Snap-On Soft Jaws I’ve been using an old metal-working vise in my shop for years. Occasionally I really do need a metal-working vise, but most often I use it to hold drawer sides up high when cutting dovetails. Unfortunately the metal jaws can be a hazard to edge tools and they can mar the surface of the wood. I solved these problems by adding
Small Parts Organizer I’ve designed a small-parts chest that’s as useful as it is simple to make. I’ve found those disposable, plastic containers for leftovers are ideal for small parts, such as screws and nails. The containers come in a variety of sizes. I like the “soup-” sized ones that measure 6 in. x 4-3/4 in. x 2
Q & A: Sawing Aluminum Q: Can I cut aluminum with my chop saw? A: Yes.Most carbide blades work fine for occasionally cutting aluminum, but we recommend using a special, non-ferrous metal-cutting blade (about $70) if you cut a lot of aluminum or brass. It’s safer to use than a standard blade because the geometry of the teeth makes it less likely
Q & A: Slot Cutter vs. Plate Joiner Q: I saw an ad for a slot-cutting router bit. I have a router and buying the bit instead of a plate joiner would save me a lot of money. Is there a downside to this cheaper option? A: It depends on what kind of joints you plan to make.A slot cutter does a good job with flat edge-to-edge or end-to-end joints (Photos
Q & A: Warped Wood Woes Q: I ordered a milled piece of ebony through the mail last winter. It looked great upon arrival, but after a few days it was so warped and twisted that I couldn’t use it.What gives? A: Watching your prized ebony turn into a potato chip must’ve hurt! Chances are this board had a fairly high moisture content (10
Blade Caddy Here’s a handy tote for scrollsaw blades that I fashioned from a scrap of 2x6, a piece of plywood, and two Peg-Board multiple-tool holders. I cut the curved tips off the multiple-tool holders with a hacksaw so they would sit flat against the plywood. I attached the holders to the caddy with cable staples. These small plastic tubes
Pull Saw Miter Box Short lengths of molding can be awkward—and sometimes dangerous—to cut with power tools. I’d rather cut them by hand, using a Japanese pull saw and a shop-made miter box. Make the two guide blocks for the miter box from a 1-1/2" x 4" x 12" blank. (I glued two pieces of 3/4" plywood together.)
General Crown Molding Jig The majestic, elegant tradition of crown molding dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and is more popular than ever today. The challenge for carpenters, builders, cabinet and furniture makers, woodworkers and DIYers has always been the accurate cutting to create seamless corner joints. Well, no more! The new EžZ Pro Crown
Rockler Secret Passage Door Kits Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has just introduced Secret Door Kits to its product line. The new Secret Door Kits allow users to convert a doorway into a secret passage or a closet into a secret storage space by the construction of a bookcase that fits the door space and which then functions as a hidden door. The bookcase
General Lighted Magnetic/Mechanical Pickups and Screwdrivers General Tools & Instruments (General®) has the perfect solutions for work in tight, poorly lit spots where it’s a struggle to see and retrieve small objects or perform difficult, repetitive fastening jobs involving tiny screws. Two new Lighted Magnetic/ Mechanical Pickups (70390