Features

Arbortech Contour Random Sander

Arbortech Contour Random Sander

By Bob Duncan Arbortech’s new Contour Random Sander dramatically reduces the sanding time for any size carving. The sander, which attaches to an angle grinder, allows you to quickly sand all but the smallest of carvings. The soft rubber base of the sander adapts to the contour of the carving […]

by December 23, 2016 Product Reviews
Tornado 1000 Dust Collector

Tornado 1000 Dust Collector

Tabletop dust collector cleans up after most aggressive bits By Bob Duncan Several commercial tabletop dust collectors are available, as are a host of plans for shop-made versions. The Tornado 1000, which is made in the USA by SMC Enterprises, stands out thanks to its large working area and the […]

by December 23, 2016 Product Reviews
Kampel’s WoodFil Epoxy

Kampel’s WoodFil Epoxy

By Bob Duncan Every carver should have a tube of wood-colored epoxy in his or her toolbox. Kampel’s WoodFil Epoxy is not only easy to use, but also comes in a variety of colors. I like the way you can mix and match different putty colors to make custom colors. […]

by December 23, 2016 Product Reviews
Dremel Fortiflex

Dremel Fortiflex

By Bob Duncan Dremel’s new Fortiflex flexible shaft tool features a more powerful motor and higher torque than the company’s standard high-speed rotary tools. It comes with a hanging motor attached to a flexible shaft and a variable-speed foot pedal to control the 1/5hp motor, which can reach speeds of […]

by December 23, 2016 Product Reviews
Ply90 Brackets

Ply90 Brackets

By Bob Duncan When you’re displaying your work at craft or art shows, you often need temporary shelving or display space. The shelves need to be sturdy and solid, but you also need to be able to take them down quickly. Ply90 brackets turn ordinary 1/2″- to 3/4″-thick plywood into […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews
Arbortech Turboplane

Arbortech Turboplane

By Bob Duncan Remove the excess wood on a carving easily with Arbortech’s new TurboPlane. This tool, which comes in two sizes, attaches to an angle grinder and allows you to remove wood quickly and easily. I’ve used other tools that attach to an angle grinder and remove wood quickly, […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews
Smart Jars

Smart Jars

By Bob Duncan Pegboard always seems like a good idea, but for tools, I’ve moved to a shelf/drawer system. But I kept the 4×8 sheet of pegboard tacked to my shop wall, because, well, it should be good for something. At Maker Faire in New York City last September, I […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews
Porter Cable 20-Volt Lithium Ion Battery Tools

Porter Cable 20-Volt Lithium Ion Battery Tools

By  Bob Duncan Porter Cable has created a set of interchangeable tools that use the same battery and charger. The company has kept prices down by selling some tools without chargers, assuming you’ve already bought the charger with another set. The basic set includes a 1/2″-chuck cordless drill and a […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews
Gerber Knives

Gerber Knives

By Bob Duncan Gerber has been designing knives and other tools for outdoorsmen and the military for more than 70 years. Two of their knives are useful for carvers. The Three-Blade Stockman features a long, locking roughing-out blade; a smaller sheepsfoot blade, and an even smaller drop-point blade, all of […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews
Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman

Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman

By Bob Duncan Zippo has expanded beyond the windproof lighter business into the outdoor and camping markets. The company’s new 4-in-1 Woodsman tool is ideal for woodcarvers, especially those who harvest their own walking sticks. The lightweight tool is a bow saw, useful for cutting down saplings, that quickly converts […]

by December 22, 2016 Product Reviews