Woodworking Craft Helps Unemployed New Yorkers

Woodworker Scott Peltzer, director of Brooklyn Woods, teaches unemployed and working poor how to be a woodworker like himself for free. After finishing his masters and and putting his talent to use in woodcraft, he decided to help others less fortunate to do the same. At Brooklyn Woods, men and women are trained in an eight week cabinetmaking program. The programs develops self confidence and motivation. The workshop is filled with tools students learn to use: machines for sawing, shaping, planing, and notching wood, and for attaching hinges, and tools for installing the finished products into kitchens. Brooklyn Woods is also getting Green and has been using materials like bamboo,and domestic hardwooods supplied by companies that avoid practices like clear-cutting forests. Once program is completed woodworker graduates are given 2 year job assistance. More than 125 woodworking and construction companies have employed program grads, who now number about 300.

Introducing The New Dewalt TrackSaw

Yesterday I got a sneak peak at the new Dewalt TrackSaw. I was pretty impressed by the saw. The new Dewalt Tracksaw delivers table saw precision, panel saw capacity, and hand saw portability. The anti-kickback prevents kickback when engaged. The zero-clearance track system and dual splinter free edges ensure perfectly straight, splinter free cuts. The specially designed transmission and precision ground, laser-cut woodworking blade minimize deflection to deliver a finished edge – just like a table saw. Make any cut, anywhere at any angle – even bevel or inside plunge cuts – as easily as connecting the dots. The cord is positioned off to the side. Attach a Vacuum such as the Porter Cable Vacuum and up to 90% of the dust gets collected to minimize clean up. Available corded or cordless and with a variety of track lengths and a wide range of accessories that complete the Tracksaw system. The Dewalt Track Saw goes where other saws can’t such as : door trimming, crosscutting, cutting multiple pieces at once, cabinet openings, door trimming on the hinges… All in a 12 pound package. Watch Video

New To The Makita Family

Makita 3-1/4" Planer Planes up to 3-1/4" wide and 5/32" deep in a single pass. Powerful yet lightweight (7.5 AMP Motor, 7.2 lbs). 2-Blade Cutter Head for Fast Stock Removal; 16,000 RPM. Chip ejection can be directed to either side of the tool for convenience. Conveniently located lock-on/off button can be operated from either side of handle. Depth knob features an easy to read scale with click stops in 0.1 mm. Increments for Precision planning.



The Makita 4329K Top Handle Saw has 3 Orbital Settings Plus Straight Cutting For Use in a variety of materials. Ergonomically Designed Rubberized Grip Provides more comfort and control. Variable speed dial control (500-3,100 SPM) for Optimal Cutting Performance in a variety of materials. Counterweight balancing system for reduced vibration. Die Cast aluminum base adjusts up to 45 degrees right or left and positive stop at 90 degrees for solid cutting performance.




Makita GD0601 1/4" Die Grinder powerful AC/DC motor (25,000 RPM) Easy to Handle at Only 3.5 lbs. Anti Dust Motor Section. Solid Aluminum Housing with stepped neck for added durability. Front and rear vent slots designed to direct exhaust air away from the user. Round shaped collet nut reduces the possibility of damages to the work surface. More power less weight!

The Festool Kapex

The Kapex has gotten much review so far. What's great about this tool is that it inhales virtually all sawdust before you ever see it flying off the blade. Since the Kapex slices bigger wood than any other saw of its size, it adjusts to maintain constant blade speed. This sliding compound miter saw is the first of its size to cut wood so large and achieve such precision needed for high quality results. Festool's Kapex will be launching July 1st of 2008. So get in line first come first served, and Get yours today.