A lively discussion on Forrest blades showed up in the Web Surfer’s Review in a previous issue, and this reader wanted to add another comment. – Editor
“I, too, was not sure about putting out about $110 for a Forrest blade even after seeing them perform at a woodworking show. I took a chance and now own three 10-inch blades. They make a very smooth cut and have long cutting times before they need sharpening. I certainly see the ‘Forrest’ for the trees.” – Wib Swade
It Worked!
“I can’t believe it! In a recent Journal, I read about repairing Milwaukee batteries by jumpstarting. I just happened to have an 18-volt battery that died for no apparent reason the month before. I tried hitting the dead battery and it didn’t work, but then I jumped a good 18-volt Milwaukee to the dead one for five seconds and, would you believe it, it worked! I’ve been using the battery for about a month now, and it is recharging and holding the charge fine. Thanks for the tip.” – Ron Kocol
We’re glad we could help. – Editor
“You are doing a great job, but there is one major problem. You still persist with your quaint, antiquated Imperial measurement system. Please join the five billion others who don’t even have a yardstick to implement your plans.” – Roy Davies-Coleman
To paraphrase a wise man, you can’t please all the people all of the time. Fortunately, we do get some things right, as pointed out by the letter below. – Editor
“Kudos to Michael Dresdner for mentioning sanding is needed to offset wood oxidation. Many times woodworkers will use old stock to do a glue-up job. When the joint fails, they often blame it on ‘glue starvation’ or too much clamp pressure. In fact, it’s impossible to put too much clamp pressure when using normal woodshop clamps, but with oxidized wood, glue fails to penetrate and a poor joint is produced.” – Chuck Wright
The Look of Love
“I like the eZine look, content, feel and tone. Keep up the good work.” – Jerry Nutter
“The eZine just keeps getting better and better. I love the puzzle. You’ve always got new ideas. Don’t stop thinking. Thank you.” – Dan Hams
“Wow, what an upgrade. It’s great. I love the crossword puzzle and all of the other things. Readers’ gallery is really nice; so nice that I sent a project of my own and it was so easy that I will send more.” – Randy Walker
“I really like the new look! It is very clean as well as easy to read. The new sections are very enjoyable to read. You are doing a great job. Carry on!” – Josh Anderson
Thanks. We shall. – Editor
“I like the new format of the eZine. By the time I am through with the magazine I have finished my second cup of coffee, rearranged my desk and used a handheld massage unit to work on my bad leg while waiting for everything to come through. Yes, I do have a dial-up network, and it is slow. However, I do make great use of all of your magazine, in particular your free plans. I teach private lessons to homeschooled children, and have a weekly two-hour class with senior citizens.” – Bill Watson
A Look of Hate
“I can hardly write this email because of my rising blood pressure. When a reader stated that there were no flat spots on the back of his saw table for clamping, you suggested drilling holes in the table. Helping the user find a flat spot would be less damaging or at least less traumatic than attacking a table saw with a drill. I am a woodworker of only a few years, but it really bothers me when I see what I consider to be an irresponsible response to a legitimate question.” – Jim Severson
While we understand your revulsion to modifying tools, Jim, we suspect that feeling is not universal. Many woodworkers see their tools as kits, ready to be modified to fit their own working style after purchase. Furthermore, some common aftermarket items, like power feeders, require holes to be drilled in tables for safe mounting. However, since you’ve raised an issue that is obviously close to your heart, let’s poll our readers about it. Readers, do you think tools are sacrosanct, or do you drill, add, subtract and otherwise modify parts on tools you purchase? – Editor
Typo Corner
Though we usually draw our typos from our own pages, this one was so oddly appropriate that we thought we’d share it with you. It is from the Administration on Aging website, which deals with programs and services related to elderly humans. – Editor
“Chapter 3: Programs for Prevention of Alder Abuse”
Of course, we are all in favor of protecting one of our favorite woods, but we thought this group was more concerned with the protection of elders. – Editor
