Thanks for really useful tips!!!

[mdallensr]

1. Thanks to one of my fellow message board members, I'm enjoying my second winter without cracked finger-tips. The Vermont Bee Balm someone recommended really works, and it is a pleasure to not suffer with dry skin in our very dry Ohio winters.

2. Flying Dutchman scroll saw blades really are the best! Again, I don't remember who first recommended them, but they're the only blade in my shop now.

3. Timberwolf band saw blades are another "best-of-the-best". I had heard of them somewhere but never convinced myself to pay the extra money until so many posters recommended them. They are the best and instantly solve some of the problems others post about like drift and premature breakage.

4. "Dust-be-Gone" dust masks really work well and are the only mask I've tried that actually eliminates fogged eyeglasses. I have to wear glasses, and sometimes a magnifying visor, so fogging is a real problem. This is another pricey item (now $40) but well worth the money and will last a long time if it's cared for.

5. Wood dust collection and avoidance is something I've become much more aware of over the past few years, and now really try to remember to wear a mask even for that quick trip to the shop to rip a couple of blanks. The discussion we've had about dust, particularly from exotic woods, really convinced me to not take chances.

Thanks to all for these tips and many others that make my hobby much more enjoyable. This post got started on Thanksgiving weekend, when I was band-sawing and scroll-sawing carving blanks, wearing my Dust-be-Gone mask, and not bleeding on my wood. I'm running a little behind with my posts, just as I did with my Christmas carvings. Mike

[xsailer]

Please let me know where you got the "Vermont Bee Balm". And hopefully it's not just in Vermont! Hope I didn't beat you to the comment. I have that problem and it is really bothersome.

[mdallensr]

xsailer, it really comes from Vermont. Try www.vermontbeebalm.com. Nice folks, quick to mail it out, and it really works. Mike

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well duh....I think I posted it on here originally? but I haven't gotten any yet? Seems back then you send via email to get a sample, but I never did get mine and I still have cracked fingers lol........."physician heal thyself" lol I may be wrong, maybe I needed to send a self addressed envelope and just forgot it? thanks for reminding me..... Dave

[meipo]

There is another product I use which is really good for cracked finger tips and super chapped skin. The brand name is "Badger". It is called the "Healing Balm". It comes in a regular version and an unscented version for those who are allergic to scents. I used to be an art framer. Give our work, our hands are always dry with papercuts all over. This really makes a huge difference. My carpenter friends also love it. Since it is absorbsed very quickly by the skin, it does not feel greasy and does not leave grease marks on paper, wood or table surface. Go to badgerbalm.com to find local retailers. You can also buy it online. I think LeeValley.com has it, too.

meipo

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I am pretty sure I have seen Badger Balm in Cracker Barrel restaurant.

[mdallensr]

Oh sure Dave, it's easy for you to tout Badger Balm down in Arizona. The folks in Wisconsin don't think it's nice to grind up their badgers to make some magical elixir just to keep your fingers from cracking. How would you like some Wildcat Balm? Wink

In fact, those Badger fans are probably smarting a bit after getting bounced by the Hoosiers, huh? Maybe they need some balm to sooth their sore spots. Smile Mike Smile

[Kenny_S]

Mike, Us Kansasans don't like our "Wild Cats" to be ground up either. They get enough of that on the Grid Iron!!!!!
I took a looky see at the bee balm and it is simular to what a bee keeper here locally has. I have a bout of dermitist also and use it to rub on the affect skin. The Military said it was Jungle rot and they tried everything and nothing worked. Entar, internal,external meds, some high pottin stuff that damages the kidneies the whold gambet . This bee keeper told me one time I needed to try this stuff he concoted. It worked. he has arthritist and once in a while, he placeds a bee on his elbow and gets stung and he is better. go figure.

Anyway. These Tips are a neat area and I don't know who or if it was me, But I have been using the Flying Dutchman scroll saw blades for about 5 years and the Timberwolf bandsaw blades for just about as long. Both last longer than any other blades and the Timberwolf band saw blade hasn't broke like others.

[JIM QUILICI]

ahhhhhh....those jars of bee balm must be pretty small if the bees use it. and where do they buy it ????
Just old Jim

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by mdallensr

Oh sure Dave, it's easy for you to tout Badger Balm down in Arizona. The folks in Wisconsin don't think it's nice to grind up their badgers to make some magical elixir just to keep your fingers from cracking. How would you like some Wildcat Balm? Wink

In fact, those Badger fans are probably smarting a bit after getting bounced by the Hoosiers, huh? Maybe they need some balm to sooth their sore spots. Smile Mike Smile

Hey, whats a badger or two between friends?