Shop Tips
Magnetic Catch For a Blast Gate
Feb 10, 2016
In FWW #248, Dean Hedstrom suggested using a ball-nose plunger to hold a dust-collection blast gate open or closed without having to loosen and tighten the locking knob. My variation is to drill out the threaded hole for the knob to just over 1⁄4 in., then drop a 1⁄4-in.-dia. rare-earth magnet into the hole. I find that one standard magnet is strong enough to hold the gate in any position, but you could put one on each side of the gate or use a longer magnet if necessary. Rare-earth magnets are widely available online.
Jim Richey
Andy Olerud, Driggs, ID
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM
You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.
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