Issue 56
Issue 56
How You DO Choose!
Last issue I posed the question of how you choose a specific tool out of the vast number of choices available. As you may have guessed, there are plenty of ideas out there for winnowing the grain from the chaff. For some, it was easy: the single line “Made in USA” was all the research they needed. Others had a long list of criteria that allowed them to drill down to a singular choice. Price, quality, brand loyalty … all these items, and many more, played a role. Look for these shared ideas on our reader’s response page – maybe they will help you the next time you are getting ready to pull the trigger on a significant tool purchase.
And as long as we are talking tools, let me just tell you that you’ll soon have plenty of new models to choose from. I’ve just returned from the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) show in Atlanta, Georgia, where there were more tools than you could shake a peach tree at. (Click over to the Toolmaker Insider for more on the show.)
One last point. Many people at the show made a point of stopping me and telling me how much they enjoy the eZine. Let me just return the compliment by saying thanks, and telling you how important each of you are to the success of the eZine. See you on the net!
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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IWF 2002: Tools, Woodworkers and Rich Food
The International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair – USA addresses the needs of everyone — from humongously large corporate woodworking factories to Amish mom and pop producers.
Today's Woodworker
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Virgil Johnson: Building a Houseful of Beautiful Furniture
The forums were abuzz in mid-August with the appearance of a new piece by Virgil Johnson.
What's In Store
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Jazz Portable Power 250 – On the Road or At Home!
The new Jazz Portable Power 250 from Xantrex is designed for use on the road or at home during emergency blackouts.
Q & A
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Routing Burns on Rounded Edges
Rob Johnstone offers some advice for reducing router burn.
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What Is the Right Size Dust Collection?
Rob Johnstone offers advice on how to decide what size dust collector is right for your shop?
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Branching Out into New Wood?
Rob Johnstone offers advice on mixing different hardwoods in the same project.
Feedback
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Responding to Rob’s Letter
Readers respond to Rob’s question about choosing tools, Fibonacci numbers, splines and how to classify arbutus.