>With all the recent excitement around here, I haven't had a chance to post the official survey question for November. I was amused recently by the thread about the "Best and Worst" Christmas presents you had ever received, so I thought we could build on that theme.
As usual, your comments will be mercilessly distilled and sent off to our friends at Woodworker West magazine, where they will appear in the next issues "News & Views" column.
What were your best and/or worst woodworking-related Christmas presents?
>Back when I had very few tools my wife's grandmother asked what I would like for Christmas. I thought I wanted a jig saw for Christmas and so she bought one for me. A Craftsman jig saw. I laugh about it now but it was not so funny trying to remodel a house with something that is not even heavy enough to make a good boat anchor, making it basically worthless.
>The worst Christmas present I ever got was a set of chisels. After I gave detailed specifications, including brand name, catalog number, online store, and web address, I got a set of chisels from a famous large home improvement store by a very large tool maker because they had pretty yellow plastic handles and came in a handsome plastic case.
My son was so proud, I couldn't tell him he had just bought junk. I still have them and even bring them out and use them when he's around. They are not that easy to keep sharp. I have ground the tapered edges down on some of them so they fit into a dovetail, but it took the better part of the life of a sander belt to grind off all that metal.
One thing good about them - I don't mind beating on them unmercifully.
