Best new products at IWF

The International Woodworking Fair comes to Atlanta every two years, showcasing new tools and materials for the woodworking industry. Here are a few of the best new products we saw at the 2024 show, which was held August 6–9 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Mirka sanding disks could change the game

New sanding disks from Mirka feature a proprietary blend of aluminum-oxide and self-sharpening ceramic abrasive grains adhered to a tough resin in little hourglass shapes, which present multiple cutting edges to the wood. The open channels between the hourglass groupings, along with smaller and more numerous perforations in the disk, are designed to evacuate dust more efficiently, regardless of the hole pattern on your sander. Called Ultimax Ligno, the abrasive is designed specifically for sanding bare woods. The disks promise more-efficient cutting action that will allow woodworkers to start sanding milled wood at higher grits, such as 150 grit instead of 120 or lower, and produce fewer noticeable scratches, according to company reps. Ultimax Ligno disks are available at competitive prices from a variety of woodworking retailers. Go to mirka.com for more info.

 

Photos: courtesy of Mirka

Harvey mobile bases are self-leveling

Harvey’s new Spider mobile bases feature self-adjusting casters and feet that keep machines level on uneven floors, and keep their work surfaces at a consistent height. The self-leveling wheels help prevent machines from tipping when moved, and a single foot pedal raises and lowers the feet easily. The M-1500 model ($300) has two fixed and two swiveling casters. The M-1500Pro ($470) has four swiveling casters for maximum mobility in tight spaces. An extension base (M-1500E, $180) attaches to the others to support the legs of extension tables or outfeed tables. Go to harveywoodworking.com to learn more.

 

Photos: courtesy of Harvey

Rockler debuts a host of handy products

Rockler’s senior product director, Dan Wenning, was on hand at IWF to highlight dozens of new products that the company is rolling out this year and next. Here are three of the latest, available now at Rockler.com.

The Power Jaw Clamp ($15) has all the power of an F-style bar clamp, but in a compact shape that won’t put a long clamp bar in your way. The versatile clamp has a 2-in. capacity and a 3-in.-deep throat, as well as a large, ergonomic tightening knob. A threaded insert in the knob accepts Rockler accessories such as lights, phone (camera) holders, and hose holders, letting you clamp these wherever you need them.

The Flush-Cutting Router Jig ($50) does just what its name suggests, with support wings that will surround inlays, pegs, and more, and a thick, machined aluminum plate that supports any router as it slides back and forth over the work area. A 0.010-in. shim is provided, allowing you to set the bit height on the shim and leave the inlay just slightly proud of the surface. A few strokes with a block plane and/or sanding block and the job is done. The support wings pivot to allow users to work closer to edges and corners.

The Benchtop Board Flattening Jig ($200) joins Rockler’s larger slab-flattening jig and works in the same way, supporting a router on sliding rails as it makes level passes across any workpiece. This means you can glue up an end-grain cutting board, for example, lay it on your bench, and flatten both sides perfectly without needing an expensive wide-belt sander. It’s great for surfacing small slabs too. After flattening the surface with a large router bit, make a few passes with your random-orbit sander to prep it for a beautiful finish.

 

Photos: courtesy of Rockler

Top-notch mortising chisels from Narex

In his 2022 review (FWW #300), Chris Gochnour praised Narex’s new bevel-edged Richter bench chisels, finding that their cryogenically treated chrome-vanadium blades held an edge for a very long time. Narex recently introduced Richter-branded mortising chisels, designed for hand-cutting mortises (or squaring the corners of routed mortises). They feature the same excellent steel, polished flat and straight, and the same edge-holding ability. A leather washer in the handle cushions impacts from mallet blows. The mortising chisels sell for roughly $60 each at multiple retailers, with multi-chisel sets offering a price break.

—A.C.

 

Photo: Asa Christiana