Making calculations easy
MakerCalc
PRICE: $1.99/month, Google Play or App Store
Math can be hard. Especially when a woodworking project’s calculations include combining fractions and mixed numbers. While you could use a regular calculator, that usually means mentally figuring out the lowest common demoninator or converting fractions to decimals and back. The MakerCalc smartphone app simplifies all that. Punch in whole numbers in one section of the on-screen interface, fractional numerators in another, and their denominators in yet a third—it defaults to halves, fourths, eighths, and so on. Then tap your operation just like a normal calculator—add, subtract, divide, or multiply—and repeat the process. The output section keeps a running total so there’s no need for an equals button, plus it provides live conversions to fractional and decimal inch values and metric measurements. The app is free to download on Google Play or the App Store, and once downloaded doesn’t require an internet connection. After a 30-day free trial, the cost is $1.99/ month, but I find MakerCalc’s ease of use and accuracy more than worth it.
Derek Richmond
Super support for work with small parts
Helping-Hand Magnifier/Light/Clamp
PRICE: $15.99, micromark.com
There are some tools in my shop that I don’t have a lot of call for, but their usefulness becomes apparent when the need arises. The helping-hand magnifier/light/clamp fits in this category. Although it’s meant for jewelers, miniaturists, and model makers, it also has many uses in the woodshop from holding delicate wood parts to repairing and soldering electrical components. Its magnifying glass, LED spotlight, and alligator clips provide a better view and dexterous agility to reduce frustration when working with small parts. Adjusting the helping-hand components is easy — ball joints allow a full range of adjustments while locking thumb screws tighten securely. The base is cast iron, so it mostly keeps the device from tipping, but in some work situations, it needs to be clamped to the bench. It would be helpful if the base had a couple of holes for screwing to a piece of plywood. While many of its applications might not relate directly to woodworking, the helping-hand is one of those devices that really shines when you need it.
Larry Okrend
