It’s been a few weeks since my last post, so it’s about time for an update. It’s been too hot (heat index approaching 110) the last several weeks to do anything meaningful in the shop, so I’ve been working on some new features for the site. Two new simple features are the links & contact pages. The final new feature is a custom flash video player, that I wrote and can be see in action on this old post. The player is nothing great, but it’s significantly cleaner than the free one I used previously.
Ok, now for the preview part.
I recently purchased a new Nikon P100 camera, to replace my ancient Cannon S1. Since the new camera takes both 720P & 1080P video, I’ve decided to start incorporating video posts into my blog. I’m psyched about this because I really enjoy posting about the trials & tribulations of my various projects, and then hearing back from people about how my post helped them with one of their projects. Additionally video opens a whole new realm of possibilities when it come to explaining something, because some things just can’t be adequately expressed with words & pictures alone. Now for the catch, my desktop died last week, and my laptop isn’t up to the task of processing video. I have parts for a new machine on order from Newegg, but it will probably be another week until I can get it built. So check back in a week or so and I should have my first video post up.
Saturday, I went into my local Rockler looking for some 2-1/2″ dust collection hose, unfortunately they where sold out. While chatting with the clerk, she pointed out the new FastCap ProCarpenter tapes. As soon as I examined a tape, I knew I had to have one. The tapes have several interesting features, but the one that really caught my eye, was that the hook doesn’t jiggle like every Stanley I’ve ever handled. Below is a YouTube video covering some of the tapes other features, along with some close-up shots of mine. For reference, I purchased the 16 foot Flatback model.
Tuesday, CU WoodShop gave members of there mailing list, a sneak peak of their new show room. Since the show rooms is only two miles from my home, I made sure to stop by. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found, the had a nice selection of router bits, finishing supplies and wood. This store is going to be a great resource for woodworkers in the Champaign Urbana area, as we will no longer need to drive to Chicago or Indianapolis to pick up basic supplies.
Some of the hardwood racks.
The plywood rack
A few weeks ago, I came cross this sawblade caddy tip on finewoodworking.com, and thought since I was runnig out of space in my tool chest, and this caddy was pretty simple that now would be good time to finally make a proper sawblade storage device. I made the following tweaks to my version:
- I used a 3/8″ bolt instead of 1/4″
- I used 3/4″ plywood for the backer board
- Most importantly, instead of placing a hardboard separator disk against the bolt, I made a separator disk template that has a recess in it to fit over the bolt.
Some of you might remember that back in April I picked up a well used Stanley type 13 #3, that was in need of some TLC. Tonight I finished refurbishing the plane. To get the plane back into working condition, I performed the following tasks:
- general cleaning
- de-rusted the sole
- lapped the sole
- fixed the broken tote
- refinished the sole with an industrial grade enamel
- lapped the frog
The following photos are of the plane after a few test cuts.
