Books, Misc

64ths of an Inch Ruler / Table

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Meta Description: This 64ths of an inch ruler/table makes finding the right drill bit easy. You need a drill bit that is a little bigger than 3/4". What size do you need? 49/64" Right?

https://carlford.us/blog/2023/03/64ths-ruler/

64ths of an Inch Ruler / Table
Quick, off the top of your head. You need a drill bit that is a little bigger than 3/4″. What size do you need? 49/64″ Right?
Continue reading 64ths of an Inch Ruler / Table →

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 →

Tools Misc

Good Quality Plywood

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Meta Description: Finding good quality plywood at a reasonable price is not impossible. I use 3/4" "Radiata Pine" plywood in the Northeastern USA.

https://carlford.us/blog/2022/12/good-quality-plywood/
Good Quality Plywood

Finding good quality plywood at a reasonable price is not impossible. But, you do have to look around and be selective. I use 3/4″ “Radiata Pine” plywood in the Northeastern USA. Continue reading Good Quality Plywood →

Carl's Blueprints, Carl's For Students, Carl's Jigs

Carl’s Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge

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Meta Description: Carl uses his DIY Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge to show the depth of the inside bottom on the outside of vases, hollow forms and bowls. Am I deep enough? Can I go deeper? Have I gone to deep?

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https://carlford.us/blog/2022/12/carls-laser-depth-gauge/

Photo: Carl's Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge (laser_depth_gauge_blue)

Click here for a PRINTABLE PDF version of the above blueprint.

Continue reading Carl’s Hand Held Laser Depth Gauge →
Tools Misc

Magnets Capture Metal Grinding Dust

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Meta Description: Quick Tip: Super Magnets (Rare Earth Magnets) attached to the wheel guards on my grinder captures the powdery metal grinding dust that is created when I grind my turning tools.

6 Comments
https://carlford.us/blog/2022/12/magnets-capture-metal-grinding-dust/

Photo: Quick Tip: Super Magnets Capture Metal Grinding Dust (grinder_magnet_00)

I have STRONG Super Magnets (Rare Earth Magnets) attached to the wheel guards on my grinder. The magnets capture the powdery metal grinding dust that is created when I grind my turning tools. See red arrow in above photos. Continue reading Magnets Capture Metal Grinding Dust →

Life's Too Short To Use Crappy Tools!