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Woodpeckers Variable Pressure Featherboards
Issue: Issue 279
Posted Date: 7/12/2011
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Featherboards
are essential safety devices for some woodworking applications, and
they add control and accuracy as well. But installing them on your
router table or table saw, then adjusting the "feather"
pressure for the right tension, can be a trial-and-error effort.
However, these new plastic featherboards from Woodpeckers are
designed to make the setup process easier. At first blush, the design
of the plastic body looks fairly consistent with other featherboard
options, and it features a pair of star knobs and T-bolts for
mounting to standard 1/4-in. T-track. But, there's an important
difference: a third knob controls the position of an adjustment plate
in the center of the featherboard unit. Loosening this knob and
moving the plate down adds spring tension to the feathers for a
stiffer "grip" on workpieces; sliding it up reduces the
pressure. To set the tension, install the featherboard so the
feathers lightly touch the workpiece, lock it to your fence or
machine table, then dial in the tension you prefer for the task at
hand. Woodpeckers' new
Variable Pressure Featherboards are
American-made and sell for $32.99 per pair. Optional hardware is also
available separately ($19.99) for installing these featherboards in
standard 3/8 x 3/4 in. miter slot channels.