Reinforced Mounting Lid For The Dust Deputy

Since I did the Dust Deputy Review in Episode 27, I have been getting questions and have decided to answer them publicly with a video so everyone may benefit from the answers.

In this video I show how I reinforced the 5 gallon bucket lid that I mounted the Dust Deputy to.

In Episode 28 I gave information to help the woodworkers decide which shop vacuum size might be the best to use with the Dust Deputy.

Here are the last 2 videos:

Episode 27: Dust Deputy Review

Episode 28: Choosing A Vac For The Dust Deputy

I hope you enjoy and find it informative.

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

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Choose A Vac For The Dust Deputy

In my last video I did a review of the Dust Deputy and showed how effective it is. This prompted several people to ask me about what size shop vacuum is necessary to work with the Dust Deputy. So in this video, I decided to explore that question and share the results with you.

Even if you are not planning on using a Dust Deputy, you might find the information helpful in your decision to buy a shop vacuum.

If you have not seen how effective it is, check out my previous video where I review the Dust Deputy.

I do not usually save bloopers or even load them in the computer. Normally I delete them in the camera to save memory and reduce the files for editing. But I decided to save one for you at the end of the video:)

I hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful.

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

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Review of Oneida Dust Deputy

I bought my Dust Deputy 3 years ago and have been using it regularly since then. Many of you have probably looked at the Dust Deputy and considered purchasing the plastic cyclone with some hesitation, unsure of how it really performs. 

In this video I give some good context as to how I use it, with what tools, and how I have it set up. I also open up the Dust Deputy bucket to show how much dust is inside after 3 months of use, and then I open the shop vacuum to see how much dust made it past the cyclone. I think you will be amazed.

So check out my raw thoughts and review of the Dust Deputy by Oneida.

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

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ACW Article in America's Best Workshops 2013

Exciting News!

The latest issue of America's Best Workshops 2013 hits the shelf on March 26, and the American Craftsman Workshop has been included!

Rather than being one of the featured shops, I actually have 4 pages of tips that other woodworkers might find helpful. The article is titled "Pro Ideas for Your Shop."

Images used with permission by WOOD Magazine & America's Best Home Workshops 2013

4 Gold Nuggets From The ACW

In the article I share 4 things from my shop:

* My wall storage system for clamps. It is flexible mounting system, easily customized to your clamps, and it does a nice job of protecting the walls. Technical drawings included. 

* My Workbench - You don't have to build a traditional workbench to do great woodworking. This is the workbench I have been using for many years. It's flat, it's mobile, and has a very durable surface that you can use to write on. Technical drawing is included.

* How I converted my roller stands to a more usable indeed/outfeed and table system. A flexible support system that breaks down and stores away easily.

* And this one is GOLD! I share the miter saw table system that I use on job sites. WOOD Magazine has included my miter saw support table complete with technical drawings so you can make one too.

This miter saw table provides great support which is critical for accurate cuts on the job site and it will work great for the small shop too. It features a laminate top which you can jot notes & measurements on, then wipe clean. It sets up and breaks down easily. It stores well in my work van and it should in the small garage shop too. 

It's Always One Of My Favorite!

Getting to look inside of other workshops is always fun for me, and that makes the annual "Best Workshops" issue one of my favorite magazines to pick up. 

Besides the pages of tips from the ACW, there are 18 shops featured that range in size from 112 to 1440 square feet. You get a good look inside the shops and will be able to pick up some great ideas for yours.  

Included in this issue is the Ideas Gallery on page 71, an ingenious knock-down bench on page 110, and an article on designing your shop with various layout software. There are many other great features in the 2013 issue of America's Best Home Workshops magazine, so you will have to pick up a copy and check it out for yourself. 

Image used with permission by WOOD Magazine and America's Best Workshops 2013

You will also find my good friend and fellow woodworking blogger Marc Spagnuolo in this issue. He is a part of the shop design article starting on page 134. Great to share this issue with you Marc;)

America's Best Home Workshops hits the stands on March 26th and is only on display until June 24th. Be sure to check it out!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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The ACW Store Is Now OPEN!

I am very excited to announce that the ACW Store is now open and the first thing to hit the shelves are ACW Hats. I have some woodworking plans being developed at this time and you will be seeing them in the near future.

The purchase of an ACW hat helps me defray the costs of running the site and producing videos. Your purchase provides direct support to helping me keep the ball rolling with content.

My goal is to bring many more videos and plans to the woodworking community with my perspective as a professional woodworker and juried artist for my craftsmanship and design. You can check out my YouTube Channel and projects in the Gallery to get an idea of the experience that I have to share.

American Craftsman Workshop Hats come in dark brown, khaki, olive drab, dark green, and dark blue

As many of you already know, I get the grandkids involved in the shop (yes - grandkids.) It is less about making woodworkers out of them, but rather, to allow them to be creative. This just happens to involve, well... woodworking:) 

Since I get the grandkids involved, I couldn't say "NO" when they wanted me to get a hat that had flames on it. It was pretty much one of those eye rolling moments when they picked it, but now I offer the ACW Blue Flame Hat thanks to the grandkids. They come at a lower price point, I only have a few of them, and I will be using any funds from those hats to buy more supplies for the kids. They go through hot glue sticks like crazy.

The ACW hats are already starting to get out and see the world. They have gone to various states, Canada, and even Japan.

Check out the photos ACW Hat owners have sent in. If you buy an ACW Hat I would love it if you sent in an image of it near a city sign, against a city skyline, at a woodworking show or especially if it visits a big landmark. 

That's all for now, be sure to check out the store page and support the American Craftsman Workshop with your purchase. And let me know of any issues on the store since I just launched it, I would really appreciate it. 

I have exciting news coming this weekend so stay tuned!

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

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