Woodpeckers Rant
Normally I don’t get involved in other people’s business, but today I’m feeling a little sassy. Yeah that’s right….sassy. I recently received my periodic E-Club newsletter from Woodpeckers. In addition to the great deals within, this particular newsletter contained a few light-hearted tool definitions and I was delighted to see them. Previously, these newsletters were all business and it was great to see a little personality come out. The jokes weren’t even that funny, but I give them an A for effort. I have copied the jokes here for your reading pleasure:
DRILL PRESS – A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.
WIRE WHEEL – Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, “Oh, ****!”
SKILL SAW – A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.
PLIER – Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blisters.
A fellow woodworker sent us a list of some valuable woodworking definitions that we thought you would enjoy! We will be sharing them with you over the next few weeks.
Much to my disappointment I just received a mass-apology from the company’s president stating “…..some of you were offended by the humor. It was never our intention to offend anyone, so please accept our sincere apology.” Sigh……..
Now I’m no fool when it comes to business and I understand Woodpeckers need to protect their assets by not offending what is likely to be a very vocal minority. But how about a little reality check here. *Rant mode on*: Are you flippin’ kidding me?!?! Norm forbid a company show a pinch of personality or an ounce of humanity! The jokes in that newsletter are just about as innocent as you can get and they harm absolutely no one. Do these people really have nothing more important to worry about? The fact is that the people who complained about this have never really experienced what it is to be truly “offended”.
I don’t know about you guys, but I am much more likely to support and purchase product from a company that has personality and is actively involved in the community. It really pains me to see a company like Woodpeckers retract their harmless jokes and go back to “business as usual”.
So I have a little favor to ask. Since the thousands of people who probably enjoyed those jokes are not likely to speak up, I think we should let Woodpeckers know how you feel about a company showing, *gasp*, a little sense of humor. Are you more likely to buy from a company that does this? Show your support by subscribing to their E-Club Newsletter or send them a quick email: mailroom@woodpeck.com
*Rant Mode Off*
FYI, I have absolutely no affiliation with Woodpeckers and this is my personal commentary. But since I make a living with off-color humor and antics, this really struck a nerve with me. If you agree, let Woodpeckers know! If you disagree and you are offended by this post: SUCK IT UP!!!
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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