*** Rec.Woodworking Mini-FAQ *** 140, Certified BSC Free!

Dear New User,

** Welcome to rec.woodworking, known locally as the wreck **

This is an informal group with users of all levels of knowledge, from those who have yet to pick up a tool, professional woodworkers, authors of books on woodworking, woodworking magazine editors, principals of tool companies, and every level in between.

One of the traditions of Usenet Newsgroups (NG) that is encouraged, is the tradition of "lurking", or hanging around for a while, taking in the local culture before posting to the NG. While not mandatory, it is asked that you just sit back and read the NG for a short time before your first posting. This will allow you to become familiar with how things are done in this neck of the woods, become familiar with the locals, etc.

This group is a collection of people with a common interest in woodworking (ww'ing), and as such the topics discussed sometimes wander away from strictly ww'ing. Think of this NG as if you were having a number of friends over to your shop to discuss ww'ing, 90% of the discussion will revolve around ww'ing, but you will also discuss other things going on in your life, like your shop dog dying, gloating about the vintage minty fresh Unisaur you just got for $100, just got a new job, etc. That is what we do in this NG.

Please DO NOT post off topic. If you *MUST* make an off topic post, please preface the subject with "[OT]", so those who are not interested in OT posts can skip them..

NOTE: I have recently been receiving a lot of flack from the cabal regarding the preceding paragraph. Apparently, a few of them think I am encouraging OT posts, I am not, I am simply providing a way of distinguishing them so those who want to skip them can, or even put OT in their kill file if they wish.

If you find yourself being referred to as a "newbie", don't take offence; it is not a derogatory term, but a statement of fact.

Sometimes some members of this NG can be a little harsh, take it in stride, put on your Nomex underwear and fire back. The timid don't survive NG's for very long. But be polite, this is one of the few NG's left on Usenet where decorum is still the common practice rather than the exception.

One resource that is even greater than this NG is this NG's archives. Every message posted here is stored on Deja.com (now

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knowledgeable wreckers no longer post on topics asked every other day, because of the repetitive nature. If you want the most in depth answer to your question, check Deja, if you do not get all the information you require, then post your question to the NG.

Another useful Search Engine is Usenet Replayer,

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** A note on Trolls **

People, when will you learn, *PLEASE* do not reply to the trolls, leave them under their pitiful bridge to starve. And they will starve, and go away if you stop feeding them with your replies.

** How to use Nfilter(AKA NewsProxy) to filter out Trolls and other useless crap **

Nfilter is used successfully by wreck members using the following O.S.'s - Win98se, XP Home, XP Pro, Win2K, and Win2K Advanced Server.

  1. Download & install NewsProxy from
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    instructions are at
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    *** The Nfilter web site is gone! ***

Robert Bonomi has been kind enough to host the program for us wreckers, click the link to get a copy of Nfilter and some other useful info,

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you Robert.

*** ***

  1. Copy the "NewsProxy" shortcut from - C:\Program Files\NewsProxy\ To - C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\ [this is for Win98se, modify this to suit your OS.]

  2. If you are using Outlook Express. Start OE. Right click on your news folder (not rec.ww - you want the main news folder) and select Properties. Select the Server tab. Copy the information from the Server Name box. Enter "localhost" (without the quote marks) in the Server Name box. Some O.S.'s may require you use 127.0.0.1 in the Server Name box. Select the Advanced tab and make sure that News(NNTP): is set to 119.

Click OK.

  1. In NewsProxy. Select Edit | Configuration | Network tab. In the "Server Name or IP Number" box - paste the information from Server Name you copied in step 3. Nfilter *IS* case sensitive for the criteria in nfilter.dat. By enabling Regular Expressions you can avoid having to enter all permutations of upper & lower cases into the nfilter.dat file. Select the General tab and check "Enable Regular Expressions". Click OK. Select Edit | Filters. Click File | Save As Change FileName to nfilter.dat.old Click Save. Delete all the existing lines. Copy the following section, from "Start Nfilter..." to "End", to the file & be sure not to leave any blank lines in the file. Click File | Save As FileName = nfilter.dat Click Save.

# Start Nfilter.dat list # Any line that starts with a # is a comment line and will be ignored. # Blank lines are a no no. # This list requires that "Enable Regular Expressions" be turned on. # In NewsProxy Click Edit | Configuration and check the # Regular Expressions box. # #Drop 3 or more xposts rec.woodworking Drop xref:[^:]*:[^:]*:[^:]*:.* rec.woodworking Drop xref:.*rec\.pets.* rec.woodworking Drop from:.*[Pp][Uu][Pp]+[Yy].* rec.woodworking Drop from:.*[Jj][Dd].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Jj][Ee][Ww][Ss].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Jj][Ee][Ww][Ii][Ss][Hh].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Cc][Hh][Rr][Ii][Ss][Tt][Ii][Aa][Nn].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Mm][Uu][Ss][Ll][Ii][Mm].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Jj][Ee][Ss][Uu][Ss].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Pp][Ee][Nn][Ii][Ss].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Ff][Uu][Cc][Kk].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.* [Cc][Uu][Mm] .* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Cc][Oo][Cc][Kk].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Pp][Uu][Ss]+[Yy].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Ss][Hh][Ii][Tt].* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*JOAT IS GAY.* rec.woodworking Drop subject:.*[Nn][Ee][Gg][Rr][Oo].* # End NFilter.dat list

Any time you edit the nfilter.dat file be sure you Save it, then close NewsProxy

and restart it. This will cause it to read the new nfilter.dat file. Note: there is no need to close your newsreader (ie Outlook Express) when doing this.

Here's a quick primer on Regular Expressions. Using the example expression .*[Pp][Uu][Pp]+[Yy].* [Pp] will match one letter of either upper or lower case P. [Pp]+ will match any number of letters of either upper or lower case P. So the above will match: Puppy, Pupy, PuPpY, pUPPPPPPPy, etc. A dot (".") will match any single character. And ".*" will match any number of any characters. Spaces are not ignored and are a valid matching character. [Pp][Uu] [Pp]+[Yy] (note the space between the U&P) will not match "Puppy" but will match "Pu ppy".

For more information on Regular Expressions go to:

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or
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the above as a guide it is simple to add a new rule, but you may want to test it first by using Flag instead of Drop. For example, to test for "asshole" anywhere in the subject line use: rec.woodworking Flag:ASSHOLE= subject:.*[Aa][Ss]+[Hh][Oo][Ll][Ee].* Once it works to your satisfaction replace "Flag:ASSHOLE=" with "Drop".

Please use one of the test groups (ie alt.test) for testing Subjects. You just need to change rec.woodworking to alt.test and have at it. Alternatively you could unsubscribe from rec.woodworking and then resubscribe. This will give you the actual posts from the current crop of idiots to test the From, nntp-posting-host, or message-id functions.

CAUTION: With Regular Expressions enabled, the rule in the original nfilter.dat file = rec.woodworking drop xref:*:*:*:* will cause ALL posts to be dropped.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES from wreck users:

#Drop 2 or more xposts rec.woodworking Drop xref:[^:]*:[^:]*:.*

#Drop any post from known troll posting hosts (as of Oct-2003) rec.woodworking Drop nntp-posting-host:.*65\.149\.76 rec.woodworking Drop nntp-posting-host:.*63\.159\.116 rec.woodworking Drop nntp-posting-host:.*206\.216\.55 rec.woodworking Drop nntp-posting-host:.*206\.216\.[456] rec.woodworking Drop nntp-posting-host:.*205\.184\.1[23456789]

#Drop the current trolls (as of Oct-2003) rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@canada.com rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@ampfarm.com rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@free.linux.net.mk rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@gloat.org rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@glay.org rec.woodworking drop from: snipped-for-privacy@c895fm.com

rec.woodworking drop path:.*{{servername}}

**** Filtering with Extreme Prejudice **** Things have got out of hand on the wreck with a few morons posting through Google. As such, I have decided to remove all posts from Google.com. This is an extreme measure and decide for yourself if you want to add the following line to your Nfilter.dat rules. rec.woodworking drop message-id:.*@posting.google.com

You should be able to see from those examples how to add additional rules to drop messages with certain words in the subject or from specific users. If you have any questions, please reply to this message.

  1. If you are running a firewall like ZoneAlarm you will need to enable NewsProxy to function as a server.

  1. If your ISP requires you to login, Nfilter requires no special set up. It will pass the login information from your newsreader to your ISP/News Server.

  2. For using Nfilter with multiple servers. See
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    *** A special thankyou to Art, AKA the Wood Butcher for his help installing Nfilter, It works, go get it and install it now. ***

**** USING OUTLOOK EXPRESS TO FILTER THE CRAP ****

To Block a Sender:

-Click on a message from the offender.

-Click on "Message"

-Click on "Block Sender"

-Click on "Yes" to remove all messages from the offender.

To Block a Thread

-Double Click on the message

-Copy the subject line (without the Re: prefix)

-Close the message

-Click on Tools | Message Rules | News | New

-In box #1 Check "Subject line contains specific words"

-In box #2 Check "Delete it"

-In box #3 Click on "contains specific words"

-Paste the subject line into the box

-Click Add | OK | OK

To Block On Something Else

-See Block Thread above and explore other options in box #1.

**** NEW GOOGLE BETA FEATURE ****

Google now has a new image search engine, great for finding ideas on design!

Check it out,

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** Answers to VERY common questions ** (my personal summations)

- Is Grizzly any good? The consensus would seem to be that Grizzly is a little hit and miss. The price is right, but the fit and finish will not be up to par with Jet and Delta. Sometimes you will get a Lemon. Waiting over a month for delivery is not uncommon.

- Where can I get plans? See some links at the bottom of this message

- Where can I get plans for a router table? See above.

- Jet vs. Delta? At this time it seems that both are excellent products, with Jet having the edge in value.

- What is SWMBO? (or DAMHIKT or BTDT or POS, etc.) See link at bottom to full rec.woodworking FAQ.

- Should I buy a Craftsman power tool? No.

- Should I use PVC pipe for compressed air lines?

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- This newsgroup should be split. A subject that has been beaten to death. The wreck will remain the way it is. This NG has been pick choose for a while; simply skip over what does not interest you.

- How do I stain Cherry? You don't.

- What is the proper finish for a cutting board? Mineral Oil.

- How do I protect cast iron tabletops from rust? Plain 'ol Johnson's paste floor wax.

- Who or What are the Borg? (courtesy of John Moorhead) Collectively, BORG is any of the big box home improvement centers that resemble the BORG (short for cyborg - a melding of robot and human or other species) "Cube" space vessels in "Star Trek the next generation" - they come into town and assimilate (read: wipe out) the small, medium and sometimes large local hardware/lumber/home improvement stores. Also specifically, Home Depot as an acronym Big Orange Retail Giant. - You have been assimilated. - Locutus

** Links to great woodworking reference sites **

- *** The Old Woodworking Machinery Website ***, Everything you wanted to know about buying, restoring and using vintage woodworking machinery,

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- *** The full FAQ (frequently asked questions) for this newsgroup ***,
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- *** Dust Collection FAQ ***, everything you wanted to know about dust collection,
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- Canadian lumber suppliers,
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- Steambending FAQ,
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- *Free* Plans,
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- *Loads of Free Plans and Links*,
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- WoodShop Demos, lots of ww'ing demos and info,
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- Woodworker's Central, where you can find reviews of equipment, FREE plans and much much more,
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- WoodBin Plan Finder,
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- Internet Woodworking.com W5, Free plans, much reference material,
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- Plans Now, pay ww'ing plans,
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- Free Woodworking Plans,
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- More Free Woodworking Plans,
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- Woodweb, lots of ww'ing industry info,
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- Woodworking.com,
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- The Oak Factory, general ww'ing info,
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- Portal: The Woodworking Industry Internet Directory,
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- Old Tools Mailing List FAQ, info for collectors and users of old hand tools,
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- The Electronic Neanderthal, traditional ww'ing info,
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- Patrick's Blood and Gore, Everything you ever wanted to know about Stanley hand plans, and much more,
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- Scary Sharp, find out what all the fuss is about, how to sharpen tools with sandpaper,
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- Health Hazards of Wood,
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- Bernie Hunt's Porter-Cable 557 plate joiner FAQ's,
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** Links to Woodworking Magazines **

- Fine Woodworking,

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- Popular Woodworking,
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- Wood Magazine,
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- Woodworkers Journal,
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- Canadian Woodworking magazine,
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- Shop Notes Magazine,
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- Woodsmith Magazine,
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- Workbench Magazine,
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** Links to online retailers **

- Lee Valley, Great tools,

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- Grizzly,
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- Rockler,
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- Woodcraft,
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- Garrett Wade,
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- Amazon, Tool Crib of the North,
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- Jeff Jewit's Homestead Finishing, great finishing advice and finishing products,
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- Paddy O'deens (Patrick Olguin) Shellac.net, best Shellac on the net,
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- Woodfinishes online,
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** Links to Woodworking Equipment manufacturers **

- General and General International,

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- Delta,
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- Jet USA,
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- Jet Canada,
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- Trademaster Canada,
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- Toolex International,
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- Performax Sanders,
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- Powermatic,
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- Wilke Machinery Company (Bridgewood),
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- Dewalt,
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- Porter Cable,
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- Hitachi Power Tools,
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- Makita,
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- Bosch,
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- Milwaukee,
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- Northfield Foundry & Machine Co., Serious Big Iron, in the old iron tradition,
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- Forrest Saw Blades (makers of the famous WWII blade),
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- Lie-Nielsen (top of the line hand planes),
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- Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes, traditional wooden hand planes,
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- Leigh Dovetail Jig, best DT jig on the market,
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- The National Router Academy,
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- Carter, the famous bandsaw guide company,
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** Links to Woodworking shows on TV **

- New Yankee Workshop,

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- The Woodwright's Shop with Roy Underhill,
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- The American Woodshop with Scott Phillips,
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- In the Workshop with John Silloats, (Canadian),
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- The Router Workshop,
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** Related News Groups **

- alt.binaries.pictures.furniture - alt.binaries.pictures.woodworking - rec.crafts.woodturning - rec.crafts.carving - alt.home.repair

Thanks,

David.

Every neighbourhood has one, in mine, I'm him.

Remove the "splinter" from my email address to email me.

Newbies, please read this newsgroups full FAQ.

rec.ww FAQ

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