Got Rules for Your Tools? from Woodworker’s Journal Blog
Yes, not only do your trusty Woodworker’s Journal staff talk about your favorite hobby here in the Woodworker’s Journal eZine and in the print Woodworker’s Journal, but in a blog as well. And recently, a blog entry from WJ Field Editor Chris Marshall sparked some good discussion about just what rules woodworkers follow in their shop. Chris began the discussion with a summary of his own rule: “Put things back where you find them” and described how this works for him. – Editor
“In the shop, I’m a drawer guy. When I need a file, I know that it’s fourth drawer down in the red chest, somewhere on the left. Scrapers? Brown tool chest, second drawer. #8 screws are always in the top drawer, back of the shop. Really, as long as I generally know where something shoud be, and it ends up somewhere in the right drawer when I’m done, I’m set.” – Chris Marshall
The discussion then went on from there as Chris posed the question, “How about you? What’s a rule you keep in your shop that you’re absolutely committed to?” Some dealt with keeping the shop and its tools clean:
“No liquids on the bed of the table saw! I hate water rings on cast iron.” – Matt
“For me, it has to be at the end of each project, really giving the shop a good cleaning. Dust the tables, sweep the floors, etc. I can work through some mess during a project, but starting one in an already messy shop really bothers me.” – John
“I was an HV A/C mechanic during my working years, and one rule I had was, ‘A place for everything, and everything in its place. I could get into my service truck in the dark of night and find what I wanted. The same applies for my woodshop.” – Jim
Other rules dealt with safety.
“1. No one in the shop without good shoes on (rule created especially for my seven-year-old son). 2. No horseplay of any kind (ditto above).” – Tim
“No drinking allowed when tools are in use. That goes for both myself and any spectators. Spectators must also wear eye protection even if I’m not doing anything that requires it. This usually does one of two things: It gets idle spectators to leave the area and afford me some privacy, or it gets them in the mood to help out with whatever I’m doing.” – ToolGuyd
And, of course, there was a shop rule reflecting the value woodworkers place on their tools.
“If you’d like to borrow one of my tools, that’s OK. Just leave a deposit of 2x the replacement value of the tool on the workbench. Half of your deposit will be refunded upon return of the tool. The other half will be used to buy a new one because chances are you’ve broken it, dulled it, rusted it, bent it or worn it beyond repair.” – Ryan
Want to read more discussions like this -- or weigh in with your own thoughts? Make sure you're a regular visitor to our Woodworker's Journal Blog!
Offshore Machines Created Equal? From WoodCentral
This discussion tapped into a subject that frequently hits a nerve with woodworkers – the manufacture “offshore” of woodworking machinery. Specifically, the question posed that began this discussion wanted to know if there were any quality differences in machines manufactured in the same area, but under different brand names. - Editor
“Are offshore machines created equal? I am probably going to buy a thickness sander 13” to 25”, 800 to 1,500 bucks. For example, General International is more expensive than King or Craftex; is it any better just because it has the ‘General’ name?” - Mike
The consensus among respondents was that no, machines, even those manufactured in the same place, were not created equal – that brand names do matter.
“There can be major differences between machines, even ones that are made in the same factories. I had the privilege of touring a couple dozen factories and assembly plants in Taiwan -- then the capital of Eastern Rim machinery manufacturing -- in the late '90s. Since then, much of the production has moved to mainland China, but the same principles apply.
“It all has to do with the level of control a ‘manufacturer’ (e.g., Steel City, General International, Delta, Jet, Grizzly, etc.) has over quality control at both the parts production and assembly levels. Companies that maintain a ground presence at the source are better able to demand an acceptable level of quality all up and down the production process. Often, the parts for different manufacturers' machines are made in the same factories. Many times, parts --even entire machines -- are identical and interchangeable, just with different color paint. But, the quality indicators, such as metallurgy, accuracy of machining, tolerances, etc., are not easy to see or enforce without having qualified QC personnel there to keep a close eye on things.” - Ellis
“Companies who have built their reps on IQ and service will be the ones to look for because they, regardless of where the iron is poured, have a vested interest in quality. Just remember, ‘quality don't come cheap,’ so shop price at your own risk. A few hundred bucks can (but not necessarily will) make a big difference.” - Mark M
The posters also suggested that the woodworker who posted the original question would need to take his own situation – including additional factors beyond tool price -- into account when deciding what machine was right for him.
“Simple answer: no, offshore lookalikes are not all created equal. You have to know what you are buying. If you can buy it from a known local distributor who will stand behind his products, you are way ahead of the game, and I think that is worth probbaly 15 percent on more on top of the lowest price on the web. Also, for machines, the shipping costs need to be considered: pickup and delivery from a local distributor is a lot easier than arranging with freight haulers and so forth. Talk to everyone you can who has any experience with the particular machine you are looking at. Research the particular machine, try it out if you can arrange it, and search the web for any and all info. The bottom line is only you can decide what a particular machine is worth to you.” - Bob
“That leaves only one surefire method: buy the machine, use it and make your own judgment. I've been doing that for decades…and have run out of money and room in my shop!” – Mark G