Recent content by Fred Page

Hi Wilkie, Are you an expert on Sargent Planes by now? I have a smoothing Sargent but where do I find its number so that I have an idea of its production date? Is it a characteristic of these planes that the adjusting blade screw is anti-clockwise? Any info welcome. Fred

Hi Noel, Thanks for that. But, "The outlet is typical blue pipe size. I reduced it down with a combination of old waste pipe and 2 sizes of copper pipe in order to fit the cheapest garden hose I could find for each pump." This is the part that worries me. It seems complicated! Is there not...

I'm thinking of buying this. Would anyone like to comment? I'm perplexed by the outlet size. Could I connect ordinary common garden hose? But would this result in heavier work on the motor? Fred

For real authenticity will you go for gloss or something less?

Brough (1964) notes Japanese Oak (Quercus mongolica) as being 'mild and kind to work.' Certainly the finest timber I've ever used. I had no idea it was still available. Must be very expensive.

For those of you who still have copies of British Woodworking there appeared an article on animal glue in 2012 entitled "Quick Bond for New Times", British Woodworking, no. 28, (2012), 56-61. For anyone interested I can willingly offer an email copy of the text. Fred

Thanks for that theory Roy, much obliged.

I have an ancient transformer which powers a 6 v 18W bulb in a scientific instrument. The mains feed wire to the transformer is missing, how do I determine the required gauge of new wire? Is the gauge determined by the input or output charges?

What are the cheapest sheet materials for a workshop roof (30 ft by 20 ft)? Currently has rusted corrugated sheets. As a child I remember people using hot tar to coat over rusted sheets. What would be the modern equivalent coating?

Thanks for all the suggestions above. I now have a period of experimentation before buying a genuine cleaning stick. I do wonder as to the composition of these sticks? Prices vary tremendously online, I wonder why. Fred ps on the subject of sanding belts, does anyone know why they are intended...

What is the best method to clean up a sanding belt? Any advice please, wire brush, solvent etc?

Thanks to all replies above. Much appreciated. Will spend time trying out all suggestions and have the feeling that something is bound to work.

Why am I having trouble in getting Youtube stuff on my laptop? Weeks ago I thought I saw a screen notice telling me to do something but I ignored it and it's never appeared again.

A newsletter arrived today from Woodworkers Workshop and as usual I ask myself who are these people who can afford such highly priced equipment? I certainly cannot and even if I could I'm not really interested in equipment which appears to be as far removed from my idea of woodwork as my aunt...