Category Archives: Carl’s Tools

Carl's Articles, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools

Rotating T-Square

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Meta Description: Carl's Rotating “T-square.” Unlike a traditional T-square, whose head registers on a straightedge, this one features a circle that registers in the bowl he has turned. This T-square allows Carl to draw evenly spaced lines and replicate patterns easily.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/08/rotating-t-square/

Rotating T-Square

Here is a pointer to my “Shopmade Rotating T-Square” article that appeared on page 35 of the AAW June 2023 “American Woodturner” Journal.
Continue reading Rotating T-Square →

Carl's Articles, Carl's Tools, Great Ideas

Mallet and Awl Marking Kit

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Meta Description: Carl uses a shop made mallet and awl to mark the center of things. As he gets older, he tries to be more careful with his hands. He does not want to develop arthritis,

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https://carlford.us/blog/2023/05/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 →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools

Carl’s Slip On Custom Centering Cones

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Meta Description: Carl now uses "slip on" custom UHMW cones. Slip on cones are better! They are easier to make and they are easier to use. Why? Because, they just slip on!

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https://carlford.us/blog/2023/04/slip-on-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 →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Sanding

Carl’s Sanding Backup Pads

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Meta Description: Carl likes Sanding Backup Pads (mandrels) that are thin, low profile and HARD. He makes his own out of 1/4" plywood and 1/4" flat head bolts. He attaches firm and soft foam interface pads to make his hard backup pad softer as needed.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/01/sanding-backup-pads/

Photo: Carl's Sanding Backup Pads (sanding_backup_pads_blue)

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 →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools, Tools Chucks

Carl’s Jam Chucks

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Meta Description: Carl likes jam chucks made out of 3/4" plywood and PVC pipe couplings. Carl's jam chucks are Drum Chucks that you can be used with or with out vacuum. How to make your own.

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/01/carls-jam-chucks/

Photo: Carl's Jam Chucks (carls_jam_chucks_page1_blue)

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 →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Tools

Golden Ratio Calipers

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Meta Description: Carl made a set of "Golden Ratio Calipers". He likes to use the "Golden Ratio" (1.618…) when turning hollow forms and wide rim plates. It allows him to create things with pleasing proportions found in nature.

https://carlford.us/blog/2022/03/golden-ratio-calipers/

Photo: Golden Ratio Calipers (cbf_golden_ratio_calipers_blueprint_0)

I made a set of "Golden Ratio Calipers".

I like to use the "Golden Ratio" (1.618…) when creating hollow forms and wide rim plates. It allows me to create things with pleasing proportions found in nature.

The golden ratio tells me where the widest diameter of a hollow form should be relative to the top and bottom. It also tells we how big the bowl in the center of wide rim bowl or plate should be. Continue reading Golden Ratio Calipers →