Tricks of the Trade
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Cleaning Blades Is Easy as Pie
Cleaning saw blades is a necessary, but messy, chore. One of our authors has a simple solution to keep things a little bit neater.
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Keep Track of Dull Cutter Edges
This reader found a good way to tell at a glance which of his carbide-insert cutting tools were still sharp and which ones needed replacing.
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VIDEO: Tips for Turning Pens
Ernie Conover shares some of his best tips for preparing and working with stock when turning pens.
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Holding Down Smaller Nails
Short brads can be difficult to hold with your fingers in order to start with a hammer, so here’s one reader’s solution.
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Quick Caps for Clamps
If the adjustable jaws of your F-style or C-clamps don’t have a protective cover on their heads, this reader has a simple solution.
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VIDEO: Baking Soda Blade Cleaner
Looking for a safe, nontoxic way to clean your saw blades? The solution might already be in your kitchen cupboard.
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Homemade CA Glue Accelerator
If you want your glue to set faster, this reader has a tip that makes the process simple and uses something you probably already have around the house.
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Fill Glue Bottles Easily
Find filling a glue bottle with a gallon jug to be slow and messy? This reader did and came up with a simple solution to make the process a little easier.
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VIDEO: Making a Zero Clearance Throat Plate
Reduce tearout on wide cuts by making a zero clearance throat plate for your table saw. They’re easy to make and a handy addition to your shop’s table saw.
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Coffee Can Hose Couplings
This reader has found a way to recycle his old coffee cans to upgrade his woodworking shop’s dust collection system.
