New Dremel Router Base
Most models of Dremel's high-speed rotary tool fits easily into the company's new 335 Plunge Router attachment to act like a mini-router with the characteristics of a full-size plunge router. This attachment is perfect for small scale plunge routing and offers fine adjustment for precise routing depth and a two-post design for greater control. It's perfect for forming decorative edges, cutting straight slots or routing freehand. It features a plunge lock-in handle for fast and easy plunge locking. Two depth stops (with quick release) provide rapid adjustment of routing depth, which is extremely helpful when making progressively deeper cuts. At about $30, it's compatible with models 275, 285, 395, 398 and the new 400 series Dremel rotary tools.

For more info, visit Dremel online.

On August 12th and 13th, the Diablo Woodworkers in San Francisco are hosting a seminar by finishing expert Bob Flexner, the author of "Understanding Wood Finishing". The seminar will take place at Pleasant Hill Education Center. On the Friday evening, Bob will have a Power Point™ presentation of "Solving Finishing Application Problems". He will be giving some helpful information on dust nibs, brush marks, orange peel, runs and sags, bubbles, blushing, dry spray, fish eye, pinholes, bleeding, swirls, what to do when your finish won't dry or harden, sand-through, lap marks, blotching from stain drying too fast, cotton blush, uneven sheen, shellac ridging, ghosting, and dye that didn't color the grain. (Whew!)
On Saturday, Bob will have demonstrations on finishing techniques including applying oil finish, wiping varnish, brushing a finish and cleaning brushes, spray guns and spraying, mix and apply water-soluble dye stains, how to deal with blotching, filling pores and rubbing out a finish. Lunch will be served and the cost of this seminar is $100.

New Schmidt Catalog
Charles G. G. Schmidt & Co., Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of woodworking tools and equipment since 1926, has released their new catalog, #800. It lists over 1400 items for shapers, moulders, tenoners, planers, saws and routers used by woodworking shops of all sizes.Ê The Schmidt company also distributes machinery for specialty millwork.Ê Call 1-800-SCHMIDT (724-6438) to request a copy of Catalog No. 800 or you can download the catalog in PDF format on their Web site.

Hastings Saws was founded in 1947, and since then has been a major supplier of high quality custom welded bandsaw blades. Hastings features Lenox blades and custom welds them along with giving expert advice on blade selection. If you are unsure of the type of blade you need, click on the Lenox button at the left side of the screen on the Hastings Web site. Here, you'll find descriptions of blades and accessories, a glossary of common terminology and the features and benefits of each type of blade, as well as appropriate materials to be cut. It also contains a tooth selection chart, break-in instructions and suggested blade speeds for different types of materials.