Recent content by Permutation_Jim

I second the Kity 419.... used one in a VERY small workshop for 10 years. Though now discontinued, has a lot of parts in common with the mid-range Shop Fox bench saw (including the sliding carriage and side tables... must have licensed the design). It's a very smooth running 8 inch saw with a...

So, hysterically, I actually bought this and have it in the original box, but have not installed it. Around the time I bought it, I also replaced one of the rubber rollers on the thicknesser (successfully!). I then got an ultimatum from SWMBO to clear out the upstairs (where I was refurbing)...

Folks, If you look on the Dewalt UK site, you can find the manual for the Dewalt DW733S (the "s" is important), which is very similar, if not identical. Barring that, I have an old PDF floating around for the 1151, though it's about 7mb. Despite having replaced the rollers, I still like this...

Folks, This planer is virtually identical (i.e. repackaged) to the Dewalt 733s (the 's' is important). If you go to the Dewalt website, you can download the parts and operations manual (or, at least, you could a few weeks ago). Jim

Statistics on dado related kickback are a bit hard to compile, especially from the States. The only folks who've seriously attempted to (that I know of) are manufacturers of additional safety equipment. While I suppose they trust their number (otherwise, why bother making and selling this...

If the knife height was below the top of the blade (which is what I want), it would never need to be removed. The stock knife with the Kity 419, however, is about an inch and a half above the top of the blade. At the moment, I need to remove it for tenonning. -Jim

Folks, Great commentary all around! As to the short fence, Norm often uses a secondary fence on top of his Biesemeyer, one that stops short of the blade. So, effectively, he uses a short fence, though mainly for lining up cross-cuts using the miter gauge. For longer ripping, I use the full...

Friends, As a US expat living in the Cotswolds, I get my share of schtick over American tablesaw practices: from stacked dado blades to, "the guards have been temporarily removed for demonstration purposes." I ran across a great short video at FineWoodworking dot Com demonstrating the value of...

My trusty little Bosch 500A, bought used, lacks one essential accessory... the snap-on dust collection port. Having looked in vain for a replacement, I finally decided to replace the whole lot with a comparable Trend kit, with all the candy. A commission to build 14 computer workstations for a...

I think you're right about standard countersunk screws, but I'd heard from a few folks that cheap black drywall screws (the long threaded ones where the head curves out) work just fine. I've used the Kreg Pockethole Jig (the little single model) when I didn't have time for a biscuit to dry...

Looks like I bid at the right time. I'm eager to see it in action. It sort of looks like a sideways mounted router, but more heavy duty. I'll be interested to see if the bits are proprietary or standard sizes. All in all, I'm pretty interested to see if this thing works as well as the...

I'm going for one on eBay in about ten minutes (has the bits). Assuming I don't get it, what sort of bits does it use, and how do they attach to the planer? I've been trolling for one of these for years, first with my old Dewalt and now with my Elu. Also, would welcome any advice on use. It...

The Craftsman might not list an 8mm collet, but it's likely it will list a 3/8" collet (remember, it's a USA brand). Others may correct me, but I'm pretty certain it's the same thing. Alternately, if you can bump your collet up to 1/2" (check the inner diameter of the hollow bit in your...

For the small CNC market, Porter Cable makes 220v motors that fit in the 690 base. I picked up a couple last time I was in the States, which saves me having to fiddle with my "big yellow box" every time I want to "take the edge off." The ones I found were both single speed 2 1/4 HP. To see...

I have several tools from the US (brought over with me when I moved), and have never had a problem using a "big yellow box" transformer. A tip I'd recommend, rather than cutting off the end, just get a good quality short US extension cord (like the ones used for fridges and air conditioner)...