Safety Announcement:

DEWALT Industrial Tool Company is recalling to repair the following 12 Volt, 14.4 Volt, 18 Volt Heavy-Duty XRP Individual Cordless Drills. The trigger switch could over-heat which presents a possible risk of fire.

The model numbers involved are: DEWALT DC920, DC930, DC935, DC936, DC940 

If your drill is affected, STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY, and call DEWALT toll-free: 1-888-742-9168. Check this DEWALT link for more information.

MAGSWITCH Tools were proclaimed the Hot New Tools of 2007, according to Wood Magazine. The correct use of these magnetic tools in your work shop will create a safer work environment because of the technique they use to hold down your workpieces; they use a high-strength magnet with an on/off switch. Magswitch magnets reduce the chance of dangerous kickback and will mount to any steel surface of your table saw, planer and Jointer in place of using Clamps.

What makes MAGSWITCH Tools so good? It's like a strong, magnetic clamp!
1. You control the tool ~ You have the ability to turn the magnets off and on. Other magnetic tool devices will contact the surface with a powerful crash, causing damage to the surface and even the magnet. Any body part or material caught between the magnet and the power tool table top will be damaged.

2. The MAGSWITCH magnets are easily moved or repositioned: all other tool magnets are always in the ON position, they are difficult to reposition when in contact, and are difficult to remove.

3. Magswitch Magnets are exceptionally strong in Breakaway Strength (Straight Pull), are very strong in Shear Strength (sideways movement), and are weaker in Pry Force.

Which MAGSWITCH Tools should I check out first?
1. Magswitch Magnetic Table Featherboard :  This tool can be used on your table saw, bandsaw, Shaper or jointer to hold your workpieces into place and reduce the chance of dangerous kickback. With the Table Featherboard, you will have no more miter slot limitation. Also, you can add the Magswitch Vertical Attachment piece to your Featherboard to hold wood snugly against the Fence and the table for a safer, cleaner cut. With multiple adjustments that allow for handling larger pieces of wood, the Magnetic Table Featherboard with the Vertical Attachment is a good place to start.

2. Magswitch Fence Featherboard will mount to any steel surface where you are using a fence. You can use the Fence Featherboard for infeed and Outfeed to hold your workpiece firmly in place and reduce the chances of dangerous kickback.

3. Magswitch MagJig 20mm and MagJig 30mm are more versatile than clamps, and also are faster and easier to use. With these small magnetic tools, you can build your own custom jigs to fit your personal style of woodworking. The 20mm MagJigs and 30mm MagJigs will hold your work firmly in place with a magnetic grip that you can turn on and off. These MagJigs also move easily from jig to jig and will work on any steel table.

Check out prices on MAGSWITCH products at Toolking.com!

In honor of Woodworking Safety Week, we are reposting our "10 Power Tool Safety tips" to keep posted in your workshop for you and your employees:

1. Keep your work area clean and well-lit.
2. Do not operate power tools in areas that contain flammable liquids and gases.
3. Never carry the tool by the cord and always unplug your tool when not in use.
4. Keep power tool cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts and replace damaged cords immediately.
5. Always, always wear eye protection - even sun glasses help. Dust in your eye CAN scratch your cornea and get infected.
6. Use safety equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat and hearing protection for appropriate conditions.
7. Do not overreach when using a power tool.
8. Use Clamps when securing your work pieces to be cut or drilled.
9. When not in use, keep battery packs away from other metal objects to avoid shorting the battery terminals because this could cause a fire.
10. Read the instruction manual. Yup, read it and use COMMON SENSE.

Power Tools make work more fun...

You can print this out by clicking on the title, the link will take you to the page with the .pdf symbol in the upper right corner of the article. Click on the .pdf symbol, print and hang in your shop.