woodworknews.com

Dear Santa - can I have one of these please?

I’ve just had an email telling me about Incra’s new “Build-It” jig system starter kit and as a regular jig-bodger, if Santa doesn’t come through I’m going to have to shell out myself!

Image all the time this kit is going to save. Half the problem with building woodworking jigs is (a) the time it takes and (b) getting everything absolutely straight and square - because if you want repeatability (which is presumably why you’re building a jig in the first place) you better be spot on at the start. I know some people like building jigs for the sake of making them, but to be honest if someone offers me a faster, better engineered solution then I’d rather be making the thing itself than the jig.

Incra appear to have provided exactly that solution with this modular system. It starts with their aluminum runner - the mitre slider - and then you add bits to it to make the jig of your choice; Build-It panels, T-slot panel connectors, mitre sliders, clamps, brackets, T-tracks… all accurate, all made to fit each other. Just the job.

Incra even include 5 jig plans in the kit - although you’ll soon be making many variations to suit your own woodworking needs.

The complete starter kit includes: 1 x large Build-It panel, 1 x small Build-It panel, 2 x 18” T-slot panel connectors, 1 x 18” mitre slider, 1 x Build-It clamp, 1 pair Build-It brackets, 8 x Build-It knobs, 1 x 18” T-track regular, 1 x 18” T-track plus and is available for just $119.99. Being modular,extra components can be added as and when you need them.

You can order yours online from Woodcraft.com or Rockler.com

Stanley Tools have just released a range of woodwork tool bags. While they are obviously aimed at the Christmas market they are definitely going to be around a good deal longer than 12 days!

Packed with a varied collection of Stanley’s quality tools there are different bags to suit different people or projects.

The “Fatmax Xtreme” has ten tools suited to professionals and advanced DIYers. The “Gadget Guru” has what they claim are their unique and innovative tools. There are sets for “Professional Woodworkers” and “Aspiring Woodworkers”. Even one called “Do-It-Herself” (a little patronizing perhaps but it’s still a good looking set!).

There are 11 different sets in all, all available online from stanleytools.com or you can check their site for a local retailer.