Newest Customer Woodworking Product Reviews

I reviewed these plans in April after receiving them but before building any chairs. I was disappointed in the quality of the patterns but after making my own out of hardboard was very satisfied in the plans although they contain a measurement mistake or two. The chairs are very comfortable and sturdy. At the time of this review, the plans are on sale for $9.99. Even with the flimsy pattern, they are worth the sale price.

The convenience of being able to use them as a spreader without having to remove and reinstall the fixed end (which is what you can do on most quick clamps, btw) is nice when you need that function. Unfortunately, the rotating knob which selects squeeze or spread is very loose and will come undone with the slightest bump to the clamp, as when you set it down. The next time you want to use the clamp you have to check and/or reset the knob- very annoying if you are in a quick glue-up. If Bessey would improve that knob I would easily give this 5 stars.

I have a SawStop table saw. I'm quite paranoid about using reclaimed lumber - or even lumber from the big box stores due to staples. I was a little apprehensive about buying this. I did have a problem with my initial unit, so I called customer service. The customer service has been absolutely AMAZING. I've been totally blown away by the experience.

It's ok. It get the job done however after using the upgraded version of this, the slightly bigger one is hands down better. This product does work, don't get me wrong, however it has some issues. On harder woods it seems to bog down a bit. The fold down leafs on either side flex a bit. From day one it didn't cut as well as my buddies who bought the next model up. Even with the dust collector hooked up, the dust port sometimes builds up and jams. I started running it with the dust collector off, makes a mess however. All in all, if you're looking for a portable tool that works and don't need a perfect cut, then this is great. If you're doing finishing work and looking for a little better quality cut, up grade to the next model.

I used these to construct my kitchen cabinets using the DowelMax jig. As with most dowels, it is suggested that you first size them by driving them through a sharp edged 3/8" hole in a steel or aluminum plate just before you use them. That way they all fit perfectly.

I have used a lot of dust collection components. The fit is good and what I would expect. If not for the following I would give it a 5. The down side is the durability. I have had 2 of these break out where the 2-1/2" portion broke away completely. The first I dropped on the floor from about 3 feet before ever connected. The second just broke off in the same place while I was using a tool which was barely moving the connector. I bought a tapered 4" - 2.5" to try it out and it seems to be working well but you have to really crank down on the clamp for it to stay connected.

I purchased 8" drop supports from another source...they did the droop thing...these are the best. I will buy again...great service...super product. Thanks.

I am returning this tool. It is much too large. Yyou think that it can dig down into delicate wood to remove smaller nails. Not so. I needed a tool to repair wood storm windows. It tears a large hole in the wood with the oversize jaws. I had to discontinue its use. I think if it was proportionally about 4" smaller with thinner, narrower and slightly longer jaws it would do the trick.

My lathe arrived in good condition, except that the lower belt cover was broken (fault of the delivery company, no doubt). I fixed that and set it up. The centers aligned very nearly perfect and everything was tight. So I started turning. I have turned bowls, boxes, spindle shapes, honey dippers, lamps, and parallel sided {cylindrical} knot-tying mandrels. My widest bowl was 9 1/2" diameter! my longest piece has been just over 12". I have turned with the drive center, faceplate, glue blocks, 4-jaw scroll chuck and screw chuck. I've turned lids on jamb chucks. I've drilled holes with it. The lathe is not overly heavy and will shake a bit with an out of balance piece, but mine is not bolted down yet and it works just fine. It is not a light-weight, though, and soaks up vibration pretty well. The belt change is not automatic, but is not really that hard. Move the belt first at the end where it steps smaller, then the end where it steps larger - that works like a charm. Reach under for the bottom pulley, and through the back for the top pulley. The real problem is the covers. They should be hinged instead of requiring full removal and replacement for each speed change. They are flimsy, too, but that is not a deal breaker. I may hinge mine. I've had it a month. I've turned dozens of pieces from skinny spindle work, to bowls from heavy oak. Everyone in the family (all five of us) has turned something. I added a 4-jaw chuck, 1/2" drill chuck, and a set of round-bar rests. My only real complaint is that the motor does get hot. It does not seem to overheat, but it gets very hot and lots of dust and shavings fall on it. I keep it clean! This lathe is a good deal for the hobbiest or learner. It might even be good for more serious folks who need a smaller machine.