About.com Woodworking

How Sanding Belts are Made

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:24:46 +0000

On a recent tour of the Ali Industries factory in Fairborn, Ohio, I learned how they manufacture their line of Gator Finishing sandpaper and abrasive products.

What I found particularly interesting, was watching the steps they used to take specially constructed sandpaper and form them into sanding belts for use with belt sanders. It was quite compelling to watch, and the results are a belt where the joint is actually stronger than the paper!

In this step-by-step article, learn How Sanding Belts are Made.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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How Sanding Belts are Made originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 16:24:46.

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Gator Finishing 5-inch Sanding Discs

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:58:36 +0000

The Gator Finishing 5" Premium Sanding Discs for random orbital sanders are designed to last three times longer and clog less than traditional sandpaper. Made with premium Black Zirconium, these discs can be used on wood, fiberglass, painted surfaces, metal and more.

In this woodworking review, learn the advantages and drawbacks of these Gator Finishing 5-inch Sanding Discs.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Gator Finishing 5-inch Sanding Discs originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 14:58:36.

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Woodworking Safety Close Calls

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:35:21 +0000

It is said that wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others.

A couple of months ago, I posted a comment about Close Calls When Not Wearing Safety Gear, requesting reader responses. A number of you responded with some very interesting situations that could have been prevented (or at least made less dangerous) by wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Check out these interesting safety close calls and, if you have a similar story that you feel would benefit the community, please pass it along through the form at the bottom of the page. Perhaps a fellow woodworker can learn from your experience.

Woodworking Safety Close Calls originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 22:35:21.

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Answers to Reader Questions

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:13:26 +0000

A reader asked the following question:

I purchased and set up a mortising attachment on my drill press, aside from that I noticed that when applying pressure to the DP handles to lower the chisel into the wood, even with new sharp chisel bits, it really seems difficult to press square holes into the wood [sort or hard wood]. Is this a common problem?

This topic became an interesting back-and-forth discussion in the About Woodworking User Forum. This is a place where anyone can ask woodworking questions and get answers from woodworkers around the world quickly. Best of all, it's absolutely free to create a username/password and join in the conversation.

Stop by the About Woodworking Forum and check out all of the conversations today!

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Answers to Reader Questions originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 16:13:26.

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How Sandpaper is Made

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:26:58 +0000

I recently was fortunate enough to visit and take a tour of the Ali Industries factory in Fairborn, Ohio, where they manufacture their line of Gator Finishing sandpaper and abrasive products. On this tour, I learned a great deal about how sandpaper is made, and frankly, it's a lot more than simply sprinkling some sand onto some glue-laden paper.

In this step-by-step article, learn How Sandpaper is Made. As a bonus, learn why certain type of sandpaper are better for certain applications, and more importantly, why those types of sandpaper are better.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

How Sandpaper is Made originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 17:26:58.

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The Difference Between a Jigsaw and a Sabre Saw

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:50:06 +0000

After reading this review of the Craftsman 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Sabre Saw, a reader posted the following question on the bottom of the blog post:

What is the difference between a sabre saw and a jigsaw?

In Jigsaws and Sabre Saws, discover the origins of both of these saws and how they are different (as well as how they are similar).

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

The Difference Between a Jigsaw and a Sabre Saw originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 06:50:06.

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Profile of Ali Industries

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:20:29 +0000

Ali Industries, makers of the Gator Finishing System and the popular line of Zip Sanders, has been offering their lines of abrasives since 1961. In this profile of Ali Industries, learn how the company has evolved from a garage-based business into a company that offers abrasive products the world over for woodworking, construction, automotive uses and more.

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Profile of Ali Industries originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:20:29.

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Book Review of Woodchuckles

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:01:40 +0000

Woodworker Steven Spiro has partnered with cartoonist Dave Sanders to produce "Woodchuckles - For woodworkers and those who love us." It's a compilation of 100 cartoons with a woodworking theme.

Read more in this Woodworking Book Review of Woodchuckles woodworking cartoons.

2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Book Review of Woodchuckles originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 23:01:40.

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How to Remove Even the Finest Sawdust

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:33:25 +0000

Before beginning the finishing process of their a project, the woodworker needs to be sure that every possible bit of sawdust and grit left behind by sanding has been removed. While vacuums and tack cloths work well to get most of the sawdust, there is another final measure I like to employ before I begin staining, painting or applying an oil to my projects.

Learn this handy tip for removing even the finest sawdust from your woodworking projects before you begin to apply finish.

2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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How to Remove Even the Finest Sawdust originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 08:33:25.

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30 Minute Home Improvement Ideas

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:08:08 +0000

Corresponding with the new Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool and the Dremel Multi-Tool, Dremel has put together ten great home improvement ideas with Paul Ryan of DIY Network.

Additionally, Dremel is looking for more such ideas, and is willing to pay for them! Submit your favorite project idea using a Dremel tool (200 words or less) for a chance to win up to $2500.

To check out these 30 minute ideas, plus read about the contest, visit the Dremel 30 Minute Miracles site.

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30 Minute Home Improvement Ideas originally appeared on About.com Woodworking on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 18:08:08.

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