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That's funny because I was about to say that I think the new EvoStik swivel tops are one of the best woodworking developments for many years. If you're careful they stay clear, and you can take them apart to clean them out. They are much better than the tug you have to give a Titebond or Elmers...

Heaven forbid I mention pencils after the flak we copped for article on that some time ago. However, am I alone in preferring the round bead of glue from an EvoStik bottle than the flat bead from a Titebond bottle? Nick

If you are looking for something small for very detailed work, I recommend the Wecheer engravers. The 18v model is brilliant, but not for fast removal. The Proxxon range is good, especially their mini angle grinders, though I have had issues with overheating when used continuously, especially...

Takeover was pretty recent, so I don't expect there are common parts yet. I suspect Bosch were after Freud's blade supply and business rather than the routers, though Freud routers are respected, especially in tables. Nick

I think Freud is now owned by Bosch, so you may need to go through them for spares. Email me if you need a contact there for parts. Nick

Ok. I think I see. Would love to see sketch. If it's in a conservatory it's bound to move.

I think it costs about £300. I'll check tomorrow where we get it.

I know, Eric. I'm sure you're right. I don't mean to sound too gung-ho and disrespectful of the laugh. Self certification sounds like a good idea. It is only a matter of time before I get stung by hurting the wrong child. I'll have a look at it. Nick

I agree on extraction. Best thing I ever did was site a cheapish 4in bag extractor outside the workshop, with a single hose to my pt or thicknesses, but no gates, which can reduce flow if you don't have a very powerful extractor. I use old vacuums for sanders and saws, some with intermediary...

I've been making simple toys to sell at fairs, and I'm afraid it never crossed my mind to get a CE mark for them! I have no intention of doing so. However I do try to make them fundamentally safe, though one visitor cut herself on one of them at a show! I have public liability insurance for...

I'm not sure I understand the design fully, but if you're talking about making the top from different species, there's nothing particularly wrong, except that the boards are likely to expand and contract at different rates, so the surface is unlikely to stay perfectly flat. I'd love to see what...

I have had a Delta bench top thicknesser and Elektra Beckum PT, which I used only as an overhand planer, for many years. They take up a little more space than a combined machine, but I hate flipping up the tables etc... If you make your own dust extraction port to go on top of the planer there...

Did anyone go to the FFX show in Feb? Was it more than an open day? I've not heard of them. Nick

You can buy recycled timber from various wood recycling centres around the country, with nails already removed. I went to St Albans Wood Recycling yesterday, and they had a huge range of boards, and the money you spend goes to a very good cause. They were making interesting rustic furniture from...

Despite the tendency to splinter, oak will take detail well, but you need to take care with grain direction, always working 'downhill'. In some ways, oak's hardness makes it easier to use for detail, but don't expect to be able to remove waste quickly. Nick

Paul Sellers provides excellent resources for beginners, and his philosophy is based on the idea of getting woodworkers making things rather than obsessing about tools. Another book worth considering for beginners is Woodworking for Kids by Richard Starr. Nick

There are painfully few woodworking books for real beginners. One of the best is Charles Haywards' ABC of Woodwork. It is little more than a pamphlet but has superb illustrations and ideas. You will need to buy it second hand. I loved my Workmate as a beginner. You soon learn to keep your...

I'd forgotten those grades. How things have changed! It's amazing what we used to accept as sandpaper. The poor budgie!!! Nick

Where do you buy clementine oil, or you make your own? Nick

Derek Pyatt at Coronet Machinery has recently moved, so if you have difficulty contacting him, drop me an email as he gave me his new number but I've temporarily lost it! Sorry. I bought a planer attachment off him not so long ago. I think he is slowing down his business, but may well still be...