Issue 55
Issue 55
How Do YOU Choose?
New products from all of the toolmakers are bursting out like popcorn this time of year. The volume and variety are almost overwhelming … so overwhelming, indeed, that forlorn postings like this are scattered on various woodworking boards across the Internet: “I’m looking for a [name that tool], which one is best? Which one do you think I should buy?”
Sometimes, these web-based cries for help are answered, and sometimes they are not. Sometimes, the tool buying advice seems (to yours truly) to be sound; sometimes it seems a bit harebrained. But the question that comes to my mind is: how do YOU ultimately choose?
In the end, all that advice and opinion needs to be boiled down and legal tender exchanged. So what are the criteria that you use to make the final selection? Is price the requirement? How about quality, warranties, features, fit and finish … you tell me. E-mail me with your tool-buying techniques (arcane, scientific or otherwise), and I’ll sort through and have them posted on our readers’ response page. It will be interesting and useful to see how different folks go about the wonderful and yet daunting task of buying the tool (or tools) of our dreams.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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Thuya: The King of Woods
How two native New Yorkers became major US importers of thuya wood – one of the most beautiful burls in the world – is a story of serendipity, coincidence, and opportunity.
Today's Woodworker
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Richard Jones: Professional Furniture Maker
Many woodworkers contemplate making the transition from dedicated amateur to professional.
What's In Store
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Craftsman: Get a Better Grip
Craftsman’s latest 10″ compound miter saw puts a new twist on fixed saw handles.
Q & A
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How to Create Splines?
Woodworking experts offer opinions on the proper way to create splines in your workshop.
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Difference Between Hard and Soft Woods?
Our experts answer an often asked question, “What is the difference between hard and soft woods?”
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Final Finish for Knotty Pine or Red Oak?
It’s the final countdown to your completed project…now what?
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Getting Rid of Milky Stains
A hot towel creates a small mess for this woodworker.
Feedback
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More on Keeping Router Bits Tight
Readers talk about how to keep router bits tight, molding miters, lathe horsepower and drill press sizes.
