Tricks of the Trade
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A Better Way to Peel Carpet Tape
Separating the backing paper from double-sided tape can be hard to do, especially for those of us whose dexterity may have diminished over the years.
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Bridging a Gap for Better Clamping
A table saw makes a handy assembly and sanding table, but it’s hard to clamp workpieces along the front edge unless your rip fence rails are flush with the table surface.
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Shelf-pin Table Clips
Here’s a quick and easy way to mount small tabletops to an apron base.
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Secret Messages
I like to leave a “secret” message on every piece of furniture I build.
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Third “Hand” for Changing Dust Bags
I used to dread emptying my dust collector bag, because it’s hard to fit the bag back in place without it slipping off the rim at least a couple of times.
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Router Jig Turns Spindles
Turning chair spindles exactly the same size and with a consistent diameter used to be frustrating until I set aside my chisels and let this router jig do the job.
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Magnetic Resaw Fence
“Point-style” resaw fences are usually made from scrap wood, but they can be hard to clamp exactly where you want them. I’ve got an easier solution that requires no clamping.
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Sign Prevents Tension Headaches
It’s a good way to extend blade life, but you have to get in the habit of re-tensioning the blade before you use the saw again.
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Rip Fence Alignment Jig
I made this simple adjustable jig so I can check their alignment from time to time. It looks very much like an oversized marking gauge.
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Hand Saw Resawing
I hated the thought of planing lumber down. Instead, I discovered this trick.
