New Product - "LittleRat - Safety First"
 |
Welcome Tracy. She and I will learn the LittleRat together these next few weeks. There are a lot of great joints to learn. |
It is so tempting to skip right to the pages on dovetails, but the Manual is laid out in a specific fashion that makes a lot of sense. It leads you through different types of operations and joints so that when you get to the dovetails, you pretty much have a good understanding of how the LittleRat works. |
 |
 |
Following the installation pages there is a very important section on "Safety." Even though I have a pretty good understanding of how to rout safely, it will be good to go through all the basics for Tracy's sake. It won't hurt me either. |
Tracy and I read over the general safety rules. We will not go over each and everyone here. When you get your LittleRat, be sure to read these pages very carefully. |
 |
 |
The next section covers how to use the LittleRat. It covers some of the terms relative to workpiece orientation. |
Tracy tries her hand at "somersaulting" a board. It is their term for turning it over as one might do a somersault. She understands that easily. I barely remember doing a somersault. |
 |
 |
They also describe "cartwheeling"and "turning." These are terms that we will have to know when it comes time to make certain joints. These arrows do not really show the direction of the move — thankfully, the illustrations in the manual work better. |
I show Tracy how to position a block of wood in the cam lock. I learned when I was using the WoodRat that there is a way that is easiest and locks the piece best. The manual shows it well. |
 |
 |
She learns quickly. It is a great clamp. I wish that I could find it on more tools and jigs. |
The next area that the
LittleRat manual covers is depthing. As with any operation, being able to set and repeat
an exact depth setting is very important.
|
 |