This should fall under the must-have shop tools. The iVac Switch works in harmony with your dust collection or vacuum system and an associated power tool. The power tool can range from a high power table saw, down to a low power mini drill. Any power tool that generates dust.
Basically the iVac Switch automatically turns on the dust collection system when you power up your tool and switches off when your done. This eliminates unnecessary noise, power usage and maximizes the efficiency of your vacuum system.
Check it out for yourself.
Over at Lumberjocks you can peruse a ton of user submitted projects. Most of them are woodworking. Some masterpieces and some questionable but all home grown.
This homemade cyclone dust collector caught our eye as it's a unique problem solving tool that many builders would love to have in their shop. Basically it acts as an intermediary between the vacuum canister and the end of the hose. The sawdust is deposited in the bucket and therefore the vacuum doesn't lose power as it fills up and the bucket has a higher volume before it is filled.
Here's what the inventor said of his diy concoction:
Check out this video of Master Carpenter Norm Abram being interviewed at last years AWFS show by Popular Woodworking magazine. Great insights into his favorite tools and techniques.
Tools Norm Abram Value's the Most
Table saw - because it touches each project
Joiner - straighten rough lumber
Surface Planer - required to keep everything level and square
As we fire up our spring projects it's clear that we need to wipe the dust off some of our power tools and give them a once over to make sure they are in good operating condition which means they are safe to use and effective.
Here's a starting point for checking your tools for any damage or wear and how to recognize when they need repair. One of the most common issues are worn power cords which can be dangerous and should be fixed immediately, learn how to repair the cord yourself.
If your workshop is in an unfinished garage or basement and not attached to your central heating system, your best option is to make use of space heaters.
Cool Tools brings us two of their favorites that cover a lot of different applications and one of them should work for you.
ProCom Unvented Propane Heater
A combination radiant/passive-convection heater powered by propane, the ProCom burns cleanly and needs no vent or chimney.
Dyna-Glo Pro Heater
It's very powerful (70,000 BTU) and, amazingly, creates no detectable odor while burning kerosene.
The perfect work surface may be found in the Kreg Klamp Table Steel Stand Combo ($400); at least that's what the pros at Popular Mechanics think.
This recall got us thinking about safety again (safety should always be on our mind). We came across this list of table saw safety regulations and maintenance tips.
The absolute safety rules regarding table saws are:
1. Always use a push stick when the fence is set under 3" to the blade.
2. Never stand in line with the blade.
3. Always unplug the saw when changing the blades.
4. Never reach over the blade.
5. Always wear eye protection.
We've just been informed that DeWALT is recalling about 13,000 DEWALT DW744 Jobsite Table Saws because the pivot bracket can separate and cause kick back, posing a severe laceration hazard. The table saws were sold nationwide from April 2007 through January 2008 for approximately $500. The recall affects 10-inch DeWALT table saws with model number DW744 with date codes 200715 through 200740.
Unfortunately spills and leaks don't always happen in close proximity to drains which makes for a messy cleanup, that was until the wet/dry shop vac appeared. Milwaukee now makes a cordless model that is ideal for areas that aren't powered like workshops and garages.
If you need more than storage for your tools but an actual workspace that can be setup in a room with open walls then check out this Finley Workstation that can be setup anywhere and provide a place to layout plans and worksheets.
[via Cool Tools]
