WoodRat

[Joe Scharle]

I would post a gloat, but I still haven't figured the thing out. Anyone want to play with it, or show me how to use it; please feel free to stop on by!

I've had a little time to play with this and can report that as far as dado's', mortises, tenons and sliding dovetails; I'm impressed! However.
We've all experienced Chinglish & Jinglish in manuals and assembly instructions, but I've been experiencing something I call 'Britlish' from the WoodRat manual. First, on almost every page the author talks about rebates. Some are 10MM, others as large 100MM. I guessed that MM meant 'Monarch Money', since the Brits still have one. It looked like if I could find all of the coupons, WoodRat would be owing me money!
Sad to say, I was wrong. What it really is...is that the Brits can't spell. So if an Englishman invites you to a rebate hunt; dress like Elmer Fudd and carry a gun.
DavidF, I could have really used your help on the translation!

All seriousness aside, the manual sucks...but not well. The author is the inventor and skips great gobs of stuff that are just too obvious to him. That's the main reason I haven't gotten into DT's yet. Hope to start on those tomorrow.

I was able to get some thru DT's done yesterday, but they ain't pretty. The tool gives 3 adjustments for custom fitting. That's about 4 adjustments too many for me at this stage!

These box joints took less than a minute. I know; and it shows!

This AM I finished the backs & sides. These are not clamped & glued yet. After I became familiar with the process the backs & drawer took less than 15 minutes.

 

[D L Ames]

Joe, those WoodRats seem to be a pretty handy little set-up. Its amazing how easy all those demonstrators at WW shows can make the gadgets they're selling seem so simple to use. Of course once you get it home and start trying to figure out how to use them on your own, well..........thats a different story. :BangHead:

 

[Sweetgum]

I'm not sure if you've seen this site, or if it will help...

http://www.woodrat.com/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi

 

[Joe Scharle]

What is it supposed to do?

I have some little weaving shuttles that need a groove routed on each end of a mortice that is already there. Would this set up do that?

I was going to build a jig but might try your Rat!

Not sure w/o a pic...also discovered I'm missing a piece of plastic. Will get back to you.

 

[NCPete]

I have watched the online videos for that toy, and it seems quite amazing! but I have never seen one in action personally! would love to hear your review of actual use of this tool

 

[Joe Scharle]

What is it supposed to do?

I have some little weaving shuttles that need a groove routed on each end of a mortice that is already there. Would this set up do that?

I was going to build a jig but might try your Rat!

Mike, it probably work fine. Send a pic, come on by, let's see.

 

[michaelgarner]

Joe, those WoodRats seem to be a pretty handy little set-up. Its amazing how easy all those demonstrators at WW shows can make the gadgets they're selling seem so simple to use. Of course once you get it home and start trying to figure out how to use them on your own, well..........thats a different story. :BangHead:

Ya like an INCRA JIG,,great machine once you get to know it.

 

[Joe Scharle]

Well, I'll wind this review up. I'm very satisfied with the 'Rat even with the manual. Got all of my questions answered thru the 2 WoodRat forums and some user sites. It really is very easy to use if you don't get hungup on the book.
Basically, it's a M&T, dado, sliding dovetail, edge routing and Dovetail machine.
Here's just some of the things I've done with it and it doesn't take long to setup ( or break a HSS bit) if the operator gets too aggressive!