Straight Finish

Nightstand with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish $289.41 " Dimension: 25 2/5"L x 16 1/2"W x 24 1/4"H Finish: Walnut Material: Hardwoods, Veneers Nightstand with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish Features two storage drawers and straight legs. This contemporary item will bring warmth into your bedroom decor. Matching bed, dresser, mirror and chest are available separately. "

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Understanding Finishing Sanders

A finishing sander is a power tool used to deliver a smooth, fine finish to materials. Generally called a block sander because of their square shape, these sanders provide a close and smooth finish while also delivering optimized corner access. Because the sander is square, finishing corners is far easier than with a sander with a circular base (an orbital sander, for example). Block sanders use standard size sandpaper sheets; this is advantageous for several reasons. Standard sandpaper is much easier to find and replace, and it doesn't require any trimming or shaping; this can save craftsmen both time and money. Random-orbit sanders are often lumped into the finishing sander category. They are smooth and quicker (a little rougher) than a block sander, but end results are not quite so polished. Orbital sanders require special circular sandpaper sheets, but the tool is generally quite inexpensive, so sandpaper costs are almost negligible. Ultimately, though it may take a bit more time to finish with a block sander, it removes less material with each pass and generally results in a much better, smoother and finer finish.

Maintaining finishing sanders is generally simple and straight forward. Block sanders and random orbit sanders each use backing pads to support their sandpaper sheets. As the tool is used the pad will gradually wear down until it needs to be replaced. It's good practice to check the pad every time you change the sandpaper. These backing pads are fairly simple and inexpensive to replace, so don't risk the quality of your materials or finish because of a worn out backing pad. You should also blow out the interior of the tool when changing the pad; dust and debris is the power tool's nemesis. As with all power tools, it is important to keep finishing sanders clean. A great deal of dust and debris is created when sanding, so it's important to blow out the tool after every use - periodically, at least. Taking good care of power tools isn't hard, so although these sanders are less expensive than some of the tools in the shop, they save craftsmen a lot of time and energy and deserve the same attention as our miter saws and routers.

With all sanders it's important to let the tool do most of the work for you. Don't push or pressure the tool too hard, this can result in an uneven finish or gnarly divots in the material. Rushing a finish job can quickly become a disaster, so be cautious and work with the rhythm of the tool. It takes only one moment to make a mistake while sanding, and hours to repair it. Remember to keep your sanders clean, and to appreciate the smooth and precise results a block sander will bring to your finished products.

About the Author

As a student at the Univ. of Utah, Mallory Kramer is currently earning an English degree. Three years ago she joined M&M Tool adding to their over 150 years combined experience; she specializes in tool parts & web communications. For over 60 years M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with parts, sales, & service to expert woodworking products, tools, & machinery. Visit M&M Tool's forum for woodworking articles & advice.

Straight Razor Restoration: Start to Finish (Part 1)

Finish Carpentry Tips for The Eager Beginner

Here are some finish carpentry tips that can help you get started.

 

Good references. The finish carpentry sites available online have a lot of finish carpentry tips that should get the carpenter in you going. It does not hurt to invest in good reference books that will not only give you sound advice but good patterns to follow and projects to do. There are loads of videos and how-tos online that can help even the most inexperienced of finish carpenters.

 

Get a great set of tools. Inferior tools will give you horrible results and can cause injury. Investing in a good set of tools can make finish carpentry jobs so much easier. This does not mean plunking down cash for the most expensive set of tools on the market but merely looking for the best quality for your money.

 

Remember, buying a $5 hammer is not an investment if it keeps breaking on you. Power tools are great but you can do a wonderful job even with the simplest of tools—the way that finish carpenters have been doing it for hundreds of years. These are the tips even veteran finish carpenters know.

 

Finish carpentry is a delicate process and the wrong tool can cost you money instead of saving you some. If you cannot afford the tools just yet, you can rent or borrow them as an alternative.

 

Practice. Lots of woodworkers start small with easy to do projects before gradually building up to big ambitious things that require more careful measurements. Resist the temptation to tear out your staircase!  Start by replacing the trim around your windows then take it from there. Replace molding on the staircase or craft a nice easy shelf before diving in.

 

Before trying new cuts on wood, practice on scrap first until you can easily identify which way the grain goes. Practice pushing nails in. If you can or know someone who is a master carpenter, get tips from them and watch them as they work.

 

Can't be too careful with those nails! Take a good look at the grooves and the parts of the wood before starting. Pushing nails into knots can cause the wood to split especially if you are working with very hard wood. Another finish carpentry tip is to drill a little hole for the nail before actually shooting the nail in, it prevents the wood from stressing and splitting.

 

Use your tape measure carefully. Tape measures can flex and bend and give wrong measurements which can lead to disaster. Make sure your measuring tape is not bent at the end and the end hook is in good condition or better yet, use a hard ruler to get exact measurements every single time on the shorter measurements. Mark your areas with straight, easily seen pencil marks. Or use tailor's chalk, which is orange and easily seen. This is a finish carpentry tip –tailor's chalk is easier to see then carpenter's chalk because it is orange.

 

Double Check Everything. Before cutting into anything, it does not hurt to double check your measurements to avoid absent minded mistakes. Veteran carpenters like to keep notes to avoid confusion, usually somewhere where they can easily be seen.

 

Whether or not you are a woodworking veteran or someone looking to get started, these finish carpentry tips will always come in handy.

 

 

About the Author

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects and plans, visit www.finishcarpentryhelp.com.

Nightstand with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish $289.41 " Dimension: 25 2/5"L x 16 1/2"W x 24 1/4"H Finish: Walnut Material: Hardwoods, Veneers Nightstand with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish Features two storage drawers and straight legs. This contemporary item will bring warmth into your bedroom decor. Matching bed, dresser, mirror and chest are available separately. "

Nightstand with Straight Legs in Cappuccino Finish $297.81 " Dimension: 25 2/5"W x 16 1/2"D x 24 1/4"H Finish: Cappuccino Material: Hardwoods, Veneers Nightstand with Straight Legs in Cappuccino Finish Features two storage drawers and straight legs. Drawers feature side glides with nylon rollers and drawer stops. The clean lines and modern design of this item is sure to brighten up any bedroom. Matching bed, dresser, mirror and chest are available separately. "

RIDGID 2-1/2 In. Straight Finish Nailer $209 The RIDGID 2-1/2 In. Straight Finish Nailer has the power for all your finishing projects. Drive finish nails into hard woods with ease. Clear jams easily and without tools so you can keep your work going. The 2 no-mar pads ensure the project you're working on is not dented or scratched by the tool. Everything you need to get started is included: eye protection, 3 wrenches, 1000 nails (16 gauge), 2 no-mar pads, carrying case and oil.

Wall Clock with Straight Line Accents in Pewter Finish $185.7 Dimension: 50"Diameter Finish: Antique Pewter Finish Material: Iron Wall Clock with Straight Line Accents in Pewter Finish This contemporary style wall clock features with straight line accents and antique pewter finish. Assembly required. Item is made in China.

Jewelry Armoire with Straight Legs in Coffee Finish $449.72 " Dimension: 15.75"W x 10.5"D x 40.5"H Finish: Coffee Material: Wood Jewelry Armoire with Straight Legs in Coffee Finish Features six storage drawers and two swing-out doors with hooks. Flip-top mirror opens to a lined and divided jewelry compartment. Straight legs and simple design. This clean, straight lines and deep finish that gives sophistication to your room. Assembly required. "

Storage Dresser with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish $838.12 " Dimension: 61 1/5"L x 17 5/7"W x 34"H Finish: Walnut Material: Hardwoods, Veneers Storage Dresser with Straight Legs in Walnut Finish Features six storage drawers and straight legs. This contemporary item will bring warmth into your bedroom decor. Matching bed, nightstand, mirror and chest are available separately. "

Storage Dresser with Straight Legs in Cappuccino Finish $805.5 " Dimension: 61"W x 17 1/2"D x 34"H Finish: Cappuccino Material: Hardwoods, Veneers Storage Dresser with Straight Legs in Cappuccino Finish Features ample storage drawers and straight legs. Drawers feature side glides with nylon rollers and drawer stops. The clean lines and modern design of this item is sure to brighten up any bedroom. Matching bed, nightstand, mirror and chest are available separately. "

Straight Shooter $38.57 Matthew Lloyd at his peak was a goal kicking machine in an era where the power forward was fading from the game. A five-time all Australian, he topped the AFL goal kicking three times in his 270 game career and kicked the ton twice, his first in the Essendon Premiership season of 2000. Born into a football family, it was clear early in his career that he had the ability to surpass his father John's 29 games with Carlton. For a while it looked he would head to Carton as well, but Essendon conjured up a complex deal to secure the talented 16-year-old in the 1994 pre-season draft. Brothers Simon and Brad each played football too and are now involved with the Fremantle Football Club, and sister Kylie works on The Footy Show at Channel 9. His mother Bev, even met his father at the football. Sport, and in particular football, was and remains in the blood. This book is the story of a kid driven by a fear of failure to climb the highest peaks in football. Of a young footballer who taught himself a process to become the most accurate shot for goal in the AFL after a tirade from one his coaches. It is how a boy with natural ability became the captain of the Essendon Football Club, a premiership player and a life member of the AFL. And now it is about the transformation into devoted father and a multi-media expert on AFL when it looked like from the outside his career was cut short before its time; of a testy relationship with his final coach and the bone crunching hit that saw him finish his time as a player on suspension. It looks at how he considered a future with other clubs before deciding to retire on his terms. Above all, it is a brutally honest account of an astonishing career from a man who is a straight shooter in more ways than one. Straight Shooter Sample Chapter(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();

Westcott Elite Straight Scissors $10.99 0% 1 1 Each 3.50" 41318 8" Length Stainless steel scissors feature highly-polished blades with SoftRib grip for precision cutting. Inside edge and bevel grinds. Ergonomically-designed handles. Acme United Corporation Elite Elite Straight Scissors Lifetime No Orange - Handle Plastic Plastic - Handle Pointed Satin - Finish Scissors Stainless Steel Stainless Steel - Blade Straight-left/right Westcott www.acmeunited.com

Stanley Bostitch SB16-1.50 2,500-Qty. 1-1/2 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nails $18.39 Stanley Bostitch SB16-1.50 2,500-Qty. 1-1/2" 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nails Stanley-Bostitch manufactures top-quality, innovative fastening tools and fasteners for industrial, construction and home improvement applications. Products include pneumatic staplers and nailers, compressors, manually operated staplers and tackers, coil-fed screw systems, rivet tools, glue guns, a broad assortment of collated nails, screws, staples and specialty fasteners in a variety of materials and finishes, plus office products and carton-closing staplers - many of them industry firsts. Stanley Bostitch SB16-1.50 2,500-Qty. 1-1/2" 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nails Features: Fits Nailer SB1664FN (2750-5197) Steel, plain shank 16 gauge Chisel point Coated Stanley Bostitch SB16-1.50 2,500-Qty. 1-1/2" 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nails Specifications: Fastener Gauge: 16 Fastener Length:1-1/2" Finish: Coated Fits Bostitch Tools: FN16250K-2, SB-1664FN Craftsman:18431DeWalt:D51275KDuoFast:LFN748D51275Hitachi: NT65A Fits Competitor Tools:Porter Cable: FN250, FN250APaslode:IM250 II & IM250F Trimpulse, 3250-F16 Point Style: Chisel Quantity Per Item Pack: 2,500

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