Tricks of the Trade
-
Liquid Pencil Eraser
While prepping wood for finishing, I’ve discovered that acetone will wipe away pencil marks.
-
Poor Man’s Router Table Insert Template
The best way to cut an insert opening in a router table is by guiding your router with a flush trim bit against a template made for the insert plate.
-
Router Bit Bumpers Eliminate Guesswork
Router bits should not bottom out in the arbor shaft of a router, because it can compromise tightening them properly in the collet
-
CA Glue Helps Line Up Lids
When installing hinges on small box projects, it can be challenging to get the lid perfectly aligned with the box.
-
Brad Point Bull’s Eye
Even after having cataract surgery, I find that my tired old eyes don’t see as well as they used to for close-up work.
-
Slot-cutting Bevels in V Formation
When I need to cut biscuit slots into the ends of a 45° bevel joint, I clamp the two workpieces together against their inside faces.
-
Homemade Saw Tire
I once had a band saw tire come off of its wheel and get damaged by the blade. While I waited for the replacement to arrive, I came up with a temporary fix.
-
Straight Lines on Round Pieces
I’ve found that 1-1⁄2″-diameter PVC pipe, split lengthwise on my band saw, makes handy organizers in a shop drawer for my scroll saw blades.
-
Scratch Pad Tape
Do you ever forget a tape measurement you just took? Here’s a trick I’ve been using for over 40 years…
-
Quick-clamping Panel-raising Fence
You could go to the trouble of making a fence with a brace that wraps around the fence beam, but my approach is faster and easier.
