Tool Crib
A tool-focused blog from the folks at ToolCrib.com.
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Top 25 Most Popular ToolCrib.com Articles of 2008
January 5, 2009
I had a blast writing for ToolCrib.com in 2008 - I’d have a tough time picking my favorite articles. You don’t have any trouble picking your favorites Here are the writings that YOU liked the most last year, in order of page views. And for kicks, here’s the January 2008 newsletter we sent that looks at popular 2007 articles >> 1) Buyer Beware, A Harbor Freight Buying Guide: The Good Enough, The Bad and the Abysmal 2) 24 Free Sawhorse Plans in the Hunt for the Ultimate Sawhorse 3)...
The 38 Most Popular Free Woodworking Plans of 2008
January 5, 2009
2008 was a huge year for free woodworking plans at ToolCrib.com… How huge you ask? Well, here are the top 38 free woodworking plans in order of how many people visited them from our site so you can see for yourself. We published these plans in collections (scroll to the bottom to see all our collections) and ordered this list based on the number of times each individual plan received a visit. Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll see all the most popular plans of 2009 as we find them!...
Quiz: Are You a Humble Woodworker?
January 5, 2009
I wrote this fun quiz in collaboration with Humble Pie, a recent video from The Wood Whisperer. In this episode Spagnuolo revisits work he made many years ago and examines them for “damage, flaws and evidence of wood movement.” Check out the Humble Pie video to learn Marc’s lessons in wood movement and then come back to take the quiz here to see how humble you really are Note - if your results show up for a second and then disappear just hit refresh. If it still isn’t working...
Top 10 Hybrid Table Saws: Craftsman vs. Grizzly vs. Steel City vs. Jet and MORE!
January 2, 2009
Hybrid table saws remain a popular category with woodworkers seeking more power and versatility than contractor and benchtop table saws. To find the top 10 we gathered hybrid table saw tests, reviews and recommendations of professionals and hobbyists from the leading woodworking publications and forums. Here’s what you’ll find in this article: What is a Hybrid Table Saw? A Working Definition When You Should Go for a Cabinet Saw Instead of a Hybrid ToolCrib.com’s Top 10 Hybrid Table...
The ToolCrib.com Email Newsletter Archive
December 23, 2008
We know that signing up for ANOTHER email newsletter is a big commitment Check out our archive before you sign up for the newsletter >> The Combo Blade Showdown + 31 Free 3D Puzzle Plans Issue 42 - December 17th, 2008 14″ Bandsaw Comparison + 25 Plans for Last Minute Gifts Issue 41 - December 2nd, 2008 23 Shed and Workshop Plans + 12 Woodworking Gift Ideas Under $30 Issue 40 - November 19th, 2008 12 Shop Storage Plans + Brad Nailer Showdown + 10 Sources of Cheap or Free Wood Issue 39...
Gifts from the Wood Shop: Christmas Gift Photos from Woodworking Forums
December 23, 2008
Did you make any Christmas gifts in your workshop this year? You’re not alone While visiting my favorite woodworking forums today I found several threads showcasing Christmas gifts. Here are some of my favorite photos, followed by links to where you can see the whole threads for yourself: Bread Dipping Boards by Ralph of www.consultingwoodworker.com Wine Stopper and Bottle Holder Set by MyKidsDad Personalized Monster Truck by 00lightning Wood Handled Screw Drivers by manos1984 Flame...
A Walk Through Stu’s Shed: Interview with Woodworking Blogger Stuart
December 23, 2008
Stu’s an Australian woodworking blogger who writes and video tapes his experiences and lessons learned while working in his shed. He’s also one of the few cheapskate woodworkers brave enough to take the quiz AND post his cheapskate badge ;D. Pop a beer (don’t set it on his table saw though), relax and enjoy your tour of Stu’s Shed! 1) Tell my readers a little about yourself and your woodworking blog… I am a non-professional woodworker in the SE of Melbourne, Australia,...
Combination Blade Showdown: Forrest vs. Freud vs. Tenryu and More
December 17, 2008
In many cases a quality combination blade will outperform lower grade dedicated rip and cross cut blades. Whether you choose to run only combo blades or switch your blades depending on your cuts is a matter of preference, what you’re cutting, how much you’re cutting, and the saw you’re cutting with. To help you make a decision on your next combo blade I visited the usual suspects (woodworking forums) and researched opinions. I didn’t do any tests with these blades - the rankings/votes...
Festool Increases Price of Products by $6339.99
December 16, 2008
Festool lovers weep while Festool haters laugh and wink at their perfectly respectable collection of power tools. Why? Festool announced a price increase starting on February 1st, 2009. We plugged the Festool price increase list supplied by McFeely’s into good old Microsoft Excel so we could get a feel for what’s going on with their prices. (And just so Festool doesn’t feel like we’re picking on them, here’s our article on Grizzly’s coming price increase >>) Overall...
10 Free “Project-Specific” Woodworking Software Programs
December 16, 2008
We should have included free woodworking software on our list of the top 10 most dangerous power tools The free woodworking design software out there - namely SketchUp (read about Sketchup and Woodworking in this forum if you want) - gives you way more power than you need for most simple projects. You’ll end up raising your blood pressure learning software to design a picture frame when you should be making sawdust. Luckily for your health we found 10 free woodworking software tools designed...
30 Free 3D Puzzle Plans for Woodworkers: Burrs, Japanese Boxes, Tangrams and MORE
December 15, 2008
If you value your sanity STOP READING RIGHT NOW. The following puzzle plans will not only challenge your woodworking ability, but your ability to control your anger and frustration when you attempt to master your own creations… Puzzle makers seem almost gleefully willing to share their secrets, perhaps because they are just the slightest bit sadistic Join me now on a tour of 30 free 3D puzzle plans for woodworkers… and please don’t blame your newfound obsession on me >>...
Wooden Gear Clocks by Keith Chambers
December 3, 2008
My wife and I dropped by the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft during our recent Thanksgiving visit. I’m lucky she brought her camera - otherwise I would have not been able to share these exquisitely crafted wooden clocks by Lexington, KY woodworker Keith Chambers of Woodwerks. What really stands out about his clocks is the level of custom work and sheer detail that goes into each one. Here are some jaw dropping facts from the card on the wall: each clock has a custom-made 24 volt AC motor each...
Best 14″ Bandsaws: Grizzly vs. Rikon vs. Powermatic vs. Laguna and More
December 2, 2008
If you’re just getting started shopping for a 14 inch band saw the choices can be overwhelming… I’ve read of woodworkers who spent over a year doing their 14 inch bandsaw research. And with good reason - these puppies can cost well over $1000 (though you can get a SOLID 14 inch for $500 and lower). To help you make your purchase decision I researched woodworkers’ and expert reviewers opinions on 14 inch bandsaws in 30+ different articles and forum threads. Twelve 14 inch bandsaws...
25 Fast, Easy and Free Woodworking Plans for Last Minute Christmas Gifts
November 24, 2008
You made your list and checked it twice… and yet SOMEHOW you forgot a gift for your spouse’s boss’s nephew’s cousin! Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii(you know how this ends Never fear! ToolCrib delivers 25 fast easy and free woodworking plans that you should be able to slap together in under 2(ish) hours and still look like a great person. Remember, when it comes to last minute woodworking Christmas gift projects it’s important to follow the KISASS method. KEEP IT SAFE AND...
Video: SawStop Inventor Puts His Finger in a SawStop
November 21, 2008
SawStop inventor Steve Gass decided that a hot dog just isn’t cutting it anymore… So he put his OWN FINGER into the spinning blade on national television… I saw this over at the Wood Whisperer, where there’s a lively conversation going on in the comments: Sawstop Inventor Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is Here’s the classic SawStop vs. hot dog demonstration: More ToolCrib.com Coverage of the SawStop: Sawstop vs. Powermatic PM 2000 in the Professional Wood Shop First...
ToolCrib.com Exclusive: Nail Jack Tools, Inc. to Purchase DeWitt Vise-Grip Factory?
November 20, 2008
Nail Jack Tools - an American nail-pulling tool manufacturer - has reportedly entered into an agreement to purchase the Vise-Grip factory in DeWitt, Nebraska, according to a recent announcement made on the factory floor. The Vise-Grip factory, currently owned by Irwin Tools, a division of Newell Rubbermaid, went up for sale in early September, 2008 when the owners finalized plans to move all Vise-Grip manufacturing to China. News of the factory’s closing attracted national attention, along...
18 Woodworking Christmas Gift Ideas (12 for $30 and Under)
November 17, 2008
So the love of your life and kids don’t know what to get your for Christmas? You’re not alone. Don over at WoodNet mentions the same problem here: 2008 wish list gadgets/ gizmo’s. The good folk of WoodNet chime in to suggest a number of suitably inexpensive gifts that you can use to brain storm gift ideas when people ask: “so what do you want for Christmas?” You could send them this list of 7 stupid laser guided tools to tell them what NOT to get The list below is...
Woodworking with Kids: How to Pass Along Your Love of the Craft
November 17, 2008
Can woodworking compete with video games, text messaging and the internet? To put it another way do you think YOU would have gotten interested in woodworking if you had grown up in this “golden” era of entertainment technologies? My guess is that you would have… Why? There was someone in your life who encouraged you and helped pass along a love of working with your hands. There’s a reason why Dads placed 2nd in our Guide to Your 31 Most Influential Woodworkers… To...
2 Free Cutlist Programs that Minimize Scrap for Woodworkers
November 15, 2008
What if you could consistently determine the most efficient way to cut your wood stock down into project-ready pieces? First off you’d save yourself money - quite a big chunk over time depending on how much wood you buy. Some other repercussions? You’d have no need for articles like: 11 Ideas for Wood Cut Offs, and you could strike the cut off storage plans off your list of wood storage plans. So if you’re willing to save money and give up your future cut off supply (you have probably...
Build Your Dream Workshop: 23 Free Workshop and Shed Plans
November 15, 2008
Whether you’re just dreaming it or you’re ready to build it, the backyard workshop is the ultimate for every woodworker. Just ask the guys who have one This collection of links to plans, articles, books, videos - all free - shows you a wide range of possibilities so you can mix and match ideas to build the workshop of your dreams. Remember though: “Before you begin work, contact your local building codes office and find out about necessary permits or other requirements for this...
12 Workshop Security Tips: How to Protect Your Power Tools from Theft and Break Ins
November 7, 2008
Theft sucks. There’s no other way to put it. It leaves you feeling violated and all to aware of your vulnerability. That’s why there’s no time like the present to increase the security you have on your power tools… Thanks to the good folks at SawmillCreek for starting the lively thread How do you prevent theft/break-ins at your shop? which served as inspiration for this article. 1) Good Security Lighting Outside Good security lighting lets people from the street, neighbors,...
12 Free Workshop Storage Plans: Tool Cabinets, Rolling Carts, Under Stair Storage and More
November 5, 2008
Like clamps and free lumber, storage is always scarce when you need it. These free storage plans will help you tame the clutter in your workshop and make you more productive, efficient, and smarter. Or, at least they will make you LOOK like you are Enjoy! –> My 4 Favorite Shop Storage Plans –> 2 Rolling Cabinet/Shop Cart Plans –> 3 Tool Cabinets/Shelves Plans –> 2 Storage Shelf Plans –> 1 Under Stair Storage Plan –> More Free Woodworking Plans –>...
Power Tool Battery Repair: Resources for Rebuilding Your Rechargeable Batteries
November 4, 2008
WAIT! You don’t have to buy a new battery for your drill just because the old one won’t hold a charge anymore! There are some great companies who will rebuild those batteries for you… AND some great companies that will sell you the parts you need to rebuild batteries yourself. As ever I take my initial inspiration for this post from Woodnet: Batteries and Drills…. 2 Companies that Rebuild Rechargeable Batteries Building/Refurbishing Rechargeable Batteries Yourself Battery...
ToolCrib.com Got Digested! (Reader’s Digested that Is…)
November 1, 2008
ToolCrib.com got Digested! No, not by zombies in the work shop on Halloween - by Reader’s Digest! We’re happy and excited to announce that Reader’s Digest listed ToolCrib.com as a great site for those seeking low prices on power tools. We made it into their print as well as their online magazine. Check us out on page 5 of More Ways to Get a Great Deal on Anything Thanks to the great folks at Reader’s Digest, and be sure to check out the whole article, starting on page one....
Quiz: Could Your Workshop Withstand a Zombie Attack?
October 31, 2008
Here’s a little Halloween fun for you… because I’m sure you were curious how well you’d handle a zombie attack in your work shop Uh-Oh… Work Shop Zombie Attack! - Take the Quiz Uh oh, it’s a ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! Here’s the scenario: 1) Zombies. Lots of ‘em. For one weekend.2) Your family and loved ones are away for the weekend so you don’t have to worry about protecting them.3) You hole up in your workshop (no matter if it’s in your...
Lumber Salvage: The Top 10 Sources for Cheap, Free and Recycled Wood
October 30, 2008
There is no such thing as free wood. There, I said it. If your dream of free wood doesn’t include YOUR LABOR and, potentially, NEW TOOLS then it will stay a dream. If you’re ready to put in the footwork of research, emails, phone calls, personal visits and 12-pack bribes then you might just be ready to face all the OTHER hard physical work involved in recycling, salvaging and refurbishing this so called “free wood.” So I hope that scared off the lazy freeloaders For the...
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
October 28, 2008
The 18 gauge brad nailer is one of the most popular nailer sizes for woodworkers… mainly because using one means that YOU HAVE ENOUGH CLAMPS AFTER ALL It’s also widely used as the goto for putting up trim. Since just about every manufacturer under the sun makes one I researched to bring you the consensus of the woodworker on the street. Enjoy! Top 5 Uses for a Brad Nailer The Brad Nailer Stigma: is it Cheating? A Note on Electric Brad Nailers… The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown My...
Must Have Wood Finishing Supplies and Equipment
October 21, 2008
I’ve been thinking more about finishing woodworking projects since I wrote 7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown. As luck would have it I stumbled on the SawmillCreek thread “Finishing Supplies: Must Haves.” I like how the OP (original poster) has realized that improving his finishes may well boost him to “the next level.” The respondents provide several great ideas for new woodworkers seeking some simple finishing techniques...
Woodworking Through the Economic Crisis: 11 Resources for Stretching Your Woodworking Budget
October 20, 2008
In Woodnet today I found a great thread discussing the ways that the current economic crisis has affected woodworking habits: <a href="http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3923069&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o= Super Frugal Woodworking" target="_blank">How is the economic crisis effecting your woodworking habits? Some people asked “what economic crisis?” Others talked about salvaged lumber, hand made tools and spending reductions on...
10-20-30% Cash Back on Grizzly Through eBay + Microsoft Live
October 16, 2008
Microsoft Live Search + eBay “Buy it Now” = discounts on power tools. If you’re signed up for the right programs with both companies you can get UP TO 3 discounts of UP TO $250 by searching for items on Microsoft Live Search and then buying them through the eBay Buy it Now program. The kicker is that I’m reading forum reports that Grizzly will add items to eBay if you contact them, meaning you can get up to $250 back on your next Grizzly power tool purchase. This is HUGE...
