mdinterman

My first power tool purchase was my RAS based upon my father-in-law's advice and he was right. I think the RAS is the most under-rated tool in the shop and the table saw the most over-rated. Table saw is good for ripping and that's about it. Cross-cutting and mitered/angled cuts or compound angle cuts can't be beaten on a RAS. You can also use the power drive to connect a sanding drum to and sand bandsawn curves down. Dadoes are more accurate on an RAS since it "pinches" the stock down to the table as you cut it and you get a more consistent depth of cut.

As far as safety is concerned, I have never had an incident with my RAS in the 30 years I have had it and I have had three kickback incidents (one resulting in severe bruising close to the family jewels) with the table saw.

Personally, the RAS needs to get a revival in all woodworking magazines. If mine dies anytime soon, I'd be looking for another one right away.

I discovered Dr. Bombe just a couple of months ago and watched all his podcasts for the Bombe Secretary and I was fascinated with his work and his personality. I recall thinking he ought to be on television and would be a great replacement for Norm. And now he is!

Tommy, if you are monitoring this and want advice from future viewers mine would be be yourself and keep interjecting the humor, get Al and Rachel on the show, focus on demonstrating different and new techniques for those of us wishing to advance their skills. Also focus on hand tool skills for sure as that is the ultimate in craftsmanship. I would also like to see more information on finishing as your podcasts focus on building furniture. You send your stuff out for finishing and that is not what us mere mortals can do. I also liked seeing you take your viewers through projects from start to finish.

Best of luck and I am sure you will be successful. Please consider posting something on lumberjocks when you start broadcasting. I am also going to urge companies like Lie Nielsen and Steel City to sponsor you.

Two words Lie-Neilsen. Or is it on hyphenated word? Who cares, anything from Lie-Neilsen.

The one thing I noted was the quet surroundings and the understandable discussions while using the hand plane then the loud not-understandable attempts at discussion with the orbital sander (WHAT!?!?!?). Couple that with the total absence of sanding dust and you have a winner with the hand plane.