Long nose and needle nose pliers are two important types of gripping pliers for work that requires long reach. These pliers are both available in two nose configurations: the normal straight one and an angled version, also called ‘bent’ or ‘curved’. If you have ever bought a pair of these pliers, you might have wondered […]
Table saws are powerful tools, but also heavy and expensive space hoggers. If you’re a starting woodworker, you may be asking yourself: do I really need a table saw? This article tells what a table saw is really useful for and when you’re fine without one. Shortly put: A table saw is the best tool […]
As a new owner of a small-sized metal lathe, I was wondering if I could use this lathe also for small woodworking projects. After spending the money and dedicating the space for the machine, I thought, I had better to put it to maximal use. Through testing and trying the lathe with different tools and […]
Spade bits and Forstner bits are two drill bit types that you can use to cut large-diameter holes into wood. So what are the two bit types for? Forstner bits are more expensive, but what are you actually paying for? This article tells you how spade and Forstner bits differ. In short, spade bits are […]
The Art of Electronics: The x-Chapters by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill (Cambridge, 2020) is a companion volume to the popular The Art of Electronics (3rd edition, Cambridge, 2015) by the same authors. Announced in the main volume, the x-Chapters have been ever since eagerly expected both in among industry professionals and hobbyists. After placing […]
Cutting metal wire or similar stock – nails, screws, rebar, wire rope, and so on – is a recurring task in the shop, around the house and at the job site. While the heaviest wire and rod must be cut by sawing or grinding, the frequent small-to-medium gauge cutting jobs are most conveniently achieved using […]
Should you take up woodworking? You might have thought about starting to work with wood, or if you are reading this article, chances are that you are considering it now. While we often pick up hobbies instinctively based on spontaneous interest, without a detailed consideration of the pros and cons of alternative pastimes, I think […]
Plunge-cut circular saws are a central tool in most modern woodshops. These saws, often also called track saws, owe their accuracy and ease of use to guide rails or tracks. Although the tracks are usually specific to the saw brand, two of the leading manufacturers, Festool and Makita, carry very similar-looking models. If you are […]
