Shop Fox Parts

I have a Shop Fox W1704 wood lathe. recently the motor has developed issues. In looking for replacement parts, I found several Shop Fox customers who were happy with the product, but were having difficulty getting parts.

With a bit of poking around on the net, I found that 'Woodstock International' is the company that makes Shop Fox products. On Wodstock International's web site, you can use your zip code to find an authorized dealer in your area.

It turns out that there are 2 authorized dealers within 7 miles of my house. Getting the part I need turned out to be as simple as calling the dealer. I called Woodstock International before hand, and they gave me the part #, all I had to do was give that part # to the dealer.

Pen Turning

Handcrafted wood pens is a product that I enjoy creating. I carefully select woods (mostly exotics) for their grain and color. Matching the metal of the pen mechinism to the wood to create a flowing finished product. Some of my projects can be seen at http://pcgom.org/ in the e-buy http://pcgom.org/ebuy.html section . Comments of course are welcome and apprieciated.

Against the grain

I turned a hart Dbl. twist pen from Locust wood. I cut the pen blanks accross the grain instead of with the grain (photo below). I carefully used a gouge to get the blank round and then used sandpaper to size and shape it. I started with 40 grit to rough it in then progresivly sanded to 800 grit. This took consideratly more time of course but eliminated the probability of blowout. I think the effect is worth the extra time.