Ft Washington Show and Dino

[Joseph N. Myers]

The Ft Washington Show was somewhat disappointing this year, even smaller that last year and not one vendor selling wood (one selling veneer, does that count?). Did manage to pick up some stuff dealing with safety and fine-tuning equipment, can never be too safe.

Dino was there and introduced some new stuff this year, most of it having been discussed on this forum before but you know how it is, seeing is believing. And for the photo police, my digital camera is in the shop.

He had the new "repeater" there which basically acts like a table saw fence. You set the width of the cut on the repeaters, push the wood against the repeater stops and cut the wood with a circular saw. Then push the wood against the repeater stops again and cut. Dino demonstrated the unit by cutting thin strips of wood in widths down to 1/16" with consistent thickness. Would be great for cutting thin strips of wood for making up curved pieces of wood for say, a round table.

The new edge planning system was there whereby you take his routing system and replace the router part with an electric hand planer. It rides along the Smart Guide and is used to smooth an edge in additions of tapering an edge, i.e., going from say 1" down to 1/16". My Dewalt is 3" wide so I probably could use it to cut table legs (instead of using a tapering jig, joiner, etc.). (Note: it needs an "L" bracket to connect the planer, he has it for the Bosch, is working on other vendors).

On Sunday, he had the "repeater" setup with the circular saw and edge planning system to cut oak veneer whereby he would plane the wood to get it smooth then cut it with the circular saw. The resulting veneer looked really nice and was quite quick to produce.

He also showed his mortise and tenon system whereby one of the Smart Guides is mounted on the side of the table to hold the wood and the other Smart Guide is mounted on top of the table to hold the router system. New to the system are "stops" that restrict the movement of the router to get the shape of the mortise and tenons (production stops to be available in a month or so).

Regards, Joe

[Frank Pellow]

Thanks for the report Joseph. I would love to see one of Dino's demos.

Dino says that he has a repeater that works on the Festool rails. Did he demonstrate that?

[Steve Clardy]

Nice report Joe.

[John Stevens]

The resulting veneer looked really nice and was quite quick to produce.

I wasn't there for the veneer-cutting demo on Sunday, but I saw a different demo of the EZ-Repeato (or whatever it's called) on Saturday. It worked very quickly, which was a real surprise. Of course, the speed would be nothing without accuracy. While I couldn't tell whether the finished pieces varied from the reading on the scale, I laid them on their sides next to each other, and could feel that they were all uniform in thickness.

For operations that could be performed on a table saw, such as repeat rip or cross cuts to the same finished size, it looked like Dino's device would work faster, if equivalent accuracy and roughly equivalent safety precautions were required of both. (I say "roughly equivalent" with regard to safety, because in my limited experience as a beginner, I think I'd be more at risk when using a table saw than when using Dino's equipment.)

Dino didn't demo the EZ-Repeato with a Festool rail while I was there, but I'd have been interested to see that. I own over 25 feet of Festool guide rails and they work great for their intended purposes, but I think their flexibility and lack of a second channel on the underside may make them difficult to use with the EZ-Repeato. I'm tentatively planning to dedicate a Festool saw to use with the EZ-Repeato, in which case I'd definitely use Dino's rails.

It's a shame Dino's rails aren't compatible with the Festool limit stops and guide stops, the MFT, and the LR-32 hole-drilling system, because their stiffness looks to be an advantage in many common sawing and routing operations.

I'm reluctant to post this message, because I'm concerned that it'll start a flame war, but I think this is info that would be valuable to current and prospective owners of both "F" and "E" equipment.

By the way, it was a real pleasure to meet you last Saturday, Joe.

[Dino Makropoulos]

Joe.
Thanks for all your help and advice.
Nice to get a brake some times.;)

YCf Dino

[Dino Makropoulos]

Thanks for the report Joseph. I would love to see one of Dino's demos.

Dino says that he has a repeater that works on the Festool rails. Did he demonstrate that?

Hi Frank.
All the ez smart stuff can be made to work with all systems. The Universal (F-repeater),
The F-smart clamping system and the smart table top kit for the MFT are in production the same time.
Just hold on to your table saw for few more weeks.:rolleyes: :D
Thanks Frank.
YFCF Dino

[John Miliunas]

Gee, I do wish that Dino guy showed up at the Milwaukee show in Feb.!!! I'd love to see that RepeatO in action!:D (Hint, hint....):D :cool:

[Don Bergren]

Thanks for the description of Dino's demo. From what I've seen on the website the repeaters look like a really slick system for those who need them. Dino is putting together more and more exciting stuff for his guide. The jointer setup sounds like it could be really handy for folks on jobsites.

He gave me a link to the pictures showing the setup for the mortise and tenon system and I think it's a setup that would be very handy. I can see myself using the router setup for a lot of things.

Don

[Dino Makropoulos]

Gee, I do wish that Dino guy showed up at the Milwaukee show in Feb.!!! I'd love to see that RepeatO in action!:D (Hint, hint....):D :cool:

Hi John.
This is a long ride. I need to see my chiropractor every other day.:(
The solution is to find a woodworker chiropractor who likes the woodworking shows:cool:
Another solution is to have your own show in Milwaukee.:D
You know what? I think you just give me an idea.:cool:

In any case, we're starting a free demo program soon , where you can get to try any of our tools with no obligation.

Thanks J.
YCFDino

[Dennis Peacock]

Nice report Joe and yes....the EZ stuff is worth every penny you pay for it. Good Stuff.!!!! Interchangable systems.....Hummmmm, what an idea.:)

[Bob Noles]

Hi Frank.
All the ez smart stuff can be made to work with all systems. The Universal (F-repeater),
The F-smart clamping system and the smart table top kit for the MFT are in production the same time.
Just hold on to your table saw for few more weeks.:rolleyes: :D
Thanks Frank.
YFCF Dino

Dino.....

I knew you would one day soon give me hope to totally eliminate the machine I hate most in my shop. After reading these comments, I think that day is very near in my future.

Keep us posted my friend, I watch with anticipation and btw.... don't forget me on that jig saw modification request :p

[John Bailey]

Dino,

I don't have a table saw, and don't want one. Like lots of folks, I've always just worked up some kind of jig when I've had to make cuts that are usually done on a table saw. I would love to see your demonstration and would drive to Wisconsin to see it. So, I would second John M's hint for February.

By the way John, where is that show and when? Is there a web site?

John

[John Miliunas]

Dino,

I don't have a table saw, and don't want one. Like lots of folks, I've always just worked up some kind of jig when I've had to make cuts that are usually done on a table saw. I would love to see your demonstration and would drive to Wisconsin to see it. So, I would second John M's hint for February.

By the way John, where is that show and when? Is there a web site?

John

Here 'ya go, John: http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/milwaukee . It's a pretty good sized exhibition hall, although it still sounds like the ones on the West coast usually have more vendors. Still, a fun time to be had!:D :cool:

[Dino Makropoulos]

Dino.....

I knew you would one day soon give me hope to totally eliminate the machine I hate most in my shop. After reading these comments, I think that day is very near in my future.

Keep us posted my friend, I watch with anticipation and btw.... don't forget me on that jig saw modification request :p

Ho Bob.
The good news is that other woodworkers are stepping into the DWC play.
At Fort Washington, A smart guy stop over and he give me few more good ideas. I hope he can call me now, because He don't left his number.:confused: I'm sure he can offer a lot to woodworking.

The jig saw is so easy that we just forget to bring it into the system.
I promise, after the sliding square your zig saw comes first.
Thanks Bob.
YCF Dino

[Dino Makropoulos]

Dino,

I don't have a table saw, and don't want one. Like lots of folks, I've always just worked up some kind of jig when I've had to make cuts that are usually done on a table saw. I would love to see your demonstration and would drive to Wisconsin to see it. So, I would second John M's hint for February.

By the way John, where is that show and when? Is there a web site?

John

Hi John.
So far looks like we have more people than the Fort Washington :rolleyes:
I love to have lounge with you and John.
But my body after the accident refuses to follow me.
But who knows? With some new treatments, my stubborn body may be give up to my stubborn brain? :rolleyes:
YCf Dino

[Larry Reimer]

A public thank you to Dino and Keith is past due. Thank you both.

The EZSmart Guide system and all the extras that Dino threw in have been living in my shop for quite a few weeks now. I've got enough guide rail to reach from one end of the shop to the other. I put a Milwaukee circular saw (don't remember model number, it's the one with the brake) on the base plate and installed a decent Amana blade on it. I put a Hitachi M12V on the router base plate. Don't have plans for a power planer (mine are all hand powered).

Accuracy: this system is as accurate as I can measure. There is no loss of accuracy with the rail or with the base plates riding on the rail. To increase my measuring accuracy I've made a couple of story sticks to use for setting the guide on the wood.

Repeatability: With the repeateer - no problem. When the board is bigger than the repeater can handle I use the story sticks.

Safety: Better than any other power tool in my shop. Rip an eight foot sheet the long way, middle of the cut let go of everything - both hands- I wouldn't do that on my tablesaw. I wouldn't do that with a handheld circular saw. Do that on the EZSmart and nothing happens. The saw or router stops spinning, there's no kickback, wood doesn't try to launch itself, nothing happens. Then go back and start the tool again and continue the cut you can't even tell where you stopped.

The quality of the cut with the circular saw has to be seen to be believed. Been using that hardwood faced plywood from Home Depot with the incredibly thin face veneer, there is no chipping either edge of the cut. I can make a very smooth chip free cut.

This sytem is great and works as advertised.

Back to the kids in the military. Last week they both announced they are going to sign back up for another tour. John wants to go back to Iraq. I think the timing of the announcements is all part of a plan to drive their mother crazy. Because I've sure heard her side of the story.

Looks like we'll be sending more care packages overseas.

Thank you to both Keith and Dino. Thank you Keith for the work you're doing on the Freedom Pen project.

[Kenny King]

Dino

Thanks for the great demo. Dino did so many demos he got one of the router bits to start a small fire!

Anyhow... great tool, but for router usage i would like to add a ruler and a way to calibrate it. Here's what I'm looking for: A sliding scale that could be snapped on to the top of the aluminum guide which I could adjust or zero out to an indicator snap-mounted to the sliding router base. Once the sliding scale is "synched" to the router base indicator, then I could use it to set my router stops.

Just a suggestion. Maybe your already working on it.

Nice stuff. Great to see you and Joe at the Show.

- Kenny King

[Tom Sontag]

...The Ft Washington Show was somewhat disappointing this year, even smaller that last year and not one vendor selling wood (one selling veneer, does that count?)...

Mind if I ask about this a bit? I have been to 3 St. Louis shows as a visitor and do not recall ever seeing a lumber vendor with inventory. There is always one or two lumber sellers with a static booth; sort of like "see? we exist".

What is it you want to see? Booth space is expensive and the 8 x 10' booth I am renting this February in St. Louis to promote my newer lumber business will barely have room for the turning blanks I hope to peddle. But staffing a large truck on the lot with a few hundred bf of this and that would be a lot of effort and I have my doubts about how many people would actually buy 50bf+. Does anyone go to a show to get a deal on lumber? If you learned of a great source wouldn't it be just as easy to visit the yard later? How many of you have bought boards or seen them being bought (aside from a sawmill display) at a show? Info wanted - I am still trying to decide what to include in my long weekend of effort. Thank you.

[Richard Wolf]

Tom, I go to show all the time in NY, NJ, and Pa. I always see lumber dealers selling wood. Albeit, it is mostly exotics or harder to find items, like wide mahogany, holly, walnut, zebra wood, some cherry.

Richard

[John Miliunas]

Tom, ditto to what Richard said, albeit at the Milwaukee show last year, not nearly as much as previously. No large quantities and, for solid woods, mainly just small project size stuff, primarily exotics. There was, however, one vendor with a rather huge display with just about any size and flavor of veneers your heart can desire! Talk about eye candy!:D :cool:

[Dino Makropoulos]

Dino

Thanks for the great demo. Dino did so many demos he got one of the router bits to start a small fire!

Anyhow... great tool, but for router usage i would like to add a ruler and a way to calibrate it. Here's what I'm looking for: A sliding scale that could be snapped on to the top of the aluminum guide which I could adjust or zero out to an indicator snap-mounted to the sliding router base. Once the sliding scale is "synched" to the router base indicator, then I could use it to set my router stops.

Just a suggestion. Maybe your already working on it.

Nice stuff. Great to see you and Joe at the Show.

- Kenny King

Hi Kenny.
Thanks for stopping at the booth. It was nice to see you.
Your idea can be used on a new tool that we're working.
With the routers we have the problem of all different size bits and profiles.

Take a look at this link.
http://eurekazone.com/gallery/smart-limit-stops
With the use of a tape measure there is no way to get this accuracy. But we need at least one calibrated tape measure on the sliding arm for fluting and non precision routing.
For inlays and other fancy routing work, the Micro-Fence and Pat Warner systems are the best.
I saw the new Micro-Fence 3 axis plunge. A work of art.
Thanks Kenny.
YCf Dino

[Joseph N. Myers]

Tom,

Good question with reference to wood vendors (I'll ditto what Richard and John said about having them at other woodworking shows). I think a lot has to do with the number of lumber companies in the area, their distances, the type of show and the typical customer. What I can do is to tell you what is going on in this area and maybe that will help.

Every Spring there is a professional/commercial Wood Working show in Phila where the big furniture company, large woodworking places, professional woodworkers, etc attend. No wood being sold there, rather some 30+ companies showing the type of wood they sell, where they are located, etc. In addition, there may be some 20 booths showing hardware samples (slides, handles, etc) and at least another 20 showing molding they produce. And then there are the machines (large and very large and very, very large), CNC’s, lots of stuff on high end sanding, finishing, etc.. Entry is free, they have busses running every 5 minutes, upgraded food court, lots of freebie, etc. What the heck, some of these people spend big money. All in all, it is quite large and well attended. (BTW, if anyone is interested in going to next years show, shoot me an e-mail, Wood00001@aol.com (Wood00001@aol.com) and I’ll send you info on signing up).

In the fall, the woodworking show is more for the small cabinet shop, wood turners, scroll sawyers, weekend warriors, etc where they show and sell smaller equipment, hardware, woodworking jigs, etc. It was at this type show that lumber vendors would show their more specialize lumber products and "get their name out". IIRC, 5 years ago, Hearne Lumber, Willow Lumber, Good Hope Hardwood, Mahogany Hardwood and Steve Wall Lumber were there. And they had many of the things the spring show had such as bussing.

Last year just West Penn Hardwood and Hearne Lumber were there. This year, nobody. West Penn was real big on some very large exotic lumber and tons of turning blanks. Hearne Lumber had, I think, lots of walnut and cherry lumber. Both were pretty much trying to increase their customer base.

Last year the fall show was down sized and the attendance was not that good. Maybe that is why West Penn and Hearne were not there this year. And there was no bussing this year. One good thing was the $10 pass was good for all three days.

If you end up being a vendor at one of those shows, make sure to post that fact on the different wood forums, especially the ones where there are a lot of wood turners (such as WoodCentral). Might generate a lot of extra traffic at your booth if people know about before hand.

Regards (and good luck), Joe

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Wow Dino, it sure looks like your system is taking off!!

Good luck to you and I sure hope you can get around more to the various shows, maybe you need to hire a couple of sales agents or whatever you want to call them, put them through a "Dino sales school" and then set them loose on the country!!

The sky is the limit, much success in the New Year!

[Dino Makropoulos]

A public thank you to Dino and Keith is past due. Thank you both.

.

Larry.
Say hello to the kids from all of us.
I been there as a young man (sailor) and I know how hard it is even without a war.
WE need to thank all the turners and "Big Ken"
And yes, Keith and many others.
Thanks Larry.

[John Stevens]

For inlays and other fancy routing work, the Micro-Fence and Pat Warner systems are the best.

Rich is now making Micro-Fence adaptors to fit various brands of extruded guides. Perhaps we'll see a version made specifically for EZSmart before too long.

[Dino Makropoulos]

Wow Dino, it sure looks like your system is taking off!!

Good luck to you and I sure hope you can get around more to the various shows, maybe you need to hire a couple of sales agents or whatever you want to call them, put them through a "Dino sales school" and then set them loose on the country!!

The sky is the limit, much success in the New Year!

Hi Stu.
Thanks for the encouragement. Have ever invented something and try to take it to the marketplace? It's kind of like those trees you're getting.
You have an idea, you see the opportunity and the benefits to society, and then you start the process. Those who understand you and your idea support you.
Those who don't understand, think you're nuts. In my case, the young engineers at the tool companies are the 'logs'. It's a lot tougher getting them to understand than you would think.
I'm sure as you are getting these logs your mind must be searching for the easiest and safest way to do the task.
The easiest way is to get help. Right now the best spokesperson for the EZ products is the person using the stuff. They seem to like it very much. Speaking of help, it seems we have an opportunity for the ez and the Dead Wood Covcept . in Japan. I've attached the big makita saw to the smart guide, the chain you have would work nicely with it also.
http://eurekazone.com/images/gallery/giantmakita.html

About the dino's school.
I don't enjoy selling. I enjoy finding solutions to problems.

Thanks Stu.
YCF Dino

[Dino Makropoulos]

Rich is now making Micro-Fence adaptors to fit various brands of extruded guides. Perhaps we'll see a version made specifically for EZSmart before too long.

Hi John.
I saw Rich at the show and shake his hand.
I told him that I was proud ... from his new 3 axis plunge.
I think Rich and Pat are the last Mohicans of quality in today's world of woodworking.
And I think, you have a lot to offer.
Thanks John.
10-20 years fron now, everybody will talk about your post.
If history was made in PA, Your post will make even more.
Welcome to the DWC
YCF Dino

[jon harriman]

Dino, will you be at the show at the Big E in Mass. in January? I am new here, and your product looks interesting.

[Dino Makropoulos]

Dino, will you be at the show at the Big E in Mass. in January? I am new here, and your product looks interesting.

Welcome to the forum.
I go day by day. If I feel good and they have some space left, (we don't need much) the answer is Yes.
If not, you can have your own show by testing the stuff before you deside if is good for you.
Thanks Jon.
YCF Dino

[jon harriman]

Sounds great, my wife (protector of the checkbook) and I will be there on Saturday the 14th.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

Hi Stu.
Thanks for the encouragement. Have ever invented something and try to take it to the marketplace? It's kind of like those trees you're getting.
You have an idea, you see the opportunity and the benefits to society, and then you start the process. Those who understand you and your idea support you.
Those who don't understand, think you're nuts. In my case, the young engineers at the tool companies are the 'logs'. It's a lot tougher getting them to understand than you would think.
I'm sure as you are getting these logs your mind must be searching for the easiest and safest way to do the task.
The easiest way is to get help. Right now the best spokesperson for the EZ products is the person using the stuff. They seem to like it very much. Speaking of help, it seems we have an opportunity for the ez and the Dead Wood Covcept . in Japan. I've attached the big makita saw to the smart guide, the chain you have would work nicely with it also.
http://eurekazone.com/images/gallery/giantmakita.html

About the dino's school.
I don't enjoy selling. I enjoy finding solutions to problems.

Thanks Stu.
YCF Dino
No Dino, I've not had the "pleasure" :rolleyes: of taking an idea to the market place, just doing my job here in Japan can be a similar experience, trust me!! I run a liquor shop, and that is a very traditional job here, not many non-Japanese do it, I'll the only white guy I know of that is, there are a few Koreans, but they were born here, but that is a different story.

I once went to deliver a gift to a customer from another customer, the lady receiving the gift refused to open the door, as she insisted that as I was not Japanese, (and everyone knows there are no non-Japanese liquor shop guys) I must be a thief, and she told me she was calling the cops!!:eek: I slid the paper she has to sign under the door, she signed it and slid it back, then I left the gift in the hallway for her....:rolleyes:

I think you would have a chance in Japan, but you would have to get the right company to work with you. The problem is that here almost anything in the way of tools that is brought in is priced out the whazoo, typical is to see 300% over the price in the US, which is nuts. They seem to think the "Made in the USA" or "Made in Germany" etc gives them a license to steal.

Good luck, and I hope you back is better!

Cheers!