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Does anyone know where I could get a brand made to burn onto work I sell? Thanks Nick

We've got loads of these in the workshop because we're testing them against other brands. These drill drivers are superb for the small workshop because they offer a good balance of power and small size. I've had a quick look at model we've got here, and you're right there is some movement in the...

I'd thought about making some ourselves. Perhaps we'll have to give it a go. Thanks all. Nick

Does anyone know of a supplier of Cool Blocks for bandsaws in the UK? Cheers Nick

Does anyone know anything about copying attachments for lathes. Someone contacted me the other day asking about a Torquata model (which he is having to buy from Australia), wondering if it's any good and if there are alternatives over here. Thanks Nick

Has anyone heard of the Somax saw set? I'm searching for a saw tooth setting device for very fine blades. The Eclipse model only goes to 12tpi I think. Cheers Nick

The big challenge, then, is helping students understand the benefits of continuing practical subjects beyond GCSE. Any ideas, anyone? Nick

Hi Woody Good point about showing examples of past work. Does your school have a sixth form? I know that schools with sixth forms are able to exhibit the work of older students to inspire the younger ones. Providing role models and something to aim at must be important in motivating students...

I've clocked your number Aled, and will call. The important thing, it seems to me, is that we teach practical subjects in schools in a way that actually leads to their sustainable use into adulthood, either as a living or for DIY or as an interest. The same, to be honest, is true of academic...

I agree. I think hand skills are essential, but you don't need to learn everything, nor does a student need to learn every joint. By getting a student to plane an edge for a while and cut to a line you build up mind to eye to hand skills that can be transferred to anything. They get much better...

We want to do more to encourage woodwork and making things in schools. In fact we're thinking about publishing a special supplement for schools. I'm after feedback from any parents or grandparents who have children aged 13-18 who are doing design/technology/woodwork at school. I'd like to know...

Do Arnold Laver sell British hardwoods? Nick

I think mitres are the most difficult of all joints to cut well. It can be done straight off a tablesaw, with a many-toothed blade. One of the key problems, I think, is getting the mitre slide working exactly parallel to the blade, without the workpiece touching the 'rear' teeth. In principle...

Sorry to contribute so often to this thread, but it's a subject that I feel very strongly about. I'm with Olly completely on this. I can understand entirely what he's saying. What has surprised me, a little, to be entirely honest, is that Olly has the makings of a really good writer, I think...

That's exactly our point, Dan, put with more passion! I think it's a big issue, and I suspect the skills/techniques you mention are spot on. Nick

I agree on most of what you say, Paul, but from what I hear and see woodwork in schools is improving again. I'm seeing a DT teacher on Monday and will bend his ear about it. A teacher in an FE college rang us today. He confirmed everything Jim Hooker wrote, especially, he said, the poor...

My first instinct was afrormosia, but I'm willing to bow to it being iroko. From memory (I haven't used it since I was a lad!), afrormosia is 'creamier' and less dusty. But I might be wrong. It also tends to be greenier, I think. It could be meranti, but I don't think so. Nick

Don't get me wrong, Paul. It's not perfect. Somehow one has to find a balance between involvement in the whole process of design/making, and a build-up of skills. I don't think they are mutually exclusive. But there's a reason that skill-based learning has died out in schools: it wasn't working...

I've seen FR Collins' blade storage idea, and I think you'll be impressed. He's put a lot of thought and effort into the product. You obviously can make do with cardboard, or the sleeves blades arrive in, but I think the product is a step forward, and am sure it will encourage people to change...

No worries. Actually, from what I see, the current Design Technology is quite good, and probably much more appropriate than the woodwork we were taught. There is more consideration for creating things. Teachers seem to agree that people who make things need to have been involved in the design...