Tricks of the Trade
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Perfect Alignment for Random Orbit Sander Paper
Chris Marshall shares a reader’s tip for getting paper aligned perfectly on your random orbit sander using a bit of scrap you probably have around your shop.
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Peeling off the Tape
Having trouble getting a grip on the ends of your tape? This reader has a clever solution.
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Ceiling Dust Trap
This reader has constructed a clever trap from a fan that helps keep his shop relatively dust free.
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A Safer, Easier Way to Clean a Saw Blade
Chris Marshall shows you a safe and easy way to use a household cleaner to clean your saw blades. He was impressed with the results of this reader tip.
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Save a Spray Tube
My trick for preserving the spray tube for WD-40 is to fold over the end of a soda straw and tape the straw to the side of the can.
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Mobile Saw Stand
A reader turns a retired grill into a useful shop tool.
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Marking Your Templates
In my home shop I use a lot of home-made jigs, guides and templates.
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Keeping Varnish Fresh
To avoid paint or varnish skinning in a can, slowly pour some solvent (thinner, turpentine, water, etc.) so that it floats on the surface.
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Simple Spindle Cutting Jig
This reader has a clever jig idea for cutting square and octagonal spindles.
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Keeping Paint Rollers Fresh
To keep your paint brushes and rollers, put a plastic bag over it and stick them in the ice box.
