BuffaloFeeds » Toolmonger » January 13, 2010

Toolmonger (7 unread)

Inside A Master Gunsmith’s Shop

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 12:04pm MST by Nick Carter

A friend sent me a link to a Russian shooting blog that had an entry on a visit to Master Nijazi Ibragimov’s workshop in Lviv, Ukraine. The Picasa album shows many things of interest to the Toolmonger, notably the disarray on the floor, the lack of many power tools (check out the D-handle drill in the drill press fixture), and the techniques he uses with wood chisels. Many of the tools are recognizable but slightly different from what we’re used to, like the large aluminum c-clamps, the buffer (with bolts proud of the body that hold the end caps on) and the small vise on one bench. It seems that most of the work he does involves pistol grips which are a mixture of sculpture and precision. It’s an interesting trip to the other side of the world!

See all the pictures here: Master Nijazi Bilyalovich Ibragimov’s Shop
Antique Tools: Adjustable Wrenches

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 11:42am MST by Sean O'Hara

It’s a funny thing that happens when a tool is left forgotten in a tool box for fifty or so years before it’s pulled back out again. Suddenly adjustable wrenches like these are not called a nasty old tool, but a vintage tool. We find the change itself interesting.

When you look at these adjustables, what do you see? The lower one says Speednut and is recognizable as a wrench but there are subtle differences that let us know this is not something new — the adjustment for one, the handle for another. I’ve never seen one like it, but I know exactly what is is and more or less how to use it. They are reminders that we haven’t got everything quite figured out yet but always strive to do better.

The funny part is, if they’re not broken you can do almost everything with these older models that a modern wrench off the shelf can do today. Somehow I’ve always found that a strange curiosity since something like a plow would baffle me no end. It doesn’t make sense in my world — these wrenches do and will most likely do the same for my kids one day.

Thanks to reader Whiteforge for the great photo and the moment we paused to consider these interesting finds.

Toolmonger Photo Pool [Flickr]
Tweet To Win A Craftsman Snow Blower

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 11:28am MST by Chuck Cage

So you’re a social media fan and up to your knees in a driveway full of snow, eh? Craftsman wants to puff up their Twitter following, and they’ll give you a (slim but measurable) chance at a snow blower for adding +1 to their following and reading their marketing Tweets.

The deets: Visit Sears’ step-by-step snow blower finder and pick your fave. Follow @BlueLGCrew on Twitter and Tweet the following:

Following @BlueLGCrew and went to http://bit.ly/6KxG5t to find my ideal #searssnowblower - model [insert your fave's 5-digit model # here] - I’m entered for a chance to win it!

The contest closes tomorrow, so move quickly. Or just use your existing snow blower, knowing that your soul is safe from misuse of social media for one more day. Either way, enjoy.

Official Rules [Sears Blog]
Hobart’s New Starter TIG Rig

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 11:15am MST by Chuck Cage

Hobart wants you to venture into TIG, and to help you along they’ve introduced a new model in their EZ line: the EZ-TIG 165i. Like Hobart’s other EZ models, the 165i features a single knob control, simplifying the learning process by combining some of the most common settings into easily-selected presets. Just select your metal type and thickness and you’re good to go.

Though the 165i does require a 230V 1-phase power source with a 6-50P three-prong plug, it weighs only 50 lbs — a whopping 90 lbs less than Hobart’s other TIG units. You also get 12.5′ of lead and Hobart’s Lecacy 17 Weldcraft TIG torch. (You can add finger-tip amperage control separately for extra dough.) It’s affordable, too, starting at around $1,300.

But most importantly, you get the ability to expand your home welding projects beyond mild steel. Want an aluminum coffee table? A stainless steel truck box? A chromoly bike? This isn’t a bad place to start.

The EZ-TIG 165i [Hobart]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Why TIG? [Hobart]
It’s Just Cool: Underwater Chainsaw!

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 10:58am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Next time you need to go logging underwater, your gas-powered or electric chain saw isn’t going to cut it. You’re going to need a tool like one of these air powered chainsaws from CS Unitec. They manufacture a few models of air-powered chain saws, including the underwater model with an exhaust valve.

Besides underwater, air-powered chain saws are safer in hazardous or wet locations. Drawing 92CFM at 90PSI to produce 4HP, the low maintenance saws start easily and the motor and chain have separate lubricating systems.

The saws come with 17″, 21″, or 25″ bars and a standard “Super Chisel” chain. You can also buy carbide tipped and ripping chains for the saws. One of these air-powered chainsaws will run you about $3000 new, but it looks like you can rent them for $130 a day.

Air Powered Chain Saws [CS Unitec]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Almost One Million Home Improvement Books Recalled

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 10:46am MST by Chuck Cage

The CPSC this week announced the recall of almost one million home improvement books published between February 1975 and the present, including some you might find currently in Lowe’s. The problem: erroneous technical diagrams and wiring instructions “could lead consumers to incorrectly install or repair electrical wiring, posing an electrical shock or fire hazard to consumers.”

The recalled titles all come from publisher Oxmoor House of Birmington, Alabama, and include: the AmeriSpec Home Repair Handbook, Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair, Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring, Sunset Basic Home Repairs, Sunset Complete Home Wiring, Sunset Complete Patio Book, Sunset Home Repair Handbook, Sunset Water Gardens, and Sunset You Can Build — Wiring.

If you own one of these books, give Oxmoor House a call at (866) 696-7602 for a full refund. And if you own the one published in 1975 and you’ve yet to use it for a single project, well — now you have an out.

Book Recall [CPSC]
TV Tonight: Wednesday Wasteland

Posted: January 13th, 2010, 10:44am MST by Nick Carter
(TV Tonight, Wednesday, January 13th, 2010) Another empty Wednesday. Head out to the shop.

All times are central
- Ask This Old House: Pendant Lighting Care for Succulents (DIY, 6:30 pm)
- Ask This Old House: Waterproofing System, Installing a Privacy Screen (DIY, 7:00 pm)
- Holmes on Homes: Ceiling the Deal (HGTV, 9:30 pm)