posted 12/18/07
Hi Scott, On your website in your “Quick Tips” section you make the following statement regarding the radial arm saw (RAS):
Specialty Tool Tip:
Push the blade through the stock instead on pulling it through. By pushing the blade through the board it is easier to control the feed speed. Plus it helps to hold the material flat to the table, tight to the fence and makes the cutting smoother. Radial arm saws are the go-to tool for wide crosscuts because the blade travels farther on the arm than with miter saws.
I have used a RAS for 30 years and have always believed that the rule was to only pull the saw through the stock, since the leading edge of the blade is moving down into the wood, and therefore helping keep the stock securely on the table. Doesn’t pushing the blade through the stock present a potential danger of lifting the stock from the table?
I know that compound sliding miter saws use the push technique, but it was my understanding that this is appropriate because saw blade can pivot up if it meets resistance, and thus it will ride over the wood stock rather than flipping it up.
I appreciate your response. I am willing to learn new methods, but would like to be sure it is a tried and true proven to be save method. ~ Thanks, Roger Songer
Hi Roger, I appreciate your ideas. I ran a production shop with heavy-duty radial arm saws and found that the technique that worked best for us is what I wrote about. I feel that the first thing is to prep all workpieces so they are Square on Four sides (S4S) and defect free (No twists and cups). That way the boards can be safely and securely held down to the table and tight to the fence during cutting. And using all guards as instructed by the owner's manual is a must. ~Very best regards, Scott
posted 12/11/07
Hi, I live in Dayton, Ohio. Today, on channel 16, there was an episode involving restoring an old hotel and turning it into a library and ball room. I only caught the last few minutes of the episode.
Could you please tell me where this library is? I'd love to visit it with my family. I think it plans to re-open Aug 2008. ~ Thanks, Steven Wilkinson
Hi Steve, The new Piqua Library will open in the Fort Piqua Hotel building built in 1887. It is in the center of downtown Piqua. Check out piquaoh.org for more details. It is a fantastic restoration that will help our community tremendously! Thanks for your interest! It is slated to be ready for use in the fall of 2008, including the area's most impressive Ball Room! ~ Scott
posted 11/27/07
There was a program aired in Lubbock, Texas, Nov 24. It was about a cabinet with approximate dimensions of 18"X 24" with lauan front with curved top door held closed with inset magnets. It was finished with some kind of shellac.
In watching the episode, #1408 Vanity Medicine Cabinet, online it sounded like you called the finish "Garnet Shellac". I am not familiar with this product but I really liked the ease of application and the final look. Could you please give me more information on the product you used for finishing this cabinet. ~ Enjoyed your show, George Simko
Hi George!
The finish is called Garnet Shellac. It is homemade. Here's how to make it:
1) Buy the garnet shellac flakes and put them in the bottom of a plastic container that can be sealed. Never store this finish in a metal container. It changes the chemistry of the mix.
2) Cover the flakes with denatured alcohol. Stir thoroughly. Let it sit overnight.
3) Stir on day two. Let it sit.
4) Day three pour and keep the top 75% and throw out the bottom 25%.
5) This Garnet Shellac is my favorite finish. Sometimes I dilute the above solution by 50% with alcohol to make it brush or wipe on better.
~ Enjoy, Scott
We are in the process of a major renovation project. Is the Garnet Shellac a final finish or does the wood need a coat of varnish to protect the finish? ~ Thanks! Elaine Simko
Hello Elaine, All Shellac finishes are complete finishes for 90% of all jobs. If applied to table tops, however, it tends to wear unevenly. To avoid this on table tops I always use four coats of a wipe on urethane oil on top of the shellac for added protection. ~ Scott Phillips
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