Open for Business

Sorry it has been so long since we posted here. We've been very busy in the shop and setting up the new store. We can finally announce that "The Wood Bucket" online store is open for business. Check it out: http://thewoodbucket.com.  All items are one of a kind so when an item sells, it's gone. You may see items that are close to each other but no two are exactly the same.  Happy shopping!

Freedom Pens

"The Wood Bucket" has joined "The Freedom Pens Project". We have agreed to make at least 25 pens for our military troops serving overseas. This is a way for all of us to show our troops that we care and to thank them for their service. You don't need to be a pen turner to be part of this, you can also make monetary donations which will be used to buy pen kits and help with shipping costs.

We will be posting photos of our donations in future posts.

You can get more information by going to freedompens.org

CPSC Announces ANPR for Table Saws to Address Serious Hand and Finger Injuries

CPSC Announces ANPR for Table Saws to Address Serious Hand and Finger Injuries


Let us know what your feelings are about this issue.

Table Saw Safety Tips

A table saw is a very useful tool in the woodshop which, means that table saw safety is extremely important. The power of the saw, and the danger it presents, require your full attention. The table saw has been around for a very long time, and, used correctly, most problems can be easily avoided. The tips below should help you stay safe.

1. Read and understand the entire manual before using any power tool.
2. Always disconnect the power before changing the blade or performing any other maintenance.
3. Wear proper eye and hearing protection.
4. Wear proper clothing. No loose fitting clothing or dangling jewerly.
5. Never wear gloves while cutting.
6. Keep all safety guards in place and in working order.
7. Never reach over the blade.
8. Use a push stick when cutting small pieces.
9. Always use either the fence or miter gauge. Never cut free-hand.
10. Never adjust the fence with the blade running.
11. Keep the tabletop clean.
12. Keep the area around the saw clean.
13. Make sure you have enough room around the saw.
14. The most important rule is if you are not comfortable with the tool, don't use it.

Remember all tools can be safe if used correctly, or can be dangerous if not. So take the time to learn the tool before you try to use it.

Setting Up A Basic Workshop

Here at "The Wood Bucket" we will talk about different types of woodworking. You don't really need a lot of space to start a small workshop. All it takes is a corner of the basement or garage, some tools, and a bucket of wood pieces. The tools you will need will depend on what items you want to make. We will talk more about the tools reguired as we talk about each project.

Things you will want to do in setting up your workshop are:

1. Build or purchase a solid workbench
2. Make sure you have electric outlets and lights where you need them*
3. Put up some pegboard to organize your small tools on
4. Put up some shelving of some kind
5. Install your pencil sharpener
6. Put a trash can in the workshop

*If you are not comfortable working with electric, you may have to hire an electrician to install some outlets and lighting.

Now you have the basic start of your shop.

Tools that all workshops should have are:

1. Safety Glasses and / or Goggles
2. Tape Measure / Ruler
3. Pencils
4. An assortment of Screwdrivers
5. Pliers
6. Hammer
7. Adjustable Wrench
8. Clamps in several sizes
9. A bucket of wood

All other tools will be determined by what you want to make or fix.