Let's Talk Wood: The top tools of the year!

Sunday, January 13, 2019

The top tools of the year!

It's time for our list of the top three tools that we used last year... and will get a TON of usage in the future.

No doubt, we make a ton of boxes at the shop. At least a few hundred a year... everyone loves boxes!

But my old Jorgensen band clamps were feeling their age... the straps were wearing out and the ratchets were tired. I can't complain; over the years, they've clamped thousands of boxes.

Luckily, Jorgensen stepped in to help us out, sending dozens of new clamps to test.

This new design has an integrated wrench, so there isn't a need to go searching for one when it's time to tighten it.

Brilliant! These have been a much needed - AND IMPROVED - addition to the shop, and makes it one of the top new products of 2018, in my book.

Here's a link to check them out, but Amazon has been out of them for a bit... add them to your wish list. Trust me on this.

The next top rated tools of 2018 aren't necessarily new products, but frankly - two of the most useful items we have in the shop. Bar none.

Seriously, if you don't have these in your shop, you might be doing sloppy work.

The iGaging Angle Cube and its counterpart - the iGaging digital protractor are without a doubt - game changers for your woodworking. Being off just a half degree on your saw cut can throw a whole project off. And there's no need to be inaccurate anymore. Not only do these get used on a daily basis, they get used hourly, double-checking all of the tools in the shop.

If you want to up your game in the woodshop, accuracy is #1.

Buy these.

And finally -

This is truly a game changer in my world - the most amazing laser engraver on the planet- the Glowforge. Glowforge started as an idea and a Kickstarter campaign, so early investors had an opportunity to buy one at a discount, and receive future discounts on materials and products. It took a while to receive mine (and I'm still waiting for the filter that will mount under it, which will make indoor usage completely simple) but this machine is simply mind blowing.

Where do I start?

If you want to engrave something, this machine will do it. You can use their materials (called Proofgrade materials) so that all of the guesswork is taken away; just drop a sheet inside the bed of the machine, upload your design and press a button.

When your box is delivered, you'll be printing within an hour. The set-up is easy, but one thing of note - you MUST have an internet connection to run this.

There are two things you'll cut right away, to see if you're doing it right. You'll have this ruler in no time,

and this Gift of Good Measure keychain, which every Glowforge owner has made numerous times. (Everybody wants one!)

This Good Measure keychain gave me a great idea when I was approached about making some knitting guides for a local knit shop.

Once you've purchase a Glowforge, you'll have access to tons of shared designs, like these Marvel coasters,

and puzzles,

sports memorabilia, and more.

Here are a couple of simple engravings I've done for friends - cutting boards for music lovers,

and this Man Cave sign. Here were a couple of designs,

and the final product.

A customer requested that I add a little bit of artwork to the back of a rocking chair I was building - we decided on this clipart,

here's the back rail of the chair.

Here's an urn for an art teacher, designed to resemble a box of crayons.

This was one of her favorite sayings.

How easy is it to use?

I took this clipart, imported it, and...

printed 1000 divot repair tools. Took about 3 minutes each.

One of my favorites...

This was my entry into the Christmas Ornament contest - a sweet little star for my tree.

Any limitations? Honestly, I think your only limitation is your imagination - if you can dream up something, you can probably cut it on this machine.

Here's another great piece - a hanging lamp... I've gotten some great comments about this one, and when the lamp is turned on, the wood glows. It's awesome!