Resources, Sources, Handouts, Tools, etc for Carl’s Students.
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 
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
Click here for a PRINTABLE version of the above blueprint.
I like Sanding Backup Pads (mandrels) that are thin, low profile and HARD. I add (attach)
firm or soft foam interface pads to make them softer as needed.
I don't like
thicker pads. Low profile pads are better at getting into the tight space between headstock and
bowl. Continue reading Carl’s Sanding Backup Pads
Click here for a PRINTABLE version of the above blueprint.
Over the years I have made and used a lot of different jam chucks. This blog entry documents
the ones I like best. They are made out of good quality 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. They work good, are stable and vacuum tight. Continue reading Carl’s Jam Chucks
Click here for a PRINTABLE PDF version of the above blueprint.
Here is my “Banjo-Mounted Hair Dryer” tip that appeared in the “Tips” section on page 17 of the AAW October 2022 “American Woodturner” Journal.
Continue reading Banjo-Mounted Hair Dryer