Category Archives: Great Ideas

Carl's Tools, Great Ideas, Tools Machines, Turning Tools

More Bosch Stabilizer Holes

(Modified: ) 1 Comment
http://carlford.info/blog/2021/05/more-stabilizer-holes/
Meta Description: Carl added 10 more fulcrum pin holes to his Trent Bosch Hollowing Tool Stabilizer. Now there is always a hole in the right location! This really saves time and makes hollowing a lot more fun!

Photo: More Bosch Stabilizer Holes (stabilizer_holes_00)

I added 10 more fulcrum pin holes to my Trent Bosch Hollowing Tool Stabilizer. Now there is always a hole in the right location! This really saves time and makes hollowing a lot more fun! Continue reading More Bosch Stabilizer Holes →

Carl's Articles, Great Ideas, Tools Chucks

Mounting Plates and Shallow Bowls

(Modified: ) 1 Comment
http://carlford.info/blog/2019/11/mounting-plates-and-shallow-bowls/
Meta Description: Link to Carl's "Drilled Chucking Recess" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. A 2-1/2″ diameter hole is an easy and secure way to mount blanks for plates and shallow bowls on the lathe.

I have found that using a 2-1/2″ diameter hole that is 1/4″ deep is a good way to mount blanks for plates and shallow bowls on the lathe. It is easy and very secure.
Continue reading Mounting Plates and Shallow Bowls →

Carl's Tools, Great Ideas, Popular, Turning Tools

Carl’s Travel Tool Set

(Modified: ) 4 Comments
http://carlford.info/blog/2018/12/travel-tool-set/
Meta Description: Carl's Travel Woodturning Tool Set. A set that can be EASILY take to demos, club meetings and symposiums. Carl also recommends this set for new turners.


Carl's Travel Tool Set 1

Updated: 12/31/2019: I now use a red tool tray rather than a Tool Roll. See new section at the end of this blog entry.

I recently created a new Travel Tool Set that I can EASILY take to demos, club meetings and symposiums. I have been using it full time in my studio recently to test it out. I am real happy with it. See photo below.

The heart of the system is a new 5/8″ Quick Release Tool Handle from Jimmy Clewes. It works really good. I saw Jimmy use it on the 2018 Norway Woodturning Cruise. I was real impressed with the Quick Release mechanism that Jimmy has come up with. Just a simple 1/4 turn of the handle with your hand (no tools) locks a tool in place or releases it. You can change tools real fast. So, swapping tools does not interfere with the flow of a demo.
Continue reading Carl’s Travel Tool Set →

Carl's Articles, Great Ideas

Get A Grip

(Modified: )
http://carlford.info/blog/2018/11/get-a-grip/
Meta Description: Link to Carl's "Get A Grip" AAW magazine "tips section" PDF. Adding a layer of elastic mesh sleeve to a tool handle is a cheap and easy way to get a better grip.


Here is my “Get A Grip” tip that appeared in the “Tips” section on page 18 of the AAW August 2018 “American Woodturner” Journal.
Continue reading Get A Grip →

Dust Collection, Great Ideas, Tools Machines

Workshop Blower for Cleanup

(Modified: )
http://carlford.info/blog/2018/10/workshop-blower-for-cleanup/
Meta Description: Quick Tip: A little blower is great for quick clean up. I just blow all the saw dust and shavings off of my lathes onto the floor and then sweep or vacuum them up.

Photo: Workshop Blower for Cleanup 1

One of my students showed up one day with a little battery powered workshop blower. I tried it and I was sold. I had to have one.

I put it on my Christmas list last year and it is the best Christmas present ever!
Continue reading Workshop Blower for Cleanup →

Great Ideas, Tools Sanding

Hang Up your Power Sanding Drills

(Modified: ) 1 Comment
http://carlford.info/blog/2017/10/hang-up-your-power-sanding-drills/
Meta Description: Quick Tip: Carl keeps his Power Sanding Drills handy by hanging them on the front of his lathe. Photos and how to.

Photo: Hang Up Your Power Sanders

I like to keep my Power Sanding Drills handy by hanging them on the front of my lathe.

My friends and students have copied this idea.  Thus it must be a good one?
Continue reading Hang Up your Power Sanding Drills →