Not a tool, but just something I like in my shop, lol

I came across a seller on ebay that goes by action2u that makes personalized 8X12 metal signs and ships them to you for under $15.00   I liked the man cave sign since that's what I call my shop and had the one with the pin up girl made as you can see. I told him about all the stuff I have hanging in there that people have sent me from all over the world and he sent the extra woodshop sign to add to my collection. That was very cool!!!   

If you want one you can look him up on ebay or send a email to Mike, here's his address.  

motovationracing@sbcglobal.net 

A couple of weeks ago I started using a new lamp in my shop, it's the new triple bright lamp from the Daylight company. I have been using one of their slimline magnifying lamps for the last year so I already knew I liked their products, but I love this lamp. The big 24” x 4.3” shade can be adjusted to any angle or position. It adjusts vertically, horizontally and laterally to put the light wherever you need it on your work area. I set it up beside my scroll saw to try while I was cutting some intarsia. I know when I'm cutting intarsia my eyes become strained from staring at the fine lines I have to cut and I noticed the pure full spectrum light from this lamp reduces the glare and is a lot more relaxing to work under. Now I'm able to cut a lot longer without the eye-strain I would get from the lighting I have been using. If you get a chance you should try of these lamps out, I bet you'll be like me and not know how you got by without it.

I always have people asking where I get the colorful woods that I use.  Here is the contact information for the place I shop. 

Jeffries Wood Works

(865) 573-5876

Dovetail jig plans for logs

I have been interested in building a square log home with dovetail joints for a long time. I have looked at many ways to cut the dovetails, but I want them to be as close to perfect as possible.  With that in mind I have been looking for a jig.  I have found a few jigs that would do a great job, but they cost hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.  That would be fine if you were a contractor building homes for others, but it's way too much for me to spend. I came across this website recently and ordered the plans and they are great! Not only are they very inexpensive but they are clear and make it very easy to build the kind of jig I wanted.  If you are interested in building this type of log home or maybe a shop building you should consider buying a set of these plans.

http://logdovetailjig.com/index.html

Coyote Stencil Shop^© is used to make stencils for Scroll Saw, Marquetry, Intarsia designs, Gourds, Eggs, Glass, Wall Stencils, and Stone artwork.

I recently received a copy of this and I cant say enough good things about it.  Within 30 minutes of opening it, I had printed off the first pattern of my daughter. It's easy to use and I love the option of seeing what the pattern will look like when it's cut by using the different samples of woods in the program. The learning curve is very short and anyone can pick it up quickly and produce great patterns for their shop. If you are a scroller who always wanted to design your own patterns this is program you should try.

Mikes Workshop

Home of the Flying Dutchman Fret and Scrollsaw blades.

One of my favorite places to shop.

http://www.mikesworkshop.com/

Judy Gale Roberts

Woodworking and the art of inlay from Judy Gale Roberts, including a variety of patterns and opportunity to receive Intarsia Times newsletter.

www.intarsia.com

 I really enjoy using the intarsia patterns designed by Bruce Worthington. Not only is his designs beautiful, but he is one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with.  

Seyco 

Features the Award Winning Excalibur scroll saws and quality scrollsaw supplies. Seyco began business in 1986, with a goal to supply the best service and products available in the scroll saw industry.

I have been shopping with Seyco for over 14 years, the customer service is second to none!!!

Janette Square is one of the very top intarsia artists in the world and has always been very helpful to me. She has some really beautiful patterns and if you love cats you should make sure and check out her website and designs.

I started buying some of my supplies from this place in 2008 and I have been very happy with the service they offer, very quick shipping. 

The Wooden Teddy Bear 

SCROLL SAW PATTERNS, OLSON SCROLL SAW BLADES, BAND SAW BLADES, CLOCK INSERTS, AND MORE.

www.woodenteddybearonline.com

You can find just about any fretwork design you could want from this place.

The BEAM MACHINE is a simple
attachment that converts any chainsaw into a portable sawmill.

http://www.beammachine.com