Tricks of the Trade
-
Better Bench Saw Vise
I sharpen my own hand saws, and I have designed a wooden saw vise from scrap that presents some improvements over other alternatives.
-
No More Slack-jawed Clamps
I often use very small bar clamps, but they don’t have the clutch plate assemblies that hold the movable jaws in place.
-
Finishing Non-Wood Products to Look Like Wood Grain
Rob Johnstone visits the ZAR finishing products booth at the National Hardware Show and learns how to make fiberglass, PVC and even foam look like wood.
-
Keep Your Collets Clean
I make it a point to keep my router bits and collets clean so they work more efficiently and in order to prevent slipping.
-
Another Tip to Keep Your Work Surfaces Smooth
In one of the Tricks of the Trade, Theo van der Schans wrote about using graphite to make his power tool surfaces smoother. This is a great trick but not one I would use for woodworking.
-
Easy T-Track Bolt Replacements
Need some simple, low-cost T-track bolts? This reader tip sends us to the hardware store for an easy to find replacement.
-
A Unique Way to Date Your Work
I date every piece I make in an inconspicuous place.
-
Cheap Support Pieces for Finishing
Recently I began woodworking as a beginner, I needed to do some staining and lacquer a piece.
-
Keep Track of Workshop Measurements
Never forget a measurement. This simple trick turns your tape measure into a notepad.
-
Shop Vac Accessory Storage
I had to find an inexpensive way to keep up with all my dust control accessories.
