In December of 2017, Sigora Solar completed installation of a 36,180 kW photovoltaic energy system designed to produce 100% of Lantz Custom Woodworking’s annual electrical power needs. It is comprised of (108) high efficiency (335W each) solar panels and (2) SolarEdge inverters. Pretty cool to realize that all of the equipment in our shop is being run off of solar energy…
Click here to track the performance of our system.
If you found this post after searching the web for a replacement half-blind dovetail templet for your old Porter Cable 24″ OMNIJIG, you’ve probably found out that Porter Cable no longer manufactures the original 24″ OMNIJIG Dovetail machine (model #7116). And unfortunately, factory replacement parts for this jig are becoming few and far between. I discovered this when I unsuccessfully tried to purchase a replacement 1/2″ half blind dovetail templet (model #7117) for our 24″ jig. Fortunately I have access to a CNC router so I carefully measured the original templet and produced one out of 1/4″ aluminum bar stock. It worked beautifully.
Recognizing that most small woodworking shops don’t have CNC capabilities, we have produced a small inventory of this templet and are offering it to others at $95 plus $25 shipping and handling (continental US only). Items are shipped by UPS ground. (VA customers will need to pay a 5% state sales tax) Sorry, international shipping is not currently available.
Please be aware that this is not a factory original part and there may be slight differences between the looks of the replacement templet and the original templet you received with the jig. However, the differences are cosmetic and you will find that the important dimensions are held to a very tight tolerance. There are two extra holes in the template that were used to secure the part to the CNC during machining. When changing to the new template, you may have to slightly “tweak” the jig settings to achieve tight/flush dovetails. Also note, the replacement templet does not include the angle mounting tabs required to secure the templet to the OMNIJIG. (You will need to re-use the mounting tabs from your original templet.)
If you have questions or would like to place an order, please email us at info@lantzwoodworking.com. Upon receipt of your order, we will email an invoice to you which you can pay through PayPal.
Sorry. I am currently sold out of this item. At this time, I am undecided whether I will make more.
The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) is a nonprofit trade association that represents nearly 4000 members consisting of architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world. Lantz Custom Woodworking was a member of AWI from 2008 until 2017.
Among other things, AWI publishes a Quality Standards manual that can be used by design professions to specify cabinet construction. This is especially important when architects, designers or home owners want to get comparable pricing from multiple shops. The quality standards divides cabinet construction into three level of quality, specifying acceptable construction methods, finishes and tolerances for each level. This ensure comparable quotes between shops and clarifies owner expectations.
In addition to membership, shops can also choose to pursue in AWI’s quality certification program. The idea behind the program is that shops go through a certification process to prove competency in the standards. In theory, this assures that a certified shop will provide products that meet the specified standard. The reality, however, may be quite different. Lantz Custom Woodworking has never pursued this level of certification and does not plan to do so in the foreseeable future. Our experience is that labels do not truly guarantee quality and merely serve to add cost to a job. That said, Lantz Custom Woodworking is familiar the AWI quality standards and, as we have done in the past, we will guarantee that the product we deliver will always meet or exceed this standard, regardless of whether or not it has a label.
For designers that are considering specifying AWI quality standards, be aware that insistence on application of certified labels can prevent conscientious shops from bidding on the project and may not guarantee the quality that you hope to get. A good understanding of the standards that you specify is the best way to ensure quality millwork is used in your projects. If you have any questions regarding AWI or the Quality Standards manual, please do not hesitate to contact us.