July 30, 2010

The Czeck Edge birdcage awl for pinpoint accuracy

A simple layout that requires boring is made accurately when using a bird cage awl. This is especially important when the layout is critical, such as properly aligning high-strength rare earth magnets. I use the Czeck Edge awl to ensure this pinpoint accuracy:

The bird cage awl: pinpoint accuracy in boring.

Although I did not show it in a recent article, I also used the bird cage awl to mark the location of the pivot point on the folding legs of a prayer kneeler (prie Dieu). These now are perfectly flush with the standing surface, as required to remove all stress on the pivot point during use:

Folding legs even with surface.

I invite you to visit the totally revamped Czeck Edge Hand Tool web site. In the interest of full disclosure, Czeck Edge is one of the sponsors on this blog.

Al Navas

A rule stop and a story stick

Sometimes I prefer to not use my tape measure, especially when I have already made a prototype piece. In this case I had already made a drawer sample, to show my client for his approval (click on all images to enlarge them):

After receiving the green light to make the remaining drawers, I completed the drawer boxes but not the slips and bottoms. During the machining of maple stock to make the solid wood bottoms, a new tool arrived in the mail: the brand-new Czeck Edge Rule Stop – Introductory Price is $27.95:

From the Czeck Edge web site:

…Besides a rule, the unique design permits the Czeck Edge ruler stop to clamp tightly to practically anything that can fit between the 1 1/4″ maximum jaw width. A shop made straight edge of any length, a story stick or a machine fence can all benefit from the repeatable accuracy the Czeck Edge ruler stop provides. The jaws can also grab round stock to just shy of 1/4″ diameter, making a handy depth gauge…

I took on the challenge, as I needed to duplicate the prototype drawer bottom dimensions, and also wanted to set the blade height for another little project. For the drawer bottoms I wanted to get close to final length:

I simply inserted a 3-foot rule into the jaws, allowing an extra inch for the length:

Using this technique I had the new boards marked in a few seconds – and I did not have to put difficult-to-read pencil marks on the rule!

For the drawer width, I wanted to use the little story stick I was using for the drawer slips. So I simply marked the distance from the edge of the tongue on the far edge, to the edge of the nearest tongue:

The last thing I did was to to set the blade height for a slot on another board:


BobZ, I love this new Rule Stop – thanks!

Disclosure: Czeck Edge (Robert Zajicek, Owner) is a sponsor of my blog. I received the first-run Rule Stop for evaluation in my shop and projects.
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—  Al Navas

The Czeck Edge tools on display at Woodworking in America at Valley Forge

Layout tools are critical in the shop, as they make it possible to mark a work piece accurately and clearly. And this is the sole reason for the existence of Czeck Edge Hand Tool.

Bob Zajicek, Owner of Czeck Edge, sold out his new dovetail chisels at Valley Forge, as he had only a limited number from the first production run. Notice the nice taper, which will allow the chisel to get into tight spaces, such as when paring, to get perfect joint fit:

czeck-edge-dovetail-chisel-valley-forge

Please read this earlier article I wrote about the pre-production version of this chisel after the Woodworking in America conference in St Charles, Ill., and Bob’s comments about it.

Update: I just received word from Bob that he is expecting the next batch of blades in three sizes, 3/16″, 1/4″ and 5/16″. Be sure to contact Bob through his web site, to add your name to the waiting list for the new chisels.

How about some eye candy? The Czeck Edge marking knives, awls, and burnishers – and barely seen on the left of this photo, Andrew Lunn, saw maker extraordinaire, who was immediately to the left of the Czeck Edge display position:

czeck-edge-display-philly

The awl display is colorful and warm, both for the beautiful woods used, as well as the workmanship:

czeck-edge-awls-philly

The burnishers, too, just about sold out. I own one, and it will probably be the last I ever need — the popular brand burnisher I bought many years ago went out in the trash some time earlier this year:

czeck-edge-burnishers-philly

Do yourself a favor, and try out one of the Czeck Edge tools; you will be glad you did. And, in the interest of full disclosure, Czeck Edge is one of the sponsors of this blog. I use Bob’s tools in my shop, and can recommend them without reservation!

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