GREAT BOOK OF
Woodworking Tips
GREAT BOOK OF
Woodworking Tips
OVER INGENIOUS WORKSHOP TIPS,
TECHNIQUES, AND SECRETS
from the experts at American Woodworker
Introduction by Randy Johnson
Editor, American Woodworker Magazine
Published by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, 717-560-4703,
2012 American Woodworker. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Readers may create any project for personal use or sale, and may copy patterns to assist them in making projects, but may not hire others to mass-produce a project without written permission from American Woodworker. The information in this book is presented in good faith; however, no warranty is given nor are results guaranteed. American Woodworker Magazine, Fox Chapel Publishing and Woodworking Media, LLC disclaim any and all liability for untoward results.
American Woodworker, ISSN 1074-9152, USPS 738-710, is published bimonthly by Woodworking Media, LLC, Sherman St., Cambridge, MA 02140,
ISBN: 978-1-56523-596-0
Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Great book of woodworking tips : over ingenious workshop tips, techniques, and secrets from the experts at American Woodworker / introductions by Randy Johnson, editor, American Woodworker.--East Petersburg, PA : Fox Chapel Publishing, c2012.
p. ; cm.
ISBN: 978-1-56523-596-0 ; 1-53523-596-7
Woodwork--Handbooks, manuals, etc. Woodwork--Amateurs manuals. 3.Woodwork--Technique. Woodwork--Equipment and supplies. I. Johnson, Randy. II. American woodworker.
TT185 .G74 2012
684/.08--dc23 1204
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Printed in Singapore
Fifth printing
Because working with wood and other materials inherently includes the risk of injury and damage, this book cannot guarantee that creating the projects in this book is safe for everyone. For this reason, this book is sold without warranties or guarantees of any kind, expressed or implied, and the publisher and the author disclaim any liability for any injuries, losses, or damages caused in any way by the content of this book or the readers use of the tools needed to complete the projects presented here. The publisher and the author urge all readers to thoroughly review each project and to understand the use of all tools before beginning any project.
Contents
Introduction
Bandsaw
Cabinet Making
Chop Saw
Clamps & Clamping
Drill Press
Electricity & Batteries
Finishing
Glue & Gluing
Hardware
Joinery Tricks
Jointer-Planer
Turning
Measuring & Marking
Plate-Joiner
Router
Sanding
Sharpening
Storing Tools & Supplies
Storing Wood
Tablesaw
Tool Smarts
Vise
Wood
Workbench
Introduction
Its about the aha!
Everyone loves a clever workshop tip. An ingenious solution to a vexing problem brings an aha! to the lips, and with it the resolve to try the trick for oneself, or perhaps to go one better by creating an improvement. Or, if the shop tip is obvious, we salute with a slap to the forehead, wondering why we couldnt have thought of that for ourselves. But we didnt, and thats one reason why woodworkers treasure collections such as this book.
The other reason, of course, is wrapped up in todays workshop reality. Its not like it was in Grandpas day, when skills and workshop practices were passed from master to apprentice and father to son. This is the era of the amateur craftsman, mostly self-taught, working alone in his or her home workshop, and most likely without much contact with other woodworkers. In lieu of Grandpa, we rely on woodworking magazines to provide this all-important sharing of information and shine a light on the conundrums that dog the path to prowess. Every magazine and journal in the field boasts a tips column, largely driven by the readers themselves and their urge to share hard-earned knowledge. Along with shop tips, readers frequently ask good questions, giving the editors the additional challenge and opportunity of finding and presenting equally good answers.
Its often said that skill has two components: know-what, plus know-how. You have to know what to do, as well as how to do it. Its not always easy to glean both components from the printed page, but a sharp photograph certainly does help. Photography is where this collection of workshop tips really shines. Since 1999, editors at American Woodworker magazine have invested heavily in creating clear photo illustrations for reader-submitted tips and questions. When its only a drawing, youre never quite sure about the underlying reality. But the photo removes that uncertainty, making the answer clear on the page.
Weve emphasized photo illustrations in this huge collection of workshop wisdom. Im personally grateful to my predecessors and colleagues for their determination to grace each chunk of solid advice with photographic clarity. Our team certainly has enjoyed gathering, illustrating and organizing this priceless information. We hope you enjoy the succession of aha! moments that youre sure to receive as you turn these pages.
Randy Johnson, editor-in-chief,
American Woodworker magazine
Bandsaw
New Bandsaw Tires
My bandsaw has developed tracking problems to the point that the blade wont stay on the wheel. I checked everything and cant seem to clear up the problem. Whats going on here?
Because these problems developed over time, I suggest you check your tires. The tires on your bandsaw provide traction for the blade and, like the tires on your car, they wear out and the rubber degrades with time. A new set of tires will likely put your saw back on track.
Obvious signs of worn tires are cracks and tears, explains Peter Perez, president of Carter Products Inc., a bandsaw accessory manufacturer. A good wear test is to sink a fingernail into the tire. A good tire will rebound with no visible mark on it. If your fingernail leaves an impression, its time to replace the tire.
Its easier to replace the tires with the wheel removed from the saw. Taper the end of a dowel, clamp it in a vise, and set the wheel on it. We recommend replacing both rubber tires with urethane tires. Urethane offers two big advantages: It lasts longer and it doesnt require adhesive to install. Clamp the new tire on the wheel and stretch the tire over the rim. Urethane tires can be made more flexible by soaking them in hot water before you put them on the wheels.
