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  • Jig for Router Dadoes

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    For fast and accurate dadoes, this jig is hard to beat. The trick is to run the router against one guide, then back against the other. This allows you to use a 1/2-in. bit, for example, to cut a dado that's 13/16-in. wide or less, to get a perfect...

  • 8-ft.Straightedge for $5

    by AW-Editor     Sunday, June 29, 2008
    Whenever I have to cut down a sheet of plywood I reach for one of my trusty metal stud straightedges. Metal studs are available in different thicknesses for different applications. A 20-gauge non-load-bearing drywall stud (about 50¢/ft.) won't...

  • Using Melamine

    by Tim Johnson     Tuesday, March 3, 2009
    Melamine is the professional cabinetmaker's best friend. Build a cabinet with it and you have a complete, durable interior that requires no sanding (yes!) and no finishing (oh, yeah!). Pros often build whole kitchens out of melamine and then dress...

  • Long-Reach Stop for Crosscut Sled

    by Tim Johnson     Sunday, February 22, 2009
    I built the “Ultimate Crosscut Sled” featured in AW #75 (October 1999). It works great, and recently I've added an adjustable stop, which makes it even better. I thought other AW readers would be interested in my upgrade. My 50-in.-capacity...

  • Simple Sharpening Jig

    by AW-Editor     Monday, July 7, 2008
    I've tried several different shop-made jigs for sharpening my jointer and planer knives but this one has proved the simplest to use and make. When making this sharpening jig it's important to make the slots at the correct angle so the bevels of...

  • 11 Drill Press Tips

    by Tim Johnson     Friday, February 20, 2009
    If you tend to think of your drill press as a boring machine, you may not be using it to its full potential. These tips will help you find new ways to use your drill press and bring out its full potential as an indispensable woodworking tool 1. Prevent...

  • Tablesaw Jig Clamp

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    I added this hold-down to my tablesaw's sliding cutoff jig and find it a great convenience, because the height of the clamp is easily changed. This clamp uses a standard bar-type caulking gun, cut in half, as shown. The mounting block slides to apply...

  • Master Your Brad Nailer

    by AW-Editor     Monday, July 7, 2008
    Tips and products to make your brad nailer safe and easy to use ! Avoid the Blowout Curse A brad that unexpectedly shoots out the side of your project is guaranteed to make you curse, especially if your finger happens to be in the way. Blowout is instantaneous...

  • Grind Your Own Knives

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    With this simple jig, a drill press and a cup grinder, I can sharpen any jointer or planer knife. First I make a hardwood block and cut it to 1/16 in. less than the length of the knives. Then I add a retaining piece at each end, as shown. Install a medium...

  • Rock-Solid Bench Support

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    The face vise on my workbench didn't hold long boards rigidly enough until I added this adjustable "bench slave." And it only cost about $30. First I milled a board to attach to the leg, making sure it was thick enough to fit flush with...

  • Mobile Machine Caddy

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    My shop space is so limited-only 12 feet square-that I designed this system to house four machines: belt-disc sander, miter saw station, drill press and planer. Each machine has an accessory storage tray below. With all the machines down I have a clear...

  • Gauge Blocks Aid Biscuit Joiner Setup

    by Tim Johnson     Wednesday, February 25, 2009
    Gauge blocks work great for quick, accurate biscuit joiner fence settings. All you do is pinch the block between the fence blades. This technique will also ensure the fence is set parallel to the blade. Joiners with rack-and-pinion fence adjustments automatically...

  • 6 Storage Solutions

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, September 18, 2008
    1. Sandpaper Roll Storage I use pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) sanding discs. For easy access, I like to get them out of their packages and lined up by grit. I hang my rolls of sanding discs on horizontally supported dowels so I can quickly grab the...

  • Grit-Free Benchtop Weights

    by Tim Johnson     Sunday, February 22, 2009
    I keep a few landscape pavers handy in my workshop to use as hold-downs and weights when clamping is inconvenient. The only problem is that they leave grit behind with every use, and grit and woodworking don't mix. I solved this gritty problem by...

  • Jointing With A Planer

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    I came across some wonderful oak boards for a small table I wanted to build. The problem was the boards were too wide for my jointer and I didn't want to rip them any narrower. I solved my dilemma with this planer sled that allows me to use my planer...
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