Here’s a little Halloween fun for you… because I’m sure you were curious how well you’d handle a zombie attack in your work shop

Uh oh, it’s a ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! Here’s the scenario:

1) Zombies. Lots of ‘em. For one weekend.
2) Your family and loved ones are away for the weekend so you don’t have to worry about protecting them.
3) You hole up in your workshop (no matter if it’s in your basement, garage, backyard or professional level building).

1. Do You Have Military Training?

Yup - I’m retired from the military.

I am trained in fighting techniques, but not by the military.

Uhh… nope.

2. How long does it take you to find the tool you need?

I’m highly organized - I always find the tool I need when I need it.

I do ok - I usually know where my tools are.

It takes me FOREVER, especially when I really really need the tool.

3. What length extension cords do you have?

I’ve got at least 1000 feet of extension cord.

I bet I’ve got 200 feet handy.

25-50 feet of cord at best.

4. How many windows in your workshop?

None - or they are too small to crawl through.

One or two.

Three or more and/or a skylight.

5. How many battery powered hand tools do you have?

I have the battery powered version of about every butt kicking tool you can imagine.

I have the standard battery powered tools (drills, reciprocating saw, sander

I have corded tools only.

6. What hand tools do you have in your shop?

I have an axe, a massive wrecker bar, a sledge hammer, several hatchets, a machete, enormous wrenches, AND MORE.

I have a hatchet, a hand saw and a hammer (or there abouts).

I have a screw driver.

7. What is your nail gun situation?

I have holsters for my battery powered nail guns - and I could fill a gun rack with my other nailers.

I have one pneumatic nail gun.

I have nails and a hammer.

8. Do you have enough spare wood or other materials to fortify yourself?

I have enough materials in my workshop to build another workshop.

I have enough to barricade myself in.

I have enough to build a chair for the zombies to sit in while eating me.

9. You own a chainsaw.

No - I own chainSAWS.

Yes I own one.

Nope.

10. What’s the population density surrounding your workshop?

Rural, unpopulated.

Small town/suburbs.

I live in a densely populated area.

11. What age group are you in

Under 18 years old

18-24 years old

25-30 years old

31-40 years old

41-50 years old

51-60 years old

Over 60 years old

12. What is your gender

Female

Male

The possible results are:

Zombie Conqueror
You hack, saw, split, hew, sand and drill your way to glorious zombie carnage. Zombies end up avoiding your workshop so that you have to go on the offensive with battery powered tools. You are a legend.

Zombie Survivor
You turn your workshop into a zombie-proof bunker. You’d have little problem chopping, resawing, and very accurately cutting zombies into pieces that stack neatly outside your workshop. You survive the Zombie Apocalypse Weekend easily and decide to take Monday off from work to get some woodworking done.

Zombie Bait
Yikes! You’re a goner. Your shop is not adequately prepared for a zombie apocalypse. The good news is that you can use this as an excuse for more power tools

There is no such thing as free wood. There, I said it. If your dream of free wood doesn’t include YOUR LABOR and, potentially, NEW TOOLS then it will stay a dream. If you’re ready to put in the footwork of research, emails, phone calls, personal visits and 12-pack bribes then you might just be ready to face all the OTHER hard physical work involved in recycling, salvaging and refurbishing this so called “free wood.”

So I hope that scared off the lazy freeloaders For the rest of you who are ready to work to recycle and refurbish your cheap and free lumber (congratulations you can call yourselves green woodworkers instead of cheapskates here’s what you’ll find in this article:

>> 5 Sources for Cheap Wood
>> 5 (Usually) Free Sources of Wood
>> 2 “Free Lumber” Project Inspirations
>> Further Cheap and Free Lumber Resources
>> You Cheapskates Might Also Be Interested In…

>> 5 Sources for Cheap Wood
Gentlemen, start your engines. Ok, now turn them off. You’ll get more mileage out of being friendly, professional and occasionally generous with 12 packs of beer. There’s a lot of cheap wood out there for you - here are the five that I found. If you have others please comment them or send an email to GFrench@ToolCrib.com.

1) Commercial Woodworking Firms
Milling companies, furniture manufacturers, cabinet makers, and all your local wood flooring installation companies have wood cutoffs and discards. ALL OF THEM. I read over and over about people hauling off pickup truck loads of wood for $50. Ask to speak with the owner or manager. Be nice, be friendly, be prepared for rejection and you’ll soon find your personal source of cheap, ready to work wood. (Floor installer idea from LumberJock Pete_Jud in Free wood source.)

Pros: Typically use nice hardwoods.
Cons: Small, irregular sizes are likely.

2) Lumber Mills and Lumber Yards
Like commercial woodworking firms these guys produce a lot of waste. Your lumber mills and lumber yards understand the value of space even more highly than commercial woodworkers though. Again, be professional and courteous. Talk to the yard manager and ask him if he has any waste you could take off his hands for him. Happy hunting!

Pros: You can find some incredible wood at low prices.
Cons: Sometimes bugs. You may have hauls where you can only use a small portion of what you take.

3) Furniture at Yard Sales, Junk Stores and Flea Markets
Cherry? Oak? Mahogany? You can find all of these and more in furniture at your local yard sales, junk stores and flea markets. It could be that the ratty-old sofa that’s going for $5 is built on a solid frame of re-workable wood. Idea from LumberJock Bryano in do you use recycled wood?

Pros: Old, seasoned wood.
Cons: It’s in furniture form.

4) Volunteer for a Deconstruction Project
The next time you hear that someone’s putting on an addition, tearing up some flooring, or even taking down an old barn ask them if you can help them deconstruct instead of demolish… Your payment for helping out will be pick of the wood that comes up off the floor or out of the walls.

Pros: Old, seasoned wood with LOTS of character.
Cons: It’s “free” but you pay with LOTS of sweat.

5) Woodworking Forums
I read woodworking forums a LOT. There’s always someone who’s got a line on some cheap wood at a great price. I’ve seen folks going in on lots of wood to get a reduced price. There’s at least one lumber dealer who posts regularly at Woodnet who seems to give great deals and great service.

Pros: Great prices, GREAT wood.
Cons: You have to spend a lot of time on forums and even post a little bit so people will get to know you.

>> 5 (Usually) Free Sources of Wood
For the brave and the time-rich there is absolutely no shortage of free lumber opportunities. Here are five that I compiled from around the web. If you have other scrounge sources or ideas please comment them or send them to me at GFrench@ToolCrib.com.

6) Construction Site Dumpsters and “Burn” Pile
Any new construction - and especially demolition - create HUGE amounts of waste. Demolition alone accounts for 1/3 of landfill waste according to a half remembered statistic in my head. There’s a lot of wood in those dumpsters folks, and if you’re a brave soul who doesn’t mind digging through the trash then it’s ALL YOURS. That said you will need to be professional about it, always seek permission before entering someone else’s property and be safe. I also highly recommend that you read this guide to dumpster diving - Dumpster diving: an Introduction.

Pros: You can brag about finding great wood for free.
Cons: You may have to break out of your current social norms and people will get VERY tired of you bragging all the time.

7) Wood Pallets
I wrote extensively about woodworking with pallets - they make the eyes of newbie woodworkers gleam, until they actually try to work with them. That said if you work your local pallet-using companies well you can find your way into a steady supply of free wood… and if you can befriend local PALLET RECYCLING companies you might do even better for yourself.

Pros: Lots of oak.
Cons: Small pieces, LONG processing times. Chemicals on pallets?

8) Discarded Roadside Furniture
If you’ve already read this far then I know you’re the type of person who gets amazed at what other people throw away. If you don’t already own a pickup truck you should probably get one because it’s time for you to start pulling over at every pile of wooden junk you see on the side of the road. Tables, chairs, dressers - all these and more end up on the side of the road, especially in college towns.

Pros: Good wood for free.
Cons: Storage until you can break it down? You have to break it down.

9) Freecycle.org, Craigslist.org, Woodworking Forums
Freecycle.org is dedicated to connecting people to free stuff - I have no idea exactly how the free part works but you should check it out as I’ve seen it mentioned regularly on woodworking forums. Craigslist - well, you should already be prowling Craigslist every day for cheap/free lumber. Most of the time all you have to do is go and pick it up. On woodworking forums too (real life woodworking club meetings too…) you may find folks who are giving wood away, sometimes in return for a favor of some sort - there’s lots of competition there though

Pros: Free wood and you’re usually helping someone out by removing it.
Cons: You have to monitor websites and have lots of email and phone conversations.

10) Fallen Wood from Storms, Construction and Arborists
Every time a tree falls in your neighborhood you could be stocking up on board feet for your next project. Come to think of it, why not talk to your local arborist tree surgeon companies and ask them (ask in this case means give them a case of beer) to let you know when they’re cutting down some hardwoods in your area. Either way you’re talking about taking what is waste to someone else and turning it into workable wood for yourself.

Pros: You can get some gems this way.
Cons: Chainsaw, Sawmill, Kiln, Jointer, Planer, Truck, Trailer, ETC… (not even close to free, really Fresh wood takes a long time to cure.

>> Free Lumber Project Inspirations
Pallet wood oak jewelry armoire

Library table built from oak shipping crates

>> Further Cheap and Free Lumber Resources
Ways to get good wood cheap, or for free
How to Get Cheap or Free Hardwood Lumber
How to Get Free Wood for Craft Projects
Where can a person get free craft wood?
Free Wood - How To Find Lots Of It For Woodturning Projects
A Reminder that Free Wood is NEVER Free
The Saw Bucks Forum - Very Cool Lumber Milling Forum!
Pallet Recyclers Can Start Small; Getting Lumber for Free Is a Key (pdf)

>> You Cheapskates Might Also Be Interested In…
Woodworking Through the Economic Crisis: 11 Resources for Stretching Your Woodworking Budget
The Cheapskate Woodworker Quiz
28 Ways to Recycle and Reuse Sawdust and Woodchips

Free Woodworking Plans:
20 Free Cutting Board Plans + the 4 that Blew My Mind
15 Free Mobile Base Plans: Put Your Power Tools on Wheels
Wood Storage 101: 14 Lumber Storage Plans and 7 Storage Tips
32 Free Picnic Table Plans + Top 3 Most Awesome Picnic Table Plan Awards
15 Free Toolbox Plans for Woodworkers
24 Free Sawhorse Plans in the Hunt for the Ultimate Sawhorse
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Free Woodworking Workbench Plans
9 Sandpaper Storage Ideas (+ free plans)
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Free Router Table Plans
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to the Crosscut Sled

The 18 gauge brad nailer is one of the most popular nailer sizes for woodworkers… mainly because using one means that YOU HAVE ENOUGH CLAMPS AFTER ALL It’s also widely used as the goto for putting up trim. Since just about every manufacturer under the sun makes one I researched to bring you the consensus of the woodworker on the street. Enjoy!

Top 5 Uses for a Brad Nailer
The Brad Nailer Stigma: is it Cheating?
A Note on Electric Brad Nailers…
The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown
My Brad Nailer Opinion Sources:

Top 5 Uses for a Brad Nailer:
I copied this list from an article in Wood Magazine - for me it helped to outline the main uses of a brad nailer as opposed to, say, a framing nailer for example.

1) Free up clamps in short order. Apply the glue and clamp the assembly, punch in a few brads to secure the joint, and reclaim your clamps immediately for the next glue-up.
2) Speedy, glueless assembly. You can assemble birdhouses and craft items in no time flat. Cabinet backs go on in a flash.
3) No-stick stack-cutting. Instead of using double-faced tape to hold together workpieces for stack-cutting on a bandsaw or scrollsaw, tack them together with brads fired into the waste area.
4) Reinforce mitered joints. End-grain to end-grain joints, such as the mitered corners of a picture frame, are stronger when fortified by a steel fastener.
5) Less splitting. A brad’s small diameter and speed of penetration lessens the likelihood of splitting–even in small moldings and fragile workpieces–without predrilling.

From Brad Nailers for $100 or less in Wood Magazine >>

The Brad Nailer Stigma: is it Cheating?
I never knew this until I started researching brad nailers, but apparently some folks think that Norm Abram is a little over reliant on his brad nailer. Further, that if you’re using a brad nailer you’re, well, you’re cheating. This is a minority position, but apparently it’s a vocal minority. Anyways, here’s a funny brad nailer poll from Sawmill Creek, followed by a great quote regarding the morality of the brad nailer.

Funny Brad Nailer Poll from Sawmill Creek:
36 Votes: I use a brad nailer all the time
12 Votes: I have one, but don’t use it very often
05 Votes: I use one, but hide the brads so well that you will never know, and I won’t tell
03 Votes: Real woodworkers use glue, brad nailers are cheating

This quote from Creeker Todd Burch sums it up nicely: “My advice would be that if you are recreating a museum piece, use what the original used. Otherwise, spend more time with your family and get a brad nailer!”

A Note on Electric Brad Nailers…
Don’t use them. As an overall category they received very poor reviews and comments in a couple different threads I visited. Namely this one at Sawmill Creek: Electric Brad Nailers - Any good? That said, I found one professional at Lumber Jocks raving about the $300+ Dewalt 18 Gauge 2″ Cordless Brad Nailer - DC608K: “I officially will be retiring my air compressor when installing in the field.” Your mileage may vary when it comes to electric brad nailers.

The 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Showdown: PC vs. HF vs. Bostich vs. Senco and MORE!
Here’s the show down itself - I counted recommendations from forums and one magazine review I found to compile this list. I haven’t tested or used any of these tools myself. To check out my sources scroll down to the “sources” section.

Porter-Cable Brad Nailers: 16 Votes
Porter Cable BN200A: 5

Porter-Cable 2″ Brad Nailer BN200A review in epinions

Porter-Cable BN125A: 3

Porter-Cable 18 Ga. Brad Nailer (#BN125A) Review by Tom Hintz >>

Harbor Freight Brad Nailer: 8 Votes
Note: t here’s more than one HF 18 Gauge nailer - most folks in forums aren’t specific about which one they liked. HF nailers consistently come up though, with folks saying they work “good enough” for light use.

Harbor Freight 18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Stapler (review by Tom Hintz who trashed his HF brad nailer)
Harbor Freight Buying Guide (don’t go to HF without it…)

Bostich Brad Nailers: 7 Votes
Bostitch BT200K-2: 2 votes

Bostitch BT200K-2 - 2″ 18-Gauge Oil-Free Brad Nailer Kit

18 ga. Bostich BT125k

Senco Brad Nailers: 5 Votes
18 gauge (Senco FinishPro XP-25)

Senco Brad FinishProTM 18 Nailer - PC1010 Compressor Kit Review by Tom Hintz

Hitachi Brad Nailers: 5 Votes
Hitachi NT32AE2: 3 Votes

Hitachi NT50AE2: 2 Votes

NT50AE review in Epinions

Paslode Brad Nailers: 3 Votes
t200 paslode

Omer Brad Nailers: 3 Votes
Omer 18g 12.40

Dewalt Brad Nailers: 2
Dewalt DC608K: 1

New DeWalt 18 volt, 18 gauge brad nailer Review in LumberJocks.

Makita Brad Nailers: 1
Makita AF503

2″ Brad Nailer - AF503 Product Reviews - was not well liked at Builders Square…

Grizzly Brad Nailers: 1
Grizzly H5527 (known to mar wood)

Grizzly H5527 Brad Nailer – Review

Ridgid Brad Nailers: 1 Vote
Ridgid R213BNA

Ridgid R213BNA Oil-free Brad Nailer review by Tom Hintz

Max Brad Nailers: 1 Vote
Max NF255-ST/18

Brad Nailer: The Max NF255-ST/18 - from Jude Herr at Toologics

My Brad Nailer Opinion Sources:
Magazine:
Brad Nailers (Tools of the Trade)
Forums:
Brad Nailers?
HF Air Brad Nailer
Brad or Finish Nailer
What gauge nailer do I need?
Need pin/nail nailer…. which one to get?
Electric Brad Nailers - Any good?
Brad Nailers
Hitachi or Porter cable Brad nailer?
Which nailers for trim work?
Nail Guns
Bostitch BT200K-2 - 2″ 18-Gauge Oil-Free Brad Nailer Kit
New DeWalt 18 volt, 18 gauge brad nailer

I’ve been thinking more about finishing woodworking projects since I wrote 7 Best Sandpaper Brands: Klingspor vs. Norton vs. 3M in the Sanding Supplies Showdown. As luck would have it I stumbled on the SawmillCreek thread “Finishing Supplies: Must Haves.”

I like how the OP (original poster) has realized that improving his finishes may well boost him to “the next level.” The respondents provide several great ideas for new woodworkers seeking some simple finishing techniques and concepts.

Top 3 Finishes Mentioned:
>> Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO)
“Linseed oil does not cover the surface as varnish does, but soaks into the (visible and microscopic) pores, leaving a shiny but not glossy surface that shows off the grain. Wood treated with linseed oil is resistant to denting and scratches and easily repaired, but the surface is not as hard as a modern varnish, and the wood will slowly absorb moisture if allowed to stay wet.”

Boiled Linseed Oil from Wikipedia
How to Finish Wood With Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil Discussed briefly in “Using Wipe-On Varnishes and Oils”

>> Shellac
“shellac is non-toxic, can be used as a sealer before applying a stain (to even out the stain’s application), can be mixed with nearly any color, and is very easy to repair in the event of damage from use.”

Shellac Finishes - Getting a Beautiful Woodworking Finish with Shellac

>> Spray Lacquers
“A spectacular grain “picture” calls for a spectacular finish, and a polished lacquer is the ideal choice for such a piece of wood. Lacquer has the unique ability among finishes to build a durable crystal clear film that gives depth and clarity to the wood surface. Lacquer is the easiest of all finishes to apply, but it is also the most difficult to do well because it is the least forgiving of anything that we can put on a piece of wood.”

Finishing Secrets #11: Lacquer by Russ Fairfield
Choosing an HVLP System

>>Also Consider Water-Based Finishes
Water based finishes weren’t included in that forum thread from SMC. Apparently they never quite work as well as their chemically based counterparts. Some people swear by them though because they are easier on your health.

Making the switch to water-based finishes
Switching to Water-Based Finishes
Favorite Waterborne Topcoat?
Why use water-based finish? With all the problems, why bother?

Recommended Finishing Equipment
Note that this list is taken directly from ‘Creeker Tim Sproul.

good hvlp sprayer(s).
tapered round brushes.
assorted colors of both dyes and pigments.
Target Coatings USL and 9300 for topcoats
Target Coatings EM8800 and water shellac for sealing
synthetic abrasive pads.
Norton 3x sandpaper.
Lazy susan stands for the work to set on.
latex gloves - Nitrile gloves get eaten by the denatured alcohol.
lint free cotton rags.
glass measuring cups for repeatable dilution of dyes/pigments.
Lots of scrap wood to cobble together stands and other implements to set the work on.
Butcher paper roll.
Pieces of scrap carpeting to lay down so I don’t ding the work while sanding/assembling/finishing.

More Finishing Resources:
Understanding Wood Finishing (comes well recommended from SMC)

Selecting a Finish Article by Jeff Jewitt in Fine Woodworking
Finishing Articles by Jeff Jewitt
Jeff Jewitt is #31 in ToolCrib.com’s Guide to Your 31 Most Influential Woodworkers
Finishing Secrets by Russ Fairfield
Consumer vs. Pro Finishes
History of HVLP Sprayers

Wood Finishing: French Polish

In Woodnet today I found a great thread discussing the ways that the current economic crisis has affected woodworking habits: How is the economic crisis effecting your woodworking habits? Some people asked “what economic crisis?” Others talked about salvaged lumber, hand made tools and spending reductions on new tools. For this article I handpicked my favorite quotes from the thread and then added on several of my own suggestions for reducing your woodworking expenses. Not all of these suggestions will increase the amount of TIME you have for woodworking, but they will decrease your costs

If you think you’re already cheap enough take the woodworker cheapskate quiz >> If you come up “Frugal” or “Easy Spend” then you need to come back and read this article.

>> Limit Your New Tool Purchases
This one is obvious and mentioned by several of the posters in the thread. Some people reported that they were resisting new tool purchases despite finding great deals on Craigslist and through the eBay + Live promotion. What can I say? Spending less than you make is the core of personal finance. For those who still have their eyes on new power tools here are a couple of resources that I think will help you to save money

1) Buyer Beware, A Harbor Freight Buying Guide: The Good Enough, The Bad and the Abysmal
The biggest lesson I learned about HF is that putting a good blade on one of their cheap tools can give you incredible value. The other biggest lesson I learned is that shopping at HF is a learned skill that takes time. Print this HF article out and bring it with you the next time you go shopping so you don’t get tempted down the wrong path. Decent Harbor Freight Tools >>

2) Get the Live + eBay Discount on New Tools
For a limited time Microsoft is paying people to use their search engine, Live.com. They payment comes in the form of up to 30% off of purchases made through eBay’s “buy it now” program. You get up to 12 purchases and up to $2500 in savings per year using this program and you can use it on any purchases. I recently got word that Grizzly’s eBay team is working with shoppers to help them get the discount on Grizzly tools >>

>> Salvage, Reuse and Recycle Your Wood, Cutoffs and Sawdust
Here’s the quote that inspired this entire article: “In particular, I have started rummaging discarded furniture and other wood products to salvage lumber. I’ve come across lots of stuff from old maple dressers discarded at the side of the road, to cedar scraps in the dumpster of the local fence company. All in all, I’d say in just a couple of weeks I’ve found about 50 bf of FREE lumber!!!” That’s from mattsworld who started the Woodnet thread How is the economic crisis effecting your woodworking habits?

3) Woodworking with Pallets: A Guide to Finding, Breaking Down and Building with Pallets
Pallets are best for SMALL projects - birdhouses and small boxes and such. Plus they are a real bear to break down. Still, there are some who swear by them and in some areas they’re a plentiful and ongoing supply of free wood. As the links in the article show, sometimes it’s better to NOT tear them apart and build structures out of them instead… Pallet Projects >>

4) 28 Ways to Recycle and Reuse Sawdust and Woodchips
Walnut chips are poisonous to animals. Woodchips and sawdust leach nitrogen out of the soil, making it unsuitable for gardens. Keep those two points in mind and you’re on your way to getting more mileage out of what you used to throw away. This article has tons of tips and ideas for recycling your woodchips and sawdust, including the sawdust toilet and how to treat woodchips for heating your woodshop! >>

5) 11 Ideas for Wood Cut Offs
Some woodworkers have separate storage sheds for their cut offs. There are MANY reasons you’re saving all that goodness and this article suggests 11 of them >>

>> Take Care of Your Blades
Keeping your blades clean and sharp can really help to extend the life of your power tools… and taking care of what you already own is a great way to reduce spending.

6) ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Saw Blades and Router Bits
Are you using oven cleaner on your blades? It’s not a great idea. This article discusses alternative methods, even some green methods that you may never have considered… Keep your blades clean >>

7) DIY Carbide Saw Blade Sharpening + 4 Blade Sharpening Services
Sharpening your blades is far cheaper than buying new ones all the time. This article offers tips for sharpening your carbide tipped blades yourself - though I don’t recommend it - and then suggests some folks who can keep your blades in good working order at a price that’s far below new. Keep your blades sharp >>

>> Flex Your Ingenuity and Creativity Muscles
Reusing and recycling isn’t necessarily all about being “green.” It’s also about the satisfaction of not spending money needlessly. This can take flexibility, ingenuity and creativity, but hey - that’s why you got into woodworking in the first place!

8) 11 Cheap, Recycled or Free Items Useful in the Wood Shop
Wait don’t throw away that junk mail - you might be able to use it in your woodshop! This article discusses “junk” you might be passing up that could prove useful on your next project. Useful “Junk” >>

9) Cheap, DIY Clamp Alternatives
You can NEVER have enough clamps. Or money. This article is for people who don’t have enough of either… Make your own clamps >>

10) 6 Ways to Seal a Tube of Caulk
Why waste caulk? No, it doesn’t break the bank but hey, if you can save it you should. Here are 6 ways to squeeze every dime of value out of your caulk investments >>

>>11) Build it Yourself with Free Plans
Building it yourself isn’t always cheaper, especially if we’re talking fine furniture. That said, if you end up spending more on making your own sawhorses than what they cost then maybe woodworking isn’t a great hobby for you in tougher economic times Most of these free plan lists focus on shop storage and power tool accessories which can really cost a bundle if you buy them new.

20 Free Cutting Board Plans + the 4 that Blew My Mind
15 Free Mobile Base Plans: Put Your Power Tools on Wheels
Wood Storage 101: 14 Lumber Storage Plans and 7 Storage Tips
32 Free Picnic Table Plans + Top 3 Most Awesome Picnic Table Plan Awards
15 Free Toolbox Plans for Woodworkers
24 Free Sawhorse Plans in the Hunt for the Ultimate Sawhorse
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Free Woodworking Workbench Plans
9 Sandpaper Storage Ideas (+ free plans)
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to Free Router Table Plans
ToolCrib.com’s Ultimate Guide to the Crosscut Sled

Microsoft Live Search + eBay “Buy it Now” = discounts on power tools.

If you’re signed up for the right programs with both companies you can get UP TO 3 discounts of UP TO $250 by searching for items on Microsoft Live Search and then buying them through the eBay Buy it Now program.

The kicker is that I’m reading forum reports that Grizzly will add items to eBay if you contact them, meaning you can get up to $250 back on your next Grizzly power tool purchase. This is HUGE news, especially in light of the rising cost of both shipping and metal that meant no summer sale for Grizzly.

First I’m going to outline what you have to do in order to get 20% back from Microsoft and eBay. Then I’ll explain what you have to do to get your Grizzly discount. And if you’re wondering if you should invest in Grizzly, check out Grizzly Tools - What is Your Opinion?

1) You have to sign up for the cash back program with Microsoft Live Search.
2) Reports seem to vary but I think you have to sign up or buy through Paypal (an eBay company)…
3) Your searches have to go through Live.com.
4) From those searches you have to click through to your items on eBay.
5) Make sure there’s a green Microsoft label on eBay.
6) Make sure you buy it through the “Buy it Now” button
7) Wait 60 days.
8) Get your cash back through your Live Search account.

I based this outline on the following 2 blog posts. Both have pictures that show what you need to be looking for:
eBay has gone discount crazy - 20% cash back now avail! Up to 30%+ off if you play it right!!!
35% Off Ebay Thru Live Search Cashback

Getting the Grizzly Tool You Want
If there’s a particular Grizzly item you’re jittering and jiggling to buy right this minute AND it’s not currently in eBay then you can contact Grizzly and ask them to list one. BUT you have to contact them through the Grizzly eBay presence according to reports I’m reading in the forums. This contact would obviously have to happen between steps 3 and 4 as I believe you may have to go back and search for the item in Live.

My main caveat is that I have no idea how long this will continue. The earliest mention of it I’ve seen thus far is from June so it’s been going on a good 4 months so far. My suspicion is that Microsoft (who’s the one paying out the cash) will continue through the holiday season as they’re paying for people to adopt their search engine over Google’s. My secondary caveat is that you’ll be buying from eBay instead of Amazon (who keeps the lights on for us here at ToolCrib…). Maybe we can get Amazon to list tools in eBay ;P Oh well. I hope you get the Grizzly of your dreams!

Here is some forum coverage of the live + eBay discount plus other resources you might find useful:
eBay’s Official Cashback Terms and Conditions
Microsoft Live Terms and Conditions
Live rebate and Grizzly (woodnet)
LIVE.COM EBAY CASHBACK IS NOW 30% (woodnet)
35% cash back from eBay purchase using Microsoft Live Search *No selling!* (slickdeals)

If you have gotten a power tool discount through the Live + eBay deal let me know in the comments.

For newbies the path to sandpaper nirvana is littered with BORG sanding supplies. Seasoned woodworkers sometimes get overly loyal to a brand without first trying some of the other options out there. For this article I researched preferred sanding supplies in 10 different forum threads, spanning hundreds of total posts to bring you the top 7 sandpaper brands on the market. Some of the suggestions come from woodturning forums, some from boat building forums and one from an Australian forum. The suggestions range across applications too, including disc sanders, hook and loop sanders, hand sanders and others.

For the record, inspiration for this post comes from a thread over at Woodworkers Zone: Sand Paper. If you’re a regular forum goer Woodworker Zone will feel like home… because you probably know lots of the guys from Woodnet and SawmillCreek

For this reason you should not take these brand recommendations as gospel for your application, merely as an option and a possible improvement on your current brand. You won’t likely go wrong with the top brands here, but you could go MORE RIGHT once you know your preferences and specific applications.

I like how soundman says it in an Ozzie woodworking forum:
“one brand will be great in the coarse grades another will be better in the mid grades and another will be better in the fine grades.

And differing modes of failure, some go blunt, some the adhesive holding the grains fails & some clog, before others.”

Another moving target when it comes to finding your preferred sandpaper is the price to quality ratio. Here’s the rub as summed up by boat builder Bob Cleek:
“There are lots of GREAT sandpapers, but the real problem with sandpaper is finding just the right balance between cost and staying power. You can pay a huge amount for great sandpaper that lasts twice as long, but later find that two sheets of the cheaper stuff costs a fourth of one sheet of the fancy product.”

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
>> Top 7 Sandpaper Brands + 7 Honorable Mentions
>> Preferred Sandpaper Suppliers
>> Forum Threads About Sandpaper
>> Some Sanding Resources, Guidance and Advice

Here goes… And be sure to add your sand paper preferences to the comments!

>> Top 7 Sandpaper Brands + 7 Honorable Mentions
1) Klingspor: 18 Mentions Overall

Klingspor PL35
Klingspor gold

2) Norton: 16 Mentions Overall

Norton 3x: 7
Norton No-fill Champagne aluminum oxide paper

3) 3M: 7 Mentions Overall

3M abrasive pads
3m’s gold stikit
3M 255L discs

4) Mirka: 5 Mentions Overall

Mirka gold: 2

5) Hermes: 4 Mentions Overall

Hermes J-flex(the blue stuff on the yellow cloth) is best.

6) Rhynogrip: 3 Mentions Overall

7) SIA: 3 Mentions Overall

7 Honorable Mention Sandpapers
These are in the order that I found them more or less.

8) SandEze sanding materials.
9) EKAMANT
10) Prager KMCA
11) HCAB aluminium oxyde paper.
12) Supergrit house brands (Zirconia and Red Resin papers)
13) Abranet sand paper
14) the Gator brand from Lowes

>> Preferred Sandpaper Suppliers
Along with preferred sandpaper and sanding supplies I found a number of suppliers mentioned during my research. I can’t vouch for any of these - I just found them recommended in forums. Your experience may vary! If you’ve dealt with any of them or have 2 cents to add please let me know in the comments.

Top 5 Based on Multiple Mentions:
http://www.onlineindustrialsupply.com/index.html
http://www.industrialabrasives.com/
http://www.Holbren.com
http://www.woodworkingshop.com/
http://www.supergrit.com

More:
http://www.repaintsupply.com/
http://www.abrasives4sale.com/
http://www.hutproducts.com/
http://www.sandpaper.ca./default.php

Here are a few vendor-specific forum threads I used in part for this above list:
Sandpaper Vendors
Were do you get your bulk sandpaper?

>> Forum Threads About Sandpaper
Here are the threads I read through. I counted up the brand and model recommendations to build the list of preferred sandpapers above.

Sand Paper
World’s best sandpaper
Best Type of Sandpaper
Sandpaper question (Woodturning related)
Hate changing out sandpaper on disc sanders!
Norton 3x vs Industrial Abrasives
What rolls of sandpaper would you buy?
What Sandpaper? (woodturning)
sanding supplies

>> Some Sanding Resources, Guidance and Advice
My Five Rules of Sanding
CLARIFYING SANDPAPER GRADING
Sandpaper 101
9 Sandpaper Storage Ideas (+ free plans)

A closing thought from MichaelMouse to give you that woodworking zen feeling: “Try not sanding things to extremes, only to completion..”

Outside of workshop-oriented projects like workbenches and router tables, there’s no simple project like the cutting board that attracts and challenges new and experienced woodworkers alike. With Christmas around the corner it’s time to justify that garage full of woodworking tools with something BESIDES those dorky Star Wars projects of yours

>> 4 Overachiever Cutting Board Designs That Blew My Mind
>> 3 End Grain Cutting Board Plans
>> 6 Laminated Long Grain Cutting Board Plans
>> 3 No Frills Cutting Boards
>> 4 Cutting Boards PLUS
>> Cutting Board Design Inspiration
>> 5 Video Guides to Building Your Own Cutting Boards
>> More Cutting Board Resources
>> More Free Woodworking Plans

>> 4 Overachiever Cutting Board Designs That Blew My Mind
Is it any coincidence that all of these are end grain cutting boards? Probably not - you can really show off your creativity and wood pairings with end grain cutting boards. These four designers - to put it simply - blew my mind. Three of the four I selected also provided detailed tutorials, though if you’re just getting started in woodworking I’d look for something a bit simpler…

1) Construct these beautiful end grain Cutting boards

From LumberJock dewoodwork, whose cutting boards are the most beautiful I saw out of all the plans, guides and tutorials currently on the web. His tutorial rocks too, though I think this is one that the newbies might want to hold off on

2) Video Game Themed Cutting Boards
Space Invaders

Also see - Legend of Zelda Triforce Cutting Board
No plans available for these, but they’ve made quite an impression on the Star Wars woodworking community According to the creator’s blog he works part time in his father’s cabinet shop and spends the rest of his time… well it used to be playing video games but NOW he’s cranking out these cutting boards for online retailers Here’s his blog, 1337Motif >> where it appears he’s working on Pac Man next…

3) Mike Schwing’s Cutting Boards

Beautiful, innovative and creative. These cutting board designs and tutorials from Mike Schwing are incredible. Schwing put these together for the SawmillCreek.org woodworking community.
Cutting Boards Tutorial (Mike Sching)

4) Vaughn McMillan’s Workingwoods 3D Cutting Board Tutorial

Gorgeous, huh? He’s also made one based on a quilt square that is astounding too. Vaughn’s a seasoned yet still friendly moderator over at FamilyWoodworking, a favorite woodworking forum of mine that started up as an alternative to SawmillCreek.org.
3-D Board Tutorial

>> 3 End Grain Cutting Board Plans
Since we started with mostly end grain cutting boards I thought I’d finish with them first rather than rushing into the laminated long grains… Enjoy!

5) Scrapwood and Endgrain Cutting Boards

While I don’t think this one would be easy for newbies, I think it would be easier than those mentioned above. This simple, gorgeous design is accompanied by easy to follow photographs. It’s great inspiration from Router Jim over there at Woodworkers Zone (another SMC spin off?)
End Grain Cutting Boards

6) End Grain Cutting Board Plans (pdf) by Ron Jones, via Marc Spagnuolo

This design comes from the cutting board that Marc Spagnuolo made in Episode 7 “A Cut Above…” The plan itself is courtesy of Ron Jones.

7) How to Make End-Grain Cutting Boards
No pictures, just written advice. Solid though.

>> 6 Laminated Long Grain Cutting Board Plans
It looks to me like the laminated long grain (also called flat grain) cutting boards are a bit easier to make than the end grains, especially those above. Long grain cutting boards have a tendency to wear out more quickly than the end grain cutting boards, but they sure do look great. Here are some plans:

8) Small Maple Cutting Board

Simple, pretty cutting boards made of maple and cherry.

9) Make a Butcher Block Cutting Board

From the Lowe’s site: “This is a great weekend project for a beginning woodworker.”

10) Awesome Cutting Boards!

From Instructables: “how to make hardwood cutting boards out of maple and cherry scraps.”

11) Cutting Board

Definitely not the best guide, but hey maybe you’ll get something out of his description?

12) Lee’s Wood Projects - How to Make a Cutting Board

Gorgeous, huh? Who said that the end grain cutting boards had all the fun? Another great guide from Lee.

13) Board stiff

This plan is for quite a behemoth of a cutting board…

>> 3 No Frills Cutting Boards
Mostly these use one piece of wood. These are great places for brand new woodworkers to start.

14) Hardwood Cutting Board - No Frills

Very simple. Good basic ideas and suggestions. From Chris Baylor.

15) How to Make a Mini Wood Cheese Board

16) Cutting Boards
Wood suggestions, basic instructions on the care of a cutting board. Decent instruction. A little weak on illustrations though.

>> 4 Cutting Boards PLUS
Rolling cutting boards, cutting boards designed to fit around your favorite bowl, cutting boards that defied my other categories… You’ll find them all here!

17) How to Make and Treat a Cutting Board - Four Feet + Bowl Cut Out

Nice! This is one cutting board that aint goin nowhere. It’s a solid piece that sports a cutout so that it’s easy to move your choppings into a bowl with out a mess. Wow.

18) How to Make a Custom Cutting Board (fits inside your counter…)

19) Block and roll… Cutting Board on a Rolling Cart
I couldn’t put it any better than they put it themselves: “a primo cutting surface atop a rolling cart - this portable unit increases kitchen productivity and jazzes up our humble cutting board!”

20) Vegetable Cutting Board (Designed to Fit With Favorite Bowl)
No pictures for this one… Decent description.

>>Cutting Board Design Inspiration
Browse through these galleries for inspiration (if you haven’t gotten enough already).
Black Walnut and Oregon White Oak Cutting Board
Designs by John McLeod Ltd.
Cutting Board Gallery by Ken Goodwin
End Grain Cutting Boards

>> 5 Video Guides to Building Your Own Cutting Boards
If a picture’s worth 1000 words then a video’s worth 10,000. Here are some great how-to videos from YouTube.

The Wood Whisperer Cutting Board Tutorial Video - A Cut Above (Pt. 1)

The Wood Whisperer Cutting Board Tutorial Video - A Cut Above (Pt. 2)

Fine Woodworking Cutting Board Video How To

Woodworking 101 — Solid Wood Cutting Boards

WOODWORKING - Cutting Board Finishes

>> More Cutting Board Resources
Purchasing Cutting Boards, Types of Cutting Boards Seasoning, Sanitizing and Maintaining Cutting Boards
Free Cutting Board Plans
Free Cutting Board Plans
Free Cutting Board Plans
Cutting Board Warping - Question of the Week
Cutting Board Finish………Revisited
OLD for-pay Cutting Board Plans from Woodworkers Journal

>> More Free Woodworking Plans
15 Free Mobile Base Plans: Put Your Power Tools on Wheels
Wood Storage 101: 14 Lumber Storage Plans and 7 Storage Tips