CHATROOM |
 |
|
EDITED CHAT LOG
 "An Evening With Sandor: Tools & Technology" a Special Guest Chat with SANDOR NAGYSZALANCZY with Host Ellis Walentine Sunday, April 10, 2005, 9:30 pm EST | |
| Ellis | My very special guest tonight is Sandor Nagyszalanczy, author of twelve books on woodworking, tools and home improvement published by the Taunton Press, including five that have won the NAHWW-Vaughan first-place Golden Hammer Award. Sandor has nearly 30 years of professional woodworking experience, though he doesn't look that old. He was an editor for Fine Woodworking magazine for 6? years, served as West Coast editor of American Woodworker magazine in the good old days and is a regular contributor to Woodworker’s Journal. We're fortunate to have him join us tonight for this informal chat, tentatively titled "Tools and Technology." Welcome Sandor! |
| Sandor | Hi Ellis, Hi Everybody! |
| Ellis | You're right on time. What a champ. |
| Sandor | Well, I'm used to having to get goin' on time, what with all the book deadlines |
| Ellis | Sandor and I go back over twenty years, and we've had lots of great times since then. I'm very pleased to have him with us tonight. |
| Ellis | Deadlines are what editors live by. |
| Norman | Are you working on a new book now Sandor? |
| Dustmaker | I touught editors lived by finding Mistakes(-; |
| Ellis | Sandor, I understand that you were a furniture designer craftsman for about ten years before going into writing. How did you become a writer and editor? |
| Sandor | I just finished what I call "The big book of Jigs and fixtures" that'll be part of Taunton's "Complete Illustrated guide series. I'm gonna take a little break and try to catch up on some projects around the house--know what I mean? |
| Ellis | Can't wait for that one, Sandor. We'll post a review when it comes out. |
| Norman | Just when you think all the jigs have been thought of, out comes another.. |
| Sandor | Well Ellis, I started writing a rather rinky little newsletter w. another member of the then-active Santa Cruz WW association, and gradually developed a working relationship with the crew at Fine Woodworking...eventually they offered me a job, and I moved to the east coast for nearly 7 years to work with them. |
| Ellis | I remember those days, back in the early 80s. |
| Sandor | Yeah, the jig book is gonna be a killer--nearly 300 pages, and literally hundreds of jig ideas--hope you all will enjoy it! |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | sounds great |
| JohnP | should be a helpful reference |
| Ellis | Do you talk about specific jigs or about the problem-solving process that begets them? |
| Sandor | Ah yes, the early 80s when the woodworking renaissance was in full bloom, and John Kelsey ran the magazine--the halcyon days |
| Ellis | John and I still reminisce. |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | I am always looking for clever ways to solve problems |
| Sandor | Ellis: Both actually; there'll be a lot of stuff on jig design, as well as in-depth info on how to build LOTS of specific jigs, from layout, to machining, to assembly. |
| Norman | interesting why woodworking died off somewhat, then made a renaissance. I wonder what prompted this.. |
| Ellis | Yeah, teach a man to fish, I always say. |
| FredD | Sandor , did you ever make a jig and save it and then much later wondered how it worked the first time and what project it was used on? |
| Sandor | Hi Gypsydave--YES, as you know, it's much easier to build something complicated than it is to cut right to the heart of the problem and build something simple and elegant |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | yep---and simple is always best |
| Norman | I'm not familiar with all your books Sandor, what is your specialty? |
| Sandor | Fred: Ah yes, and that's why I took Petaluma furnituremaker Jeff Dale's advice and now write ALL the crucial info about how to use a jig RIGHT ON THE JIG ITSELF. |
| FredD | ;-))) |
| Ellis | Bingo. |
| Ellis | Excellent advice. |
| Norman | how true... |
| JohnP | nah, I'll never forget..... |
| Ellis | :-) |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | chortle |
| Dustmaker | I use Invisable ink is that ok to use on them? |
| Sandor | Hi Norman. I've written books on woodworking mistakes, sanding technology, vintage tools, power tools, setting up shop, dust control, and built-in furniture. Twelve books in all. |
| Sandor | Hi Dustmaker. I only use invisible ink for my most transparent thoughts |
| Norman | I can skip the mistakes one, I never make any :) |
| JohnP | lol |
| Ellis | What's your technique for diving into these topics, Sandor? |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | woodworking mistakes?---as in approach? |
| Ellis | Mistakes, as in how to be aware of them and hopefully avoid them... |
| Sandor | Mistakes...you know the big trick there is simply knowing how to cover them up so it doesn't look like you ever made them! |
| Dustmaker | Never a mistake, always an opportunity |
| Norman | they're called features |
| Ellis | Cover it up like a cat does in the litter box, as Krenov would say. |
| Ellis | Tell us about the “Golden Hammer Award” that your book “Tools Rare and Ingenious” just won. |
| Sandor | YES--Mistakes are an opportunity--to be clever in woodworking, as well as to explore new explatives (@#$&%!!) |
| Dustmaker | Sandor this new book on Jigs is it mostly for the TS or other tools as well? |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | 300 pages!! |
| Ellis | Such a deal! You'll need 60 hours a week in the shop just to put them all to use. |
| Tom | As a hobbyist, a mistake tells me I'm done for the day. Regardless of the hour |
| Sandor | The Golden Hammer award is given out by the Home Workshop Writer's Association in conjunction w. Vaughan-Bushnell. It's a real honor, and I'm proud to say that this is the 5th year my books have won it. |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | good for you, Sandor |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: NO, Jigs for literally EVERY tool in the shop |
| JohnP | that's impressive |
| Ellis | How do they decide whom to give the award to? |
| Sandor | Thanks JohnP |
| Tom | Congratulations are in order....excellent work! |
| Sandor | There's a panel who read all the entries and vote. |
| Tom | Now, this panel isn't you and one other guy, is it? (-: |
| Tom | I see arm-wrestling... |
| Dustmaker | Na he knows which Beer they like |
| Ellis | Of all the editors and authors I've known, Sandor has perhaps the most comprehensive talent for visualizing, acquiring and documenting a subject. My hat's off to him. |
| Sandor | NO Tom, it's an Independent panel. There are separate categories for best book, best photography, best mag. article, and best internet writing. |
| Tom | I've read several of your books and have been both informed and impressed. Thank you for that. |
| Sandor | Ah Ellis, now I guess I have to pay you that $20 I owe you... |
| Norman | so a book or article needs to be entered |
| Ellis | Finally :-) |
| Sandor | Thanks Tom. I certainly try to put information out there that I think woodworkers (of all levels) would like to read |
| JohnP | Sandor, a personal question....how do you pronounce your name? |
| Ellis | Best internet writing?? Hey, I didn't know about that category.... |
| Sandor | Yes Norman, books need to be entered. But these days, the competition is stiff--LOTS of entries. |
| Ellis | Phonetics, here we come..... |
| Norman | Danny Proulx had won it up here, I wasn't sure what topic however |
| Tom | I worked in a dusty shop for years until I read your book on dust control. That got me off my behind and finally got some control on that problem |
| gypsydave_in_alabama | San-door |
| Ellis | Regardless of who wins, readers vote with their purchases. |
| JohnP | gypsydave, lol |
| Sandor | JohnP: my FIRST name, which many mispronounce is: "Shawn-door" (I'm originally from Budapest, Hungary) My last name is: "Knot-sa-lon-see" or at least that's the best Americanized version |
| Norman | It is like the Academy Award of the woodworking world |
| JohnP | thanks |
| Sandor | Or the sawdusty Pulitzer |
| Ellis | I'm going to start calling you Oscar. :-) |
| Sandor | OK Felix! |
| Dustmaker | Felix? |
| Norman | I meant to ask Sandor, do you have a web site? |
| Dustmaker | come on now you have to tell |
| Sandor | ...Like Felix and Oscar in "The Odd Couple" play and movie |
| Dustmaker | Ok |
| Dustmaker | I was hoping to get more dirt on the Boss |
| Sandor | Norman--my website is currently being re-built; but it might take a while. the guy who is doing it is a surfer, and the waves here in Santa Cruz have been enormous lately! |
| Ellis | The Boss don't got no dirt on him. :-) |
| Norman | woodworkers are definitely more dust-aware these past few years |
| Sandor | Which boss? |
| Ellis | Not Springsteen |
| Dustmaker | The Boss of Ellis Island |
| Norman | ok. |
| Sandor | Yeah, I just spent a day making redwood sawdust. That'll put some ugly fuzz in your lungs |
| Ellis | Lemme know if you need some web help, Sandor..... |
| ............................ paul_anthony joined............. | |
| Ellis | Yikes, an interloper. |
| FredD | Has downtown SC been rebuilt since Loma Prieta Sandor? |
| Sandor | HEY PAUL!!! He's my editor on the Jigs book! |
| paul_anthony | Yep. Intruder alert! |
| Ellis | Whaddya know? |
| AndyL | Sandor,it seems like you are everywhere: books, magazines, even in my Carpenter's magazine you appeared as a guest. When woodworking for yourself, is there a specific style you enjoy that the public doesn't see? |
| Sandor | FredD: Mostly, downtown has been rebuilt. Unfortunately, they kinda built some mini version of Santa Monica--our old downtown was a real character hangout before; I miss it. |
| FredD | I bet no more street characters |
| Ellis | So, Sandor, what’s you’re next book project going to be, now that Jigs & Fixtures is in the can? |
| Sandor | AndyL: I think I enjoy the Craftsman and Art Deco styles the most, personally. I've built quite a bit of furniture in that style; just very little of it myself (as my wife will tell you in a hearbeat) |
| Sandor | FredD: Mostly punks nowadays |
| Sandor | The next project is to try to build MY own shop on my property--stay tuned |
| Dustmaker | In CA watch out for the EPA police |
| Sandor | Oh, but you asked about a book. I think Taunton wants me to do an update of my "Setting Up Shop" Book. Any ideas? |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: OH YEAH, I'll watch for them. Fortunately I have Smith and Wesson on guard 24/7 |
| Ellis | We're dealing with shop questions all the time, Sandor. You could mine WC for lots of material. |
| Dustmaker | How about a basic book on tool selection and what is and is not important |
| Sandor | Last time I mined a WC, all I came up with was a ton of SH*T. OOOPS; you meant WOOD CENTRAL didn't you? |
| DaveW | It wouldn't hurt to deal with shop size either. |
| Sandor | The old book had a section on tools, bup of course, it needs a lotta updating. |
| Sandor | YES, shop size is a major issue. I'm thinking of including more stuff on garage conversions too. |
| JohnP | vast topic if you cover everything from an all hand tool shop to an all mechanical shop and everything in between. |
| Greg | Would anyone have a "primer" out for "How to build a workbench"?? I would be interested in a book. Have the "workbench" book, but it doesnt really instruct.... |
| Dustmaker | Work flow also seems a little tough in some shopes |
| Ellis | A lot of questions are perennial. How to apportion a 24 x 24 space (i.e. two car garage)? Machines, benches, dust control, storage..... |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: Yes, work flow deserves a good treatment too |
| Sandor | Yes Ellis, and ultimately for most of us, how to cram 20 lbs of "stuff" into a 10 lb bag. |
| Carole_in_VA | Hi James. Hi Sandor...great to have you here! |
| Sandor | Thanks, Ellis always makes it fun |
| James | Carol I can remember when you |
| Ellis | I think that most people need to know what to do if they fit certain profiles. |
| paul_anthony | Sandor, I thought your "Setting Up Shop" book was a great primer on all facets of the topic. For those of you who haven't seen it, you should check it out. |
| Carole_in_VA | Hush James! |
| Sandor | Hey thanks Paul (I'll make sure and put that $20 in the mail to you too) |
| James | first started in scrollsawing and now turning, and doing a fantastic job of it I might add. |
| paul_anthony | Cool. It's up to $20 these days? |
| Sandor | Yeah, 20 just doesn't go as far as it used to... |
| Sandor | OK guys, any questions about say, dust collection out there? |
| Dustmaker | half a tank of Gas if you are lucky |
| FredD | no questions, but I would like to see you address the myths in DC |
| Andrew_Frank | what can cause them to explode? |
| Ellis | What's the best remote-control device to hook up to my DC unit? |
| Sandor | Myths? The leading one must be that plastic pipe systems explode--it CAN happen, but then again, you might just get bitten by a vampire... |
| Dustmaker | If I put my dust collector in the garage and run it into my basement shop lets say it is 1200 CFM how much air do I have to make up if any |
| Ellis | What's the latest on the Eco-Gate controversy? |
| Sandor | Ellis: The X-10 remote system (sold by Radio Shack) has lots of components you can use to switch your collector on and off |
| Ellis | Aha. That's good to know. I'll check into that. |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: I'd try to keep the filters inside, so you don't have to make up air |
| Norman | I think I have that one Ellis, with heavy-duty modules |
| Sandor | I haven't talked to Peter at EcoGate lately, so I don't know what's up. |
| FredD | how about the most efficient ducting such as spiral steel tubes as opposed to corrugated plastic, PVC, Gas pipe, old stove pipe and so on |
| Carole_in_VA | Do you really need 1 micron filters to protect yourself? |
| Ellis | Good question, Fred. |
| Sandor | Avoid thin-walled stove pipe, otherwise, the differences aren't significant--for smallish-sized shops |
| paul_anthony | Sandor, when you were doing research for the shop book, did you find that a larger shop was a universal desire, or were many folks satisfied with what they had? |
| Sandor | Carole: the whole filter micro size thing is tricky; hard to go into why in a chat room, but if you're concerned, read the filter section of my book... |
| Sandor | Paul: I find that most people just learn to make DO with their shops, but MOST wish they had more space |
| Carole_in_VA | Thanks Sandor. Will do. Had read some bad things about the cannisters for 1 micron. |
| Dustmaker | When I have more space I have more junk |
| paul_anthony | Lotta truth to that, Dust... |
| Dustmaker | When is a piece of wood too small to use any more |
| JohnP | Mike, that's a dicipline problem...lol |
| Sandor | Dustmaker--that's right! the same principle as "a job expands to fit the amount of time alloted for it" |
| Andrew_Frank | could you use HVAC duct as dust collection? |
| Ellis | What about the canister filters, Sandor. Are they what they're cracked up to be? |
| Carole_in_VA | Make knobs out of it or light pulls Dust! Never too small to be useful. |
| Dustmaker | Hay, I knew I was trying to be good but I still get a timeout JP |
| FredD | a foot of corrugated pipe is 2 1/2 times the friction of a foot of smooth duct, this not only applies to dust collection, but is the leading reason why people have a problem with long drying cycles with their clothes drier |
| Sandor | Andrew: most HVAC ductwork is just fine. |
| Sandor | YES FRED! the main thing to avoid is using LONG runs of corrugated hose--it really creates a lot of air resistance and reduces system efficiency |
| Andrew_Frank | whats the most cost wise way to go, would PVC be better, or another material |
| Sandor | I've seen lots of PVC ductwork systems; just make sure to use the right diameters |
| Dustmaker | going to a contractor and getting the stuff they pull outta houses or office buildings AF |
| Ellis | I know you’ve been on several programs on the “History Channel,” including “Tool Box” and “Modern Marvels.” Any new television appearances coming up? |
| Carole_in_VA | Ask about the cannisters again, Ellis |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: As you probably know, It can take a lot more time to use "recycled" stuff, and ductwork, for sure! |
| Larry_Clinton | Sandor, have you seen the Grizzly cyclones they are coming out with this month? What is your opinion of their product? |
| FredD | How do you advise the shop owner about fire codes, fire marshals, Insurance companies, Uniform Building code in CA, and the National Plumbing code to the contrary, |
| Sandor | I just spent a couple of days in Knoxville, making a guest appearance on two segments of "DIY Tools & Techniques," w. David Thiel. I brought some neat vintage tools, and showed some amazing Japanese tools too. It was LOTS of fun, and the segments should air on the DIY channel in a few months. |
| Sandor | Fred: I've found it best to visit or call your fire marshall and find out what the specific codes are for shops in your area |
| Ellis | Great, Sandor. Is there any new, cool power tool technology that you think we should be checking into? |
| Dustmaker | The Zero Kerf Band Saw Blades look Good |
| Norman | I would like a low cost horizontal boring/slotting machine. I used one this past week and I like it |
| Carole_in_VA | LOL That's what mine became the other day, Dust. BANG! |
| Sandor | A couple of things: Looks like Panasonic will be introducing a new oxide battery technology (first, as replaceable C and AA sizes), that runs MUCH longer than alkaline, and is generally better than NiCad. I think we'll be seeing it in cordless tools in the fairly near future |
| Dustmaker | Was it painted Yellow Carol |
| Carole_in_VA | LOL |
| Ellis | Will they recharge with the same chargers, Sandor? |
| Sandor | Also, Sears/Craftsman has been developing a new counter-rotating blade saw for a portable circ saw w. NO kickback! |
| Ellis | Leave it to Panasonic. |
| Carole_in_VA | Yeah, dream on, Ellis. |
| FredD | a useful and reasonably priced board stretcher would be a ideal shop must have |
| Sandor | I really don't know about the recharging process... |
| Carole_in_VA | What is the kerf size on those circ saws, Sandor? Got to be big with two blades! |
| Sandor | Ahh, board stretchers.. now THERE'S a project for an entreprenuer |
| Ellis | Righteo... |
| Dustmaker | Just cool the battery before recharging they last longer I toss my in the freezer for awhile aftter use and recharging |
| Sandor | Actually the blades are INCREDIBLY thin, so their combined kerf is about the same as a standard saw--believe it or not! |
| FredD | Has anybody read of the controversial blade stop developed for TS that will ( they say ) stop before it cuts you hand or finger off? |
| Norman | probably everyone here |
| Sandor | I saw a demo of it some time ago, and it REALLY worked great--on a hot dog. I still wouldn't want to try it w. my finger |
| FredD | anybody believe it or bought one of the TS? |
| Sandor | I believe... |
| Carole_in_VA | Several people on the various boards have bought them |
| Sandor | What do they say? |
| Ellis | I saw it at IWF and it certainly looked like a real breakthrough. |
| Dustmaker | but not the Skin right Ellis |
| Norman | I like the riving knife feature thay put on it |
| FredD | I understand every time it is activated , you need to replace it for about seventy bucks |
| Sandor | Yeah, I've always liked riving knives on European brand saws |
| Carole_in_VA | Of course they say they love them! BUT you have to have different cartridges for dado sets. And if the thing goes off you need new cartridges and a new blade. |
| Ellis | the saw itself is a marvel of engineering. None of the standard Unisaw-breed of castings need apply. |
| Norman | FredD: plus a new blade |
| paul_anthony | I would love to see a riving knife incorporated into every table saw sold in the U.S. |
| FredD | oops |
| Carole_in_VA | Me too, Paul! |
| Sandor | Easier to get that stuff than an new finger |
| Ellis | Right, Fred. but what is seventy bucks compared to a finger. |
| Carole_in_VA | True Sandor, but I am waiting to see how many false triggers occur. |
| Sandor | Good point Carole |
| Ellis | Jinx, Sandor |
| Norman | I'm more concerned with kickback personally |
| FredD | well Ellis, not to beat a dead horse, what I really would like to know is...... how come its does'nt take the woodworking industry by storm? |
| paul_anthony | Then get a splitter, Norm. That'll prevent kickback. |
| Carole_in_VA | Cost |
| Sandor | It's all about liability and cost |
| FredD | should be a OSHA chapter and verse on it |
| Norman | I've got all that stuff Paul, just the same it's an issue |
| Ellis | That's another question that needs substantial airing on the boards, Fred. |
| Sandor | I'm not sure where OSHA stands regarding that saw and safely mechanism |
| FredD | as far back as it can Sandor |
| paul_anthony | Have you experienced kickback with a properly aligned splitter, Norm? |
| Ellis | The inventor is a lawyer who has tried to get an ordinance requiring his techonology. That;s where he got into hot water. |
| FredD | sounds vaguely obscene Paul ;-) |
| Dustmaker | the worst kick back I had was with the Factory devised splitter Safety device |
| Norman | actually, I have experienced little to no kickback, I take all the precautions.. |
| Sandor | No wonder most woodworkers remove their stock saw guards! |
| paul_anthony | Hmmm. Usually, my obscenities aren't so vague... |
| FredD | LOL |
| Norman | the quick release splitters make life easy.. |
| Ellis | Paul, :-) |
| Sandor | OK kids, any more questions before I go fix dinner? |
| Carole_in_VA | Sandor, What do you think of the cannister filters for DCs? I have read that they clog really easy. |
| Dustmaker | I was going to try those little plastic ones to see how they do |
| Dustmaker | What is for Dinner? |
| Carole_in_VA | The micro-jig splitters work well, Dust. |
| paul_anthony | They really work pretty well, Dust. The price is certainly right too. Just make sure your zero-clearance insert plate fits well. |
| Sandor | Carole: The smaller ones do tend to clog more easily, but ultimately, if you're using proper preseparation (a cyclone or drop box/cannister) ahead of the filtration, it shouldn't be a problem. |
| FredD | Onieda advises using compressed air to clean the filter from the outside in Carole |
| Carole_in_VA | I haven't tried one with really thick stock though |
| Carole_in_VA | Which I don't have, Fred. :( So the cannister might be a real hassle for me. |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: leftover lamb stew |
| Dustmaker | Sounds Good |
| Norman | I can't say enough good things about preseparation since I set mine up.. |
| paul_anthony | It works fine with thick stock too, Carole. |
| Dustmaker | how well do the trash can seperators work |
| Carole_in_VA | Great..thanks, Paul |
| Sandor | Carole, Jet builds a rotating manual cleaning tool into their cannisters |
| Sandor | Dustmaker: They can work great, if everything's set up correctly |
| Norman | dustmaker, they work fine. get a real tall can though. It makes a huge differnece |
| Carole_in_VA | Have you actually used one for any length of time, Sandor? |
| Sandor | Yes Norman. |
| Ellis | Thanks for joining us tonight, Sandor. I hope you will visit WoodCentral again and keep us posted on your latest ventures. |
| Norman | Thx Sandor |
| Carole_in_VA | Was that blinking lights, Ellis? |
| paul_anthony | Night, Sandor. |
| Dustmaker | Thank You Have A Great Night and Enjoy your Dinner |
| Carole_in_VA | Night and thanks, Sandor! |
| Sandor | Yes, I've used a couple of different cannister filter systems on a regular basis for a long time, and I'm a huge fan--they do a much better job, on par, than filter bags do. |
| Ellis | Yep |
| Sandor | Thanks Ellis and everyone! It's been a pleasure |
| Dustmaker | You don't have to go home Carol you just can't stay here |
| Ellis | Paul found the smilies feature. |
| Carole_in_VA | LOL |
| FredD | good night Sandor and I will wait to buy your latest with very little patience |
| Sandor | Hey, I just found the BEER feature  |
| Ellis | I hope we can have you back here again.... |
| paul_anthony | Do they they make an emoticon for that vague feeling of angst? |
| Ellis | With or without the beer? |
| Dustmaker | That means you are buying the next 6 rounds Sandor |
| Sandor | Preferably with....Thanks again...Bye bye! |
| Ellis | I may have to cook one up for that, Paul. :-) |
| rubes | Thanks, Sandor and Ellis. Good night. |
| Ellis | Thanks for joining us tonight, folks. The edited transcript will live on in our chat archives. |