Just the Spax, Ma’am

Nov 022009
 
Just the Spax, Ma'am
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The secret to Spax screws is in the shape of the barrel of the screw and in the shape of the threads. The bottom threads are wavy with serrations which act like a miniature drill to cut right through most materials. The net result is effortless work without having to drill pilot holes first unless you are running them into masonry. That’s right, the same screws work for mounting things to a masonry wall. And oh yes, the same screws work on sheet metal up to 24 gauge without pre-drilling. Are you getting the idea here? These things just work.

A James Krenov Plane

Oct 252009
 
A James Krenov Plane
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After hearing of James Krenov’s death, I looked for and found the plane I had bought from him last year. I thought he had put the blue masking tape around the throat and blade simply to keep the pieces in place for shipping, and I debated whether to take the tape off. Finally I did take it off and lo and behold, the throat was full of the most beautifully delicate shavings. Shavings put there by the master. I left them there and I don’t know if I will ever take them out.

My Woodworking Book Collection

Oct 092009
 
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Kari Hultman over at The Village Carpenter, my other favorite blogger, (besides me of course, who’d you think?) posted pictures of her woodworking library the other day. She has quite a collection of books, more than I do, I’m afraid, but with her kind permission, I stole her idea. Here are my books:

The Gorilla Gripper makes it easy to lift and move heavy panels

Aug 232009
 
The Gorilla Gripper makes it easy to lift and move heavy panels
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The trick to picking up a heavy sheet with a Gorilla Gripper is to get your hand under the Gorilla handle and fold your arm under the load while you bend your knees, and then straighten your legs to lift the material. Your hand ends up at your shoulder and the heavy sheet hangs comfortably by your side so you can walk with it.