September Giveaways
What can you win?
The Router Bit of the Month (sponsored by Eagle America and inspired by Matt):
Put beautiful hardwood edges on your plywood, particle board or MDF stock thanks to this great bit set. Today people are using plywood or other non-hardwood materials more and more to save money but they should not have to sacrifice the beautiful look of hardwood at the same time. This set is very easy to use and lets you dress up plywood cabinets, drawers and doors so nobody will no the difference. As with all Eagle America brand bits, this set is Made in the USA.
Handplane Essentials by Chris Schwarz:
The hottest new release from Chris Schwarz and the folks over at Woodworking Magazine. This 312 page hardback covers The Basics, Sharpening, Techniques, History & Philosophy, and Reviews. A great resource for any woodworker looking to learn more about the tools that still work when the power goes out!
Want a chance to win? Here’s what to do:
All you need to do is leave a comment on our website. At the end of the month, we’ll choose a random winner from all the comments made in that particular month. So the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. That’s it! And just an FYI, only real constructive comments will be considered. Things like, “Here’s my entry!” will not win.
How to Avoid Tear-Out? – Question of the Week
This week’s question comes from Don who writes: “Just discovered the Wood Whisperer and your site and videos are great. Besides we’re neighbors. I have a small shop in Las Vegas and we make Adirondack furniture from Western Red Cedar. My question is this. I round over all parts on a router table using a 3/8’s round over bit. I get a lot of tear out during this process. I read the grain but when you flip over the part to do the other side you are going against the grain. I always use a good sharp bit and I have played with feed rates. It seems no matter what I try I still get a lot of tear out. I have ruined a lot of wood. Others have suggested using a ¼ inch bit but it doesn’t give me the profile I want. Any advice would be appreciated.”
And this was my response: “Hey Don. Glad you found us! Welcome. So what brand bit are you using? Obviously, using a top quality bit is the first step to great results. The second would be to take lighter passes. Don’t bring the bit all the way up. It will take a little longer, but try taking 3-4 passes, raising the bit a little each time. Obviously that’s not an efficient solution, but its much better than losing a whole chair arm because of tear out. Also, you could relieve the sharp corners with a rasp before routing which can sometimes relive tear out. But honestly, the incremental passes is probably your best bet. Whenever I am dealing with a tear out prone wood, that’s exactly what I do. Hope that helps.”
In a follow up e-mail Don writes: “Marc, I tried your suggestion about taking lighter passes and IT WORKED. I take 3 passes and after about 30 or 40 pieces I only lost 4 due to tear-out Thanks so much. You saved me tons of wood not to mention money. Thanks again!”
Router Bits and Table For a New Shop? – Question of the Week
This week’s question comes from Craig, who writes:
My question is basically about a router table – I am just starting out in the woodworking arena as a hobby– I have a Dewalt Miter saw, a Bosch Table Saw, Bosch router (fixed and plunge kit) and am looking to start some woodworking – I have carved a section of the basement out for my shop – 16×10 – and have been reading and researching for a few months– so much so I haven’t even turned on the saw or router yet – and I must say I am glad. Based on your site alone I have learned so much from you on safety and doing things “right” that I shudder at what I might have been like if I jumped right in.
Since the router did not come with a bit I am also looking to get some router bits and was looking at a good intro set if you have any suggestions but more importantly, I felt a router table would be my next purchase and a good way to round out my starter shop. Was wondering if you had a suggestion for a good router table. I see the tops for sale at Rockler and they seem good – I know you need to have a nice wide surface and a level surface and a good fence and I wanted to know your thoughts. I would prefer to get something self standing but I see you can buy the top and some legs separate. I guess I could always make some legs but might be easier to start with something made and then maybe one day strive to something better with storage etc. I know a router table can be made out of any flat surface to serve its purpose but I feel that it is important to get something halfway decent to learn on and grow with. Any thoughts you could lend to this would be greatly appreciated and keep up the good work. Thanks
And here was my response:
As for the router bits, there are a few things you can do. And it depends on the type of woodworking you plan to do and how much money you want to spend. What I usually recommend to beginners is that they pick up an inexpensive starter set. Something like this: Price Cutter Bit Set. Although these are inexpensive bits that probably won’t last very long, their real value is the fact that you can use them until they are ready to throw away. And by that point, you will be in a much better position to make a judgment call on which bits you use the most. Then you can simply replace those bits with their higher quality cousins. And what do you do with all the inexpensive bits you never used? Just hold on to them. One day you will find a use for them and you’ll be glad you kept them around.
Now if you are one of those “buy your last tool first” folks, I would recommend a set like this: Eagle America 12-Piece Set. A solid investment!
Now for a stand and table, the Rockler setups are a pretty darn good bargain and they are hard to beat. Can you find a better table? Sure you can. But you will pay quite a bit more for it too. So I would say that most of the Rockler setups are going to treat you right. If you want to buy a higher quality table that you are much less likely to replace in the near future, I would take a look at some of the models offered by WoodPeckers or Jessem. Hope that helps. Thanks Craig and take care.
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