Mallet and Awl Marking Kit

Photo: Mallet and Awl Marking Hit

Here is my “Mallet and Awl Marking Kit” tip that appeared in the “Tips” section on page 17 of the AAW February 2023 “American Woodturner” Journal. Continue reading Mallet and Awl Marking Kit

Cleaning Power Carving Burs

Photo 1: Cleaning Power Carving Burs

I use CMT Formula 2050 Blade and Bit Cleaner to clean my power carving burs. It works good! I use the same stuff to clean my table saw blades. It also does a great job on them.
Continue reading Cleaning Power Carving Burs

1/4″ Die Grinders

Photo: 1/4″ Die Grinders 1 Many of the bigger carving burs have a 1/4″ shank on the bur. Thus they will not fit in a Dremel style tool with a 1/8″ collet chuck. I recommend one of the following 1/4″ die grinders. Continue reading 1/4″ Die Grinders

Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones

Photo: Carl's Slip On Custom Centering Cones (slip_on_cones_blue)

I now use my "slip on" custom UHMW cones rather than the "threaded" custom cones featured in my 2007 AAW Journal "Custom Centering Cones" article.

Some times you look backwards and realize you had "blinders" on. In 2007 I was replacing the Oneway thread on aluminum cones with my own cones made out of UHMW plastic. Oneway threaded on there aluminum cones thus I thought I needed to thread on my cones. It took years, but I have seen the light.

Slip on cones are better! They are easier to make and they are easier to use. Why? Because, they just slip on! When you press them up against something with tail stock pressure they will stay in place on there own. You don't need to waste time threading them on. Continue reading Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones

SC1 & SC2 Mini 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks

Photo: SC1 & SC2 Mini 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks (sc1_sc2_chucks_00)

I really like the new Record Power (brand) Mini SC1 & SC2 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks. I have and really like both chucks.

If you are only going to get one then I recommend the SC2 chuck. The jaws open further. Thus it has bigger internal and external grip range. See chart below for SC1 & SC2 grip ranges.

On 3/10/2023 the SC1 & SC2 chucks are a great deal at $100 each. I think this may be just a low introductory price. I decided to get in on the ground floor of a good thing.

Continue reading SC1 & SC2 Mini 4 Jaw Scroll Chucks

Montana Acrylic Markers

Photo: Montana Acrylic Markers (blick_montana_markers)

I like to paint the edge of my plates or shallow bowls black with a Montana Cans (brand) 15mm wide "Shock Black" (color) marker.

Montana markers work a lot better than Sharpie markers, etc because they are paint markers that apply acrylic paint. The acrylic paint is thin like ink. It dries to a flat finish. No gloss. Thus, I always top coat my finished pieces with a semi gloss finish. Continue reading Montana Acrylic Markers

Life's Too Short To Use Crappy Tools!