Q & A: Lock Miter Joint Q: How do you set up a lock miter bit? A: There are two critical adjustments (Fig. A). First, you set the bit’s height; second, you [...]
Laser Cutting Guide I use a laser pen to improve accuracy when making miter cuts on a compound miter saw. It’s especially helpful when cutting ornate or rabbeted moldings. First I mark the edge [...]
Router Scarfing Jig Boatbuilders often need to join boards end to end to make longer planks. Instead of a butt joint they make a long taper on each board and overlap the ends. This is called a [...]
Taping Diagonals Measuring diagonals with a tape was a pain for me because the hook would always fall off the corner before I could get a reading. Finally I adapted a tape by riveting a small, [...]
Q & A: Getting Stain Out of Corners Q: I like using gel stain on difficult to stain woods like birch because it doesn’t leave a blotchy look. But man, the stuff is a pain to get out of [...]
Dovetail Marking Jig This little jig greatly speeds the laying out and marking of dovetail pins. Make the jig so the thin piece is exactly the same size as the pin you plan to use. Then, mark a [...]
Q & A: Easy Drawer Dividers Q: Help! The junk drawer in our kitchen is out of control! I have trouble finding anything in there. Is there a simple way to add dividers to my kitchen drawers [...]
Storing Lumber This rack is easily made from galvanized iron pipe and threaded floor flanges. For light loads use 10-in. lengths of 1/2-in. pipe and 2x4s. For heavier loads go to 3/4-in. pipe and [...]
Saw Sharpening Jig I made this jig to hold a dovetail or other backsaw when filing and resetting the teeth. To use, insert the saw blade, teeth up, and clamp the jig in a bench vice.…
One Man’s Trash … I jump at any chance to dig through an old building—you never know what you’ll find. Rummaging through an old farmhouse and barn slated for demolition, [...]
“Turn” Handles Into Savings The price of good turning tools can be pretty steep. Since most of the better lathe tools can be purchased without a handle, put your money where it [...]
Easier Resawing I'm stuck with a wimpy 1/2 hp bandsaw that stalled whenever I tried to resaw anything tall. Then my neighbor turned me on to a technique that solved my problem. I pre-cut a [...]
