Types of Drills
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Types of Drills

Before drills had electric motors for use in the home in the 40’s, handymen used hand cranked types. A lot of sweat and tears! Drills are a vital tool for a lot of various types of work, from construction to woodwork, to simple DIY projects.

Drills can additionally be broken down if they are a cordless drill (which provides mobility and convenience) or corded (which provides more constant power; however, requires cables that could get tripped on or an extension cord (still a tripping hazard) if you are away from a power source).

Different Types of Drills and Their Features

The following is a look at five different types of drills.

1. Standard Drill

We know that drills are probably one of the most multipurpose tools in any handyperson’s tool arsenal. They can be utilized for everything from creating holes in walls to driving screws into cabinetry.

The most basic type is the standard drill which comprises of a motor that rotates a drill bit (clockwise or counterclockwise), which is held in place by what is known as a chuck.

The rotation of the drill can be changed by switching the position of a chuck, and most drills additionally have a reverse operation that can be used to remove screws or drill out unwanted knots in wood.

2. Hammer Drill

Hammer drills are used for drilling into masonry (brick, stone, etc.). It works by using a rotating drill bit for creating a hole, while simultaneously delivering fast, powerful blows to the material from the drill bit itself.

This combination of drilling and hammering operation is what makes hammer drills so effective at creating holes in even the toughest materials. The power and speed can be adjusted to better suit the material that is getting drilled, and different drill bits can be used for different applications.

3. Impact Drill

An impact drill provides high power and torque and utilizes a similar hammering operation for creating holes in concrete or other hardened materials. The hammering operation makes it possible to drill through harder materials; however, it additionally makes the drill more challenging to control. Using an impact drill the power is delivered vertically to the bit, instead of from the bit itself.

Consequently, corded impact drills are usually used by experienced professionals for larger projects. On the other hand, cordless impact drills get their power from a charger, or batteries, making them more mobile and a perfect choice for small-scale projects around the house.

4. Core Drill

A core drill is used for creating a hole in the center of an object. The most typical type of core drill is the diamond core drill, which utilizes a diamond-tipped drill bit to drill through hard materials. These types of drills are often used for creating holes for electrical wiring or plumbing or for removing samples of material for testing (core sampling). They can also be used for creating aesthetic patterns in concrete or stone. Generally, core drills are very versatile devices that can be used for a multitude of purposes.

5. Drill Press

A drill press is a worktable device that drills holes and is for the individual that requires more accuracy as they drill. It comprises of a base, a pillar or column and a head in addition to a table attached to the pillar/ column. The drill chuck is attached to the spindle, and the bit gets inserted into the chuck. The speed, depth, and alignment of the hole you are drilling can then all be managed using the drill press.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Using a Drill

Drills are a multipurpose tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from helping to hang pictures to assembling furniture. Nevertheless, drills can also be hazardous if you are a little reckless using them, so it’s vital to use them properly. The following are four common mistakes novices make when using a drill:

  • Failing to wear eye protection

Drilling creates a lot of dust and debris, which could easily get into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles or glasses when using a drill or similar tools.

  • Not using the correct drill bit

There are various types of drill bits for drilling various materials. Using the incorrect bit can damage the material you are drilling into, causing the drill to slip.

  • Holding the drill too tight

If you’re holding the drill too tight, you might lose control of it, causing an injury. Alternatively, hold the drill lightly but securely using both hands. It’s a perfect exercise in not being so tense.

  • Neglecting Pilot Holes

Failing to drill a smaller “pilot” hole prior to inserting a screw, or dowel, can cause wood to split or make it challenging to keep the screw, or dowel straight.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

Buying Used Equipment
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Buying Used Equipment

Having a familiarity with the advantages and disadvantages of used equipment could help you make a more conscious choice. That’s why the professionals at Timber Woodworking Machinery & Hardwoods have created this post to go over a couple of pros and cons of getting a piece of new-to-you equipment.

The Pros of Purchasing Second-Hand Models

The following is a small rundown of the pros of purchasing used equipment.

Always A Lower Asking Price

Usually, second-hand models come at half the cost of their brand-new equivalents. This enables you to get quality used equipment at a more budget-friendly price.

More Flexibility

Used equipment is a better alternative for short-term projects. You can trade your model after you finish your project and recoup some of the money you spent on purchasing it. As the depreciation value for used equipment is lower, you can get more money than when selling new equipment.

A Wider Range of Options

Manufacturers only release a select few models annually. Meaning that you are limited to only those models when looking through a new stockpile. Nevertheless, going through a used inventory means discovering equipment released last year as opposed to those launched ten years earlier.

The Cons of Purchasing Second-Hand Models

The following is a small rundown of the cons of purchasing used equipment.

Longevity Matters

Unless you’re purchasing lightly used equipment, your model may come with lower longevity. If you wish for your equipment to last for years to come, research your options thoroughly prior to making your final choice.

Limited Warranty

New equipment comes with some type of factory warranty, which is going to help bypass the stress of making needless costs for repairing manufacturer failures. Nevertheless, the interchangeable manufacturer’s warranty on the given used model is going to likely be decreased or is no longer valid. Meaning that any repairs or parts replacements is going to mean spending hundreds of dollars right from the start.

Now that you are more familiar with the pros and cons of purchasing used equipment, you’re ready to research a couple of models yourself. Come down to Timber Woodworking and look through our latest inventory of lightly used equipment for sale.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

What Are Dowels
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What Are Dowels?

Dowels are one of the most adaptable and widely used devices in the woodworking and construction industries. It doesn’t matter if you’re assembling furniture, carrying out repairs on structures, or taking on DIY projects, they are a vital tool that provides stability and durability. What exactly are dowels, and how are they utilized?

What Are They?

Basically, dowels are cylinder-shaped rods made of materials like wood, metal, or even plastic. In woodworking, wooden dowels are most typical and come in different lengths and diameters to suit various applications. They’re usually used to create strong, concealed joints by positioning and attaching two pieces of material together.

Types of Dowels

  • Wooden: The most favorable option for furniture/ cabinet making and DIY projects. They are lightweight, durable, and can be sanded and/ or cut to suit your needs.
  • Metal: Typically used in heavy-duty applications in which additional strength is necessary.
  • Plastic: Typically used in specific craft or industrial projects because of their flexibility and moisture resistance.

Typical Uses

They are extremely versatile, and their applications are almost limitless. The following are a couple of instances:

Furniture Assembly

Dowels are broadly used in flat-pack furniture, offering concealed yet durable joints between pieces. They help to align parts precisely while maintaining the general aesthetic.

Cabinetry and Shelving

They can reinforce cabinets and shelving structures, guaranteeing they remain sturdy under significant loads.

Craft and DIY Projects

Ideal for creative projects such as model building, decorative accents, or picture frames.

Construction of Staircases

In designing staircases, these little devices are utilized for securing components like handrails and spindles, guaranteeing a stable and safe structure.

Structural Reinforcement

Dowels are typically used in construction for the alignment and reinforcement of connections in wood framing.

How to Use Them

Using dowels in your projects requires thorough measurement (2x) and prep time. The following is a step-by-step guide to guarantee success:

Mark and Measure

Establish where you wish to join the 2 pieces of material. Score matching points for the dowels on each piece.

Drill Holes

Utilize a drill bit that (as closely as you can) matches the diameter of your chosen dowel. Drill holes at the appropriate depth using your scored points.

Insert the Dowels

Apply an adhesive to your dowel and your drilled holes for a guaranteed bond. Insert them into the holes on one piece of the material.

Align and Combine

Cautiously align the two pieces of material and press them together, guaranteeing the dowels fit securely into the holes. Utilize clamps to hold the pieces together until the adhesive has time to dry.

Dowel Conclusion

No matter if you’re putting together flat-pack furniture, constructing a staircase, or crafting something custom, dowels offer a dependable solution for creating seamless and sturdy joints.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

Woodworking Tools
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Woodworking Tools

When beginning a new project or hobby, there’s always a learning curve. It takes a little time to figure out the tools and supplies you require and how you are going to use them.

If you are just beginning, you may feel dumbfounded searching the web to search for tools or roaming your local big box home improvement stores aisles. Which tools are vital? What are they used for?

That’s why we have comprised a list of ten tools that your woodworking toolbox needs—carefully from hobbyists and woodworkers that have gone before you.

Obviously, your purpose is going to affect the exact woodworking tools you require, but we have tried to provide you with the most primary hand tools and power tools to make your project successful.

Types of Woodworking Tools

The following are just some of the hand tools every woodworker should have:

1. Saws

Let’s take a look at a couple of typical saws you are going to run across. Don’t forget that you don’t need to have all these straight away. You can develop your collection after a while as you open your woodworking mind.

  • Circular saw
  • Table saw
  • Multi-tool saw

2. Hand Plane

Hand planes are one of the primary tools you are going to use as you start to even out the face of a wood piece or for creating a curve to it. It includes an attribute that enables you to adjust how much wood you wish to shave off (typically up to one-sixteenth of an inch at a time).

3. Chisel And Mallet

A chisel is a lengthy section of steel that has a handle attached to it and is utilized to cut and shape intricate parts in a wood piece, specifically joints and saw cuts.

There are various kinds of chisels; however, a bench chisel is going to do most of your woodworking project. Its most typical sizes are quarter inch, half inch, three quarters of an inch, and one inch. It is going to usually have a beveled edge. Meaning that the edge is slanted at twenty or twenty-five degrees, which is going to help with shaping and the cleaning out of corners.

4. Router

A router is a power tool with a bit that rotates and smooths out the edges of a wood piece. Therefore, it can make surfaces so smooth that using a sander is not even required.

A router is also effective for cutting joints or hollowing out and rounding wood, like when creating a bowl. You can create ornamental edges and designs with it also. This is typical for furniture and cabinet making.

5. Hand File

A hand file is a lengthy portion of steel with a slew of small teeth on it that is utilized for smoothing wood surfaces.

There are various kinds of hand files based on where the teeth are situated:

  • Single cut—the teeth point in the same direction
  • Double cut—the teeth cut across one another in opposing directions

Hand files also differ based on how closely the teeth are to one another. The more closely they are, the more smooth the finish is going to be.

6. Rafter Square

Every woodworker requires a way to measure and mark their angles for cutting. A rafter square is going to take on that duty. It is a ruler that is triangle shaped and has a ridge on one side that enables you to align it alongside a board. It is especially useful when creating furniture.

7. Sanding Tool

Sanding might be one of the least favorite duties of any woodworker—but a necessary one if you wish for a smooth, beautiful appearance for your project. And having the proper sanding tool is going to make all the difference!

If you’re just beginning, you are going to probably choose a basic grit sandpaper, which is classified based on the count of grits of sand per sq in, ranging from 120 grit to 3000 grit. Whereas 120 provides a very coarse finish, 3000 is going to give it a very fine finish. A multi-purpose woodworker is going to have at least 120, 200, and 500 grit easily accessible.

8. Power Drill

Here’s a multifaceted staple you do not want to exclude from your tool set: a power drill. As well as drilling holes, a lot of drills come with additional attachments and ends that enable for screwing in screws, sanding, and possibly sawing.

9. Level

A level is a device that measures true horizontal or relative heights. This is indicated by a small vial of liquid that has an air bubble inside it. The bubble is going to be in between its two lines when the face is level or plumb.

10. Clamps For Your Workbench

You are going to want to get various clamps (comprising bar clamps, pipe clamps, and face clamps) to use alongside your workbench or worktop. They’re perfect for when you require an extra set of hands for keeping something stable. Or you may require a means to hold two wood pieces together while the glue dries.

*11. A Wood Moisture Meter

Wood moisture meters measure the moisture content of a wood piece, assisting woodworkers to ensure their wood is at a proper moisture level so that damage doesn’t happen.

Why Is This Tool So Vital in Your Tool Set?

Roughly eighty percent of damage to wood projects is the result of moisture-associated problems, like splitting, cracking, expanding, and warping. Moisture-related damage could look like a wood floor that has spaces between its boards. Or a drawer that will not close correctly because the wood has expanded in its size.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

What is a Miter Saw
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What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is an ideal tool for precision work, like interior trim. The following is a summary of the pros and cons of this favorable saw.

A miter saw is an essential device in any finishing carpenter’s woodshop, and favorable with DIYers of all levels of skill. If you’ve thought about adding a miter saw to your collection of power tools, but unsure where to begin, keep reading for some background and what to think about when making a purchase on a miter saw.

What Is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is basically a swivel-assembled circular saw blade that is swayed down into the medium getting cut. Since the swivel is fixed in place, the blade consistently drops down in a controlled movement, producing clean, consistent cuts.

This works perfectly for cutting flat ends; however, a miter saw is also able to rotate right and/or left for cutting at angles. This adaptability makes a miter saw a perfect choice for fine woodworking.

These saws are usually good devices to teach new DIYers concerning working with wood. A protection plate covers the saw blade, and the medium to be cut rests on the miter saw table and is pressed into the saw’s back vertical metal wall.

Novices in woodworking typically find this setup and the basic operation of a miter saw less daunting than the open-air blade of a table saw or bandsaw. Additionally, DIYers that have hand strength problems typically find a miter saw more comfortable to work with than circular saws.

That is not to say to say that a miter saw is not going to pose any danger. Power tools (particularly saws) must always be handled with respect.

Along with power tools, you can most likely carry out the work of a miter saw manually using a miter box and simple hand saw, or by using a different saw. Circular saws can make similar cuts as a miter saw; but it’s a lot more challenging to match the precision and speed.

Types of Miter Saws

Miter saws are categorized by their blade size and the type of cuts they can make, in addition to whether they have a cord or not.

Miter Saw

Every miter saw is able to cut at miter angles, which means that the saw blade can swing left or right. The most basic kind of miter saw is able to cut a miter to the right and (typically) to the left.

Compound Miter Saw

A compound miter saw not just swivels left or right but additionally tilts at an angle for creating beveled cuts. Many compound miter saws enable a tilt in both directions, whereas some restrict the bevel to one side. Those that enables bevels in each direction are often referred to as “dual bevel” or “dual compound.”

Sliding Miter Saw

One of the primary restrictions of a miter saw is how wide it can cut. A sliding miter saw utilizes rails enabling the blade to glide a short distance as it cuts, adding valuable inches to the cutting width. A lot of smaller-blade miter saws have the addition of rails to enable the lighter, more mobile body for making cuts on wider trims.

Compound Sliding Miter Saws

Sure enough, compound sliding miter saws feature beveled cuts and sliding rails. These are typically the most costly and heaviest among miter saws, but they are additionally the most adaptable.

Blade Sizes

Miter saws have a fixed size, represented by the diameter of the saw blade they are able to accept. Meaning that a ten-inch miter saw has a blade ten inches in diameter.

The most typical miter saw sizes are ten-inch and twelve-inch. Most ten-inch miter saws are able to cut up to a 6-inch board at ninety degrees and a 4-inch board at forty-five degrees. A twelve-inch miter saw is able to cut an 8-inch board at ninety and a 6-inch board at forty-five degrees. (Take note that the above sizes are dimensional wood measurements, so the true cutting size is going to be somewhat smaller.)

Other favorable sizes include seven and one quarter and fourteen inches for people that work with slim trim or larger materials, correspondingly. A lot of DIYers choose a ten-inch saw since it provides a great balance of cost, mobility and cutting adaptability.

Corded or Cordless

Historically, miter saws have cords; however, improved cordless advancements means you can use a miter saw devoid of any cord. There are a minute number of gas-powered miter saws, but those won’t be covered here.

Pros and Cons of Miter Saws

The following are the pros and cons of Miter Saws

Pros of Miter Saws

Precise crosscuts: Miter saws enable the angle to be locked in and typically have stops fixed at common angles.

Quick, readily repeatable cuts: After a miter saw is set up, it can make repeated, corresponding cuts.

Less daunting for newer users: The steadiness and protected blade, make it a great introduction saw for untrained DIYers.

More accessible for individuals with restricted mobility: Miter saws enable accurate crosscuts without requiring controlling the weight of a circular saw or to spread across a table saw.

Miter saws are an ideal choice for accurate work like wooden frame-making or interior trim. A miter saw’s controlled motions and range of travel also make it easier for DIYers with restricted hand strength.

Cons of Miter Saws

Restrictions on material width: You are going to require a different tool for cutting wider materials.

Heavy and cumbersome: Even though the actual cutting process requires minimal force, miter saws are much more heavier to move around a workshop than circular saws.

Takes up floor space: Miter tables are not broad enough for supporting longer boards. So, you are going to have to set up temporary support on each side or construct a permanent sawing station, which takes up invaluable floor space in a not quite so big shop.

Miter saws are not for your shop if you mainly rip long pieces of lumber or crosscut wider materials. They provide an excellent workstation but are nowhere nearly as portable as circular saws. A lot of DIYers that own miter saws also invest in a table saw for cutting wood to length.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

How Does an Air Compressor Work
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How Does an Air Compressor Work?

People most likely use an air compressor for all kinds of jobs — from powering tools like nail guns and paint sprayers to filling up basketballs. However, are you accustomed to the basics of how an air compressor works? Knowing how an air compressor works can help you establish the right compressor for your jobs and the way to effectively maintain your compressor. Air compressors are somewhat simple machines that have 3 primary components:

  • Drive, which can be a gasoline engine or electric motor, gives the power to propel the compressor pump.
  • Pump, which utilizes the energy from the drive for drawing in atmospheric air and compresses it to heightened pressure. This compressed air is then transferred through a discharge tube into a storage tank for later use.
  • Storage tank, which is fitted with a one-way valve known as a check valve that stops compressed air from pushing back pressure on the pump. The compressors air storage tank takes the role as an air-flow buffer, removing the requirement to run the compressor constantly, leading to less pump and motor damages from overheating.

The air inside the compressors tank is stored at a heightened pressure than the air inside the room and it wishes to return to its normal pressure. If the regulator gets opened, air leaves. This compressed air can be employed to carry out work like filling up soccer balls, spraying paint or for the operation of pneumatic devices.

The atmospheric air that gets drawn into the tank comprises water molecules, which do not remain suspended in the air when under heightened pressure at room temperatures. As a result, these water molecules compress in the storage tank. To address this moisture, each tank is equipped with a drain valve located underneath the tank. This enables users to drain trapped moisture, retain tank volume and hinder tank corrosion.

Causes to Turn the Compressor On and Off

Additionally, each air compressor comes with a pressure switch that automatically turns the unit on when the air pressure in the tank is under the rating cut-in pressure and stops the unit when the tank pressure attains the cut-out pressure. The tank’s pressure gauge takes measurements of the air pressure within the tank.

When the air compressor turns off, a discharge valve releases the pressurized air in the discharge tube. This enables the pump to turn on without having to power through the resistance the captured air would cause. In an improbable event, if the pressure switch fails to turn off the compressor, an integral safety valve is there for releasing the excessive pressure.

A safety valve and pressure switches on an air compressor are set from the factory to be safely operated and should not be altered.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

What is a Jointer?
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What is A Jointer?

When going to a woodshop, you might see a jointer and are wondering what it is. Jointer is a robust woodworking device used to square and flatten faces, edges on the cupped, bowed, twisted, and crooked boards. Additionally, a jointer, that rests on the ground can produce rabbets for “jointing” two boards.

What are Woodworking Jointers?

A jointer is a productive device that can swiftly produce flat surfaces and level, true edging in woodworking undertakings. It typically comes in sizes from 6 inches to 18 inches, with the most typical sizes being 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 inches, respectively.

There are in general, two kinds of jointer: a jointer with stand (rests on the ground) and a benchtop jointer (rests on the workbench).

  • A jointer with stand is large, heavy, and built to rest on the floor. It is perfect for big woodshops and is available for processing large wood undertakings. It can produce flat, straight surfaces and smooth edges with high precision. However, they are costly and challenging to move.
  • Benchtop jointers are smaller than a jointer with stand and designed to rest on a workbench. It is appropriate for smaller woodshops and is powerful for processing most DIY woodworking projects. It is budget-friendly and mobile.

The typical sizes of benchtop jointers are commonly 6 and 8 inches, and uncommonly 10 and 12 inches. By comparison a jointer with stand covers just about every size within the range. Furthermore, it’s worth remembering that the jointer with stand is able to cut rabbets; however, the benchtop jointer cannot.

How Does a Jointer Work?

You now know what jointers are and their powerful functionality, now this post will explain how it does that. This execution is because of its cutterhead, its infeed table, and its outfeed table. They work in conjunction, allowing the jointer to produce a flat and smooth board.

As the piece of wood gets fed into the motorized, high-speed spinning cutterhead, it systematically cuts its face. Then the wood gets fed from the outfeed table having a flat surface. In a lot of cases, you might be required to take several passes on the jointer; however, with each pass, the side of the board is going to become flatter and flatter.

You can manage how deep the blade cuts into the wood by fine tuning the height difference between the infeed and outfeed tables. Nevertheless, one vital thing is that the blades at the top middle on the cutter head are completely flush with the jointer’s outfeed table.

This makes you use it with miniscule effort and more efficiency than manually using a jointer. A jointer is typically used to manage large pieces of wood, like wood flooring. It has the benefit of being easy, quick, and efficient to operate, making it perfect for projects that require a lot of wood processing. Nevertheless, you are required to pay attention to safety when using them to avoid accidental hand injuries or wood kick-back.

Safety Tips for Using a Jointer

As aforementioned, throughout the operation, the most crucial thing is to take heed to safety. The following are some rules you should adhere to to decrease the risk of injury from the jointer and wood kick-back.

·        Fine Tune the Appropriate Cutting Depth.

Taking small nips is an important aspect to keep safe and get a good outcome. Cut no more than 1/16” at a time. 1/32” is most likely best. If the cut is deeper than that, the workpiece is challenging to pass through the cutter head. meaning a greater potential of kickback and tear-out, let alone the unreasonable strain on the motor.

·        Consistently Use the Blade Guard and Push Blocks.

The guard hinders excessive exposure of the cutter head. You can take it off only when utilizing a jointer for rabbeting or jointing workpieces wider than the cutterhead’s capacity. The push blocks are going to keep your hands as far away from the blade as it can.

·        Prior To Jointing, Examine the Workpiece for Nails and Knots.

And apply balanced pressure to the woods surface to stop its end from denting.

·        Do Not Joint Wood That Is Very Short or Very Thin.

Usually, the minimal length of the jointing wood is a little under a foot, and the minimal thickness is less than an inch. Therefore, when the wood is shorter or thinner going through the jointer, it can undoubtedly cause the wood to break or bounce, and you are going to get hurt.

·        Joint The Wood Going with Its Grain.

When you wish to joint the wood or joint against its grain, you are going to be required to slow the feeding speed down.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

What is a Drill Press?
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What is a Drill Press?

A drill press is a motor driven device intended for boring holes in wood, plastic or metal. Similar to a hand-held drill, drill presses make use of different kinds of bits to create holes of a variety of diameters. Despite that, unlike a hand-held drill, drill presses are bench-top or immobile machines. If you require a drilling device only for minor home repairs and the from time to time, wood working project, a drill press most likely is not right for the task. Nevertheless, if you would like to become serious concerning working with wood or metal, this type of drill is going to make it easier to precisely bore holes, counterbore or countersink those holes and utilize attachments for sanding.

How a Drill Press Works

A full-scale fixed drill press is bulky, somewhat costly and takes up invaluable floor space in your workshop. However, what the drill press lacks in mobility, it makes up for in precision and power. Dissimilar to hand-held drills which rely on physical strength and the stability of the user to drill accurate, clean holes, drill presses are designed to be precise. A rotating handle controls the up and down movement of a spinning device known as the spindle, which is limited to moving vertically. This makes ideally precise holes a lot easier to create. All models utilize a depth stop, for the creation of holes of uniform depth.

How to Choose a Drill Press

A drill press is a considerable investment with some parameters that you should understand to buy the right device for you. The following are the main things to think about when shopping around for a drill press.

Drill Press Type

There are 2 primary kinds of drill presses: bench top models and stationary models. Bench top ones are small-scale, lightweight and more mobile. Stationary models are heavier and are challenging to move, but come with more power, capability and features.

Drill Press Size

Every drill press has 2 primary size elements to think about: swing and spindle travel.

Swing

Swing is the length between the machine’s center column and the spindle, times two. This establishes the utmost width of material you can place on the drill press, when you wish to bore to the center of a work piece.

Spindle Travel

Spindle travel comes down to how deep your drill press can descend as you turn the handle. Benchtop models may only allow 2 or 3 vertical inches of downward travel, whereas the best full-sized models can move 5 or 6 inches.

Drill Press Power

The best way for judging the power of a drill press is by calculating its wattage. All models show volt and amp figures on the electrical nameplate. Multiply these together and you come up with watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the device and the more difficult materials through which it is going to be able to bore.

The biggest demo-model drill presses for DIY workshops provide around 1,000 watts of power. Work surface models usually have 1/3 to 1/2 this power.

Drill Press Speed

Many drill presses have adjustable rotation speeds for effectual drilling in various materials. Higher-end models provide more speeds. Work surface models usually provide 5 or 6 speeds, whereas a good demo model might have upwards of 16. Why does rotation speed an issue? The more solid the material you are boring, the slower the drill bit rotation speed you require.

Features of a Drill Press

The table of a drill press is where the work piece is going to sit, and on just about every model the table can move up and down making room for your work piece. A lot of models also allow sideways tilting of the table, either to 45 degrees or, for larger, higher-end ones, a complete 360 degrees, enabling drilling at every angle. Some models come with laser guides or LED lights to show precisely where your hole is going to land.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

Types of Woodworking Clamps
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Types of Woodworking Clamps

When choosing the proper tools, it is vital to consider the kind of work you plan on doing and the type of material you are going to be working with. Various types of clamps can be classified into several basic groups, which differ depending on the material and the technique of use. Each of these types can come in a multitude of varieties and can be used for a lot of purposes outside of their primary intended use.

Woodworking F Clamps

Traditional woodworking F clamps are the most general and widely used kind of clamping device. It’s used by just about every woodworker and is appropriate for any situation in which two items must be clamped together. It’s a perfect addition to any workshop and is useful for projects outside of just woodworking.

F clamps are typically available in lengths running from 150 mm to 1 meter. The jaws have plastic covers for protecting the workpiece from any damages. They provide profiled cast iron arms connected to a steel bar. The handles have a coating with a light but secure silicone layer, referred to as Soft-Grip, to guarantee a better grip throughout use. Additionally, you aren’t going to feel the need for using too much force to stop your hand from slipping, unlike conventional wooden handles.

One-Handed Quick-Release Clamps

Quick-release bar clamps are an excellent device when two hands are simply not enough. It comes convenient for the attaching of individual pieces, to secure materials to the bench, a pillar drill, a device’s guide rail and to other apparatuses, in which you need to handle with just one hand. It performs its function instantly and without requirement for adjustments.

The one-handed quick-release clamp is the quickest device for securing a work piece. These tools are specially designed for clasping workpieces; nevertheless, they are not correct for joining large surfaces and huge materials to one another. It is necessary not to forget that if you clamp work pieces over a long time, the clamping tension might be reduced. Consequently, it is recommended to replace them using parallel jaw clamps.

Quick Lever Clamps

The lever clamp is recognized for its easy clamping system. It has a durable all-metal body and robust construction, which eliminates worry about damage or wear, dissimilar to plastic one-handed clamps. Additionally, you have two kinds of these ideal and, in a lot of cases, unrivaled helpers at your disposal.

The range of lever clamps is especially notable for its compatibility with guide rails from favorable brands, like Makita, Stanely Black & Decker, Bosch, Dewalt, etc., as their jaws can be entered into a 12 mm guide T-slot. In addition, the quick lever clamps are convenient for securing work piece to a workbench. Providing ideal performance, and due to their plastic covers, stop damage to the clamped workpiece.

Face Clamps

The face clamp is a specialized device characterized by compatibility with assembly jigs and pocket holes. When these convenient devices are a part of your workshop, this type of clamp is a vital addition that you are going to probably find essential.

In addition, without these jigs you can benefit from the face clamp’s features, like its big clamping pads retaining workpieces straight. The smooth pressure management and the capacity to tweak it using a screw are especially useful. It is perfect for working with fragile materials without the risk of damaging a workpiece.

Pipe Clamps

In comparison to parallel clamps, pipe clamps provide a considerable advantage: you are only restricted by the length of the steel plumping pipe. When that is not enough, combine the two. Screwing one part of the jaws onto the steel pipe with a 27mm diameter and a G 3/4″ BSP thread, whereas the other jaw enters onto the opposing end of the pipe. The clamp is now ready for use. The jaws come equipped with feet that provide better stability and execution. The entire structure is made out of cast iron with clamping by a huge handle.

Spring Clamps

Spring clamps are not clamps in the conventional sense. It is adaptable and operates with a very light grip, making it almost like clothespins. Use it for fast and easy clamping of smaller work pieces, like differing slats or decorative moldings, in which high clamping pressure is not needed, and extreme pressures could cause damage.

Even with its gentle operation, the spring clamp is highly robust. The strong, heat-treated steel spring can withstand almost any use devoid of leaving pressure blemishes or causing other types of damage. The swiveling pads can help to better clamp work pieces, and the rubberized handle stops the device from slipping out of your hand.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

The Importance of a Good Workbench
Written by webtechs

The Importance of a Good Workbench

In woodworking, a solid workbench is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a dependable work bench is the cornerstone for any successful woodworking project. It supports your work, keeps your tools organized, and improves precision and safety.

The Role of a Workbench in Woodworking

A workbench is more than just a surface, it’s the heart of your work area. It provides balance for sanding, sawing, and assembling, assisting you to work with precision and ease. A well-designed work bench refines workflow, encourages safety, and elevates your woodworking experience.

Why a Good Workbench is Vital

A sturdy workbench guarantees durability, which is essential for accurate measurements and dependable assembly. It aids in organizing your tools, making your workspace structured and safe. Built-in features such as vises or clamps offer extra functionality, making your undertakings easier and more delightful.

Types of Workbenches

Workbenches come in different styles, from mobile to standing models. Some offer adjustable heights, storage areas, or built-in jigs to improve efficiency. No matter if you need a conventional hardwood bench or a compact, foldable alternative, the proper workbench is going to meet your particular needs.

Choosing the Right Workbench

When selecting a workbench, think about aspects such as height, surface area, and special characteristics. Ergonomics are vital for comfort, whereas tool storage and work surface size affect your overall performance. A thoughtful decision is going to make your projects more undemanding and more productive.

Setting Up Your Workbench

To refine your workspace, keep tools organized and easily within reach. Wall-mounted storage or peg-boards can help make space available, whereas labeled bins keep materials orderly. Regularly clean and maintain your work bench to guarantee it remains a functional and safe focal point of your workshop.

Maintaining Your Workbench

Maintaining your workbench increases its lifespan and keeps your work area safe. Clean the surfaces following every use, apply finishes from time to time, and examine for wear and tear. A well taken care of work bench encourages quality work and a more delightful woodworking experience.

Frequently Asked Workbench Questions

Below are some frequently asked workbench questions:

What is the importance of a good workbench for woodworking?

A good workbench provides a stable, level surface when cutting, sanding, and assembling projects. Attributes such as clamps and vises make it easier to retain and work with materials.

What should I look for in a workbench?

Look for a durable, stable workbench with a level work surface, clamps or vises, and enough space to work smoothly. Height is vital for usability and comfort throughout long projects.

Can I build my own workbench?

Absolutely, building your own workbench allows you to customize it to fit your work area and particular needs.

What are the advantages of a well-organized workbench?

An organized work bench helps you locate tools faster, decreases clutter, and improves safety by averting accidents and enhancing efficiency.

How do I maintain my workbench?

Clean your work bench routinely, oil moving parts, and examine for stability. Correct maintenance guarantees longevity and optimizes performance.

Woodworking Supplies Mesa by Timber Woodworking

Timber Woodworking offers hardwoods in Mesa, Arizona. We specialize in woodworking tools, equipment, and supplies for commercial woodworking cabinet shops or furniture manufacturers as well as the home shop hobbyist. Contact us today, or call if you should have any questions.

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