Tricks of the Trade

Improved Router Wrench

I liked the "router helper" featured in a previous issue, but I took the idea one step further and added an extension handle. This gives me plenty of torque, and I don't have to grope around under the router table. - Frank Loretti; Hellertown, Pennsylvania

Jammed Face Plate Fix

When turning segments on a lathe, the face plate often jams and is difficult to remove. I find that making a washer from a piece of thin cardboard and placing it over the spindle as illustrated keeps the face plate from over-tightening and makes it easier to remove. - Alex Nadler; Swansea, Illinois

Squaring Blocks

Those of us who work alone have to find ways to make up for the lack of another pair of hands. With the aid of these squaring blocks, I can assemble and glue up any cabinet carcass without help. I use 7" x 7" squares of 3/4" plywood with intersecting dadoes, as shown at right. A 1" diameter hole in the middle is drilled so I can see the corners clearly. It works best to have blocks at both top and bottom of the carcass. - Craig Wilson; Hampton, Virginia