Who’da thought that woodworking would bring me back to the computer? As much as I try to get away from this electronic life-sucking gizmo I’m always drawn back, but this time in a real good way.

One of the latest cool tools to hit the woodworker’s workbench is Google Sketchup, a 3D computer aided design (CAD) software program that you can use to design, create, and modify your project plans. It’s like Etch-A-Sketch on steroids!

SketchUp was created by @Last Software, a small group of AEC software industry veterans. Founded in 1999 and based in Boulder, Colorado, this group envisioned developing 3D design software that would make design exploration accessible to everyone. In March of 2006 @Last Software was acquired by Google, and shortly there after released a free version of SketchUp.

It’s easier to learn than other 3D modeling programs, which is why so many people are already using it. SketchUp’s simplified toolset, guided drawing system and clean look-and-feel help you concentrate on two things: getting your work done as efficiently as possible, and having fun while you’re doing it.

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The most common complaint among Super Glue users today is that the bond is brittle, so repairs don’t last. No one likes to do the same job twice. Adding further to the frustration is the short shelf life the glue has after it’s been opened.

The Gorilla Glue Company has big plans to improve user satisfaction with the introduction of Gorilla Super Glue Impact-Tough Formula. The unique formula provides built-in shock resistance that allows glued surfaces to “give” while holding tight. Still the bond is instant — Gorilla Super Glue sets up in just 20 – 40 seconds.

“There is a chemical reason traditional super glue bonds don’t hold,” says Dr. David Dunn, a research chemist involved in the development of the new Gorilla Impact Tough formula. “When cyanoacrylates, (the technical name for super glue), dry, they don’t flex, so any movement or stress on the glued item causes the bond to crack at the glue line.”
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The Work Sharp WS3000 is the sharpening and honing solution for the discerning woodworker and heavy hobbyist who want sharp tools quickly and easily. The WS3000 offers 3 ways to sharpen your tools: Top Side with Tool Rest, the Chisel and Plane Iron Port and the Edge-Vision Port. The WS3000 sharpens chisel and plane blades up to 2″ wide to a perfect 20°, 25°, 30° or 35° bevel angle without any set up time! It also allows you to sharpen a perfect 5° micro-bevel for even faster re-honing. The WS3000 also sharpens carving tools, lathe tools, scrapers, putty knives and more! Work Sharp uses a powerful 1/5 hp motor and produces a high torque max wheel speed of 580 RPM. Work Sharp offers an active air cooled sharpening port with routed air flow and heat sink design to quickly and easily sharpen you chisels and flat blades without overheating or damaging the steel.

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Seeking to bring innovative and superior quality products to the market, Steel City proudly introduces their new 10″ Riving Knife Cabinet Saws with Granite Table Top.

The ground breaking addition to the Steel City line machines perfectly flat, will not warp or change. It is not affected by heat, cold or humidity and will not rust like traditional cast iron table tops. The heavy duty stone top helps absorb vibration making the cut smooth and blade alignment accurate. It is also virtually maintenance-free.
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