MySaw

Our local Woodcraft owner, Steve Steve Quehl is very active in getting great woodworking speakers and classes.  

This last weekend was no exception.  Christopher Schwarz, Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine was in town.  Steve had a reception and informal lecture on Thursday night for free ( with food ) and then two days of classes presented by Chris.

 

I attended the Thursday evening lecture.  Chris presented a nice slide lecture on the history of workbenches from his vast knowledge and collection of old plates and pictures.

 

Chris is very entertaining to say to least.  His question and answer session on planes, saws, and every thing wood, including the magazine changes was really fun.  Let's just say he does not hold back on any opinions.  And if you were thinking about buying the new Stanley planes, just don't.

Chris also talked about his books.  Lost Art Press, his publishing company is going very interesting work with the history of woodworking.  I did purchase the Joiner and Cabinet Maker and Hand Plane Essentials.   I have started reading the Joniner and the Cabinet Maker.  This starts to give a new perspective to the craftsmanship of woodworking.   I can already recommend that if you love hand tools and wood, this is a must read.

 As has been posted in the Popular Woodworking blogs, the magazine is taking on a new look.  Chris had the very 1st printing of the magazine.  I think it is a great new direction.   Much more about woodworking projects and techniques that we  all need to learn and practice.  With project to support that process.

Chris also talked about the up-coming Woodworking In America.  It sounds very interesting.  So much so I am looking at the date and hoping to go.  A new and very different format will allow much more access to the master's that will be giving lectures and hanging out to show techniques.

 

 In summary, a great evening.  Any time you get to hear great woodworkers, you will always learn something.  

I knew at some time I would need to upgrade my 12" Delta DP.

Last October my local Woodcraft had a good sale and I decided on the new Delta 17" drill press.

I knew that I wanted at least 3/4 HP.   I looked at all the competition and Delta has really put together a nice package. 

As you can see, I also got a mobile base for the unit.  This is first time I have used a mobile base of this style.  I liked it because of the ease of bolting the DP onto the base.

The DP also come with a good light that is permantly attached to the head of the unit.

I thought the laser sighting was a gimmic.  But was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy of the lasers, once they are adjusted.

Another very nice features are the dept stop gauge.  It is set with a push button stop that is very easy to just click and set.

The last feature that I did not realize was there, was the belt tension lever.  Just pull the level and the belts are loose and very easy to set.

I realized that I would need a fence.  With the built in T-Tracks in the table it was easy to use some Rockler jig accesories that I had in my jig-parts box.  You can see these really are going to work very well.

 

click on pictures for full size

This is the first official blog entry in my new website.

I have been working at the new site for several months and finally decided it is time to get it finished.

My objective with this site is to communicate with other woodworkers and share my work and experience with all that care to look and read.

The site and postings will feature many pictures, as much information as I can convey and at times some personal insight and sharing of life.