Hey! Check out this new toy: The Akeda Dovetail Jig! What makes Akeda's dovetail jig different from the competition you ask? Well, their system features a unique clamping system. It's closed system compared to the others. By closed I mean that the cutting jigs are inside the sturdy metal box, giving you a solid top to set your router on while cutting. Then, there are three different dedicated clamping positions for your board. Akeda dovetail jigs are the only jigs to let you adjust your through dovetail pin angle according to your stock thickness(maximum board thickness is 3/4").

The Akeda Dovetail Jig is extremely easy to set up and use as the video below will demonstrate. They provide a great instruction manual on cutting dovetails that is sold separately or you can download from their website for free at: www.akeda.com. As far as health and safety goes, the Akeda Jig is handsdown the most innovative with the DC16, a one piece, snap-in dust collector port (sold separately). I'll shut up now so you can watch the video!

Looking for a laser measuring device and not sure what to look for? Are you the type of person who needs to make accurate measurements for a living? Or for part of your living? Still using a walking tape measure? Then you need to check out some Laser Measuring Devices. Laser Measuring Devices are quicker and more accurate than the traditional tape measure. Here are five questions you need to ask when shopping.

Five questions you need to ask when looking for a laser measuring device:
1. What kinds of distances are you measuring?
For example are you measuring rooms, do you need cubic volume measurement, are the walls and ceilings difficult to access with a tape measure? Laser measuring devices have ranges from 50m-250m depending upon the manufacturer and price. The nice thing about these types of measuring devices is that they are very easy for one person to use and get super-accurate room and distance measurements -usually from standing at just one point of reference. Many of the laser measuring devices also feature a swing out extension pin for measuring corners and have the option to measure from different points of reference, like the front or back edge of the tool.

2. To what degree of accuracy do you need your measurements to be?
Look for the greatest accuracy that you can find to fit your budget. Most laser measuring devices have an accuracy of at least 1/8" or 3mm. Some of them have a "Measure on Level" feature which gives the greatest accuracy. Basically how this works is that you aim the laser on an angle up or down from where your measuring point is. Then, you slowly lower or raise to level - which is indicated on the measuring device. When the device is exactly level, it will automatically give you the distance. This distance will be the most accurate because it is a straight line distance with no angle error from being hand held.

3. Do you need continuous measurement from a set point (diameter or radius)?
This is a nice feature if you need to measure the distance away from something or the radius around a center point.

4. How durable and comfortable is the device to use?
For the most part, you will be holding this device in your hand to use. How comfortable does it feel? How big or small is it? Is it dirt and water resistant? Durable if accidentally dropped? Do it have the option to screw it onto a tripod for use?

5. What's your budget?
There are a wide variety of laser measuring devices on the market and a wide variety of prices to go along with them. We've featured three excellent ones below.

Stabila Laser-Distancer LE50 for $229
The Stabila 06140 is one of the worlds smallest and lightest Laser distance measurers. One person using the STABILA LE 50 can measure quicker and more accurately than two persons using traditional measuring instruments, all without twisting and turning. At the push of a button, the LE 50 calculates the geometric values such as cubic volume from the length measurements. The LE 50 features one-hand operation and a simple menu guide. The range of measurement for the Stabila Laser-Distancer LE50 is 328 feet without the target plate and has an accuracy of 1.5mm or 1/16".

RoboToolz RT-9000 RoboTape Distance Measurer for $225
The RoboToolz RT9000 has a continuous measurement feature that allows you to use it like a tape measure and a memory that stores 50 measurements. It is dust, dirt and water resistant. A nice additional feature that the RoboTapeTR-9000 has is the Measure on Level feature. The ability to measure from a level point makes your dimensions that much more accurate.To use this feature, you simply point the front of the RoboTape slightly above the point you want to measure. Then you press the Measure on Level button. Then you press the Length button to turn on the laser pointer. Slowly bring the front of the instrument down until the unit is level. Dunno when the unit is level? Well fear not, when the unit is level a measurement will be automatically taken. The range of measurement for the RoboToolz TR-9000 is 600 feet or 200meters with an accuracy up to 1/8" or 3mm.

The Bosch DLR165K Digital Laser Rangefinder Kit for $140. 
The Bosch DLR165K has four measuring reference points - back, front, swing-out extension pin for measuring from inside corners or channels or center of optional tripod. The DLR165K features the precision laser measuring technology in which the laser beam does both pointing and measuring. The indirect length measurement mode calculates inaccessible distances that cannot be measured directly due to obstruction or lack of reflecting surface using Pythagorean theorem (a2 + b2= c2). The range of measurement for the Bosch Rangefinder DLR165K is 165 feet with an accuracy of 1.5mm or 1/16"

From Ben Jackson's review of the Bosch DLR165K at Toologics.com, "The Bosch DLR165K can also compute Square footage or cubic footage just as easily. The LCD clearly indicates which measurements (length, width, or height) you need to take to compute these sizes. In just moments, I was able to compute the volume of my office: 2245 ft³, which according to Google's handy unit conversion calculator , would hold 16,793 gallons of water. "

Looking for something to do in Colorado this Friday evening? Stop by the Evergreen Art Center in Evergreen, Colorado for a glass of wine and see a fabulous show of craft. Our very own Woodworking Tool Hero, Pat Morrow from Trail Mix Studio will have three pieces featuring shaping and texture carving in the exhibit.

The opening is from 5:00pm to 8:00pm this Friday, April 24, 2008 at the Center for the Arts in Evergreen , 32003B Ellingwood Trail (next to the rec center). The show runs until May 23rd. For more information, you can call 303-674-0056 or visit www.evergreenarts.org .