But sometimes a little mistake can have huge consequences – severed fingers, cracked bones, a lost eye, or worse.

When working with power tools and even hand tools, it does not take a lot to suffer a life-changing accident. A small rush here, skipped safety precaution there, experience-borne complacency with certain tools – you get the picture.

With some of the incidents sensationalized and spread by the mass media, we all shake our heads and say that guy did something wrong. I’m much more careful and so that’ll never happen to me. Some accidents are just too outlandish to relate to. Who can really anticipate shooting themselves in the brain with a nailer?

But, as with driving a car, one small movement or one tiny moment of neglect can lead to disaster. The potential for harm is definitely real, and we must always be mindful of this. As mentioned, no one is immune to life-changing mistakes. Even the most experienced users might lower their guard at times.

So… here are a couple of real Everyday Joe injury stories – with photos – that woodworkers sent in to the Wood Whisperer.

Woodworking Injuries via Wood Whisperer

No, you shouldn’t be afraid of tools, but it’s okay to have a respect for what they can do to you. Reminders like this one may be redundant, but hopefully you’ll appreciate why it’s necessary.

One Project Closer has been producing a string of really good How To’s lately, and their wooden planter box project especially caught my attention. It’s a simple woodworking project, but there are so many directions one can take in with a few customizations.

The project steps are laid out well, with clear photos and explanations. I have no need for a planter box at the moment, but following along gave me some nice ideas for a small tray design I have in mind.

Check out the full How To project over at One Project Closer. And while you’re at it, check out their incredibly detailed Pro-follow project guides.

Dewalt’s newish DWS780 12″ double bevel sliding compound miter saw is a very nice machine. I gushed about its XPS work light, and mentioned the saw as part of my top-5 woodworking tools of 2011 list. It may be overkill for less demanding crosscutting tasks, but there’s not much that the saw can’t do.

Pros:

• huge cutting capacity, up to 16″ width boards with use of back-fence
• XPS work light is amazingly precise and effective
• dust collection, while not perfect, is better than for other saws in this class
• starter blade is quite good for general purpose cuts
• saw was perfectly aligned right out of the box
• rails glide smoothly
• knobs and controls are all easy to access and comfortable to toggle

Cons:

• saw is a bit too heavy to carry from top handle, side handles are slightly uncomfortable
• dust collection still isn’t that good without an attached vac
• small dust bag
• requires more rear clearance than the Bosch Axial Glide saw

Overall, I am quite impressed with the sliding miter saw, and it was difficult to find much to complain about it. It comes with a fairly robust and nicely constructed workpiece clamp, which surprised me a bit, and optional extension rails are available for users that don’t plan to use the saw with a miter saw stand.

The DWS780 saw is priced at $600, which is on-par with other 12″ sliding miter saws in its class.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

I posted a more photo-rich and detailed review of the miter saw over at Make: Online - check it out!

Thank you to Dewalt for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or comparison purposes.

Amazon is currently holding a Porter Cable spring sale where cordless and cordless power tools, pneumatic tools, and power tool accessories are eligible for a $20 off $100 discount.

Listing of all eligible Porter Cable tools.

Take a look at our Porter Cable post archive for past tool previews and reviews.

Coupon is applied automatically at checkout, and expires April 30th.

There are many tools you can use to prune a tree. A reciprocating saw makes quick work of medium-sized branches, say 5/8″ – 3″ in diameter.

If you only cut a couple of branches a year, then you can probably use whatever wood-cutting saw blades you have at your disposal. But if you’re tasked with cutting many or thicker branches, you’re going to want to consider picking up an appropriate saw blade.

I came across these Milwaukee Sawzall pruning blades on Amazon, and they seem to be recommended by most users. A faster, easier, more efficient way to cut green branches with a recip saw? Sign me up!

These 5 TPI pruning blades are available in 9″ and 12″ lengths. The link below leads to a 5-blade pack, but I’ll be on a mission to find single-blades locally.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

We recently discovered another new Bosch power tool, the GTS 10 XC Professional table saw, and we’re afraid that this too will be a EU-only tool.

Just looking at the saw, we could tell it was different. A crosscut sled, or at least a mechanism that resembles one, is built right into the table. Bosch calls this an integrated slide carriage. It can accommodate a maximum board width of 350mm, or about 13-3/4″.

Other features include:

• 2100 watt motor with electric brake, soft-start control, overload protection, constant speed delivery
• table widener and extension
• cast aluminum tabletop
• tool-free riving knife lowering
• self-adjusting parallel rip fence
• auxiliary rip fence
• cut capacity of 79mm (3.11″)
• rip cut capacity of 635mm (25″) at right of blade, 250mm (10″) at left of blade
• on-board storage of additional saw blade, push stick, stops, dist extraction adapter
• dust extraction port build-into protective blade guard and at rear of tool
• pre-cut locator
• carrying handles
• 24-tooth 10″ TC saw blade
• 47° tilt left, 1° right
• 35kg (77lbs) weight
• compatible with Bosch’s wheeled gravity stand

MSRP is GBP 669, or about $1073, and retail pricing should be a bit lower. Right now there’s no word as to whether the GTS 10 XC Professional will be released in the USA.

More Info via Bosch UK

It’s an unfortunate reality that some tools are only available outside the USA. Some of the EU-only tools we’ve previewed before include an Irwin tool box, Dremel Fortiflex flex-shaft tool, and Bosch track saw. Bosch’s new GTM 12 Professional miter and table saw combo is one more tool we’ll probably never see here in the states.

Miter Saw Mode

The GTM 12 Professional is essentially a miter saw with a table saw fence attached at the top of the blade. What’s the point of something like this if the table size is so small? The miter saw can be used for cross-cutting operations and the table saw part for rip-cutting.

Table Saw Mode

Miter-cutting depth is 95mm (3-3/4″), and table-cutting depth is 51mm (a hair over 2.0″).  The 12″ blade is powered by an 1800W and 4300 no-load RPM motor for fast-cutting. There’s also a built-in worklight and a laser cut-line indicator. The tool weighs in at 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs).

While it can be argued that such a narrow table size may be impractical, remember that track saws are hugely popular in Europe. We can imagine that works will use a track saw to break down sheet goods, the miter part of this combo saw for almost all cross-cutting operations, and the table saw part to rip-cut narrower workpieces too small to lay a track on.

MSRP pricing is GBP 490, or about $785. The saw is available in 240V and 110V versions, so maybe it will one day find its way to the North American market.

More Info via Bosch UK
Buy Now (via Amazon UK, UK customers only)

Teaser: there’s a new 10″ table saw coming out in the UK as well, with a good chance of there being a USA model working its way down the pipeline. Stay tuned for details later this week.

We discovered a new Bosch jig saw, the JS572EL (and JS572EBL with barrel grip), that is said to be the new standard in precision. Over in Europe, the new jig saw model will be known as the GST 140 BCE Professional.

Bosch came out with several new jig saws back in October 2010, but it doesn’t look the JS572 is replacing the JS470 – it looks to be a more precise higher-end model. Nevermind that in the Europe the JS470 is the GST 150 and the new higher-priced model is the GST 140.

The new JS572/GST 140 saw is very similar to the JS470 saw, but features a new Precision Control II double-roller system that is said to virtually eliminate blade wandering. A switchable LED light helps illuminate the blade area for greater visibility. And a tool-free die-cast aluminum footplate can be easily adjusted for fast and easy bevel cutting.

There are a number of differences between USA and EU models. Most notably, the EU version features a magnesium base plate instead of aluminum. The USA version is rated at 7.2A, and the EU version 720 W.

Additional features include tool-free blade change, compact and lightweight design, low vibration due to mass balance system, and constant power regulation.

Both USA and EU models come with an L-Boxx, non-marring glide shoe, anti-splinter guard, several jig saw blades, dust hood, vacuum hose adapter, and suction nozzle. The EU version is compatible with Bosch’s guide rails.

Going by UK pricing, we expect the JS572E to be priced around $200.

While a new jig saw may not seem like big news, we’re huge fans of Bosch’s models. Our 1587 saw is still going strong, but we’re growing tired of its older and slower blade-change design.

About a week ago, Parke emailed in, describing problems with a February order for a Bosch 1590 jig saw kit. His distributor recently told him that the 1590 has been discontinued and is being replaced with a new model. As such, Parke’s order is in limbo and he asked for our input about what to do. To help him out, we started digging for info.

So a big thanks to Parke for the email that led us to find out about the new Bosch jig saw!

Makita will soon be releasing a new router and router kit, models RT0700C and RT0700CX3, that offer performance and versatility in a lightweight and compact package. Like the Porter Cable and Dewalt compact routers, Makita’s new router is somewhat of a hybrid design between laminate trimmers and full-size routers.

The RT0700C router features a 1-1/4 horsepower motor with variable speed control, 10,000-30,000 RPM, and a soft-start function. Speed-control circuitry ensures that the speed is held constant, even under load.

The motor housing itself is made from heavy-duty aluminum. Depth settings are controlled via a rack and pinion fine adjustment, and a quick-release cam lock system allows for coarser adjustments and base swaps. A straight base is included with the router, and the kit includes a straight base, plunge base, tilt base, offset base assembly, dust nozzle, side handle, trimmer guide assembly, and tool bag.

The plunge base features a 0-1-3/8″ depth capacity and 3 preset depth stops. The tilt base can be adjusted at different angles and features positive stops at 30° and 45°. Tilt bases allow you to break down and bevel edges with only a straight bit; this is one of the reasons we’ve been pining for Bosch’s Colt router kit.

Compact routers seem to be quite popular these days, and there’s even a mini router table available.

Woodcraft has kicked off their 2-day Spring Sale. 10% off most power tools; 15% off finishes and glues, carving tools, wood woodboring tools, books, DVDs, and router bits; and 20% off hardware, fasteners, pen kits, pen kit accessories, and dust-collection accessories.

Shop now or check out sale details!

Even if you’re not a woodworker, Woodcraft carries quite a few general interest power tools and accessories. It’s definitely worth a look.

Sale is valid March 2nd and 3rd 2012 only.

Exclusions:

*Excludes All Tormek, SawStop & FESTOOL Products, All Dovetail/FMT Jigs, Dowelmax Products, Powermatic ONYX Machines & Gift Cards. Discount Offers Cannot Be Combined. Discounts Not Applicable To Quantity Pricing. Excludes Special Orders. Discounts Not Valid On Prior Purchases. Discounts On Regular Priced Items Only. Discounts Available March 2 & 3, 2012 Only.

Woodpeckers recently announced new 7″ and 12″ bevel gauges that combine modern engineering with a classic design. The new bevel gauges are one-time-tools, but we hope that Woodpeckers opts to make them permanent additions to their measuring and layout tool lineup.

These bevel gauges feature stout stainless steel blades, CNC-machined aluminum bodies, stainless steel hardware, and a vise-style sliding blade-lock thumbscrew.

I had a chance to handle (and drool over) the 7″ bevel gauge at a recent Woodworking Show, and my goodness, it felt fantastic. I’m a regular fan of Woodpeckers’ USA-made tools, but the bevel gauge felt even better built and looked more elegantly designed than I expected.

The Woodpeckers bevel gauge absolutely puts to shame the <$10 Empire model in my tool box. The plastic-handled gauge I’ve been using has a large thumbscrew on the front near the pivot, making it impossible to flip over and prone to slippage. The Woodpeckers design, on the other hand, features a locking thumbscrew at its end, enabling the tool to be used on either side.

Notice that the blade is asymmetrically positioned between the two sides of the handle. I feel that this was done so that you can use the gauge with a wider range of workpiece thicknesses.

Price is $70 for the 7″ bevel gauge, and $100 for the 12″. There’s also a handy laser-etched angle reference plate for $40. Ordering deadline is March 5th, with an approximate early-May 2012 shipping estimate.

Buy Now (via Woodpeckers)

Dewalt’s DW788 20-inch variable-speed scroll saw looks to be the most popular model on the market. At a recent Woodworking Show, I took notice of the 3-4 scroll saw demo stations and woodworking club booths, and all of them featured this Dewalt scroll saw.

For a moment I considered that perhaps Dewalt sponsored these booths, but the saws all looked very well used. That, and if the scroll saws were provided by Dewalt, I would at least expect them to have a demo model at their own booth as well.

Although the Dewalt saw is quite a bit more expensive than the very many entry-level models on the market, it looks to have earned top-dog status among woodworkers and crafters.

One of the reasons I was eyeing the scroll saw stations was because several readers have emailed-in recently, asking for scroll saw recommendations. I usually point to the Dewalt and Delta models as being higher-end options, and tell them to flip a coin when choosing sub-$200 models. But if there’s greater demand, I might look into possibly reviewing one or two units – please let me know if this is something you would be interested in.

Dewalt Scroll Saw via Amazon

Rockler has just released their new I-Semble slip-on shelf brackets, which are designed to make shelf building quick and easy. In addition to shelving units and bookcases, these new brackets can be used to build other types of furniture as well.

In order to build I-Semble furniture, the only tools you need are a drill and saw. I-Semble slip-on shelf brackets slide over vertical 1″ x 10″ (3/4″ x 9-1/4″) boards and are fixed in place at the desired heights with screws (included). Shelves are than mounted to the brackets to create a complete system.

Buy Now(via Rockler)
Buy Now (Via Amazon)

These slide-on brackets are made from ABS plastic and are sold in pairs of 2 for $15. And if you’re looking for more similarly quick and easy DIY-furniture-building hardware, take a look at Rockler’s I-Semble shelf blocks, which feature a fixed shelf height.

The FastCap Square N Tape, invented by Tom Noon, is a small plastic square that you attached to your tape measure. The Square N Tape is 3″ wide and provides a 90° straightedge, notches at 1.5″ and 3.5″ for ripping 2x2s and 2x4s out of larger boards, a mark at 1.5″ for single-stud layout, and angular markings at 22.5° and 45°.

You can attach the Square N Tape to a tape measure with the pre-applied self-adhesive disc, or ample amounts of hot glue. On the front of the square is a white erasable notepad area.

The Good

The Square N Tape worked exactly as advertised. We received two samples, one to attach to our own tape measure, and one that came pre-attached to a FastCap PS-25 Pro Carpenter tape measure.

The smooth plastic body slides along boards with ease, and the notched V-grooves are easy to find with a pencil. Small grooves that indicate 1.5″, 22.5° and 45° marking locations were also easy to find and align as well.

The FastCap PS-25 tape measure is a decent tape measure, so most of the Square N Tape testing was done with the pre-attached combo. Using the Square N Tape was pretty easy and with a really short learning curve. After getting used to it, the combo did prove to be more convenient than pulling out a try square or speed square to make short right angle markings.

The Not So Good

There are two downsides to the Square N Tape. First, all 4 of our 25′ tape measures were too big to mate with the Square N Tape without modification. I don’t even see how hot glue can be used to create a strong and aligned match-up. Our 16′ Stanley PowerLock might fit, if I can find it.

Unfortunately, the useful height of the Square N Tape does impede the unlock action of the FastCap tape measure. Well, it does not really impede the lock itself, but it makes releasing the tape with one hand quite a physical challenge. Bringing in a second hand to help support the tape is a quick remedy, but the attachment shouldn’t interfere with normal operation of the tape measure.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Square N Tape is a handy device, and it does have potential to be a real time-saver. However, I could not attach it to any 3rd party 25-foot tape measures, and could not get comfortable with the FastCap tape measure and Square N Tape combo.

Despite its flaws, I still like the Square N Tape, or at least just the Square part. It feels relatively sturdy, does everything it says it can, is incredibly lightweight, and is made in the USA.

I sent a note to the inventor, describing my difficulties matching the Square N Tape to 3rd party tape measures and using it comfortably with the FastCap tape, but have not received a response. I thought that maybe I was missing something or handling the Square wrong, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The Square N Tape is a neat and useful design, and although I personally could not get comfortable with it, your experience might be better. It’s priced at $6 separately or $15 with a FastCap tape measure.

Buy Now via FastCap

But Gass isn’t happy with some users buying his SawStop saws – he wants to force all other  table saw manufacturers to license his technology. Since manufacturers chose not to pay Gass for his SawStop tech, he began lobbying government officials to force manufacturers into licensing agreements.

This whole situation is a mess. If manufacturers are forced to license and implement SawStop technology into all saws, forget about the entire <$250 table saw category. $300+ saws will increase in price, weight, and complexity. In addition to the licensing fees and actual SawStop components, manufacturers would be forced to spend a ton of money on R&D, which would raise product costs even further.

In all the example videos we have seen, blade guards are removed and saw blades extend well beyond their recommended safe operating heights. To us that seems like a dirty trick.

Worth mentioning, here’s an update that PTI, the Power Tool Institute, sent us regarding their work to oppose Gass’s campaign to force manufacturers to license his technology:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a 30 day extension of the comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on table saw safety.

The new deadline for comments is March 16, 2012.

To date, hundreds of comments have been submitted to CPSC via the Power Tool Institute’s comments website, www.powertoolinstitute.info.  PTI continues to encourage woodworkers, consumers and interested parties to submit comments to the ANPR using the website.

Additional information on PTI’s position on the ANPR can be found at: http://www.powertoolinstitute.com/pti_pages/pdf/FactsAtAGlance.pdf.  The Federal Register Notice announcing the extension can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/frnotices/fr12/tablesaw.pdf.

If Gass was lobbying that brands be forced to implement automatic saw-stopping safety measures of their own, okay, that would seem reasonable. But no, he wants them to license his technology. Maybe that’s why Colbert jokes that Gass is destroying America.