Archive for: January 2010

Blade guides are important for the safe and accurate operation of a bandsaw. The simplest system that woodworkers are familiar with consists of two blocks of timber on either side of the blade above the table. Although they are a lot more sophisticated nowadays, this is still how most of the blade guides work. You will find that most bandsaws operate with blade guides above and below the table. At least one, but generally both of these will have a ‘thrust” bearing that sits behind the blade, which takes off the load as the material is pushed into …

Sharpening is one of the most fundamental woodworking skills and using sharp tools is what makes a woodworker’s job stimulating and pleasurable. While learning how to sharpen woodworking tools appears to be simple in theory, it often turns out to be frustratingly difficult when put into practice.

Knowing when a tool is sharp is difficult because it is subjective and the definition of sharp can vary between woodworkers. As a rule of thumb, woodworkers often go by the shaving test – if the blade is sharp enough to shave with, it is probably ready for use. Provided …

Woodworkers who have been in the game for long may find the very thought of learning CAD intimidating, as would someone with no idea of HTML being asked to design a website. Some of course feel that the years of experience they have makes it easier to continue working as they have always done, so why bother with CAD.

Modern woodworkers understand the many benefits of using CAD, which enables them to produce plans and drawings that are accurate and look professional that normally would require the skills of someone with a drafting degree.

Making the transition from the drawing …