This fall I have introduced a new tech platform into my practice. The FunKey unlocks tons of potential in a classroom. Do you want a board that reads keystrokes and plays like a MakeyMakey but with at a size and price point for a real classroom? FunKey does that. Do you now need a boardContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: The FunKey Super #MakerED #STEM Review”
Category Archives: Tool Review
Home #Makerspace: A Young #Maker ‘s First Saw Kit
3 Saws and a Miter Box. A beginning woodworker needs enough equipment to make only two types of cuts; the cross cut and curve. For cross cuts, I suggest a Japanese-style “pistol grip” carpenter’s saw for older makers, age 7 & up. For very young makers, 4 to 7, I suggest the smaller flush-cut saw. TheseContinue reading “Home #Makerspace: A Young #Maker ‘s First Saw Kit”
#MakerED Book Review: 3D CAD with Autodesk 123D #makerspace
Update: On Dec. 16th, Autodesk announced they would be shutting down the 123D App family in “early 2017”. Most apps will become incorporated into their 3 powerhouse apps: Tinkercad, Fusion 360, and ReMake. As I detailed in my most recent post, 123D is a free suite of CAD tools for the creative maker/designer. It actsContinue reading “#MakerED Book Review: 3D CAD with Autodesk 123D #makerspace”
Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Router
The router can do an incredible number of tasks: cut grooves and dados, used with guides to make parts, do complex or simple joinery and create edge treatments for wood. The router can be mounted on a bench or table top or it can be manipulated by hand. The router is the single most versatile tool in the woodworker’s power tool box.
Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Circular Saw
Invented in 1923 by Edmond Michel, the circular saw remains a basic portable tool for any homeowner/woodworker nearly 90 years later. The Model 77 hasn’t changed much, but worm-drive saws such as the 77 have become the realm of framers, carpenters and other tradesmen and women who make a living with the tool. For aContinue reading “Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Circular Saw”
Gear Review: SKIL 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Mo. 5480
If you are in the market for a 7-1/4″ circular saw for light homeowner use, I don’t see any reason not to buy a SKIL 5480. It’s cheap, durable construction, dead simple set-up and with a decent saw guide, can create clean cuts all day long. The hard plastic casing has held up to threeContinue reading “Gear Review: SKIL 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Mo. 5480”
Tool Review: Marples’ Japanese Style Saws
Some new gear found its way into my home-shop. I’ve recently bought the Marples/Irwin-branded version of this saw by Shark: The manufacturer patterned this saw after Japanese ryoba saws. Some quick thoughts – it has two saw blades. The larger teeth (the 8ish ppi) side seems to excel at ripping, while the 17ppi side excelsContinue reading “Tool Review: Marples’ Japanese Style Saws”
Tool Primer: Painting A Room
In February, I learned the necessity of insurance, family, cash-in-your-pocket and good-quality plumbing. My house flooded – and I’m talking spectacular water-from-the-ceiling, I-hope-this-never-happens-to-a-house-I-own flood. Every room in my house received flood damage. We moved out for a month and the landlord gave us a new house (ok, his insurance did). I will say this: weContinue reading “Tool Primer: Painting A Room”
The Things they Carried (Cool Tools Everyday Carry Contest)
Kevin Kelly, editor of Wired magizine, runs an interesting blog on Cool Tools. He recently held a contest looking for tools which are carried everyday. This year, I’ve been refining my tool belt to carry the tools that make my job run. So let’s start, shall we? From right to left: Canvas Tool Pouch: It’sContinue reading “The Things they Carried (Cool Tools Everyday Carry Contest)”
Gear Review: Groz Planes
In the woodshop today, I spent some quality time with a set of 3 Groz planes. The block plane (unsure what the Stanley No would be), the Jack Plane and their Jointer. I’ve been pleased with the results throughout this year. I sharpen the blades about once a quarter or during long breaks, and whenContinue reading “Gear Review: Groz Planes”
WSC Designs 