Popular Woodworking 2005-04 № 147, страница 32
Tool Test No Math Required with this Flute Spacing Jig Woodworking appealed to me in my youth because I thought it had nothing to do with math. Of course, I learned that I was wrong, but not until after I was hooked on wood. Nothing seems quite so confusing as accurately spacing anything across the face of a board, especially when fluting. Trying to divide the board evenly (or unevenly) to give proper spacing is a complete nightmare for the math-challenged woodworker (me). I know I'm not alone in my frustration, and the existence of this jig proves it. This flute spacing jig allows you to accurately and evenly space one to seven flute s with no math required. And using it is a piece of pi! First choose your preferred bit (bushings for V4"-, 3/8"- or ^"-diameter fluting bits are included) and set up your router table. Next, determine the number of flutes to be cut. Check the chart on the jig and you will find that five flutes, for example, requires using holes one, four and seven. Place the correct bushing in hole one and (with the power off and the bit set to the desired depth) slip the jig over the bit. Next place the board to be fluted between the indexing pin and your router table fence, and adjust the fence until it's just short of snug against the board. Run your board, then relocate the board using holes four and seven, and you're done. The jig is limited to cutting flutes on boards up to 12" wide. If you don't use fluting bits often, this jig might be too specific for your woodshop. But with some simple jigging you can make staggered or stopped fluting. And by using different types of bits the options increase. You'll never worry about math again. We're anxious to try all the possibilities this simple jig offers. — DT For more information, circle #173 on Free Information Card. SPECIFICATIONS Automatic Flute Spacing Jig Street price: $45 Flute diameters: V4", 3/8" and V2" Performance: ••••o Price range: $$$$ Woodcraft: 800-225-1153 or woodcraft.com Ashley Iles Turning Tools Although highly regarded and widely distributed in England, turning tools from famous toolmaker Ashley Iles have been scarce as hen's teeth on this side of the Atlantic. Now, speciality tool online retailer Tools for Working Wood is changing all that and turners here should take note. This line of well-made tools include the standard offerings of most turning tool manufacturers such as spindle and bowl gouges, parting tools, scrapers and skews. But Ashley Iles also offers some specialty tools and hefty versions of the more common tools, like standard traditional pattern spindle gouges, and a long and strong 1" bowl gouge. Ashley Iles is a second generation Sheffield, England, toolmaking company with a good reputation for making quality tools from excellent steel in the best Sheffield tradition. These high-speed steel tools are no exception. They will take and hold a keen edge. And they are sharp out of the box, each having been factory sharpened by Tony Iles, son of founder Ashley Iles. Of special note is the excellent degree of finish the steel exhibits. Even the deep flutes in these gouges show virtually no abrasion marks from grinding. And the extra thick steel used for scrapers and skews is noteworthy. The only complaint is the handle sizing on some larger tools. The handles are just too short for the task. In England, most turning tools are sold unhandled on the correct theory a turner will want to make his or her own. We tested a sampling of turning tools from the line including a 3/4" bowl gouge (which we rehandled), a 1" round-nose scraper, a V4" spindle gouge, a 1V4" skew, a massive 1/2" roughing gouge and an V8" parting tool. All the tools performed well. SPECIFICATIONS Ashley Iles Turning Tools Street price: Ranges from $99.95 for 1V2" roughing gouge, to $24.95 for V4" spindle gouge; a 3/4" bowl gouge costs $73.95 Steel: High-speed steel Performance: ••••o Price range: $$$$ Tools for Working Wood: 800-426-4613 or toolsforworkingwood.com Turning tools from Ashley Iles are premium priced in line with other quality English manufacturers. Sets are available. PW — Steve Shanesy For more information, circle #174 on Free Information Card. 30 Popular Woodworking April 2005 |
