Jim Glaser

Veteran hit recording artist and songwriter, Jim Glaser, joins the show! What a long and successful career he's had! From his days touring with Marty Robbins (El Paso), to his successful career as a recording artist and studio owner, Jim has some amazing stories to tell!

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TR#71: Jim Henson!

Jim Henson! The Tank Crew enters the world of muppets and Jim Henson's history of creating fantastic characters and shows for young and old. Including: Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, The Muppet Movies, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Dinosaurs, Rowlf, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Swedish Chef, Ernie and Bert, Cookie Monster, Grover, Gonzo, Big Bird, Fozzie Bear, Gobo, Mokey, Red, Wembley, Boober, Yoda, and so many, many more! Also in this episode a discussion of Paul Winchell, Tony Sarg, Bil Baird, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Timecrimes, The Grand Illusion, Gun Shows, Teabagging and more. Music by Tom Smith.

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Finding Files and Other Saw Sharpening Tips

I've been getting a few questions lately on saw files - what to get, and where to get them, mostly.  Here's some highlights from those correspondences that others might find useful.

 

I've found that Nicholsen saw files are getting to be poorer quality - though they will still do in a pinch, most certainly...  I have many boxes of older Nicholsens that will keep me in files for quite a while.   For new, I recommend Grobet files personally, though I've seen Daryl Weir recommend Bahco files, and with the immense skill he has in sharpening a saw I wouldn't doubt his word at all. 

You can get quality saw files at any of the following:

 

Tools for Working Wood

 

Vintage Saws

 

Lie Nielsen

 

I believe they are all selling Grobet brand files, but I’m not positive about Lie-Nielsen – they may sell Bahco, but I believe it is Grobet.  In any case, they are all very good, Bahco is a good file, from all reports I've heard (though I've not used them myself).   Simonds also makes a good saw file, from my experience, if you can find them.  Sears sometimes sells them, along with Bachco brand files.

 

Vintage Saws is a small company, just one guy I think – Pete Taran – he’s actually the guy who started making Independence Saws, which were eventually bought out by and became the Lie-Nielsen line of saws.  He has a great sharpening tutorial on his site as well, well worth your time to read.

 

Lie-Nielsen you should know, they are a quality outfit all around, and make excellent quality saws.  Tools For Working Wood is Joel Moscowitz’s company out of New York, he sells a lot of great quality tools at pretty reasonable prices.  He’s my very favorite online tool dealer.  He’s my go-to dealer.  He also makes a line of saws – Gramercy – which are great saws, of excellent quality.

 

Mike Wenzloff makes saws and sells files also:

 

http://www.wenzloffandsons.com/component/virtuemart/tool-care/files.html

 

His stuff is always top-notch. 

 

Any of the above are absolutely guaranteed as top-notch – I recommend any/all of them.

 

Another place to get saw files - if you don't mind buying a box of 12 - is at amazon.com:

 

Grobet saw files on Amazon.com

 

It's a pretty good deal for them, if you plan on filing a number of saws.

 

If you are in the UK or Europe I won’t be of  too much help finding saw files that cost a bunch to ship as all the places I know well are here in the US, but you might try these, they are all in the UK:

 

Classichandtools.com

 

Axminster.co.uk

 

Workshopheaven.com

 

---

 

 EDIT:  Pedder (of Two Lawyers Sawmakers) in a comment below mentions:

 

The best source for saw files in europe is Dieter Schmid's fine-tools.com

http://www.fine-tools.com/euroscha.htm

Grobet files (labled F. Dick)

Thanks Pedder!  I had completely forgotten about that company...  For everyone else - take a look at Pedder's offerings - they are an up and coming pair of sawmakers whose work is amongst the best I've seen...

---

 

Just so you know, I am working on getting a supplier lined up for selling saw files through this website at some time in the future...  We'll have to see if it works out, but watch here for updates.

 

While I'm at it, here's a few links and images from previous articles on Norse Woodsmith:

 

Lines drawings with spacings for saw teeth in PDF format:

11 PPI

12 PPI

13 PPI

14 PPI

15 PPI

17 PPI

 

A guide for fleam:

25 Degree Guide

 

 

 Here's a recommened list of files for ppi/tpi of saws - compiled and consolidated from several sources:

 

 For sizing a particular file to a particular tooth size - this is the general rule of thumb you want to follow:

 

 

Mike Wenzloff has taken information from Holly’s “The Art of Saw Filing” and Charles Holtzapffel’s “Construction, Action and Application of Cutting Tools” that cover choosing a saw for a task fairly well:

 

http://www.wenzloffandsons.com/faq/31-general/43-sawselection.html

 

Mike’s chart and saw recommendations in the link above are quite good – spend some time looking his information over, and that should help you determine what sizes you may need.

 

 

---

On an entirely different subject:

A request was made in my last entry something similar to "no pictures, didn't happen"... so here is a portion of Neil Young's "Down By The River" accompanied by me on one of the guitars I made,,, 

Down By The River: 

It looks like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.

If the player above doesn't load, here's a direct link to the file:

http://norsewoodsmith.com/files/images/casters/mp3/DownTrack3.mp3

No apologies for the player's abilities - he's trying his best, mind you.  You should be able to tell which guitar it is I'm playing pretty easily (it is Mjöllnir, BTW).

 

Leif

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Tank Riot - Episode 67: Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers! The team takes a look at the much maligned, but very important and wonderful children's television personality. We discuss his Supreme Court appearance, his contribution to TV and the VCR, his great guests (Bruce Haack) and his neighborhood friends (Chuck Aber, Robert Trow, Betty Aberlin, Don Brockett, John Costa, Keith David, David Newell, Joe Negri) and more!

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The Purrs: BrightSideBroadcast.com

BrightSideBroadcast proudly presents The Purrs.

09.27.05 – Volume 1, Episode #09 – Length 42:17

This local Seattle band creates a galactic presence with shinning reverb and lyrics that brutally awaken you to realize you aren’t on a psychadelic trip. Your just listen to four guys with the dream to be a good, honest rock-n-roll band that plays music to drink to. Please enjoy the BrightSideBroadcast podcast of The Purrs.

The Purrs members: Jim – bass/vocals, Jason Buchanan – guitar/backing vocals Jason Milne – guitar/backing vocals, Craig Keller – drums

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 75 (Bruce Gaitsch)

Born in Chicago, Bruce Gaitsch was baptized into music at an early age. His dad was a musician and also owned a music store where it was common to see up-and-coming stars of the Midwest music scene, such as Ted Nugent, Chicago, and the Buckinghams. As a musician, Bruce paid his dues in the Windy City and racked up more than 3000 session gigs over the course of 9 years. Thats when he moved to LA. His career as a guitarist, producer, and writer exploded when his good friend from Chicago, Richard Marx , began to connect him to others. He then met Patrick Leonard, and together they wrote a track called La Isla Bonita for Madonna. Hes fresh off a world tour with Peter Cetera and has worked with Chicago, Kansas, The Fixx, Phillip Bailey, and Tom Scott, just to name a few. He has several solo albums to his credit, including his most recent 2006 release Sincerely. As his successes are too many to mention, so well just let Bruce tell you. Inside MusiCast welcomes Bruce Gaitsch.

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Tank Riot - Episode 59: Tron

Tron! The team discusses the 1982 film and its rumored sequel. From director Steven Lisberger to artistic visionaries Syd Mead and Moebius to actors Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner and David Warner. We interview the Tron Guy and more!

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Cary Grant

Watching Cary Grant, drinking a Cary Grant.

Watching Cary Grant, drinking a Cary Grant

[Roadless]

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Anna Wilson

This hour we welcome hit country songwriter and jazz recording artist, Anna Wilson to the show. She?s had alot of success over the years and shares with us how she did it!

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 48 (Steve Weingart)

For a young Steve Weingart growing up in Dayton, Ohio, the music of fusionists Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Herbie Hancock wooed him as an aspiring young pianist. You might say that it derailed the classical music prodigy, who studied at the College Conservancy of Music in Cincinnati, and placed him on a track that would lead him to becoming a sought after touring and performing keyboardist for top fusion and rock bands such as the Dave Weckl Band, the infamous El Grupo, Steve Lukather, Chaka Khan, Simon Phillips, Marco Mendoza, and many others. Although his career is on a fast track, somehow he's been able to keep a level head by not forgetting his roots and approaching his musical career with appreciation and humility. But, don't let his under-spoken personality deceive you; this man can play. He is most capable in almost any musical genre, but fusion is where his heart lies. His latest solo fusion release Dark Blue Dream is a collection of progressive fusion compositions that will captivate you. In short, he makes it all sound too easy. Inside MusiCast welcomes a most talented and gracious Steve Weingart.

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Southern Folk Banjo - Lonesome Road Blues

Southern mountain banjo music sample from the Appalachian folklore Cd "An Unclouded Day". Old-time 5 string banjo playing done in the traditional two finger or sometimes called up/down picking somewhat common here in Western North Carolina. This style is used quite a bit by musicians to accompany singing of the old ballads and folk songs.
Lonesome Road Blues, Banjo

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Ripped Off with Jon Hichborn- April Edition

Listen to another entertaining and informative episode of 'Ripped Off' with Jon Hichborn as he discusses artists in the music industry and how they've lost years of royalties. Joining in the discussion in the second hour was Jordan Cole from the well known group, The Association. Visit Records on the Wall: Jon Hichborn's website at www.RoyaltyTracking.com

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Tank Riot - Episode 32: 300

300! We discuss Frank Miller and his new film 300. Is it the best film of 2007 or just a testosterone romp? You probably decided, but we will discuss! Also, is Captain America really dead and is Iron Man to blame or George Bush? Can goats really play guitars? So many questions...

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Tank Riot - Episode 51: Iron Man vs. Zombie Strippers

Iron Man vs. Zombie Strippers! The Tank Team kicks off the Summer movie season with reviews of Iron Man and Zombie Strippers. We also discuss Wicked, Walking with Dinosaurs and the films we are most looking forward to this Summer!

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Psychic Christian Dion - June Readings

Christian Dion performs another entertaining night of readings for Pop Odyssey callers. Entertaining and accurate, Christian amazes more listeners and provides predictions on past, present and future for the forttunate callers.

Visit Christian's website at www.psychicgossip.blogspot.com

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MANALIVE: BrightSideBroadcast.com

BrightSideBroadcast proudly presents MANALIVE.

MANALIVE is more then your typical rock band. They are bound like brothers, this tight connection along with their diverse musical tastes create a band that never follows the corporate beat. Get ready to find out what this no-nonsense rock band is all about.

MANALIVE members: Terry – vocals, Josh – guitar Wheat – guitar, Alex – drums, vocals.

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Understanding Saw File Sizes

Files are sized by length and by their thickness (shorter files are naturally thinner to start with). Then, there is a variety of sizes available in each length... This is what follows after the length, e.g. a 6" 'Slim Taper'.

The common size tapered saw files you will find are 4" through 8" long, and are listed as (in order from widest to narrowest):

Heavy Taper
Regular Taper
Slim Taper
Extra Slim Taper (aka Xtra slim or X slim taper)
Double Extra Slim Taper (aka XXtra Slim or 2x slim taper)

 

The "taper" is just that, a slight taper to the thickness of the file at the end.  It aids in starting the file to cut properly and evenly.

 

Here's a quick visual on some of the different sizes - these are essentially the file sizes I keep on hand for my own use:

 

Smaller files (and the smaller as listed above) have a sharper corner, therefore leave a longer tooth (and a deeper gullet) when you sharpen. This is important in fine-toothed saws, especially those 12 ppi and finer, as the gullet carries away the sawdust... Too round of a corner can also make sharpening more difficult, as the file is just too big to fit in the slot for the tooth. However - too sharp of a gullet can be a problem too, making it easier for the metal to tear at the base of the gullet... That's usually not a big issue, but it's something that Grimshaw thought important enough to mention, so I won't question his authority - and I have seen it, though admittedly only on saws with poor quality steel.

Finding a balance is what it's all about. The file needs to be properly sized for the tooth you are working on - too small and you risk wasting your file quickly. Too big and it' also a waste:

Note that I did not illustrate a rounded corner in the section through the file in the illustration above - it comes to a sharp point, which is not the way it is in reality. It is slightly rounded over, and that is the roundness referred to above. Larger files will have a larger radius at the corners.

Not all of the classic texts nor current web sites agree on the exact size you should use for a given PPI... This may have been because of what was available or perhaps even what a particular company sold or had on hand... Here's the table I put together from a plethora of different sources:

Simonds (a well known maker of saw files) recommends these sizes:

Tools for Working Wood recommends the following sizes:

 

      Needle File for 15ppi and finer saws ( file is 7 3/4" long x 2nd cut)
      4" Double Extra Slim (12-15 ppi - short stroke)
      4" Extra Slim (11-13 ppi)
      5" Extra Slim (11-12 ppi)
      6" Double Extra Slim (10-11 ppi)
      6" Extra Slim (9-10 ppi)
      7" Extra Slim (8-9 ppi)
      7" Slim (5-7ppi)

 

You can see it varies from what I put together, and it's just more evidence there is no hard fast rule.  There is no reason to doubt their recommendations - they have a pretty good grasp of what saws require, and following their advice won't steer you wrong.

 

For reference - the difference between TPI (Teeth Per Inch) and PPI (Points Per Inch) is just in where you measure the tooth - from point to point or from gullet to gullet. PPI is point of tooth to point of tooth. Some text refer to TPI, while others refer to PPI, so I've included both in the table above.

I hope that helps clear things up a bit... I'm sure it's way more than you wanted to hear...

-----------------------------

The Art of Saw-Filing: Scientifically Treated and Explained on Philosophical Principles By Henry Wells Holly

First published in 1864, still in publication
ISBN-10: 1408667150
ISBN-13: 978-1408667156

Available at Google books here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=424EAAAAMAAJ&dq=The+Art+of+Saw+Filing

You can download a PDF copy from Norse Woodsmith here:

http://norsewoodsmith.com/files/images/gullets/The_art_of_saw_filing.pdf 

-----------------------------

Grimshaw on Saws

ISBN-10: 096180887X
ISBN-13: 978-0961808877

Available on Google books here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=wx-yOwAACAAJ&dq=Grimshaw+on+saws&cd=4

 -----------------------------

 

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 3 (Lee Sklar - Part 1)

Lee Sklar is a busy musician. He has played literally thousands of sessions and has toured with the best. So, what does he prefer? Working within the confines of the recording studio or the stage life of a world tour? How does Lee Sklar pick up his gigs? How has the recording and music business changed over the past 30 years? How does he stay fresh? Are sessions of the good-ol-days gone? You wont want to miss part 2 of our interview with a living legend, Lee Sklar.

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Tank Riot - Episode 17: X-Men

X-men! Reviews of "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Stan Lee and even Chris Claremont! Plus a look at the comic book history and more...

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Ripped Off with Jon Hichborn- June Edition

Jon Hichborn, bounty hunter for the music business, returns for the June episode of "Ripped Off." He discusses artists, contracts, and in the second hour John Lay joins the discussion. Lay served as the manager for the popular group Squeeze in the 80's and 90's and things really turn wild when Hichborn and Lay go head to head in their hilarious disputes over the issues of contracts. One of the best segments to date!

Visit Jon's website at www.royaltytracking.com

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 48 (Steve Weingart)

For a young Steve Weingart growing up in Dayton, Ohio, the music of fusionists Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Herbie Hancock wooed him as an aspiring young pianist. You might say that it derailed the classical music prodigy, who studied at the College Conservancy of Music in Cincinnati, and placed him on a track that would lead him to becoming a sought after touring and performing keyboardist for top fusion and rock bands such as the Dave Weckl Band, the infamous El Grupo, Steve Lukather, Chaka Khan, Simon Phillips, Marco Mendoza, and many others. Although his career is on a fast track, somehow he's been able to keep a level head by not forgetting his roots and approaching his musical career with appreciation and humility. But, don't let his under-spoken personality deceive you; this man can play. He is most capable in almost any musical genre, but fusion is where his heart lies. His latest solo fusion release Dark Blue Dream is a collection of progressive fusion compositions that will captivate you. In short, he makes it all sound too easy. Inside MusiCast welcomes a most talented and gracious Steve Weingart.

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 35 (Jon Herington)

Jon Herington is a guitarist at peace. But, at an arms length, anyone will tell you that he has one of the music industrys most coveted gigs a gig that has long been a magnet to critical criticism or critical acclaim for one of musics most creative groups, Steely Dan. At a conversational distance, youll discover that not only has Jon executed the most complex guitar parts for Donald Fagan and Walter Becker over the past eight years, but has found creative balance as a musician, producer and writer that subscribes to the same standard of musicianship as the Dan. Listen closely to his personal work and youll be mildly surprised to find that Jon Herington approaches his music like that of a qualified artist, both lyrically and musically. So sit back, and listen to our guest expound on his musical roots as well as his musical theories and perspectives. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jon Herington.

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Inside MusiCast - Episode 21 (Michael Omartian)

A perennial classic producer and session musician, our guest really needs no introduction, or at least one paragraph doesnt do his career justice. We will say that he is the first producer in recording history to have number one records in three separate decade - the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In 1980, he was nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, three of which he won for his work on Christopher Cross debut album, 'Sailing.' In the 80s he was nominated twice for producer of the year. In 1991 he was nominated for album of the year for Amy Grants 'Heart in Motion' and in 1994 he even produced the soundtrack album for the Summer Olympic Games. Hes still in demand as a producer, but is now spending more time discovering new talent. Over his lengthy and successful career, hes worked with names such as: Bela Fleck, Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson, Reba, Roberta Flack, Alison Krauss, and a recent Inside MusiCast guest, David Pack. Inside MusiCast welcomes a true classic Michael Omartian.

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TR#100: 100 Years!

The Tank Team discuss the 100th episode of the Tank Team discussing things! Politics, Vegas, Stars, Treks, Wars, Jackasses, Douchebags, Pythons of the Monty variety, Mad, Wicked, Caberet, Beer, Pirates, Mailbags, Contests and more!

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Jon Hichborn and Banner Thomas

Jon Hichborn, bounty hunter of the music industry, is the true "good guy." He works relentlessly for his clients, who include a vast array of writers, musicians, vocalists, and publishers. He's turned estates that were making nothing in public domain to six figure (and even more!) payments for royalties that were extremely past due. Listen as he describes what he did for the music of Robert Johnson and many more! And for those of you who know anyone that collects their music by file sharing, you'll certainly want to listen! In the second hour, Molly Hatchet's original bassist Banner Thomas joins the discussion, explaining how Hichborn helped him and he gives some great information on the band... even dissolving some of the greatest myths of the classic southern rock group!

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Podcast #15, featuring an interview with Jack and Molly Tuttle.

Welcome to the show this is Podcast number 15. This week Dan Miller catches up with Jack and Molly Tuttle. They talk about their new album. Please visit this podcast
at http://www.flatpick.com/podcast.html

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Tank Riot - Episode 39: Godzilla

Godzilla! In this episode we discuss Godzilla (Gojira) films, and the many other Kaiju monsters from Japan that we love! Including: Megalon, Rodan, Mothra, King Ghidora, Mechagodzilla, Gigan, Gamera and more!

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Banned In The USA

Listen in to another episode with Gary and Stephen as they explore different generations of music and the well known songs that were banned from radio. Informative and entertaining!

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