Saturday, April 30, 2011

Which Woodworking Software Is Best For You?

Getting into the hobby of woodworking will be much smoother with the proper woodworking software. If you can find the best software to use then you will notice that your projects are so much easier to accomplish, you will need to invest some time to get the best software. Just keep in mind that the benefits far outweigh the effort to find the software, such as increased self-confidence and skill.

You are going to want to look at a few key points when you are shopping around for your woodworking software to be certain that you are getting the best program for your needs. For instance, you want to be sure that you know the number of templates that you can find in your software. Are you going to be able to use the templates over and over, on different projects?

It is also critical to find woodworking software that has complete instructions for you so that you will not be confused. Some software does not have total instructions included and are vague, but armed with the proper software you should do fine. You will have no reason to become stuck at any point and will enjoy woodworking.

One very helpful tactic to find the best woodworking software is to look at the reviews from other customers that have used it. Try to find a program that comes with a high referral rating from other customers who have used it. If it is a good package with a history of happy clients then you can trust that your experience will be the same. Otherwise you are taking a chance that you will be unhappy with it.

Try to find woodworking software that can help you at your current skill level, but that can take you to the next level. Do yourself a favor and find software that will not just leave you in your comfort zone, but will give you a challenge as well. The best programs will help you to improve yourself. This way you will be able to grow in experience and will complete projects that are more fulfilling.

The woodworking software that you want will give you great instructions from your own computer. Look at the guide when you get stuck some place, and you will have the ability to complete every project that you set out to do. Woodworking should not become frustrating for you. You should enjoy yourself and having good software will help you do so.


View the original article here

Friday, April 29, 2011

Gifts For Woodturners: Things to Consider Before Buying That Present

Your spouse, relative, neighbor or friend is a woodturner, and you are thinking of getting him or her something related to that interest. Getting them a fancy chunk of wood (called a "blank") or a new tool or kit seems like an obvious choice. But before buying that present, here are a few things to consider before getting gifts for woodturners.

What do they turn?

Most turners tend to do one type of turning more than others. For example, some prefer doing spindle turning, making things like chair legs, baseball bats, boxes, or eggs. Others prefer bowls, bowls, bowls. Some do mostly hollow forms, such as vases, urns, and vessels.

Buying a pen kit for a turner who does pens might be ideal, but it wouldn't work for a bowl turner. You actually need special equipment to make pens, so unless you are sure the person has everything else they'd need, and that they'd actually turn it, it's best to skip the pen kit.

How big is their lathe?

Lathes come in several different sizes, from mini lathes, to heavy iron monstrosities. The "swing" is the measurement of the largest diameter piece of wood any particular lathe can accommodate.

A mini lathe has a swing of about 12 inches, and other larger lathes can handle 14, 16 inches, or more. If you get a wood blank for them to turn, you'll need to know what size they can handle.

What is their skill level?

Beginning turners have many failures. My goal, as a beginner, was always, "a finished piece, not a masterpiece." So spending money on tools that they wouldn't even know what to do with is foolish. So is buying wood blanks that are likely to end up as an expensive pile of shavings.

However, if you know they can do spindle turning and have turned a tool handle, for example, you can assume they have the skills to complete a similar project, such as the handle for a cheese knife or ice cream scoop. One of those kits might be a great gift.

Are they purists?

Many turners start out working with wood only. Eventually they may venture into playing around with embellishments, such as stone or metal inlays, carving, coloring, and burning.

If you know for a fact that your turner friend does these things, you might get them something related. Or present them with a book focused on the type of embellishments they enjoy.

Believe me, nothing is more exciting to a wood turner than a related gift. But make sure you consider these factors, so you give gifts for woodturners that are a good use of your hard earned money, and something they will actually be able to make use of.


View the original article here

Weber 7413 Work Table, fits Kettle Charcoal Grills

Weber 7413 Work Table, fits Kettle Charcoal GrillsWork table made of durable thermoset material. Great additional work space. Legs extend to fit all 3 sizes of charcoal grills. Fits 18.5'', 22.5'', and 26.75'' charcoal grills.

Price: $49.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Thursday, April 28, 2011

1700s Brown Bess Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket Replica - Full Size All Wood and Metal Prop Gun with Bayonet

1700s Brown Bess Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket Replica - Full Size All Wood and Metal Prop Gun with BayonetThis replica is the style used in the United States Revolutionary War. It features a working action. (The hammer cocks back, and pulling trigger releases hammer.)

The overall length with bayonet is approximately 75 inches.

The bayonet is removable. It does not lock into place.

Price:


Click here to buy from Amazon

Melissa & Doug Wooden Project Workbench

Melissa & Doug Wooden Project WorkbenchMelissa & Doug Toys - Wooden Project Workbench. Sturdy wooden workbench contains a functioning vise, tool rack, wooden tools, hardware and a storage shelf.

Price: $99.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Wood Model Kit-Covered Wagon

Wood Model Kit-Covered WagonWood Model Kit. These fabulous little wood kits are great for school camp, scout activities and at home. Each kit contains precut wood easy to follow instructions for assembly and finishing all you need is the glue, sandpaper and paint (sold separately)! There is a variety of kits available from cars to jets, bird houses to bird feeders and many more, each sold separately. Size, shape and number of pieces in each kit varies by design. WARNING: Choking Hazard-small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Price: $1.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use (Popular Woodworking)

Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use (Popular Woodworking)Every workbench should be able to easily work the edges, faces and ends of boards. But most benches built during the last 100 years fail on at least one of these tasks. This book dives deep into the historical records of the 18th and 19th centuries and breathes new life into traditional designs that were fantastic to use. These old-school benches are simpler than modern benches, easier to build and perfect for both power and hand tools.The reader will learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten. The book explains all of the complex vises and ways of holding work so the reader can understand what they do. And it shows you how to use this knowledge to design a workbench any reader will love, using two venerable designs as basic skeletons. Unlike other books on the topic, this one isn't a tour of unusual or beautiful workbenches. Instead it's essential reading for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty in their workshop.

Price: $29.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Thompson Replica Machine Gun-John Dillinger style

Thompson Replica Machine Gun-John Dillinger styleHigh quality Thompson machine gun replica. This is perhaps the most recognizable firearm of World War II, made famous by the Airborne Troops of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Though heavy by today's standards, the weight helped control the .45 caliber bursts when operated on full-automatic. This classic non-firing replica has been out of production for several years and is now available again.

Made in Spain by Denix.

This model is equipped with a drum type clip, which is removable.
Features

Length: 32.5" Weight: 9 lbs

Price: $389.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient ArtilleryThe Art of the Catapult is a collection of ten working catapult projects. It offers a fascinating look at world history, military strategy, and physics, related with alighthearted touch. The historical context helps to make the projectsinteresting. Instructions are clear, with full materials lists,helpful diagrams, and no skipped steps. Saw and drill are oftenrequired, along with hardware store purchases such as PVC pipe orspecifically sized wood. Some of the finished results are large (5 x5 ) construction with considerable flinging power, while a couple aresmaller, tabletop-sized models that still propel successfully. Adult supervision is required. Author: William Gurstelle Format: 192 pages, paperback Ages: 9-12 Publisher: Chicago Review Press ISBN: 9781556525261

Price: $16.95


Click here to buy from Amazon

K'Nex Loopin' Lightning Coaster

K'Nex Loopin' Lightning CoasterKNex Loopin Lightning Coaster

Price: $49.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

18th Century German Sea Dog Naval / Pirate Flintlock Pistol - Wood and Metal Replica Gun with Antiqued Brass / Silver Tone Metal Parts Covered with Elaborate Designs

18th Century German Sea Dog Naval / Pirate Flintlock Pistol - Wood and Metal Replica Gun with Antiqued Brass / Silver Tone Metal Parts Covered with Elaborate DesignsThis replica antique firearm features a full length wooden stock and a working action. The hammer cocks, and the trigger releases the hammer. It is constructed of metal with an antiqued brass and silver tone finish. The metal parts are covered with detailed designs. The endcap features a mask of a sea dog and a lanyard ring. The body is made of polished European hardwood.

The length is approximately 16.5 inches.

Price:


Click here to buy from Amazon

Gorilla Rack GR2102B 5-Feet Workbench with 2 Drawers, Black

Gorilla Rack GR2102B 5-Feet Workbench with 2 Drawers, Black5-ft. workbench with 2 drawers includes ball bearing drawer glides for 100-lb. capacity each. Capacity (lbs.): 100, Material: 11 and 16 gauge steel, Top Material: Pegboard and particleboard, Dimensions W x D x H (in.): 60 x 24 x 60, Drawers (qty.): 2, Includes: Two-way cantilever shelf

Price:


Click here to buy from Amazon

Monday, April 25, 2011

Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table (Popular Woodworking)

Bill Hylton's Ultimate Guide to the Router Table (Popular Woodworking)"Ultimate Guide to the Router Table" starts by giving the reader the option of building their own router table (with plans) or buying a manufactured table (with suggestions on what to look for when buying). In either case, this book will give the woodworker all the information they need to use their router table. It covers the basic router-table knowledge in the first chapter: safety issues, setup fundamentals, feed direction and workpiece control.

Price: $24.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Instant Woodworking Design

Instant Woodworking DesignWoodworking software by the makers of Award-WinningDesignCADProduct InformationThe Woodworking Design wizards feature practically unlimited variations of do-it-yourself projects.  The birdhouse project offers birdhouses designed to attract specific bird species. Each wizard including the birdhouse wizard allows for custom dimensioning of the design. For instance the birdhouse suggests dimensions for the birdhouse and also allows any of the recommended dimensions including the height width depth hole diameter hole height and the feet above the ground for raised birdhouses to all be changed as desired. Once the dimensions are entered Instant Woodworking Design automatically designs the project. Activities Include Birdhouses Gun Rack Foot Stool Dog House Bookshelves Shelf Wine Rack Work Bench Picnic Table Rocking Horse Step-By-Step Plans Automatic Dimensions and Labels Birdhouses for 16 Species Nailing Points Indicated Material List Printable Plans Print StepsProduct HighlightsImagineLet your mind go as you envision sharing picnics with friends and family birdsnesting in custom made homes useful household items and much more.Step by StepCreate automatic step-by-step plans. Choose your project set the dimensions andsit back while the project is automatically drafted right before your eyes.Print the material list for easy shopping at the lumber yard.VisualizeInstant Woodworking Design comes with the power of DesignCAD's most populardrafting tools. Customize the included designs or start from scratch. One clickprints the whole design.Product Features No experience required Step-by-step assembly illustrations Countless variations on 10 instant projects Easy to read drafts and designsSystem Require

Price: $29.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Milescraft 1298 3D-Pantograph Router Stencil Tracing Jig

Milescraft 1298 3D-Pantograph Router Stencil Tracing JigThe 3D-Pantograph from Milescraft is a stencil tracing jig for routers that allows you to carve nearly anything you can imagine. Use the included templates and line drawings (yields carved letters and drawings from 3.2-inches to 4.8-inches), or trace anything that you can print with your computer. We find that childrens coloring books provide a great source of ideas and line drawings. Universal design fits ANY router with a 6-inch or smaller base. Some assembly required. For the advanced user, this product is also capable of routing/tracing 3 dimensional carvings and designs.

Price: $49.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

HTC PM7000 Portamate Miter Saw & Power Tool Work Center

HTC PM7000 Portamate Miter Saw & Power Tool Work CenterThere's no denying the immense popularity of the power miter saw. It has pushed the radial-arm saw to the brink of extinction, and become an indispensable tool for professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike. However, to get the most out of your power miter saw, you must get it up off the floor and mount it to a sturdy saw stand.

At first glance, the Portamate PM7000 Miter Saw and Power Tool Work Center might just look like a fancy sawhorse, but look closer and you'll discover one of the best portable saw stands on the market. The ruggedly built aluminum stand measures 33 inches tall by 67 inches wide, but it expands to an impressive 9 foot, 8 inches for cutting long moldings, siding or deck boards. The saw attaches to the stand's horizontal rail via a pair of universal mounts. In fact, the mounts can be used to attach other compact benchtop tools, such as a drill press, scroll saw, band saw, or thickness planer.

Other user-friendly features include a four-outlet power strip, 8-inch-diameter wheel for easy mobility, convenient storage compartment and three adjustable work supports that have fold-down rollers. The stand's four legs fold up for storage or for easy transport. And if all that weren't enough, it comes with two invaluable, add-on accessories: a flexible worklight and a heavy-duty cast-aluminum bench vise.

The PM7000 combines useful features and unmatched versatility, with industrial-quality construction and competitive pricing. Bottom line: If you own a power miter saw you've got to get this work center. -- Joseph Truini

Price: $305.98


Click here to buy from Amazon

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Black & Decker WM425 Workmate 425-550 Pound Capacity Portable Work Bench

Black & Decker WM425 Workmate 425-550 Pound Capacity Portable Work BenchThe Black & Decker Workmate Project Center might just be the item you need to make your home shop complete. Its versatility makes it an especially ideal choice for those with limited shop floor space: use it as a workbench, a bench tool stand, a vise, or a sawhorse, then quickly break it down and store it out of the way. Because it's lightweight and portable, you can move it conveniently wherever it's needed. The one-handed vise clamp system, with its exclusive clutch design, provides quick and easy clamping. The Workmate also features an extra block to expand your work surface, four swivel pegs, and an adjustable front jaw that swings up for vertical clamping. Its legs fold under to provide the lower height and stability needed when you're using it as a base for bench tools, and its all-steel construction and rubber feet ensure a stable, strong work surface that supports up to 550 pounds. All in all, we were pretty impressed. With features like these, it's no wonder the Workmate is a popular choice for light-duty and home shop use. --Tim Block

Price: $178.06


Click here to buy from Amazon

Space Saver Solid Wood Laptop Bed Tray Multiuse Laptop Table Desk, Notebook Stand Holds up to 18.4" Screen

Space Saver Solid Wood Laptop Bed Tray Multiuse Laptop Table Desk, Notebook Stand Holds up to 18.4Relax in bed or on the sofa with this convenient laptop desk! Are you someone who likes to read hardback books in bed? Work on your laptop or write? If you find it inconvenient to hold heavy books in bed, finagle your laptop into a comfortable position, or are tired of resting a writing tablet on raised knees, a bed desk might be just what you need.

This multiuse bed desk features a solid wood construction, large working surface. It is easily stored and no assemble is required. This bed desk would work well for desk work, laptop computing, writing and reading.

Price: $79.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Catskill Craftsmen Wood Pastry Board with Baking Graphics

Catskill Craftsmen Wood Pastry Board with Baking GraphicsThis handy board allows you to do regular mundane prep on one side and on the other side it has helpful measurements for rolling out pastry or pizza dough.

Price: $0.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Outdoor Furniture Woodworking Plans - Ready to Have Some Fun?

Patio furniture is truly a joy to build. It's not too complex. It's not too "big." And everyone enjoys the results of your labor! You just can't lose... unless, of course, you're not following a good set of outdoor furniture woodworking plans. But we won't let that happen. This article will help you select the best plans possible, so please read on!

What I would really like to do at this time is offer you a little insight as to what makes some plans highly valuable, while others are really only suited for the recycle bin. This is really common sense stuff, but often that's exactly what we need to help us make the best decisions. Would you agree?

The first thing you really need to scrutinize when it comes to your outdoor furniture woodworking plans is who the heck drew them up in the first place. Was it just some random individual trying to make a quick buck, or someone who actually knows what they're doing? A question I like to have answered before buying any plans is "Does this individual actually use these plans himself (or herself)?" If not, I wouldn't even consider making the purchase.

Another thing I look for is neatness and readability. The last thing you want to have laid out in front of you are plans written in a different language. At the same time, you don't want plans that are too small. They need to be big, bright, and crystal clear. Otherwise, costly mistakes can be made, and the last time I checked, wood can often be pretty unforgiving when it comes to major mistakes!

One more thing to expect from your plans is the inclusion of material lists. In other words, you want to know the exact materials and tools that are required for your project BEFORE you get started... not some time in the middle! Can you imagine the frustration of getting half-way through your project only to realize that you have to make a $200 trip to the hardware store in order to complete it? Not fun.

Finally, even though patio furniture is often thought of as "light" and fairly simple to construct, you really don't want "cheap-o" plans. You can still create breathtaking works of art if you've got the right plans by your side. So don't let your pride stray away on this one. Good outdoor furniture woodworking plans can keep you inspired, and this will show when it comes time to entertain in your back yard... or the outdoor location of your choosing.


View the original article here