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Global Carbide Supply Disruptions – What It Means for End Mill Pricing If you’ve been buying carbide tooling lately, you’ve probably heard the same thing from suppliers across the industry: prices are moving fast. The reason isn’t speculation or market hype. It’s a real and rapidly developing global supply issue tied directly to tungsten — the key raw material used to produce carbide tooling like end mills, drills, and burrs. Here’s a clear look at what’s happening, why carbide prices are rising, and what we’re doing at Skookum Tools to manage the impact. Carbide Rod Prices Are R..

Why Clean Cuts Matter (and how to tell when your tool is the problem) Clean cuts aren’t just about looks – they’re about efficiency, accuracy, and protecting your equipment. Whether you’re working with wood or metal, the quality of your cut affects everything that comes after it. Tear-out, burn marks, chatter, and rough finishes don’t just slow you down – they cost time, material, and patience. The tricky part? Many makers assume these issues are caused by machine setup or technique. While that can sometimes be true, the culprit is often much simpler: your cutting tool is worn, mi..

Skookum Sanding Belts Are Built for Reliable Performance, Longer Life and Real Shop Work  Our Sanding Belts are designed for makers who expect dependable results from their abrasives – consistent cutting action, longer belt life, and reliable performance across woodworking, metalworking, and other applications. They can be made in custom and standard sizes in various quality abrasive types and grit options for DIYers and professionals alike who value precision, durability, consistency and quality sanding belts for their day to day projects.   What Makes Our Skookum Sanding B..

Common End Mill Mistakes And Best Practices That Prevent Them If you’re snapping end mills, fighting chatter, or burning edges, chances are it’s not bad luck — it’s a small setup or specification issue that compounds fast. Even experienced machinists run into the same end mill problems over and over. The difference between short tool life and consistent performance usually comes down to a few avoidable mistakes. Here’s what commonly goes wrong — and what works better instead. Mistake #1: Using Too Many Flutes for the Material Using more flutes can look like the better cho..

In metal fabrication, choosing the correct abrasive belt is the difference between a flawless finish and costly rework. The right belt improves surface quality, speeds production, and reduces waste — while the wrong one burns, clogs, or wears out prematurely. At OnlineSupply.ca, we offer a wide range of custom-made abrasive belts made in Canada, built from premium European and South Korean materials. Here’s how to pick the best belt for your job.   Understanding Abrasive Belt Basics An abrasive belt consists of three key components: Backing: Paper or cloth — each off..

  Quality That Crosses Borders When it comes to buying tools, cross-border trade can get complicated — especially with new tariffs and import rules changing faster than a dull bandsaw blade. That’s why at Skookum Tools, we’re proud to say: some of our best-selling Canadian-made products are completely tariff-free for U.S. customers. No surprises. No extra fees. Just solid tools made in Canada. Our Tariff-Free Product Lineup 1. Skookum Custom Bandsaw Blades Tough blades for wood, metal, or meat cutting — precision welded in Canada for makers who mean business. ..

  25 Years Skookum Strong For a quarter of a century, Skookum Tools Ltd. has been more than just a name — it’s been a promise. A promise of quality, durability, and Canadian craftsmanship that makers across the country can count on. What started as a mobile tool store in 2000 quickly grew into a franchise and, by 2005, into a fully established e-commerce company with the launch of OnlineSupply.ca. From those early days, our mission has been simple: bring professional-grade tooling and abrasives to Canadian makers without compromise. Today, Skookum Tools is trusted nationwide for ban..

Shipping to the United States – Tariff & Duty Information   At OnlineSupply.ca (operated by Skookum Tools Ltd.), we value our U.S. customers and want to make it clear how tariffs, duties, and taxes may apply when shipping from Canada to the United States. Below is a transparent explanation of what to expect and how we help minimize surprises.   What Does DDU Mean? All orders shipped from Canada to the United States are sent under Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) terms. This means that your order total at checkout covers the cost of products and shipping only. Any import dutie..

If you've recently shopped for bandsaw blades in Canada, you may have noticed a sharp increase in the price of Wood-Mizer products. Many sawyers and mill owners are asking the same questions: What’s behind the price jump? Is it temporary? And are there any alternatives that offer the same quality without the extra cost? Let’s break down what’s going on—and what Canadian operators can do to keep their costs in check. The Cause: New Canadian Tariffs on U.S. Goods In response to a series of U.S. trade measures earlier this year, the Government of Canada imposed 25% tariffs on a wide ra..

Chatter. If you've spent any time in a machine shop, you’ve probably heard it—literally. That high-pitched squeal, the vibration marks on your finish, or worse—snapped tools. Chatter can be one of the most frustrating challenges in milling, costing time, money, and part quality. At Skookum Tools, we’ve engineered our end mills specifically to help machinists reduce or eliminate chatter, so you can focus on what matters: precision, productivity, and performance. What Is Chatter and Why Is It a Problem? Chatter is the result of self-excited vibrations between your cutting tool and the ..

Proudly Canadian: Skookum Tools Ltd. and Our Commitment to Canadian Manufacturing At Skookum Tools Ltd., the parent company of Online Supply, we take immense pride in being a Canadian-owned and operated business. For over two decades, we have been serving industries across the country with high-quality industrial tools and supplies, always striving to support local manufacturing and Canadian workers. Supporting Canadian-Made Products Our commitment to Canadian-made products goes beyond just business—it’s about investing in our economy, ensuring jobs remain within our borders, and main..

  If you're searching for the ideal gift for the woodworker, metalworker, or craftsman in your life, Skookum Tools has you covered. Whether they’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, Skookum offers a range of high-quality tools and accessories designed to elevate their craft. Here’s a curated list of top Skookum Tools products that make fantastic gifts for any occasion. Whether its Christmas, a birthday, anniversary or any other occasion, Skookum Tools is here to help make that day special!   1. Bandsaw Blades   A high-quality bandsaw blade is essential for any wo..

Skookum High Performance and Ultra High Performance Carbide End Mills: Revolutionizing Metal Cutting In the world of CNC machining, choosing the right tool for the job has always been crucial for efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Traditionally, roughing end mills have been the go-to choice for removing material quickly, with finishing tools stepping in for the final touches. However, the introduction of Skookum High Performance (HP) and Ultra High Performance (UHP) carbide end mills has shifted the paradigm, making roughing end mills a thing of the past.   The Evolution o..

The Benefits of Sharpening Woodworking and Metalworking Tools vs. Replacing Them In both woodworking and metalworking, sharp tools are essential for achieving precision and efficiency. However, with regular use, even the finest tools inevitably become dull. At that point, many craftsmen face a crucial decision: should they sharpen their tools or replace them entirely? While replacing tools might seem like a quick fix, sharpening offers numerous benefits that are both economical and practical. 1. Cost Efficiency One of the most significant advantages of sharpening tools rather than rep..

Why Choose Skookum Carbide End Mills?   Superior Carbide Quality   Precision Engineering   Innovative Coatings   Longer Tools Life   Cost-Effective   Attentive Customer Service   If you're looking to elevate your machining capabilities, consider Skookum Carbide End Mills – the smart choice for precision, durability, and efficiency. In the world of machining and manufacturing, the tools you choose can significantly impact the efficiency, quality, and overall success of your operations. Among the various tools available, solid carbide end mills are a critical componen..

Bring Your Tools Back To Life With Original Factory Sharpening! For those of our clients that are within driving distance of our warehouse in Langford B.C., we offer a service where we can send your dull tools back to a Canadian manufacturer for sharpening, repair and reconditioning. Our goal is to return your cutting tools to a “like new” condition. We can service anyone in the lower Vancouver Island area or Gulf Islands. So whether you live in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Central Saanich, Sidney, Salt Spring Island, Metchosin, Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Duncan or the surrounding area thi..

Bonded Sorbent Pads Construction: Bonded sorbent pads are made by bonding multiple layers of material together. This bonding process typically involves heat or chemical bonding. Durability: These pads are generally more durable and can withstand rough handling without falling apart. Absorption Capacity: They have a high absorption capacity due to the multiple layers, which can hold more liquid. Applications: Suitable for use in areas requiring durable, high-capacity absorbent material, such as industrial settings and spill response situations. Cost: Typ..

If you own a drum sander, you know how crucial it is to have the right abrasive strips. However, finding the exact size can sometimes be a challenge. One effective solution is to order custom-made sanding belts and then cut the joint to turn them back into strips. This method ensures you get high-quality abrasives tailored to your drum sander's specifications. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Step 1: Measure Your Drum Sander First, you need to know the precise dimensions required for your drum sander. The best method is to measure a strip that you know fits on..

High Performance Carbide Drill Bits & End Mill Sharpening and Coating In the realm of machining, precision and efficiency are paramount. Whether you're fabricating intricate components or tackling industrial projects, the condition of your cutting tools can make or break your success. Carbide end mills and high-performance carbide drill bits are staples in machining operations, valued for their durability and cutting prowess. However, even the most robust tools require maintenance to sustain peak performance. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of sharpening and recoating carbide..

Maximizing Efficiency: The Benefits of Carbide Tipped Bandsaw Blades for Woodworking Carbide tipped bandsaw blades are traditionally known for metalworking, but did you know they are great for woodworking as well? In the world of woodworking, precision and efficiency are paramount. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, the choice of bandsaw blade can significantly impact your results. Among the myriad options available, carbide-tipped bandsaw blades stand out for their exceptional performance and durability. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of carbide-tipped ..

Enhancing End Mill Performance: The Power of Coatings In the world of machining, precision is paramount. Engineers and machinists are continually seeking ways to optimize tools and processes to achieve higher efficiency, accuracy, and durability. Carbide end mills, the workhorses of machining, play a crucial role in this pursuit. However, even the toughest carbide can benefit from a little extra armor. Enter coatings – the secret weapon that can elevate end mill performance to new heights. Coatings on carbide end mills serve as a protective shield, enhancing tool life, cutting speed, and..

Fast Track Sanding Belts – Any Size – Any Configuration! The “Fast Track” Custom Sanding Belt program offers: Quicker lead times — most custom belts are manufactured within 7 working days Smaller minimum quantities available on select sizes Instant pricing and order minimums — get a quote the moment you fill out the form Premium-quality abrasive materials sourced from trusted manufacturers in Europe and South Korea, and expertly converted into belts in Canada. These materials are chosen for their exceptional consistency, durability, and finishing performance..

Factory Sharpening - Picked Up From Your Door!   Get your tools sharpened to the original factory specifications and standards by using our factory direct sharpening service! Click Here   We offer sharpening services from 2 separate factory locations - Ontario & Manitoba. The Ontario factory is our main location. The majority of tools will be sharpened there. Our Manitoba facility is where we manufacture our end mills, so we’re also able to sharpen them along with a couple other metal working products - solid carbide drills & annular cutters. To avoid confusion, we have a separate ..

Shipping is an integral part of business these days, but nobody likes actually paying for it. So why don’t you pay as little as possible? I’ll teach you about our shipping systems and how to get the cheapest possible shipping cost as well as how to optimize your cart to get your items in the quickest manner! We have our “main” warehouse in Victoria, BC but we also offer direct shipping from a lot of our vendors and partners. For example, all of our End Mills are made at our Winnipeg factory so you’ll have the choice of getting them shipped straight to you from the factory, or shipped fr..

What are Forstner Bits and why/where are they used? When you are looking for a clean, splinter free hole in hardwood, softwood, plywood or other man-made materials like MDF, forstner bits are often your best choice. Most forstner style bits feature these common features; Smooth cutting exterior “knife edge”. Some versions of forstners also have teeth cut into the outside edge and/or side clearance relief ground into the outside of the cutting surface. Centering point – so that you can place the hole accuratly in the workpiece. Chipper blades – these are the 1 or ..