Versatile vise
Whether cutting dovetails or trimming tenons, I’ve got a great setup for joinery work with the solid maple Moxon vise from Lake Erie Toolworks. As shown in the photo, the rear jaw extends beyond the movable front jaw to facilitate quick, solid clamping to your workbench. The vise screws turn smoothly, and their faceted handles make it easy to clamp workpieces securely. Depending on the project, I might clamp the vise to my workbench or assembly table to position the work right where it’s needed. But the portability doesn’t end there. The lightweight vise totes easily for working in different shops. My smaller “Lite” version (shown) accommodates 14"-wide boards. The full-sized version, available at Woodcraft, has a clamping capacity of 24".
—Chad McClung, chief editor
A square deal
For cabinetry, furniture, and other projects, I often need a fast and reliable way to align and hold perfect 90° corners. These heavy aluminum 3D Squares are the perfect solution. Sold in pairs, the squares are small enough for assembling picture frames, and strong enough to brace large casework. The flanged design and 6" legs allow easy access for clamps. The four screw holes in each leg facilitate assembly for jigs and fixtures.
—Tim Snyder, Newtown, CT
Sharpening can be fun (really)
No woodworker would argue against using sharp tools, but there are varying levels of commitment to getting the job done. I enjoy the process, and perform a regular ritual using waterstones. My shopmates, however, don’t appreciate the Zen of sharpening, they just want to get back to the fun part of woodworking. They called me the “sharpening guy,” and would stack their dull tools on my bench for me to take care of. But then I introduced them to the Work Sharp.
With the Work Sharp, sharpening chisels and plane irons is as easy as using an electric pencil sharpener. Simply select the bevel angle, turn on the machine, and plunge the edge of the tool through the port and against the spinning abrasive wheel. After a quick demo, my shopmates excitedly formed a line for a chance to touch up their own tools. Now, they don’t mind sharpening. Work Sharp has helped me to make better woodworkers out of my crew, and add a little fun to the mix.
—Joe Hurst-Wajszczuk, Birmingham, AL
