Woodworker's Journal 2004-28-6, страница 2

Angling for Workshop Safety

i ii ( nil'Contact us by writing to "tetters", Woodworker's Journal, 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, Minnesota 55340, by fax at (763) 478-8396 or by e-mail: lcttefs@wontfwcirkersjouninl.ccmi We ask that all letters, Including e-mails, Include a mailing address and phone number. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

Missing a Screwdriver

This is no trick — just some old knowledge, i just received your August magazine and would like to refer you to Hardware Hints, particularly the photo with the various screwdrivers: there was one missing.

Recently, I had to install some large corner irons on an old cinder block wall to mount a TV. I used W 10-12 lead anchors with 2" #12 F/H wood screws. I started with my battery-powered screwdrivers, but they would only take the screws part way. Then I turned to my hand screwdriver with muscle — and I was still

1/2" to 3/4" short.

I am 83 years old and was born and raised in an old hardware store that my mother's father started in 1903. Young people might not know the power to be found in an old bit brace with a Phillips head bit on the driving end. I finished my job.

Watson R. Gabriel Sr.

Newton, North Carolina

From All Angles

The "Ultimate Angle Jig" (August 2004) article recalls the use of my very old Sears 8" table saw. It had a cast steel frame and iron table that tilted; the blade was stationary. By tilting the table instead of a jig, I constructed a library with 14 panel doors. That's progress for you.

Meyer Singer Great Neck, New York

I love the concept of the table saw and angle jig shown in the August 2004 issue and intend to build a similar one.

However, I cringed when I saw the cover photo. It shows exactly the situation that sent me to the emergency room with severe injuries.

The operator is not wearing safety goggles, is in line with the blade and is not using a zero-clearance insert. The tapered cutoff will likely drop into the slot; jam and be fired back like a bullet

With all due respect for Mr. English, why tempt fale?

Robert L England Euge?ie, Oregon

WJ Responds:

Necessary guards and safety precautions arc sometimes removed in our photos for clarity, but you make a good point about the need for a zero-clearance insert with this jig. (And I appreciate your concern: that's not Mr. English on the cover: that's yours truly, the editor.)

— Rob Johnstone

Seeing the Space

Your August 2004 article in Techniques, "Getting Started With letter Carving" by Simon Watts, mentioned the difficulty of spacing letters properly. Some time ago I too had that difficulty and I was advised by a mentor, "pay attention to the area of the space between the letters." As soon as I learned to see that area, the spacing of the letters became almost instinctive.

David Chisholm St. Louis, Missouri

Top Ten Radial Advantages

I have noticed the absence of the use of radial arm saws in any of your projects, articles or their appearance in any shop photographs. Does this mean they will one day be contenders for your "What's This" Stumpers column?

For those of us who still own a radial arm saw, here are my "lop ten" advantages to owning one: 10. Temporary place for holding the new band saw blade while changing blades.

9. When repairing a puncture in a bicycle

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December 2004 Woodworker's Journal