Popular Woodworking 2002-02 № 126, страница 30

often we try to pinch pennies when we buy tools that last a lifetime."

I couldn't agree more. Spend the extra dollars for quality, and you'll always be happy. Just don't tell everyone at home about your purchase. And get rid of the box before you take it home. Wives are cagey about empty, expensive-looking packaging. Don't tell anyone I told you this.

When Mehler is done with all of these saws, you can bet he'll stick with his 5-horse-power Austrian-made Felder combination machine (they cost between $5,000 and $15,000 and can be set up to do just about every machining job in a wood shop). It occupies the center of the shop and maybe Mehler's heart.

Another interesting part of Mehler's shop is his vintage heavy-duty machinery that he has purchased wisely (and inexpensively) over many years and after a little horse trading. I covet his 36" 1910 Oliver band saw, which he uses primarily for resawing. His 24" Crescent planer looks as big as the rock of Gibraltar. It also was interesting to see that his dust collection system ducts directly out-

During my visit to Mehler's shop in Berea, Ky., nearly every square foot of floor space was occupied by a table saw. Every place there wasn't a table saw, there were huge racks of wood.

side to minimize shop cleanup time and maximize woodworking time. His industrial-grade spray booth is tucked in a far corner behind his clamp rack.

Perhaps his favorite "tool" is his German-style European workbench that looks loaded with great stories. This well-worn bench is where Mehler uses hand tools to cut dovetails, fit joints, and make the wood just about sing.

Everywhere you look you'll see that this

man has carefully grown his shop with just the right tools for his needs. So passionate is Mehler about tools that he's lately been getting involved in the debate about safety and guards in the U.S. market. Mehler consults for many different companies regarding shop safety and design. He is a member of an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. advisory council and focuses on improving power tool safety.

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