Gauges, gauge or instrument which could be use to measure, or display ‘levels’ or quantity, etc. Like a pressure, temperature or fuel gauge.

Matrix Bench Power Supply

Variable DC Bench DC Power Supply

Supply, Control, Test and Power

Matrix Bench Power Supply

Tech | Tools – Matrix DC Power Supply

The Matrix DC Power Supply – This Power Supply is variable, adjustable Bench DC Power Supply, used for testing, maintenance and more

If you need more power on the bench, power more than the supplied battery or charging cord. If you have not lost or damaged the manufacturer supplied leads and cables. consider getting yourself a Matrix Bench Power Supply. It’s easy to use, portable, compact, self-regulating and lightweight. Adding a new bench supply to your lab, maker-space or home office can be beneficial.

We highly recommend Matrix Power Supplies, and are excited to try out the new Matrix MPS-3210. An affiliate link will be posted on our Shop Page – under electronics.

If you already have a bench power supply and would like to share your own commentary or recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. We always enjoy learning about others’ experiences and appreciate healthy product competition. If you do not have a bench supply, consider checking out Matrix Power Supply to see if there’s a Matrix model that fits your needs.

Kreg Measuring Tool

Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool

Carpentry Tools & Accessories

Kreg Tool

Tech | Tools – Measure, Mark, Prep Tool

The Kreg Measuring Tool – Measure, Mark; Multi-use metal, 3d printing, wood or carpentry.

Whether you’re at home, around the office, or in the shop. You’ll need something like the Kreg Measuring and Marking tool. One tool for measuring angles and mark up wood or metal. The Kreg Measuring Tool is a versatile and usful tool for finding angles. This tool is perfect for measuring right angles on-the-go, making layouts easily repeatable and ensuring accuracy while working int he field or on various projects. I personally own one now and I find it incredibly easy to use, handy for setting standard angles like 90 and 45 degrees, or manually adjusting the slide as needed. The Kreg is truly unbeatable in my opinion, for marking, designing, measuring and leveling in the field.

Mark & Design
Measure

Measure

Mark

Mark

Angles

Angles

Multi-Purpose

Multi-Purpose

I recommend Kreg Tools,  for all tasks, marking-to-measuring. I have also used both the pocket-hole jig set… Other, new hand tools (coming soon, out by the time you read this and same for the new calipers), calipers. These tools go wellw with the theme of this post, measuring tools are usful for my 3D prints and I will soon be writing up an article on the pocket-hole set.  Be sure to check out the Kreg multi-purpose tool and other Kreg tools on our Shop Page – tools.

Hand Tools

More Tools Around The Shop

Flush Cutters, Manual Sharpeners/Quick Edge Tools, and The Wen Bench Grinder

Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Uncover new tools, cutters, sharpeners and bench grinders!

Discover new hand tools like the Klein Tool flush cutters, Speedy Sharp burr tool, Smith’s and Benchmade sharpeners. For those big jobs, consider the Wen Bench Grinder. Need to cut something quickly and confidently? Utilize the Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers. If you have dull knives and carving tools, shop our favorite tools, measuring tools – Kreg mark and measure, calipers and learn more about the Benchmade and Smith Manual Field Sharpeners. For tough outdoor steel, rely on the Wen grinder.

Flush Cutters and Speedy Sharp
Cutters

Klein Flush Cutters

Sharpeners by Speedy Sharp

Speedy Sharp

Hopping into the more refined tools that are essential to have in the shop, those that aid in working more efficiently. Let’s begin with the Klein Tools flush cut pliers, perfect for cutting without leaving any rough edges. Say goodbye to dull carving tools or chisels. Get your hands on a variety of manual sharpeners, progressing from the Benchmade Field Sharpener, to the Speedy Sharp to remove and define that burr.

While you’re out in the field the guided Smith’s pocket sharpener is ideal for hooks and quick edge work. Additionally, for tools that require fine sharpening and extra power when steel is necessary for outdoor tasks such as cutting grass, wood chisels, hand tools and scissors that need some special attention, the Wen Bench Grinder.

Generally speaking, the official name for flush cutters is diagonal cutting pliers with precision, or wire ‘snips’ in layman’s terms! Previous posts have covered deburring tools, like the AFA Deburring set or the Klein Tools screwdrivers. While those tools have been discussed in previous posts, today we are focusing on flush cutters. Surprisingly, flush cutters are used daily in the shop, garage and yard. I use these cutters all the time, with an easy-to-use ‘squeeze’ and firm handle setup, sometimes spending hours cleaning up prints or cutting zip-ties. It’s helpful to have a comfortable set of cutters around the office.

Additionally, flush cutters, as implied by the name, leave zip ties and copper wires clean and snag-free. Maintenance is easy – simply spray lubricant on them every so often, towel dry, and then run them through a sharpener for clean, flush cuts as intended. All you #makers out there, make sure to have a sharp pair of cutting pliers (snips) for any delicate wire work or clean-up effort.
Cut A New Edge, Forming An Edge (Burr)

Moving on, those of you who use hand tools  such as carving knives, whittling knives or field knives, it is important to keep a proper edge on them. Who can forget about the Speedy Sharp sharpeners? When a new edge is needed, turn to Speedy Sharp for a quick repair or to fix a damaged blade or broken edge. Simply run the diamond cutter across the damaged area quickly to create a new, fresh edge that is perfect for our next step. Hone and clean up the edges with the Smith’s pocket sharpener, which allows for coarse to fine edge work. By doing so, we are one step closer to achieving a fine edge.

Smith’s Pocket Sharpener, Benchmade Field Sharpener
Sharpener by Smith

Smiths Pocket Sharpener

Sharpener by Benchmade WorkSharp

Benchmade WorkSharp

Tools & Sharpeners

Tools & Sharpeners

Sharpeners for small tools

Sharp Tools

Introducing the Benchmade Field Sharpener designed specifically for knives and other hand tools such as scissors or fishing lures. This compact field sharpener is perfect for fine-turning edges while out in the field, creating a precise 20-degree edge angle for most pocket knives and carving tools.  Finish off your sharpening process with the ceramic edge for an incredibly sharp finish, and use the strop on the other end for a polished touch. This handy field sharpener is a must-have for any workshop Stay tuned for our upcoming article on sharpening stones, going up-to 8000 grit!

Tool Variety, Applications and Wen Bench Grinder

Let’s dive into the world of cutters, sharpeners, and bench grinders as we wrap up with the Wen Bench Grinder. Do you have an old worn out scythe, pruners, axes or tree trimming knives? Are you a farmer in the field who needs a high-quality bench grinder to fix your field tools? Whether you need to fix warped edges or hone those stubborn cutting edges on old, tough tool steel the Wen Bench Grinder is the perfect choice.

All-In-One Bench Grinder
Bench Grinder by Wen

Wen Bench Grinder

Power when you need it, unlike hand tools, this grinder has variable speeds to help grind away rust, age, work blemishes, fractures and dents. You can’t go wrong with the wheel options, which include both an 80/36 grit wheel option, a light and guards/rest so that a sharpened edge may emerge. Perfect for bigger jobs, providing power when you need it.

More tools you say? Check out the following: , or may be you need something bigger, bolder… lightning! how about the Lincoln Electric 140 Welder? How about what’s on the Gadget Backlog – ? Working on that car again I see, pick up a telescoping magnetic picker… fan favorite by the way! Same for the Calipers, I like our updated caliper set by Mitutoyo, an upgrade from the Neiko set. All relative to the post and to have around any shop, office or garage space.

So far,  we’ve covered the best guided, field hand sharpeners, flush cutters and bench grinder for our #makers space. Leave a comment below for other suggestions, hand tools or sharpeners to have around the shop.

Luthier Gauges

Fix String Height; Guitar Action

Stew Mac Gauges

Luthier Gauges - Stew Mac

Tech | Tools – Luthier Tools

Luthier Tools; Gauges

Someday, I’ll learn I’m not much of a luthier, but I do build, tinker and repair my own. I recently completed my first DIY build, using a premade body and genuine guitar parts – EMG Tele Pickup Set, Fender Telecaster neck and Wilkinson tuners. Now, I’m venturing into higher quality builds, like an American Tele body with full US-made parts for an American Parts Tele. As I work on these projects, I realize that I’ll need some gauges. These luthier gauges seem like they could be useful to have around. They are defintely worth the investment if you’re working on installing new quality tuners or building a fresh guitar.

If you’re in need of quality DIY guitar parts, I recommend checking out eBay, Stewmac, or Amazon a peek. They offer a variety of wood selections, premiere quality, American-made stock necks, and more. With the right tools and skills, you can fully fabricate, build and play a new guitar in just a few days (minus sanding and glue time). It’s a wild concept, but it’s possible. Speaking of gauges, this handy gauge set can help you adjust the action on both acoustic and electric guitars. Ultimately, the string height will determine the pressure needed to play a note or chord. This gauge set is a great option for DIY builds, parts builds or working on pre-made guitar stock from the Stewmac shop. While you’re shopping, be sure to check out what’s called a capo or capotasto, for quick and easy scale changes. A nice-to-have, this hand tool or accessory is a great addition to your learning arsenal, allowing you to alter your guitar’s scale in seconds and enhance your guitar skills.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?