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The article reports on cutting-edge bench grinders in a wheel-to-wheel test. Most woodworkers don't want to spend time sharpening their tools-they want to cut and fit wood. Bench grinders are freehand tools that rely on a good eye and careful touch. And while one can take some tools, like drill bits or turning tools, right from the grinding wheel to the work, it's common for grinding to be a relatively coarse, preliminary shaping procedure, followed by careful honing on a whetstone.

The article offers tips for prevention of brush piles that can cause wildfires and tools that should be used for the same. Topics discussed include dead branches and saplings that can be cut into pieces, wood chips that help plants retain water and suppresses weeds, and the Echo SRM-2620T that is straightshaft trimmer.

The article reports on using woodscrews for various purposes. Screws were reserved for finer work, where parts might need to be disassembled, or for attaching hardware. Today, the humble screwdriver remains the tool of choice for these jobs. In the old days, the slot-head screw was the standard for fastening to wood. It's the trickiest type to install because the long-size driver or inadequate pressure on the head will cause the tip to slip out and damage the slot. One must plan for most of the thread to engage a pilot hole in the thicker piece. He must use heavier screws for greater holding power.

The article reports on the development of Veritas #4 Smooth Plane wood smoother. It costs $175 and provides ultrafine adjustments of its cut. The brass, steel and cast-iron construction gives it Roman-like durability too.