Tricks of the Trade
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A Long Arm Clamp
I often need to clamp work that regular clamps can’t reach.
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Rockler I•Semble Shelf Blocks
The I•Semble Shelf Blocks from Rockler are designed to be just as easy to use in constructing do-it-yourself furniture as the traditional milk cases of a college student — but sturdier, and more attractive.
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It’s in the Bag: Catch Small Parts and Dust
I can cut all the pieces without stopping the saw or getting my fingers close to the blade.
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How to Remove Those Stubborn Dowels
Don’t even think about reaching for the pliers and digging their teeth into the dowels. Instead, try making the dowel removing jig described here.
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Acetone for Excess Contact Cement
When using contact cement to apply plastic laminates, I recommend trying acetone to remove any excess cement on the decorative surface of the laminate.
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Shop-Made Sanding Table
My sanding table consists of a simple 1×2 frame with a vacuum connector, bottom, and 1/8” pegboard top.
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Rug Assisted Sanding
Clamps tend to get in the way when I use a vibrating sander to sand small boards.
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C-Clamp and a Bit of Scrap Substitute for Hold-Down
If you don’t own a traditional steel hold-down, here’s a way to secure objects to your bench when you can’t reach them with ordinary clamps.
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Store Lock Out Keys in Back of Drawer
Several of my power tools have lockable power switches, but keeping the keys away from kids posed a problem.
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Handy, Inexpensive Sawdust Collector
After purchasing my new scroll saw, it became apparent that I needed some sort of collection device to stop the constant rain of dust.
