Non-Standard Miter Cuts
Quite a few readers thought they had a better solution to this question. David Buehring keeps a square 12″ x 12″ board handy for just this purpose. For a 110 degree miter using a miter saw, he aligns the 12 x 12 with the saw blade and uses the hold-down clamp to secure it against the fence. Then he sets the saw to 35 degrees and gets the 110 degree miter. Confused by the answers, Ed Zieverink noted that the setting for a 90 degree cut on most miters is 0 degrees. Similar to David, he would set the saw to 35 degrees (which is 90 minus 55 degrees) to cut a 55 degree angle. Or, as John Devitt put it, since the opposite cut of 55 degrees is 35, just turn the piece around and cut at 35 degrees. Craig Coney thought the formula supplied by our experts would create a 70 degree corner. Yes, he agrees, 110 divided by 2 = 55, but you have to take it one step further & it’s 90 minus 55, so the setting on the scale should be 35.
Wood Losing Color
While taking a class on turning segmented bowls with exotic woods, the teacher told Bruce Ferguson to use a Bullfrog sunscreen with a rating as high as possible. And when it’s dry, add the finish.
Long vs. Short Belt Drives
Old friend George Lathbury thinks that any situation involving friction means a loss of horse power. Adjust the belt too loose and you get slippage, too tight and you put drag on the motor, but even when adjusted correctly they rob horsepower. Though belt systems provide some advantages — being able to re-gear by changing pulleys or repositioning the motor — he prefers direct-drive systems.
Drill Bit Recommendations
Len Gibson’s recent experience with some brad point drill bits confirmed the old adage “you get what you pay for.” The low cost imports came “dull” from the factory, didn’t cut the surface cleanly, were off spec in diameter, and did not drill “true.” Even a mid-quality replacement set included one bit that wasn’t straight and wavered in a 1/16″ arc. The lesson he learned was to test every bit as soon as he bought it. This way he discovered the faults of a rarely used size before he got into the middle of an important project.
Other Comments
Ed York dropped us a line just to say how much he appreciates the free plans. You’re welcome, Ed!
