Friday, March 22, 2013

What I've Learned At Sheridan



If there is one thing I've learned at Sheridan that is simply that no matter where you go and what you do, there will always be people that don't put in the work. Sounds like a pretty negative thing to learn at a fine learning institution such as Sheridan. It did help me push myself to be better than I have ever been at any point in my life. There is one constant that never fails and that is when it comes to taking life seriously you never really get on the horse until you get older. When I was in college for the first time I THOUGHT I knew what I wanted to do. I was convinced that I wanted to pursue a career in advertising. Well that was a big mistake!!

It took a trip around the world, a couple of really bad jobs, and my eventual plummet into the situation where the government was paying me so I could live, for me to really take my future seriously. It hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but from what I have gone through when I was a child to me being on my own now, I think I've learned valuable lessons. Sheridan has reinforced these lessons but they did originate from my past life experiences.  Maybe one day I will look back and feel like having to take care of myself since I was 18 actually helped me deal with the more difficult things I will encounter in the future. Whatever helped me, the guidance of the faculty that taught Journislm-Print unfortunately or fortunately, have had a greater impact on my development as a person than my absent father or my complacent mother.

Well besides realizing that some people don't put in the effort I guess I can say I also learned about life. Sometimes you're doing well, and sometimes no matter how hard you try, nothing works. Whatever it may be, there is only one person in the world that can control your destiny and that is yourself. You are only as dumb, and slow, and incapable as you think you are.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Powermatic's size solution




The Powermatic PM1500 is a bandsaw that was developed for commercial as well as personal use. The machine itself is very sleek and easily situates in any type of workshop. It also boasts key features that may only be present on larger, higher grade band saws.

Specifications:
  • Cast iron table is 21-1⁄2 inches long x 16 inches wide. 
  • Two milled slots for the miter gauge (which is included). 
  • Table tilts 10 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right.

The fence is of a Biesemeyer-style design, is easily adjustable. The extruded aluminum fence plate is of exceptional design and can be easily changed from its 6-1⁄2 inch high position to 7⁄16 inch low position. This is accomplished by loosening two knobs on the fence back.  The 6-1⁄2 inch-long, 11⁄2 inch -diameter steel pin that provides a single point of contact setup, fits effortlessly with the fence.
The PM1500 also boasts a magnetic switch and two unique electrical safety features. 
The first is a cut-out switch which prevents the saw from powering up when it is not being tensioned. The switch is built into the blade-tensioning lever and effectively eliminates the risk of the blade jumping off the wheels when its loose.
The second is a truly unique feature that simply just a magnetic “key” situated just above the on/off switch; if you remove it the switch will be disabled.
The upper and lower blade guides do not require a tool when adjusting and are fairly thick. All elements of the guides – double roller-bearing side guides and a rear-thrust bearing – can be adjusted independently.
It has two dust ports that do an outstanding job. AS an extension of the machine to keep things tidy, two brushes are deployed in the lower cabinet. The first sweeps the blade clean while the other sweeps the tire clean.
For more information on the Powermatic PM1500 bandsaw you can visit the Powermatic website.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Hardwood rises North as Midwest suffers

Photo From www.tractorbynet.com


After the Lumber industry saw improvement in January and the first half of february, northernly located sawmills have gotten a boost with the recent influx of cold weather spurts.

Sawmills reported average to good log supply in the Northern United States with the storm surges that have swept through in the last couple of weeks. Due to more wet conditions and lack of loggers in the Midwest, there are substantially low levels of logs. Wholesalers are finding it more difficult to find kiln-dried lumber to sell, while the concentration yards reported some difficulties getting the green lumber needed. Because of decreased green lumber quantities, certain concentration yards were running their kilns at only 65-70% capacity. Over the course of the time distribution yards saw better business, with increased demand posted from architectural millwork and commercial fixture manufacturers. Floor prices stood pat and retail sales improved but many flooring manufacturers were unable buy and dry enough lumber to increase production.

Friday, February 15, 2013

WCA urging a passport increase



The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America is urging woodworking industry members to apply for a WCA passport that can lead to credentials that will give you the professional opportunities you may be looking for.

The woodworkers passport is essentially a portable record of a woodworker's competency in tool and machine operation according to the WCA website. It is considered an industry certification that is given to woodworkers that show their skills on specific tools and machines. The WCA retains a record of a woodworkers stamps which can provide the needed verification to employers and educators. The colour coded levels of credential stamps are as follows:

Green - 30 tool stamps and 800 hours of experience.

Blue - 60 tool stamps and 1600 hours of experience.

Red - 120 tool stamps and 3200 hours, skill demonstration.

Gold - 180 tool stamps and 4800 hours, skill demonstration.

Diamond - 240 tool stamps and 6400 hours, master project.


As it stands currently there are WCA passport holders in 30 states and two provinces spread across North America.

You can apply for a WCA Woodworking Passport by going to the WCA website and following the appropriate links.


SOURCE: WCA

Friday, February 1, 2013

Laguna Shows Its Love


One of last years entries into the 'Show Us Your Love' contest by Laguna Tools

Laguna Tools is holding their third annual 'Show Us Your Love' contest this month that will award a new Band Saw worth over $1600.
Over 100 woodworking aficionados across the United States, will showcase their craftsmanship during the event the month of February. The event was formulated to showcase the creativity and skill of amateur and professional woodworkers, providing the winner with bragging rights. In this years show the number of contestants has gone up since its inception according to Catherine Helshoj, spokesperson for the 3rd Annual 'Show Us Your Love' contest.  
“The number of people entering the contest has virtually tripled every year, and we’re already on track to better that number this year,” said Helshoj.
The entries vary from person to person but there are no restrictions as to what type of piece may be entered, as long as it was produced by the contestant. 
“From jewelry boxes to exotic hardwood veneered tables – there are no restrictions on what a woodworker can create – as long as a bandsaw is used,” she said.
The winner will be chosen by the visitors to the Laguna Tools website and will have a chance to select from all the entries which will be posted on the site. The selected entry will receive a brand new Laguna Tools LT 14SUV Bandsaw.
Laguna Tools is based in the state of California and has been a leader in woodworking innovations for the last 29 years. 

SOURCE:    PRWeb

Friday, January 25, 2013

Pocket Hole Perfection



Woodstock International Inc. or Shop Fox, is a provider of various types of wood working materials that are distributed to thousands of dealers spread across North America. The company is releasing a new product to make the every day face frame and cabinet carcass maker's life a little easier. The W1833 Pocket Hole machine by Shop Fox provides a more stationary production approach to your work. The W1833 features a hold-down made of high density polyethylene as well as an extruded aluminum fence, plus two swing stops. According to Fox Shop, the hold-down clamp is a patented design that will work with all types of work pieces within the allotted thickness without the need to constantly readjust. Its powered by a 1/2HP motor under the front table. It gives a single pocket hole with each pull of the lever. It divides into workpieces ranging from one and a half to two inches thick. Cutting action happens by means of a standard A  six-inch-long stepped drill bit, provides optimal cutting action  which is also replaceable. The suggested price for the W1833 Pocket Hole Machine is $810 and is available via the Shop Fox website.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Woodworking award finalists chosen

Zongkers Custom Wood's 'People's Choice' Award Winner of the
Woodworking Business Design Portfolio Competition


A selection of wood industry professionals, selected from 36 finalists in the 2012 Custom Woodworking Business Design Portfolio competition have been announce as the winners. They were from specific woodworking categories and will have them recognized during the gala reception at the debut of the first ever Cabinets & Closets Conference Expo which will be held from Feb. 27-March 1, 2013 in Edison New Jersey.

Here are some of the entry names that were recognized:

Gulf Harbour Home Office
Cape Harbour Kitchen
Jones Master Bathroom
Yellin Her Master
French Walnut Armoire
French Cherry Armoire
Iron Man Theatre Bar
Traditional Jewelry Box
Myra's Dream Kitchen
CK Entry Console
Sunburst
Custom Kitchen
Custom Master Bath
Law Book Desk
Skin Care Salon & Spa

To see the rest click this: Woodworking Network


The Custom Woodworking Business  Design Portfolio Awards have been given out for the past 20 years to those custom woodworkers that demonstrate outstanding design and execution throughout the year. With the idea to input an increased level participation from the woodworking industry, the People's Choice Award was included. Visitors to Woodworking network, casted their ballots for the People's Choice in the best entries of the 2012 Design Portfolio Competition from the 36 finalists. 'Zongkers Custom Wood' was the recipient of the 'People's Choice Award'.
Sources: 
http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/articles/archives/CWB-custom-woodworking-business/Custom-Woodworking-Design-Portfolio-Winners-Announced.html
http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/articles/archives/CWB-custom-woodworking-business/Design-Portfolio-Peoples-Choice-Winner-185887442.html