Tricks of the Trade

Planing End Grain

The rotating knives struck the leading edge of the board with such force that it came flying out backwards, breaking several bones in my left hand.

by Reader Submitted • Jul 28, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Router Helper

Tightening the locking ring on routers is hard on the hands – especially when groping around under a router table.

by Reader Submitted • Jul 11, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Installing Threaded Inserts

I can’t be the only woodworker that has trouble installing threaded inserts – even with the special bits provided.

by Reader Submitted • Jul 11, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Table Saw Hold-down

I like to use a table saw sled when my work requires an accurate, 90° cut.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 30, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
More On Magnets

Automobile speakers have strong magnets and can usually be picked up at wrecking yards for little or nothing.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 30, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Cutting Thin Wood on the Table Saw

I make Shaker oval boxes using thin bands of wood. Cutting these pieces on the table saw without some type of hold-down is dangerous so I came up with this version of my own.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 30, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Shotgun Approach

One seldom has enough clamps around the shop for a major glue-up.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 16, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Cutting Uniform Slots

I use this moveable stop to cut a series of evenly spaced slots with my radial arm saw.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 16, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Band Saw Tension Release

It seems I’m not the only woodworker to find tensioning and releasing band saw blades a chore.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 16, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade
Wax Repair Method

Another use for candle wax.

by Reader Submitted • Jun 2, 2009 • Tricks of the Trade