Keeping Router Bits Tight
We got lots of idea from readers on this question. Dan Shaw and Jene Cain, among others, suggested buying “O” rings at the hardware in the size (or slightly smaller) of the router bit shank. Dropping one into the collet takes the guesswork out of positioning the router bit.
1/4″-Round Molding Miters
From Tasmania, Australia, Bob Wiseman suggested that you’ll get perfect miters every time by placing the 1/4″ round molding onto the miter box, just as you’d see it on the ceiling (i.e., with the flat side up).
Doug Whitson suggested that with a drill press, a Forstner bit with a diameter equaling the radius of the molding, and a little fussing around, wonderful cope cuts can be made.
A carpenter taught Sheldon Cooper that it’s easier to carve small stock with a utility knife than trying to use a saw.
Size Designations on Drill Presses
K.C. Baltz, Dennis Sorensen, and Jim Q wanted to clarify that the throat size really refers to a measurement of the widest board into which you could drill a hole in the middle. In other words it’s twice the distance from the center of the quill to the post & so a 12″ drill press has 6″ between the column and the center of the quill.
Lathe Horsepower Decision
When Bart Leetch read that a swivel head and a tool rest for the outboard spindle were among the features enjoyed by the G1495 owner, he felt compelled to write in that the G1495 doesn’t have a swivel head. In fact, that very lack necessitates the tool rest for the outboard spindle.