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IRWIN Marples Chisels

June 20, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 1 Comment
IRWIN Marples Chisels

IRWIN Marples Chisels - Three Chisels For Three Different Functions IRWIN just released three new Marples bevel edge chisel lines that will focus on three major tool user groups including fine woodworking, construction and high-impact. IRWIN Marples Chisels Woodworking Chisel  This chisel is lightweight and made for the finish carpenter or woodworker who demand precision. From paring to dovetail joints,you’ll find that the IRWIN Marples … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Irwin, Tool Reviews, Workshop tips

Job Site Routers

June 10, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
Testing the DWP611PK compact router - hinge mortise

Job Site Routers For The Carpenter: As a renovation carpenter that often finds myself dealing with rotted window sills on Monday and installing a built in bookcase on Tuesday I have a myriad of tools and have to be prepared for anything. Part of that tool arsenal is my job site routers.  I have routers that never leave my workshop for intricate and production style work and I have routers that are specifically designated for the job … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Contractor Advice, Porter-Cable Tools, Workshop tips

Rockler Silicone Glue Brush

April 28, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 2 Comments
Rockler Silicone Glue Brush

Re- Usable Woodworking Glue Brush Recently the folks at Rockler send me their new Silicone Glue Brush to review and evaluate.  To be honest I immediately looked at the brushes and thought they were a cheap gimmick. I was wrong - the  Rockler Silicone Glue Brush worked as advertised and worked well. Up to now I used these metal handles black bristled brushes when gluing objects in my shop such as dadoes, tongues, grooves and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Rockler, Workshop tips

PortaMate Universal Tool Base PM1000 Review

April 3, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
HTC PortaMate PM1000 Universal Mobile Base

HTC PortaMate PM1000 Universal Mobile Base The folks at HTC recently sent me their Port-A-Mate PM-1000 adjustable mobile base, to evaluate and review. Mobile tool bases are ideal for moving, storing or servicing larger tools in your workshop.  I have a small work shop and for me having all of my woodworking tools on mobile bases means I can store these tools against the wall and leave the center of the shop open for assembling … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tool Review Videos, Workshop tips

Rockler Dust Right Quick Release Kit

March 24, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 1 Comment
Dust Right™ Multi-Port Quick Release Starter Kit

The folks at Rockler recently sent me their Dust Right Tool Port to review and evaluate.    The Dust Right Port connects nicely to any shop tool with a 2-1/2'' or 4'' dust port, while the Dust Right handle fits perfectly onto the ports. The Dust Right™ Handle is a super convenient way to unplug your dust collector hose from one machine and plug it into another machine, using the same hose.  If you have a small shop or multiple machines … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dealing With Dust, Rockler, Wood Shop Jigs

Work Shop Tip: Preventing Pipe Clamp Stains

March 2, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
workshop tip prevent pipe clamp stains

Black Pipe Clamp Tip:  Prevent stains on wood from black pipe clamps.   Dear Concord Carpenter, I recently tried your "pipe clamp extension clamp" on a project and it worked great!!  Thank you for taking the time to post that tip and video. I have another questions for you.  How can I prevent the wood that I am clamping from getting stains on them from the black pipe clamps? Thanks, Rodrigo   Dear Rodrigo, Great … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Wood Shop Jigs, Workshop tips, Workshop tips

Johnson Level 98-Inch Aluminum Cutting Guide

February 20, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 3 Comments
Johnson Level 98 Inch Aluminum Cutting Guide

Johnson Level & Tool J4900 98-Inch Aluminum Cutting Guide The Johnson Level & Tool 98-Inch Aluminum Cutting Guide is a rip guide that is designed to give you a straight edge for ripping plywood stock, doors and other large objects that may be too big to put through a table saw. It is made up of a simple pair of 49-inch, extruded aluminum rail guides and is joined together with a plate and four screws to make a 98" long  circular … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Johnson Level, Wood Shop Jigs, Workshop tips, Workshop tips

Hands Free Level

February 6, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
Hands Free Level

Workshop Tip:  Using A Clamp To Hold A Level In Place: . I mostly work alone. If you're a solo carpenter it behooves you to take the time to think about tips, techniques and methods of work that will not only help you accomplish your job, but save you time and money. One such tip that I use often is to us a clamp to hold my level in place to free my hands up.  I always joke that carpenters should have three hands when … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Wood Shop Jigs, Workshop tips