That’s why for “National Make a Gift Day,” which is this Saturday, Dec. 1, Rockler’s 37 retail stores are hosting Handmade Gift Classes. Participants will use a lathe and other tools to create a unique handle for their choice of a bottle opener, ice cream scoop or a pizza cutter, resulting in a one-of-a-kind handmade gift.

The classes will be offered at four times, with start times of 9:30 and 11:30 am and then 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Because handle turning is relatively simple, it’s ideal for anyone who wishes to participate, including those with little or no prior woodworking experience. Store staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer assistance. Each participant will leave with a completed utensil.

Class size will be limited to six participants per session, in order to accommodate one-on-one assistance. Attendees under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. The class will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Total cost of the class ranges from $35 to $45, depending on which utensil you choose to make.

To sign up for a Handmade Gift Class at a store near you, click here. For additional handmade gift ideas, free project plans and video tutorials, visit rockler.com/gift-making-guide.

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The lift’s 3/8-in.-thick machined aluminum plate and heavy-duty guide posts are designed for demanding daily use. An anti-backlash mechanism keeps the router from creeping downward, and a lock knob underneath provides further insurance when running very large jobs.

Two patent-pending features make Rockler’s ProLift easy to use: ultra-fast ”Quick-Gear” height adjustments and ”Snap-Lock” tool-free insert ring changes. Push a button in the plate to release the insert ring, then wind the Quick-Gear to raise the bit above the table rapidly. Once the bit is installed, lower it with the included hex wrench, click in the insert ring and use the fine adjustment gear to set the final height to within 0.001 in. The process is quick, efficient and intuitive.

Snap-in insert rings also means no tools are required and there are no tiny screws to lose. One insert ring with a 1-1/2-in. opening is included, and rings with other bit openings can be purchased separately.

Two expansion bars beneath the plate are adjustable for leveling it with the tabletop. Index marks on the fine adjustment screw enable you to raise the bit by specific increments more easily, too.

This Pro Lift accepts router motors with 4.2-in. diameters (13.85 in. circumference), such as the Porter-Cable 7518 and 7519. Optional adapters are available to mount routers with smaller motors, including Bosch 1617, Porter-Cable 690 and 890 series, the Makita RF1101 and DeWALT’s 616 and 618 models. These adapters have an expansion gap, so they will accept motors measuring 1/8 in. larger or smaller in diameter than the listed spec.

Note: If you have a Rockler or Bench Dog router table, the correct ProLift model with a smaller top plate is item 52429.

Rockler’s larger ProLift (item 55803) is available now and sells for $369.99.

The post Larger ProLift Router Lift appeared first on Woodworking | Blog | Videos | Plans | How To.

After removing the caster wheels on the Deputy, I fastened its outer bucket to the frame above the shop vac. Now, the vac and the Deputy are one unit instead of two. I’ve also outfitted the frame with various scrap-wood studs so I can store the vac’s wands, tools and the working end of the hose when I’m through. No more tip-overs!

– Tom Nicosia
Lake Orion, Michigan

The post Making a Sturdier Shop Vacuum System appeared first on Woodworking | Blog | Videos | Plans | How To.

– Liam Moriarty
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The post Keeping Arbor Nuts At-the-ready appeared first on Woodworking | Blog | Videos | Plans | How To.

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