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Craftex CT128 Lathe (vs. the Nova 1624-44)
I have had my Nova 1624 Lathe for a almost 6 months. It is a quality machine. However as easy as it is to do, I hate changing the belt to change speeds. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about a new, more powerful lathe. Something with variable speed, larger capacity, more horsepower, and something that will quench my lust for bigger and better. I initially thought I had a great deal on a Powermatic 3560b. It turned out to be not true. At the same time I started reexamining Busy Bee’s Craf...
Lyle Jamieson - Bowl Basics, The Easy Way
Over the weekend, I get a e-mail notification from Wood Magazine that they have a new service where you can purchase and download video tutorials. You can find the service here. While this review is not about Iamplify, I would highly recommend it. While the price is the same as the DVD and the quality isn’t quite as high, there is something to discovering a tutorial you like and then being able to watch it 20 minutes later without having to go to the store or wait for the video to be de...
It's got rough spots but it works well.
For the past 5 months I have been looking for a new jointer. When I first started woodworking 4 years ago (has it really been long?), I purchased a Mastercraft 6” Bench Jointer. While it has served me well, it only worked for shorter pieces and it seemed to tear out everything except soft wood. Given that I am now a commited woodworker for life, I decided I really needed to get a “real jointer”. I went to all of the woodworking shops in my area but I couldn’t really fi...
Highly recommended
About a month ago, I decided I wanted another lathe. I was getting frustrated with my King Mini Lathe in regards to vibration and having to constantly switch the belt to change speeds. I had about $1000-$1200 which put me in the category of mid level lathe. It came down to a Craftex CT128 which is a copy of the Laguna 18/47 and the Nova 1624-44. The Craftex is bigger, has a bit more horse power, includes variable speed and an incredibly sturdy stand. The biggest negatives were that it was 2...
Rockler Thin Rip Tablesaw Jig
In the past one of the things I hated to was rip thin pieces of wood. Typically this is done to create keys for mitered joints. Last December I was going to build a one of the many jigs that you can find online when Rockler came out with their Thin Rip Tablesaw Jig. For $20 I thought, “Why not?” It arrived about three weeks later (They were sold old initially and everything takes longer in Canada.) and I was surprised at the quality of it’s construction. If anything the fit ...
