Convenience Worth its Weight in Gold

People are giving me all sorts of saw suggestions. I don’t know that I’m going to upgrade right away. But I might, simply because inflation and increased shipping costs are making waiting a questionable idea.

As one reader suggests, I am not planning to make fine furniture, mainly because I am totally incapable of doing so. But my experience with the crappy, non-fine projects I’ve attempted so far tells me that sub-millimeter accuracy is the least you should accept for any wood tool.

Someone else says he has had inaccurate cuts with Dewalt saws. A lot of people on the web make the same complaint. It looks like the best choices for average Joes are Makita and Bosch.

I have to think about it. My table saw can do a lot of the things a sliding miter saw can do, with effort. The great thing about a miter saw is that you can leave it set up all the time and walk over when you need it. Pop the blade through the wood, clear away the sawdust, and you’re done. It’s a wonderful convenience. There is nothing like a versatile tool you don’t have to take out and set up.

The garage is looking good. I actually managed to get the car in there, with room to spare. This is nice. No more getting into a 150-degree oven every time I want McMuffins.

I have a question for the Christians who read this blog. Is there a book you would recommend for a person who claims to have intellectual reservations about Christianity? I know Josh McDowell wrote one; I haven’t read it. I suppose I should point out that I would be looking for something consistent with the Protestant Holy-Spirit-centered viewpoint.

I tend to suspect that this type of book doesn’t work too well. Most non-religious people who are aware of Christianity and resist it do so deliberately, in order to excuse their lifestyles or to punish God for His perceived misdeeds and failings. Or to inflate their own pride. It’s 2008, and people still think making fun of Noah’s Ark somehow makes them look intelligent and sophisticated. I believe people are more likely to be moved by the testimony of others whom they respect, and by people who set good examples, and by prayer. But I thought I’d ask anyway.

In other news, it’s Meat Day. My weekly Winn-Dixie ad is here. And Boston butts are 99¢ a pound. If you’re looking for a cheap way to feed your family, Boston butts should not be overlooked. Soak in baking soda brine for a day. Season however you want. Bake at 300 until it falls apart. Simple.

Boneless rib eyes, $6.99/lb. Not bad. More expensive than Costco, but the meat seems to be a little better.

Chicken leg quarters, 69¢/lb.! Oh, yes. Barbecue time.

Baby backs are $3.99/lb., but I prefer spare ribs.

OH, YES! T-bone, Porterhouse or bone-in Ribeye steaks $5.99/lb.! Where are the car keys? If I can get a rib roast, it’s time to age some meat.