Mount a 1/4″-diameter socket to the side of your workbench to make changing bits quicker. I purchased a mini chuck that features a 1/4″-diameter hex shank to hold small drill bits securely. The instructions suggest clamping the shank of the chuck in a vise while you hand-tighten the bits in […]
A thicker blank and two front-view patterns will increase your compound-cutting production. Recently, I was planning to compound-cut several classic reindeer. I usually cut them from 3/4″-thick stock, but I found some 1 1/2″-thick stock. I cut the blanks to the correct length and width, but instead of resawing the […]
Instead of glue, tape, or metal brads, I use wooden toothpicks to hold a stack of blanks together. Wooden toothpicks will not scratch your saw table and if you accidentally cut through one, it won’t break the saw blade. Most round wooden toothpicks are approximately 5/64″ (2.4mm) in diameter. I […]
Spray-finish nozzles that refuse to spray, spray sideways, or spit and sputter cause frustration and can ruin a project. To prevent this, I always remove the spray nozzle from the can and place it in a jar of appropriate thinner—usually lacquer thinner or paint thinner. When you need the nozzle, […]
K&M of Virginia has combined standard painter’s pyramids with a lazy Susan-style turntable to create a complete finishing station for small- and medium-sized projects. The Finishing Turntable features pyramid-shaped work supports that slide on rails attached to the top of the turntable. The shape of the pyramids allows air to […]
Instead of paying for expensive self-adhesive paper or 81/2″ by 11″ labels, I make my own from a roll of clear or white shelf liner paper. I found a 17″ by 24′ roll of shelf liner at a national retailer for about $5. I cut the roll into fifty-two 81/2″ […]
Save time and money by using ordinary shop items to create handy sanding devices. These shopmade tools cost much less than commercially available versions and will help speed the sanding process. To make a tapered bore cleaner, smear tacky glue on the back of a piece of sanding belt and […]
Instead of resorting to trial and error, use simple math to increase or reduce the size of a pattern to fit your stock. Divide the size of the stock by the size of the pattern and multiply by 100. If your stock is 15″ and your pattern is 18″, this […]
Basic scrolling techniques to help novice scrollers Attaching Patterns Temporary-bond spray adhesive is the most common method used to attach patterns to stock. Photocopy the pattern. Spray the adhesive on the back of the pattern, wait a few seconds, and press the pattern down onto the blank. Rubber cement or […]
Make the Right Choice the First Time If you equate scrolling with a clunky saw from your junior high school woodshop days, you may be in for a very pleasant surprise. Today’s scroll saws are easy to use, quiet and very safe, making scrolling an activity the whole family can […]
