There are few things more compelling to a woodworker than a tool that has been designed by a fellow craftsman. And the IWF 2022 show floor will abound in these, though it may take some research in the exhibitor database to identify them.
Some examples include clamps by Pony Jorgeson (Booth 10354), the Pantorouter (Booth 10554), and the Shaper Origin (Booth 10630), the latter famously developed by an MIT grad student who wanted to make picture frames.
One of the latest is Topp Line Inc.’s Blind Stapler (IWF Booth B10847), a pneumatic staple gun that allows for fast and easy assembly when attaching a cabinet face frame to a cabinet box. Developed by a cabinetmaker and having its IWF debut, the Blind Stapler simplifies and speeds face frame work. Topp Line won IWF 2022 Challengers Award for the pneumatically driven tool.
Its operation is intuitive: users load a rack of 1″ x 1/4″ crown staples into the carriage, then attach a 1/4″ air line onto the quick release nipple. Press the first button to align and clamp the face frame to the cabinet box. Press the second button and the staple is automatically driven at an angle, securing the face frame to the box.
Blind Stapler’s approach to placing the staples diagonally is patented. The narrow crown staples are hidden underneath.
Blind Stapler is entered in the IWF 2022 Challengers Award program. Topp Line lists the cost savings of using 1″ standard staples among its advantages over biscuits or pocket screws. Face nailing and putty are also eliminated.
Made of anodized aluminum with built-in safety features, the Blind Stapler allows cabinetmakers to prefinish the cabinet and face frames before assembly. It will also attach drop edges to shelves with no visible marks that require filling and sanding.
