What's in Store

The book Wild & Wacky Birdhouses and Feeders by Paul Meisel incorporates plans for whimsically styled squirrel feeders -- a player piano, anyone? -- and birdhouses ranging from a football helmet that can be customized to your favorite team to a crowing rooster or cartoon kids. (The author encourages real kids to get involved in the projects.) The book also includes hints on squirrel control, birdseed, perches and more. Wild & Wacky Birdhouses and Feeders (Fox Chapel Publishing, ISBN 978-1-56523-679-0) is priced at $19.95.

The new Conversion Port (item 49887) from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware makes it easier to connect 2-1/4" shop vacuum ports and hoses to any 2-1/2" dust fitting or power tool dust port. A 2-1/2" metal hose clamp holds in place a rubber union on the larger end, with the rubber union creating a tight seal. The tight connections keep the suction of the vacuum at as high of a level as possible, allowing quick switches of shop vacuum connections. The 2-1/2" to 2-1/4" Conversion Port is priced at $6.99.

The new Prestige™ mighty adjustable super-fine dado groover set from Amana Tool consists of seven laser-cut hardened steel cutters coated with Electro Blu™ eco-friendly nonstick coating. Designed for use in 3/4" arbor shaper machines, the 7-piece set accommodates undersized plywood and can be adjusted, using the included shim set, for creating tenons, rabbets, box joints, corner laps and more. The Prestige super-fine adjustable dado set (item #61370) is priced at $188.95.