A Great Write-up on Hand Tools vs. Power Tools

The debate never seems to end on the topic of hand tools vs. power tools. 

It seems that the debate is fueled by it a lot of people regurgitating something they read somewhere, just a lot of opinions with no sound experience behind them and a limited field of view.

The damage is done when new woodworkers join the online communities and they feel like they have to make a choice: Which ONE type of woodworker will I be? Hand tools or power tools? 

This morning, I found a really nice blog post by John at Woodworking Web.

He has written a well balanced perspective steeped in wisdom and sound judgement. 

I am not going to re-hash it here at my site, but you can read his post HERE.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

Well done John, it is one of the best reads that I have had in a long time, printed or digital. 

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge

Why SawStop Demonstrations Don't Impress Me

I have seen the SawStop demonstration with the hot dog a dozen times. 

But I always felt that it was done under premium conditions to ensure that it worked properly with optimal results. 

At several of the SawStop presentations, I had questioned the demonstrators about what would happen if someone was wearing a glove and it got caught in the blade.

I requested that they place the hot dog in a glove so we could see the results.

My request was always denied and I was always told, "You shouldn't wear gloves at the table saw." 

Well, I live in the real world. Where other contractors are on my equipment, we work in harsh conditions, and I can't keep control of everyone every time they use the table saw.

So, even though it is unsafe, contractors wear their gloves at the table saw all the time. That is the reality.

My local cabinet hardware supplier, A&H Turf, recently became an authorized SawStop dealer and so I made the request to them and they took me up on it. 

This video shows how far a SawStop will drag the glove into the machine before it kicks off. 

I am fortunate to have A&H Turf just 3 miles from my house and shop, but you can also check them out online at AHTurf.com

If you ever call or order from them, you will be dealing with the same guys that I do. They don't outsource the online orders.

I hope you enjoy my version of the SawStop test. 

Your friend in the shop, 

Todd A. Clippinger

Let your work be your signature. 

New Promo Video for YouTube Channel

With all the work I have been doing, I finally got around to making a welcome video for my American Craftsman YouTube channel. 

I will be doing an update to catch everyone up to speed on the ACW Shop Class. Suffice it to say for now that I am neck deep in an alligator trying to learn EVERYTHING - but I am making progress.

Here is my latest video, I hope it is a warm welcome to new visitors to my YouTube channel.

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

Let Your Work Be Your Signature