We were lukewarm on the Lumber Wizard when it was reviewed about eight years ago (FWW #152), as the process was slow and the results were inconsistent. So when the company came out with a new version, the Lumber Wizard III, I wanted to see if the metal detector worked any better. In this test, it proved effective at finding metal parts within 1/8 in. of the wood’s surface. So, if you work with relatively thin stock (under 3/8 in. thick), and scan from both sides of the stock, the Lumber Wizard can find any metal in the wood.

However, if the stock is thicker, and the metal is buried deep enough, the Wizard might not tell you it’s there. The Lumber Wizard III sells for around $100. For more information, go to www.wizarddetectors.com.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

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Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

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