Ralphus316

Came across this weird toggle switch Anybody seen one like this before? It's DPST. I'm guessing, but it's basically an on/off switch?

I found this excellent video on YouTube on how to carve a top From about 4:27 to 7:35 he uses a cutter that looks like a large bit in the drill press. So if a regular router bit would possibly ruin the drill, wouldn't this ruin it too? And if it would, what other machine would you use this cutter in? Before I got a chance to check back here for replies from my original post, I tried a bit in the press that I have. I used scrap pine to test it on. My press only has five speeds. At the highest setting, as soon as the wood touched the bit it kicked back so I immediately stopped it. I dropped it down one speed and tried again. I very carefully tried a few passes and there didn't seem to be a problem, no kickback at all and everything was working ok. Could this have been because of how soft pine is compared to say mahogany? I will mostly be using mahogany and maple on the bodies I plan to build.

I'm looking to get a couple of new toys, er tools, and I would like any input on what brands/models I should get. I've been researching but haven't decided yet. I'll mainly be building solid bodies for myself, so I don't need super-duper-really-expensive machines. The first is a jointer. I'm probably only going to use it to joint edges, so it doesn't have to be a large one. So far I've looked at a Sears Craftsman model http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_0...aftsman+jointer and a Delta model http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-JT160-Shopmast...r/dp/B00006K00R Both have mixed reviews. Also found this model by Pioneer http://www.westerntool.com/product.htm?pid=613425 but I've never heard of the company. I'm looking to spend between $200-$300 tops since I don't expect to use it that much. The other thing I need is a floor or stand drill press. I currently have a bench press but it's too small for what I want it for. It's fine for drilling holes like it's supposed to do, but I want to use it like a router since I really don't like using routers. I tried a router bit in it and it works fine, only problem is the distance from the spindle to the column is about 4", not enough clearance if I need to rout the top or whatever. I'm looking at the Delta 17-950L http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-17-950L-16-5-I...r/dp/B000IZ7BBI , Shop Fox W1680 http://www.amazon.com/W1680-1-Horsepower-1...3636&sr=8-4 , or Rikon http://www.amazon.com/Rikon-30-210-15-Inch...636&sr=8-13 . Also found this one at Overstock http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/16-sp...70/product.html It is made by Pro-Tech but I've never heard of them before. Price looks good which probably means the tool isn't. There is one feature that I would like to have on the drill press. Many eons ago when I was in school, I used the drill press they had and there was a lever or lock on it so if you lowered the spindle down with the handle, you could lock it in place. Not a depth stop, more like a handle lock. Don't know the technical term for it. This is where I first got the idea to use it with a router bit. I put the bit in, lowered the spindle down into place, then locked it and routed the pickups and control cavity. My current drill press doesn't have this and I miss it. I contacted a couple of manufacturers and explained this to see if they have this feature and they all told me not to use router bits in the press because it will void the warranty. But for me, it makes for much easier routing. Any recommendations on what is good or what to stay away from will be appreciated. I'm going back to my cave now. Thank you.

Here is a link to a good shot of it, the best one I've seen so far: http://flickr.com/photos/jazminmillion/2308983555/sizes/o/

I'm having problems with a set neck electric that I recently got. When I tune up and play fretted chords, it plays fine. However, open chords are way out of tune. For example, when I play open A5, it sounds horrible. In order for it to sound right, I have to play 5th string open with 4th string on the 1st fret and then slightly bend the 4th string 1st fret up. Same with all open 5th cords. Any suggestions on how to fix it? It has a tune-o-matic bridge if that helps. Thank you in advance.