Tools

Tool Review: Garrett Wade Gunsmithing Screwdrivers

Tool Review: Garrett Wade Gunsmithing Screwdrivers

This is a set of three finely made flat-head screwdrivers with fancy hardwood handles and nice brass ferrules. Apart from their fine finish, the hollow-ground tips are the screwdrivers’ major selling point. Supposedly, unlike a double-wedge shaped screwdriver blade, a hollow-ground blade applies more torque to the bottom of the screw’s slot, where it’s strongest, and less at its top, where it’s weakest and most likely to get scuffed or marred. Though the appearance of screw heads is rarely important to me, there are functional reasons why it’s important to avoid damaging screws as much as practical, and I get as irritated as anyone else with screws and drivers that readily slip out of engagement. Flat-head screws are, in my experience, usually the worst offenders, and though I was a bit skeptical, I have to say these hollow-ground tips really do feel more solid.

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Today at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Today at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Today is Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what that means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. Tune in at 2pm PST/5pm EST on the +MAKE page for a hangout related to safety – bad experiences with tools, and how to prevent them. We’ll share our experiences and discuss how to prevent certain frightening things, like table saw kickback, from occurring.

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Today at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Today at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Today is Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what that means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. The main topic of the hangout will be power, in various forms. We’ll discuss a few of the many possible ways to power your projects, whether it’s with a homemade bench-top supply, a solar panel hanging out of your window, or a kit like the Mintyboost.

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Tomorrow at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Toolsday Hangout on Air, Live and Online Tomorrow at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Tomorrow is Toolsday here at MAKE, so you know what that means – a live Google+ hangout where we will be discussing our favorite tools and workspace essentials. The main topic of the hangout will be part finishing. We’ll discuss the tools and techniques required to protect and decorate your part with paint, varnish, anodizing, powder coating and more. Join us at 2pm PST/5 pm EST on the MAKE Google+ page or catch it later on the MAKE YouTube page.

DiResta: Tool Bag

DiResta: Tool Bag

In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (Dirty Money, Hammered, Against the Grain, Trash for Cash) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy. On this episode of DiResta, Jimmy sews himself up a classic canvas and leather tool bag.

For lists of materials, tool, and supplies, notebook sketches, and Jimmy’s notes, see the post on MAKE: http://blog.stage.makezine.com/2013/01/02/diresta-tool-bag/ ‎