with enough power for pressure-treated lumber, but 4100-09 features corded-electric motor which generates 4 horsepower and is capable of satisfying anyone’s needs. It reaches up to 3650 RPM, so making perfect clean cuts is not a problem.

Bosch 4100-09 measures 39.13 x 30 x 20.9 inches and weighs 99 pounds with table stand included. Warranty coverage has never been an issue with any Bosch products, and 4100-09 is no exception. It comes with 30-days full money-back guarantee and 1-year service protection plan.

Check the best deal for  Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand on Amazon now!

Dewalt DWE7491RS

Dewalt is one of the leading companies of woodworking industry, so it’s not a surprise that several of their products managed to get into our top 5 list. Compared to its predecessors, DWE7491RS has a larger dust collector, improved rolling stand system, and more power, so the blade can reach up to 4800 RPM.

15 AMP motor is appropriate for any DIYer or professional woodworker. It reaches up to 7800 RPM, which makes it capable of cutting through any hardwood with precision and ease.

It is larger and heavier than some other portable products. It weighs 110 pounds and measures 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches, but it is still portable enough thanks to its advanced rolling stand system.

DWE7491RS comes with 3-year limited warranty by the manufacturer, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking down anytime soon.

Check the best deal for DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw with 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity and Rolling Stand on Amazon now!

What to look for when buying a benchtop table saw?

We have gone through descriptions of several benchtop table saws and analyzed hundreds of customer testimonials and reviews. You might ask yourself why didn’t we include more job-site saws on our list, but there is a good reason for that.

We found a lot of negative feedback about many products out there, so we simply can’t recommend them all. Here are a couple of things you should look for before buying and also after you have already received one. These are the 3 biggest reasons why some other products didn’t manage to get into our list.

What parts are included in the package?

Some customers have complained that they didn’t receive a complete package, and several parts were missing without a warning from manufacturers. The first thing you should do when you receive a brand new table saw, is to check if all parts arrived with the package. If anything is missing, you should immediately contact customer service and let them know. This happens on very rare occasions, but it’s still one more thing to look after.

Check if blade arbor is bent!

This also happens on rare occasions and mostly during the transportation. If blade arbor is bent out of alignment, you simply can’t make precise cuts.

Sign up for warranty!

Warranty coverage often requires you to signup a free contract that comes with a product. Simply signup a warranty coverage, and send it to the manufacturer so you can claim your warranty in the future. This should be the first thing to do before you start using it because warranty might not be valid.

Your turn!

When we made this list of the best portable table saws, we checked out hundreds of customer testimonials throughout the internet. We have ranked them based on their ratings, overall satisfaction and price.

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Best hybrid table saw reviews

Hybrid table saws were invented for one single purpose – to offer similar features like the most advanced and professional cabinet saws, but for a more affordable price. They are the most popular among advanced hobbyists who don’t find contractor type powerful enough for their needs and don’t want to spend large amounts of money on cabinet table saws.

So, if contractor saw doesn’t offer everything you need and cabinet saw is too expensive, hybrid saw just might be your best choice. Check out our ultimate list with reviews down below and find the right one for your workshop and needs.

Who needs a Hybrid Table Saw?

They are recommended for everyone who doesn’t find a contractor or portable type powerful enough for his needs and doesn’t want to spend large amounts of money on the expensive and professional cabinet saw.

Compared to contractor type, they have enclosed cabinets with improved dust collection, more durable motors, and larger tables. They are also heavier, so they are not portable, but they provide much better stability.

Our Ultimate Reviews:

All of the products listed below are great buys, but most of it comes down to personal preference. We have gone through hundreds of customer reviews and testimonials, and we couldn’t find much cons about any of the best hybrid saws on the market listed below.

We will try to update this list as often as possible with all available discounts and shipping details.

Jet 708494K JPS-10TS

JPS-10TS is on top of our list because of its high ratings, positive customer testimonials, and advanced features. It offers everything you could expect from a hybrid table saw, and it comes with free shipping option so you can have one delivered right in front of your doorstep with no extra costs.

It measures 82 x 35 x 39 inches and weighs 299 pounds, so it’s more compact than most cabinet saws. The motor produces 1.75 horsepower, so it’s powerful enough for all kinds of pressure-treated lumber.

It’s rated 4.4 stars out of 5, and there aren’t many cons we could find about it. Customers claim that it is easy to assemble right out of the box, even by those with very little mechanical abilities. It runs very quietly and smoothes considering that it features a powerful motor.

It comes with 5-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking down anytime soon.

There is a 17% discount with free shipping option available right now, so if you are looking for a hybrid saw that doesn’t lack any of the most important features, this might be the chance for upgrading your workshop.

Woodtek 159665

Woodtek 159665 is a 10″ hybrid table saw which offers an in-built tripod caster system and fully enclosed base for efficient dust control. It is slightly more expensive than some other products on our list, but that’s the price that comes with most top-end products.

The motor produces 2 horsepower and runs on both 115 and 230 voltages. Customers highlighted its stability and easiness of use, and despite its large size, it only weighs 225 pounds, which is much less than some other products of this type.

It features new riving knife design splitter with a practical see-through blade guard, so precision comes with ease. It offers maximum cut depth at 90 degrees at 3-1/4”.

Unfortunately, there are no available discounts at the moment and shipping comes with an additional fee, but if your budget is not a problem and you are planning on cutting a lot of wood, Woodtek 159665 might be your perfect choice.

Shop Fox W1824

Shop Fox is one of the leading power tool manufacturers in the world, and their products usually receive high ratings and praises from many woodworkers and DIYers. W1824 is no exception and that’s why it managed to get on our list of recommendations.

Single-phase motor produces 2 horsepower and can be used with both 110 and 220 voltage outlets. Polycarbonate blade guard is transparent so the operator can see the blade cut at all times. This feature guarantees even better precision and easiness of use.

W1824 measures 58” x 36” x 40” and weighs 380 pounds, so it can provide the stability that can be found only on expensive cabinet saws.

There is a 16% discount with free shipping option available right now, so if you are looking for one of the best hybrid table saws on the market, it just might be a perfect opportunity to have it delivered directly to your workshop.

Conclusion:

We will try to update this list as soon as possible and we will probably add more products on it in the near future, so stay in touch with the latest offers on our website!

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DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw with 20-Inch Max Rip Capacity Review

DEWALT is an American manufacturer of industrial tools leading this market for a very long time. DEWALT tools can be bought internationally wherever tools are sold. Their products include hammers, saws, plate joiners, cord and cordless drills, masonry drill bits, screw driving accessories and a lot more. DEWALT DW745 Compact Table Saw is a best one from this leading tool manufacturer.

Key Features:

15 Amp Motor: This table saw has 15 amp motor which can work efficiently and cut through hardwood and pressure treated lumber very swiftly. It does all the tough jobs for its user with ease and comfort. Its 10-inch blade spins at 3,850 rpm and does a perfect job every time.

Fence System: Rack and Pinion fence system allows accurate cutting of hardwood in a smooth manner with utmost ease and quickness.

Telescoping Fence Rails: The telescoping rails can move out at a distance of 20 inches and can deal with full, large sheets of materials. On the contrary, they can also be retracted for transportation purpose.

Rip Capacity: This model of DEWALT table saw has the rip capacity of 20 inches.

Cutting Depth: DEWALT DW745 has the cutting capacity of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees.

Table Top: The table top of this table saw is coated. This coating causes less friction, simultaneously improving the cut quality. A roll cage base provides a sturdy setup and confirms the durability of this saw against those with plastic bases.

Modular Guard System: The modular guard system enables the user to set using any tool. Moreover, it protects hands and fingers of the user. Portability: As it is light in weight, it can be carried easily to the worksite without difficulty.

Storage Facility: Many different types of tools are used while work is being done on this saw. When these tools are not in use, they can be compactly handled by the onboard storage facility.

Dust Collection: A 2 ½ inch dust collection port collects the dust during the cutting procedure and then extracts the dust through the shop vacuum and provides a cleaner work area.

Warranty: DEWALT offers three years limited warranty on this model of table saw. This warranty package includes 12 months of free service and 90 days money back guarantee.

Pros and Cons of DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw with 20-Inch Max Rip Capacity

Pros:

• 15 amp motor • Rack and Pinion fence system • Telescoping fence rails • 20-inch rip capacity • Different cutting depths • Modular guard system • Coated table top • Portable • Storage facility • Dust collection port • Three years warranty

Cons: A user said that the mechanism for moving the blade up and down failed after some time. This problem effects smooth wood cutting.

Overall Review and Verdict:

This table saw by DEWALT provides ease of use, accurate adjustment, good fence placement, with the facility of being lightweight and portable. Hence, it provides satisfactory work with relief to its users. Add a new and active touch to your workplace by buying  DEWALT DW745 Compact Table Saw.