Kreg bench clamp adventure

A few years ago, I purchased a Kreg 3" bench clamp, with an adapter that allowed it to be used with a drill press.  Unlike visegrip type clamps, it self-adjusts to the wood thickness, and the thick pad doesn't damage the workpiece.

Unfortunately, the underside of most drill press tables is not flat, so although you can tighten down the clamp, you have to keep checking to be sure it doesn't loosen.  Recently, while using a moderately sized Forstner bit, the clamp loosened just enough so that the pad got in the way of the bit.  Nothing was damaged, except for the pad, but it could have been worse.

I wanted to replace the pad, but replacement parts don't seem to exist for this type of clamp.  Fortunately, when I called Kreg and explained the situation, the person I spoke with was able to locate a pad, and sent it out without charge.  It's a pleasure when a company stands behind its products, and even more so when it's a company as large as Kreg.

Score one for the good guys!

Forstner bits for tea light candles

I've been having some fun trying out different uses for tea light candles, and needed a Forstner bit that would allow easy insertion and removal of the candle without excess play.

I got the best results with both 40mm and 1-9/16" bits.  The amount of extra room, using a candle in a clear plastic case, was about 1.5mm for the 40mm bit, and about 1mm for the 1-9/16".

Neither size bit is likely to be included in a set, but if you plan to make tea light holders in any quantity, it's worth the small investment for a more attractive project.