Woodworking Tips
Take a Break
It’s season change, and with season change comes massive swings in humidity. There are two times when you should walk away from a project. First, after you’ve milled your wood. Don’t start your finish cuts for twenty four hours. Let the new ‘face’ of the wood acclimate. It may well move and could adversely effect... Continue reading→
Easy Router Joinery
Routing dadoes and grooves with a shopmade T-square works great. The setup is quick and easy. But most T-squares are usually made for a specific diameter of router bit. The auxiliary router base and T-square you see here solves that problem. This allows me to accurately position and rout four sizes of dadoes and grooves... Continue reading→
A Bit of Organization Goes a Long Way
When you’re working with small patterns, keeping track of bits and pieces is important. Use a gallon-sized zip top plastic bag. First, it will hold your pattern to the page desired, whether it’s folded, a magazine or a pattern book. It keeps dust and spatters off, as well. The bag will also hold small pieces,... Continue reading→
Fix for Clogged Forstner Bits
I have a number of Forstner bits made by various manufacturers. And I’ve noticed that some of the bits tend to clog with wood chips more than others do, especially in the larger sizes. This is annoying because you have to stop the drill and clean out the bit. When I started comparing the bits,... Continue reading→
Using Clear Tape to Aid Scroll Saw Accuracy
One of the most difficult tasks for a scroll sawer is to match the edges of pieces; whether a 3D cutout or an Intarsia piece. I’ve found two helpful ways. Most importantly, if you’re going to have to match edges, NEVER trace your pattern onto the wood. Make copies of the pattern and attach them... Continue reading→
Using Microfiber to Detect Grain
With certain woods that lack distinct graining, it can be difficult to gauge which direction to plane in order to prevent tearout. In these cases, I’ve found that dragging a microfiber cloth on the surface is very helpful. With most woods, there is a noticeable resistance when the cloth is pulled against the slope of... Continue reading→
Circular Saw – On the Straight and Narrow
Q. I use the notch in the front of my circular saw’s baseplate to follow the line when I cut, yet my cuts are often wavy. What am I doing wrong? A. The notch is a good way to line-up the blade initially, but once the cutting starts, most woodworkers guide the saw by watching the... Continue reading→
Make Your Work Surfaces Smooth and Protected
A simple application of wax to your metal surfaces will not only protect them from rust, but make your work slide so much easier. Clean the rust, dust and other undesireables from the surface. Apply a generous layer of wax. I’ve used both solid and liquid car waxes over time. Buff it out and go... Continue reading→
Product Reviews
Incra TS-LS Table Saw Fence System
I have owned this old Craftsman 10” table saw since 1970. I was working construction during the summer months while going to college full time for the remainder of the year. I remember my dad’s disappointment when he found out that I had spent about $270 for the table saw when my summer money was... Continue reading→