firetowerfp's Blog at LumberJocks.com http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog Wed, 14 May 2008 01:18:19 GMT Recommended *Clear* Poly finish? http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4650 Hey Guys- I’m finishing up a Hard Maple table I built and am looking for the right finish for it. Finishing was never my best talent, especially on the lighter woods like Maple. I’ve got a coat of sanding sealer on already, and am looking to put on two or three top coats that won’t yellow over time (I just hate the look of yellowed wood). What would you all recommend for a relatively clear, non-yellowing finish? I’ve got a bottle of Formby’s Tung Oil finish that I’ve tested out already, and it put a slight yellow tinge on the spot I applied it to, which will undoubtedly get worse. I’m looking for a matte finish, but would settle for semi-gloss… I welcome any and all recommendations. Thanks! -Nate

]]> Wed, 14 May 2008 01:18:19 GMT http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4650 firetowerfp firetowerfp 50s(?) Era Craftsman Table Saw- Companion http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4072 Hi guys- I promised I would post pictures of my latest project- a 1950s era Craftsman Table Saw… Sorry for the bad pic quality- these were taken with my cell phone. I’ll have better pictures taken when it is fully assembled and in working order…

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All torn apart- whoever stored it was smart and poured motor oil over the whole thing

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The base alone weighs about 25 pounds

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Halfway assembled and all polished up

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Table top after 3 coats of Butchers Paste Wax

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Made a plate insert out of Ash

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One solid fence and table

Not quite done yet, have yet to put all the nuts and bolts back where they belong (and obviously get a motor and mount it).

Does anyone know the best way to get oil off the painted base? I’ve tried paint thinner and heavy duty engine degreaser with very limited success. Also, what kind of motor should I pair up with this beast?

]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:33:03 GMT http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4072 firetowerfp firetowerfp 14" Bandsaw Recommendations http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4055 Hello everyone- I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone that send me a message welcoming me to this great site. I just joined a few weeks ago and have already gotten so much off the site. I hope to contribute my own projects/thoughts/whatever comes to mind in the future. Already it’s been a great experience.
With that said, I wanted to get some advice on the purchase of a new 14” bandsaw… as my primary tool for making bandsaw boxes, this is the center of my “shop” (currently a small 2-room studio). I have had great luck with my Reliant purchased at Woodworkers Warehouse about 6 years ago. It does everything I want it to- cuts up to 6” thick, cuts bevels easily, easily maintained, etc.
I run a 3/16”, 5TPI Raker from Suffolk (Timberwolf blades). I’ve had it on my current saw for about a year and a half, and do not change out the blades unless they are about to break. I am looking for a machine that will require little adjustment when the blade is tensioned, and a quick-release tensioner is key.
I’ve been looking at Grizzly’s Ultimate 14” bandsaw, but recently got a big thumbs up from my neighbor who bought a brand new Rigid saw. What saws do you have, and what are the pros & cons of each?
Thanks in advance for your input guys & gals! -Nate

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:13:08 GMT http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/firetowerfp/blog/4055 firetowerfp firetowerfp