New Wenzloff Website

A while back I made a saw using a kit I purchased from Wenzloff and Sons.  While I had no problems getting exactly what I wanted, Wenzloff and Sons has a new and improved website, and I am very impressed with the information, and options available.  I think that every small tool company should have a site as good as theirs (hear me St. James Bay tools?).  Without this being a shameless plug for a quality sawmaker, they are also offering $20 off of all shipping until December 15.

Folding Knife Kit

For a gift, I made my sister a folding knife.  I bought the kit from KnifeKits.com, which was $25 plus shipping.  Here is a pictorial of the assembly process:

Small Update

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted very much lately.  This is due to the fact that unfortunately I have had barely any time in the shop recently.  Today I am recovering from oral surgery and cannot do much.  But I have taken some pictures for your perusal- enjoy.

 Newly turned on heater that makes woodworking in upstate Ny winters possible.

 Wood that I have cut.

 Almost finished butternut music bookshelf.

 New Grizzly grinder ($35 including shipping!).

 

 Left end of bench.

 Right end of bench.

 Drill chuck I cut out of an old cordless drill that wouldn't hold a charge.

Allows me to use small diameter bits with my drill press.

Better Drift Adjuster

I know that you're probably all tired of more bandsaw stuff, but I thought that I would share my method of improving my fence.  Before I had used washers to shim the fence, but I began to find those annoying and coarse to use.  So I tapped a hole for a thumbscrew into the t track.  I can now correct for drift with almost infinite angles.

Homemade Log Milling Tutorial

Due to popular demand I have videoed my process of how I go about turning a small log into lumber.  In this sequence I am using a 6" diameter sycamore log, which is smaller than I usually do, but honestly it was the best log that was at the dump.  First I drive two screws into the side of the log to hold the log to the sled.  Note that I am using a scrap piece of wood as a spacer to lift the log up above the clamps that are holding the jig to the bandsaw table. 

When I build a new and improved version I will build the auxiliary fence wide enough so the clamps will not interfere.  This jig is made from old particleboard drawer, and the frame of a old screen door.  The sled (which also doubles as a resaw fence) slides along a track. The base can be adjusted for drift and the log's size.

The blade I am using is Highland Woodworking's Woodturner's 3/8" Bandsaw Blade (105" length).  The jig is aligned with the blade to cut where I want it to and is squared to the fence bar which has been adjusted for drift. 

I have a video of the first cut, I apoligize about the quality, I was having problems uploading the non-condensed version.  It's not the most scintillating, so I understand if you skip to the end. 

After a flat face has been established I reference the newly cut face off a fence, in this case my regular bandsaw fence because this log isn't wide enough to need a tall resaw fence.  Note how in the beginning the log bucks a little.  This is caused by the log not resting securely on the table.  I should have flipped it around to cut from the other side, which would've been more stable.

With the lumber cut I paint the ends with latex paint and sticker them for drying.  Also I was sure to clean most of the sawdust out of my saw because the wet sawdust will cause rust on unprotected parts.  Even from this small of a log quite a bit of sawdust was made.

Home-milled Wood

In case anyone's curious I have posted pictures of some wood I have cut so far on my bandsaw.  I'm hoping to go get some more logs later today.

Wood 

 I also have a picture with the new guide post installed.

Nicer Photos

I decided that I should take some nice photos of my side table.  They turned out okay, not bad for the first time with a bedsheet in the doorway.