The "New and Hot" section was created
to enable Turning Vendors to notify turners of new products
that they have recently released. This allows turners to stay
in touch with all the newest products.
This list is updated frequently, whenever a vendor
releases a new product.
From JT Turning Tools
Down N' Out Tailstock Manager
Over the years, we've seen several ways to get your tailstock out of the way without having to lift it on and off your lathe. JT Turning Tools has recently released this new method. We really like the look of it.
Models available for 3520 A&B and Jet 1642 and 1442.
The price is: $249.00
For more information or to order, click here.
New from Brian McEvoy and Gordon Langer
Creating Two Piece Hollow Forms DVD
Brian McEvoy with the help of his co-host, Gordon Langer have created this DVD to demonstrate an interesting technique of creating a hollow form using a two pieces of wood. The goal of this video was to show how to turn a hollow vessel without the need for a large captive boring bar.
You won't need a boring bar because you cut your blank in half, hollow out each side and then put them back together for the final turning and finishing. This may sound hard but Brian shows you how to accomplish this project and all the little tips and techniques that will make it a doable project for you!
The DVD runs over 70 minutes.
The DVD price is: $29.99.
For more information, visit Brian's site at: One Good Turn
From Rockler
Lathe Tool Holder
I'm always amazed to see new ways to solve problems on the lathe. I'm always dropping tools off the bed of my lathe or not able to find my favorite gouge.
Now Rockler has released a new Lathe Tool Holder that should help me become better organized.
This 12 inch plastic tool holder mounts to your lathe and has 12 tool slots for both your large and small tools. It also has a platform for holding small items like sandpaper, glue or anything else you don't want to lose.
I'm looking forward to easier times on the lathe. We recommend that you check it out!
Only $29.99
Get more info on this Lathe Tool Holder
From Malcom Tibbetts
DVD Volume 4: Functional Projects
and
DVD Volume 5: More Functional Projects
I have really enjoyed the first three DVDs from Malcolm Tibbetts. They have taught me a lot about segmented turning and making different designs.
But I really love these two new DVDs. They are both focused on presenting a series of Functional Projects, meaning those types of things that you might actually use. And they are perfect items for gifts and craft fairs.
Each DVD has eight projects on it. They are:
DVD #4: an outdoor birdhouse, picture frames, an oil lamp, paperweights, salt and pepper shakers, a wine cooler, ice cream scoops, and a unique type of baby rattle.
DVD #5: a child’s stacking toy, mass-produced desk clocks, a very unique set of candle holders, kaleidoscopes, a salad bowl set, serving bowls using leftovers, a banksia pod bracelet, and belt buckle with inter-changeable components.
Each DVD is $35.95 when sold individually but Malcolm has a great quantity discount program.
Visit his site to see the best deal for you!
From The Berea Hardwoods
Shotgun Shell Key Chain
We normally like to show new tools or other items that will help woodturners in their pursuit of function and art.
But this month, we saw this Shotgun shell shaped key ring with a secret comparent and thought, "Wow, with the popularity of the new cartridge bullet pens, this would be a perfect accompaniment ".
Here is the Berea description: This new kit represents a 12 gauge shotgun shell,and can be used as a mini survival kit or a secret compartment key chain. This item is a great addition to any outdoors or hunting enthusiast and a perfect compliment to the Cartridge Bullet Pen. This kit requires bushing set #27A and 18mm forstner bit.
And the kit is only $12.00.
See it at Berea
From The Don Geiger
Geiger's THINGINMYJIG
This new item is a rather small thing but it's really going to make my life of sharpening tools much easier.
The THINGINMYJIG is a small piece of metal with a v-shape notch in it. It slides into the standard Ellsworth gouge jig and enables you to sharpen gouges that are smaller in diameter than your normal Ellsworth gouge.
I like using a side-grind on my smaller bowl gouges and lately have even put it on all of my spindle gouges. This tool will make sharpening them fast and easy.
And the THINGINMYJIG is only $14.95.
Geiger's THINGINMYJIG
From The Monster Lathe Company
Monster Mini T-Nuts
A common complaint from mini lathe users is the fact that no matter how hard they try, it sometimes seems impossible to keep the tool rest banjo and tailstock from slipping. Of course, it usually happens at the worst possible moment!
The Monster Mini T-Nuts replace the round banjo and tailstock clamping nuts on your Jet, Delta, Rikon, or other similar mini lathe with high-quality machined square nuts. The square shape provides considerably more gripping surface compared to the round nuts they replace. These square nuts help ensure your banjo and tailstock will stay where you put them.
The Monster Mini T-Nuts are sold in packages of two – one for the tool rest banjo and the other for the tailstock.
Click here to get more info
From The Beall Tool Company
Tool Post Gauge
After reading the great article in the Spring 2010 edition of Woodturning Design magaine by Kurt Hertzog tilted, "Penmaking, Common Mistakes and Potential Fixes", I realized that my most common problem was "eccentricity" (see Figure 7 on page 38 of the article).
Kurt indicates that the most common reason for eccentricity is a bent mandrel. Hmm, now how do I know if I have a bent mandrel?
It then dawned on me that The Beall Tool Company had a measuring tool which would tell me. So, I looked it up and here it is...
Now you too can find out if you have a bent mandrel, I can't wait to see for myself!
Price: $29.00 (5/8" tool post)
($10.00 for 1" tool post adapter)
Click here to get more info
From Oneway Manufacturing
Vari-Grind Upgrade Clamp Kit
Many of us own Vari-Grind sharpening systems. The first Vari-Grind came with a leaf spring mechanism for holding the tool in place while you tightened the knob. This spring also had to be held back when removing your recently sharpened tool otherwise it rode right along the top of your shapened edge. This new clamp kit will remove that problem and makes your Vari-Grind a better tool.
The kit will replace the spring system and increase the tool diameter to ¾”.
Price: $14.95
Click here to get more info
From Bill Kandler at SegmentedTurning.com
Introducing the Frustum,
a Segmented Woodturner's best friend
Don't you just love when you see a new word? That's what I thought when I saw this new steel woodturning tool. I know the tool, I just didn't know the name!
To me, it's always been a centering cone. But that's not really a good name since this tool can do so much more! I also like using this as my tailstock support when initial roughing of the outside of my segmented turnings.
I started thinking about this tool again after several people asked me about centering the feature ring on my polka dot bowl (last month's featured project). My answer was to use a centering cone and performing the centering work on our best tool, our lathe.
Luckily for us, we can buy one of these off-the-shelf and in multiple sizes. Our friend over at SegmentedTurning.com, Bill Kandler, has recently started manufacturing this frustum in 3 different sizes: 6", 8" and 10".
To learn more and to see additional pictures of its usage, click on the following link.
Get more info on the Frustum
New AAW Chapter
Segmented Woodturners Club
The Segmented Woodturners Club,
a new AAW Chapter
Last year, Malcolm Tibbetts, Curt Theobald, and Bill Smith, all renowned segmented woodturning artists, coordinated with Marc Adams of the Marc Adams School of Woodworking to hold the First Ever Segmented Woodturning Symposium.
At that meeting, the assembled segmented woodturners discussed the idea of creating a new AAW chapter. Several members agreed to pursue it further and to report at a "Special Interest Night" meeting at the AAW Symposium in Albuquerque this June.
During the June meeting, a report was made and a vote taken to form an official chapter of the AAW. A board of officers was then voted upon, a newsletter editor volunteered and yours truly, Dennis, volunteered as the Webmaster.
This month, the club's new website was released and the club is now accepting members.
Malcolm Tibbetts, the president reports, "You are invited to view most of the web site, including a gallery of work by our members; entry into a few areas of the site, along with posting privileges is reserved “for members only." If you desire to improve your own segmenting, if you would like to network with other segmenters, if you would like to receive our newsletter, or if you would like to share photos of your work, then I encourage you join your fellow woodturners as a member of Segmented Woodturners.".
Visit the Segmented Woodturner Club Website
New From Oneway
Wolverine Vari-grind 2
Most of us sharpen our turning tools with some kind of jig. It's just a fact! Our jigs allow us to stay focused on turning, not on sharpening. And that's a good thing!
However, jigs are not fool-proof and you really need to know how to use them. Well, now Oneway has introduced a new tool which makes it even easier to get good grinds on your tools!
Welcome to the Vari-grind 2.
The Vari-grind 2 has two claims to fame. The one that is most visible is the pivot point restraint. The limited pivoting keeps to keep your tool on the face of the grinding stone and reduces the chances of slipping off and since the tool moves in a true cylindrical motion about the adjusting rod, your tool can be ground with the jig at any bevel angle.
The second feature is the ball bearing clamp. This new clamp secures the tool in the jig without giving it the normal sidways torque inherent in steel screw clamps.
The new Vari-grind 2 looks like it's going to make our tool sharpening every easier than we already experience.
For more info and to purchase, Click here!
New from Alan Lacer and Rockler
Chrome Ice Cream Scoop Hardware Kit
Just in time for summer, Rockler has announced a new woodturning project that's sure to make you feel cool.
This ice cream scoop kit includes a nice chrome scoop and ferrule. All you need is a piece of wood 1 1/2" inches square and 6 inches long. A quick 3/8" hole accomodates the stem and the turning fits the ferrule and your handle design. it's a quick and easy project and will become your family's next heirloom!
This new ice cream scoop kit compliments one announced by Rockler last year which was brass. This new chrome version might be better suited to match your kitchen utensils.
Last year, I made one of the brass ones for my mother. She was thrilled and expressed that it was one of the nicest turnings that I've given her. Her house is full of turnings so I'm not sure how to take her response but she was happy which of course, made me happy too!
But this year, I'm keeping the chrome one for me! I was pleasantly surprised with the smooth chrome, the heft and the high quality of the scoop!
For more info and to purchase, Click here!
New from Malcolm Tibbetts
Volume 3: Exploring Possibilities
This is the third in Malcolm's DVDs and is for the experienced segmenter and woodworker. In this DVD, he offers a variety of techniques such as Compound-Mitered Staves, Ribbons, Icosahedrons, Tubular Construction, and what he calls a Ribbon Bowl. This DVD should help you with the basics of these forms and should be an inspiration for you to take your work in new directions.
I've now watched all 3 of Malcolm's DVDs and highly recommend them to anyone interested in segmented turning. Not only have I learned better ways to making and assemblying segmented projects, I've learned about new shapes and concepts which keep me dying to get into the wood shop!
For more info and to purchase, Click here!
Available from Craft Supplies USA
Raptor Set Up Tool
The Woodturning pros at Craft Supply have developed a set up tool for sharpening systems that looks very useful. Here is how they describe it:
Frustrated and confused by the instructions supplied with your sharpening system? You’re not alone, many woodturners are.
We think using your sharpening system should be simple. In fact, we believe that setting up to sharpen should be a “no-brainer” that takes only seconds while resulting in consistent, repeatable grinds every time. With Raptor Set Up Tools…
- No more tool holder leg adjustments.
- No more “eye-balling” during set up.
- Get repeatable grinds in only seconds.
- Laser cut from steel to last a lifetime.
- Available in 40°, 45°, and 50° models.
- Made in USA
Raptor set up tools work with the Oneway Wolverine Vari-Grind Jig, Kelton Sharpening Jig, Woodcut Tru-Grind, and most other systems that utilize an adjustable tool support slide and tool holder.
Click here for more info
New from Bill Kandler
Segmened Project Planner - Project Library
If you're a segmented turner, you're going to love this!
Bill Kandler has put together a collection of 30 of his best
segmented designs along with project documents,and
supporting files such as segment images, mosaics, zigzags,
and diamonds. The CD Also includes a viewer to make it
easy to view project documents or open project files.
So, now you have a "shapes library" for new segmented project ideas. In addition you will have a collection of components for making those new segmented turnings!
You can buy this CD from Bill at his website for $24.95.
Click here for more info
New from Teknatool
Nova Sharpening Centre
The Nova Sharpening Centre attachment will transform your standard bench grinder into a precision grinding machine, but without the cost.
The NOVA Sharpening Centre combines the slideway grinding jig and the powerful finger grind jig into one versatile sharpening tool.
It utilizes a sturdy platform and a unique sliding base to achieve the ultimate in sharpening. This system turns your standard bench grinder into a precision sharpening machine. The slideway is also used to precision dress the grinding wheel essential for perfect grinding results.
Normal price: $99.00
Online Only Sale - Now $89.00
(good until end of March 2009 or while stock lasts)
Click here for more info including a video on how to use it
Click here to purchase
New from Rockler
Drill and assemble your pens perfectly with flush fittings and a smoothly-operating mechanism! This dual-purpose jig takes care of both prep work and assembly. It holds your blank firmly in position for drilling, creating a precise, perfectly centered hole the entire length of the pen. Later, it smoothly presses your parts together without any bowing or misalignment. Notched jaws automatically center the blank for drilling, while two countersunk holes center the parts during assembly. Large clamping wheel provides slow, controlled pressure so you’ll never crack a casing again.
Click here for more info and to purchase
New from Malcolm Tibbetts
Segmented Turning DVD's
DVD Volume 1: Getting Started
This 2-hour DVD has been created for woodturners who want to take their woodturning to the next level. Anyone with minimal woodturning and woodworking skills will be able to produce stunning turnings with these techniques. For the more experienced segmenter, there are numerous “methods of work” to help improve and speed the assembly of segmented constructions.
DVD Volume 2: Tips, Tricks, and Feature Rings
This 2-hour DVD is mostly about “feature rings” - various ways to enhance segmented vessels. Detailed instruction is offered on all the styles of work that are shown on the front cover. The techniques shown should provide the tools to take your segmented turning to the next level.
My DVD price per volume is $34.95 (US dollars)
Click here to Learn more or to Purchase
New From David Ellsworth
Most wood turners know about David Ellsworth, the "Grandfather" of Woodturning.
They know of his contributions to the world of wood turning including his being a founder member of the AAW and then serving as the AAW President for 6 years, the creator of the modern bowl gouge and an early innovator of eggshell thin hollow vessels.
Many of us have been lucky enough to take David's wood turning classes taught in his home shop in Quarkerstown, PA. For me, personally, David's course helped me master some major concepts of woodturning; tool control, shear cutting and impact of posture to your turning! David's classes expanded my knowledge in and my enjoyment of wood turning!
David has now released a book condensing much of his knowledge into a single volume. The book covers three projects—a hollow bowl, a natural-edge vessel, and a pot. The book provides tips for mounting objects and making different cuts, including techniques for the "Ellsworth Gouge" tool he created. Intermediate and advanced turners will appreciate the chapter on designing and sharpening their own tools. A gallery of David 's turnings and those in his personal collection will really stimulate your turning design juices!
We highly recommend this book to all people interested in wood turning!!
This book normally sells for $29.96 but by using the following link
you can get the book for only $19.77 which is a $10.18 savings!!
Learn more and purchase David Ellsworth's book
New From Steve "Spike" Finch
Stone Turning - A Complete "How To" DVD
Most woodturners enjoy the experience of turning wood. And over time, many of us also look at alternative materials. Things like corian, plastics, nuts of all kinds have been turned on my lathe.
Several years ago, I bumped into people turning stone. My first thought was "Wow, the turned stone looks beautiful but the last thing that I need is another machine and more tools!" But as I explored the art, the stone that gets turned (mostly alabaster and soapstone) is very soft and can be turned on a normal wood lathe using our standard scrapers. And if you're willing to invest in carbide, it turns well without dulling the tool, what could be better?
So, I went out and purchased some soapstone blocks. As I turned it, I absolutely loved the material and the finished results. But like all new adventures, I had to go through some startup learning to work with this new material.
Now Steve "Spike" Finch of Exotic Vessels is willing to help you get over those startup blues but releasing this new DVD dedicated to turning stone!
I've watched this new video and my comment is that it's one of the best video's that I've seen for any type of turning!! And after all these years of turning, that says a lot for recommending this video!!
So, if you've got any interest at all in taking a turn at stone, this should be the first step in that process!
Spike is currently selling the DVD's at a special introductory price of
$45 plus tax, S&H.
Click here for more details!
New from Rockler
Classic Ice Cream Scoop Kit
This might be the most timely New and Hot that we've had in quite a while!! I'm been starting to think about gifts for the family this year and was struggling between deciding on a new ornament style or trying something new!
And this new product from Rockler was just released and is now available in its stores and online. So, my gift question has been answered!!
This Classic Ice Cream Scoop kit includes a solid brass scoop and ferrule which means that you have everything other than the wood to finish this extremely attractive and functional scoop.
The kit also comes with professional instructions created by Alan Lacer, a former AAW president and famous for his video lessons on mastering the skew!
At $10.99 for a kit that's bound to become an heirloom, you can't go wrong!
The Classic Ice Cream Scoop Kit
New from Lyle Jamieson
Bowl Basics - The Easy Way
This new 2 disc DVD set contains 4 hours and 20 minutes of comprehensive instruction on the technology of bowl turning.
This DVD is the definitive study of the mechanics of bowl turning. It gives a clear definition to all of the phases of the turning effort including tool handling and the naming of your tool cuts so that you can understand what's happening in your turning!
I like to remember Lyle's statement about "catches":
If you don't know what caused your catch, you're bound to duplicate it"
Learn Lyle's technques to bowl turning and reduce your "catches"!
You can learn more about this new DVD and purchase it at:
https://www.lylejamieson.com/cart/shop.asp
New from Easy Wood Tools
Introducing the Ci1 Easy Rougher
It's not often when we see entirely new tool categories in today's market. But creating a dedicated roughing tool category might be in order after seeing this tool in action. But if you believe the video on this new tool, this tool also does finishing work. So, it might just be a replacement for many of your existing tools. Personally, this might be ones of those tools that you just need to run out and buy!
This tool uses a carbide-tipped cutter to hog off wood. The web site also says that it will work equally well on wet or dry woods, alabaster, soapstone and any other commonly turned materials.
This is one that I want to see myself in person! So, I'm going to take advantage of their demo at the AAW Symposium in Richmond, VA later this month. They are going to be in the Craft Supplies USA booth.
You can learn more about this tool and see the 3 video's on it's use at:
http://www.easywoodtools.com
New from Thompson Lathe Tools
Handcrafted U.S Made Turning Tools
We've been hearing a lot about the new Thompson Lathe tools lately. Not only that you can buy these superior U.S. made tools direct but that other tool makers are using Thomspon steel as the basis for their tools! That sure got us to pay attention!
Thompson tools are made by Doug Thompson himself which means that a turner is making turning tools. We like knowing that they are being designed and made by someone that walks in our shoes (chips and all)!!
The Thompson line includes; both U- and V-shaped bowl gouges, spindle gouges, detail gouges, skews and scrapers! What more could you ask for?
And the steel, did we talk about the steel? It's some of the most modern steel available. It's the longest edge holding A-11, hardened to 60-62 Rockwell and then triple tempered with a cryogenic treatment. The Thompson statement is "Nothing else can be done to this steel".
Now, the secret is that you can buy these tools for basically the same price as tools without all this special attention! The only difference is that you need to buy or make your own handle! I think for experienced turners, this small inconvenience is well worth the abilty to use one of the best tools on the market!
If you want to find out more, you can visit:
Thompson Lathe Tools website
or
You can visit the Thompson Lathe Tools booth at the 2008 AAW Symposium in Richmond, VA.
New from Steve "Spike" Finch
Carbide Stone Turning Tools
Now here's something a bit different, if you're comfortable
with turning wood, you may want to give stone a try! Yes, Stone!!
Both Soapstone and Alabaster are soft stone and can easily
be turned on your lathe with hand tools. To make the job easier,
Spike has recently released a new Carbide Stone Turning Tool.
The tool comes with 2 carbide tips; round and square and a
wonderful cushion-grip handle.
This Carbide Stone Turning Tool is available now at $89.95
plus S&H.
You can learn more about stone turning by watching the
3 YouTube videos on the turning stone by Spike at his website: www.exoticvessels.com
And you can learn more about this new tool HERE.
(Editor note: I've just received one of
these tools and can't wait to apply it to some stone. The tool is well
built, nicely shaped and feels good in the hands!)
New from Johannes Michelsen, the Hat Man
Now Showing On DVD,
Johannes Michelsen Creates the Original
Wood Hat
If you've always admired the look of a wood turned hat,
here's your chance to learn how to make one yourself. Now you can always
go to Vermont and take a class with Johannes, the creator of
the modern wood hat or you can now buy the DVD
to see how they are made an
