Woodworking 101--Tools and Tips

[cheechi]

is the top of that table in two pieces? is it like a B&D workmate? Do you remember what it cost?

Its funny you mention this everything in my shop I am trying to put on wheels so I am going through and deciding which store bought tables & platforms are going to be kept and making the rest out of 2x4 and ply to really get the best use of space.

Go to lowe's and see if they have the 'cabinet top' this which I bought a bunch of cheap to use as the top of some of my upcoming projects. If the two part top on that doesn't hold up maybe a one piece solution would, plus they're cheap as every store I see is clearancing them out.

 

[jimreed2160]

Cheechi--I bought the stand a few months ago. Seems to me that it was $39. I just checked the web and they do not have it anymore. The top is just two pieces of MDF--some plywood would help strengthen it--and it is almost the same size as my workmate. I have my chop saw sitting on it now but may move a sander to it. I am afraid my shop ambitions continue to outstrip my shop space.

Those "cabinet tops" look good at the price. Too bad that the closest Lowes with stock is in Valdosta and that is over an hour away.

 

[rrich1]

Made great progress today. Got the leg tapers cut and planed down. The t track cut in as well. Love the Makita guide I got from Amazon UK! Also started to do the tenons but didn't get very far. Good day overall. My bandsaw blade I believe drifted on me in these cuts. The leg was solid against the jig while doing the cut. Initial cuts look ugly but they turned out just fine. Ordered a few proforce bandsaw blades from Laguna tools tonight to replace the factory blades. No room in the budget for carbide blades yet.

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[jimreed2160]

rrich--Good progress on the legs. I think you are spot on with the bandsaw. In my experience about 95% of cutting issues are due to the blade. And those factory blades are usually "demo" grade only. Just slow down the feed until you can get a real one.

 

[rrich1]

rrich--Good progress on the legs. I think you are spot on with the bandsaw. In my experience about 95% of cutting issues are due to the blade. And those factory blades are usually "demo" grade only. Just slow down the feed until you can get a real one.

Thanks. Hoping the Laguna blades will be much better.


Forgot, but our assistant pastor who asked me to build the table comes over every Monday to work on the table. He has a PhD in physics but not woodworking. Our time is split between teaching and doing woodworking. I got him to use a hand plane for the first time yesterday. Didn't do too bad for a first timer.



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[jimreed2160]

Ouch! Tearout city against the grain. I hope you got him going the right way.

 

[rrich1]

Ouch! Tearout city against the grain. I hope you got him going the right way.

It was all good. Very little tear out if any actually.

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[southalabama]

Anytime a magzine puts a "tip" about screwing jar lids to a board I cancel my subscription. How many times since 1950 has that "tip" been printed.

 

[rrich1]

Got some work done tonight! Decided to cut the top and bottom of the tenon by hand. Used my veritas dovetail saw for the first time and like it a lot. Very comfy. Paired it with a flush trim saw and made pretty quick work. Had to fit the tenons to the mortises so that took some finessing. Some are tighter than others but all have some sort of friction fit to them. Need to make a jig for the t track access then it is on to the rails!

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[jimreed2160]

rrich--Nice work.

 

[jimreed2160]

Anytime a magzine puts a "tip" about screwing jar lids to a board I cancel my subscription. How many times since 1950 has that "tip" been printed.

I would have to agree with you on that. Besides the obvious, what is the most clever thing you have done in your shop?

 

[250]

Desk bottom trim

Time to break out the big guns.

It is a miter trimmer with super sharp blades.

I saw one of these a few weeks ago for the first time. Looked interesting and potentially useful but the timing wasn't really right for me. Looks even more interesting now.

 

[ez-duzit]

Just get a wooden miter box.

 

[jimreed2160]

The miter trimmer isn't for everyone. Its purpose is to trim tiny shavings so you can make precise fits.

 

[R_einan]

Like a plane for miter cuts? That makes more sense now, never seen one before.

 

[beakie]

Just get a wooden miter box.

not quite the same. mitre box is nice for cutting the basic angle, but the mitre trimmer takes slivers/shavings off to get perfect joints.

 

[jimreed2160]

New projects

So as hurricane Irma sets her sights on Florida and heads straight at us, we are busy in hurricane prep. Batteries are charged, water is in place, flashlights out, junk food abounds. Hope to miss it but will take up waiting time with some small shop projects. Here is one.

This is a small (but LOUD) bronze schoolteacher's bell. All it needs is a little cleaning and a new handle. I will fix it up for one of my daughter schoolteachers.

And here is a #4 Basa hammer.

It is in great shape and only needs a cleaning. Rawhide faces look good but time will tell. They may turn to dust.

I gave it a good brushing and then coated it with BLO.

After a few weeks, I will wax it and put it back to work. The wind has been still here for days but picked up this morning. Since the storm is hundreds of miles away, that is not a good sign.

 

[R_einan]

Hey Jim, I hope your storm prep is complete and you and yours make it through this monster safely. Same to anyone else in the vicinity.

 

[cheechi]

yesterday I built a cart to get my sheets and big scraps up off the ground. It started out as a shelf in a custom built shed but the guy that bought the shed wanted different configuration for the shelves, so these have been sitting in the basement to keep them out of the weather. The wheels came from a computer desk, the pipe took the guy at Lowe's an hour to cut & thread but the store wasn't busy and I think he was grateful to have something to do.




between nails & screws there's probably 5lb of hardware in this cart.

And I built a hardware cart using those Kobalt cabinet top things I linked a few days ago. These plastic drawer organizer units have been sitting in the basement since I got them cheap years ago. I go to Lowe's to get more as it's one of those items they always have, well there's none within 50 miles of here. My luck.





we built the carcass with pocket screws, intended to glue them but then forgot while we were lining it up. Today while I worked on the yard my neighbour glued & screwed all the organizer supports.

 

[1Garageman]

Finished up an end table. Just need to stain it, and find a knob for the drawer, or make one.

 

[R_einan]

Cheechi: the organizer systems and sheet good carts look useful, I may have to borrow some of those ideas down the road for hardware organization.

1Garageman: nice looking endtable, should share some details with it. Maybe we can all learn something from your process.

 

[jimreed2160]

Cheechi--Nice projects. Organization pays big dividends over time.

1G--Like the table. Maple? Like R said, we need details.

Storm update--We skated by with an 18 hour power outage and a few branches in the yard. I used all of my rechargeable shop lights and the new DeWalt radio was a godsend. It replaced the solar/crank things. The best part is that I still have Pop Tarts left over. Hoping our other GJers were as lucky.

 

[rrich1]

Modified the table saw fence today. I bought a 3" piece of 80/20 extruded t track and replaced the side of the fence with it. I had to enlarge the holes in the fence upward to fit the slots in the track. I was hoping I wouldn't have to modify the line for the measurement but I had to. The newer piece was just too thick. I had to cut a line 1/4" to the left of the original line. I used a red paint marker to make it look as close to the original as possible. I just have to remember to always use the left line.

Very happy with how it turned out as the original fence had a cup in it. This one is straight.

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[ez-duzit]

1--what's it for?

 

[jimreed2160]

rr--Clever fix. I would put some painter's tape triangles on that window until I got used to the red line. Of course, I use my saw tape for general use only and set up cuts measuring from the edge of the blade.

 

[jar944]

Ran some face frame beading on my shaper last night

I also picked up a couple stanley 45s and a couple delta 32-100 bench mounted plate/biscuit joiners. The Stanley 45 it taking some getting used to.

 

[rrich1]

1--what's it for?

The other fence had a slight cup to it. This doesn't. Plus the t track will allow me to secure an accessory fence.

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[Lynden]

My early shop furniture was mostly 2x4 quick & dirty stuff. It was functional but a little bulky and inefficient for storage. As I replace it with purchased workbenches and tables, I am pleased with the results because it usually means more room in the shop.[/QUOTE]



Rocker sells heavy-duty shop stands. They're nice because different lengths of legs and stretchers are available so you get the size of stand you need. Prices aren't too bad if you wait for them to go on sale.

http://www.rockler.com/rockler-customizable-shop-stand

 

[nutsnbolts]

Hi guys, I hope this is the appropriate place to ask this question. I am brand new to woodworking.

I have taken up building fishing rods, and I am thinking it would be really cool to get a small lathe to build custom wooden handles on. I saw a Klein mini lathe for sale on Craigslist, the seller said it was fairly small and wouldn't take up too much room in a shop (space is limited for me). I am wondering if this type of lathe would work and if it would be a good one to start with? If not, what would you suggest? I want to be able to make handles up to about a foot long for salmon/steelhead rods, as well as smaller ones.

Also, and maybe more importantly, does anyone have any recommendations for a video or a class to take to learn the basic do's and don'ts of turning? I am 46 and have great fingers, and would like to keep it that way. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Hi guys, I hope this is the appropriate place to ask this question. I am brand new to woodworking.

I have taken up building fishing rods, and I am thinking it would be really cool to get a small lathe to build custom wooden handles on. I saw a Klein mini lathe for sale on Craigslist, the seller said it was fairly small and wouldn't take up too much room in a shop (space is limited for me). I am wondering if this type of lathe would work and if it would be a good one to start with? If not, what would you suggest? I want to be able to make handles up to about a foot long for salmon/steelhead rods, as well as smaller ones.

Also, and maybe more importantly, does anyone have any recommendations for a video or a class to take to learn the basic do's and don'ts of turning? I am 46 and have great fingers, and would like to keep it that way. Thanks in advance!!!

First you need to think about how do you plan on accurately drilling the handle to put the rod in if that's how you assemble I don't know. But if you have to drill all the way through then you're in full size lathe range to drill on the lathe or drill while its still square and turn it around the hole. If you have to drill all the way through and are able to before turning it then look at a 16 or 18 inch long lathe. Harbor freight sells a 16 inch which should be just fine as long as you know its limits. And since you're talking about making fishing pole handles I don't see you putting a tree stump on it and expecting it to be fine so it'll work fine. Harbor freight also has a twenty dollar set of turning tools start on that I still use most of mine. Learning to turn, for videos watch some videos on how to do things but specifically if you watch a video on how to use each tool individually that can help. Biggest thing is practice and feel. One of the lathes I have access to use has recommended speeds for the size I'm always turning much faster so learn to go by the feel of how its cutting. And the best way to know you've got it down is duplication. If you can make two of the same thing then you've got skill. That's how I practiced a lot was trying to duplicate things. I don't know anything about a Klein mini lathe. Some donts of turning. I see videos of people in long sleeves and gloves while turning. I've got a nice shredded flannel sleeve. So I would say long sleeves gloves and any necklace hanging outside of a shirt is a dont. A do that helps a lot. Keep the lathe tool rest as close to the work as possible and always touch the tool to the rest before your work

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[ez-duzit]

nb--try asking this on sawmillcreek's turner's forum.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?20-Turner-s-Forum

 

[jimreed2160]

Jar--Love your #45s. I keep a spare frame loaded with a 1/8" cutter. Almost every project needs a small groove somewhere. Good luck with yours.

Lyndon--Thanks for the heads up on the Rockler stands. That strikes a good balance between shopmade and storebought since they can be easily customized.

Nuts--I have used small lathes like the Klein and they work well for smaller work. Teen had some good tips. Just remember to make some room because lathes are like boats--once you get hooked you will upgrade. But, hey, it keeps you off the streets. Good luck with the rods.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

One more tip. Never use any sandpaper on the lathe bed to remove rust and don't let anyone else. Bought a used 36 inch lathe. It was dead on center entire way down. Pens were perfect. Then my grandpa sanded the rust off when I wasn't home and now everything is noticeably oval off by over an eighth of an inch had to break my harbor freight one back out and clear work bench to finish some orders. I need to buy a cheap feeler gauge to shim the tailstock so moral of the story don't do anything to the lathe bed don't coat it or sand it and cover with towel when applying finish.

Will get a pick up later of my current project. Making mom a coffee table went to a wood place nearby that pulls wood from the river so mystery wood but they sell lots as is or cut down for firewood size but they also cut and sell slabs so bought a slab for $30 started sanding and it looks amazing but don't have any post sanding pics yet. Got more sanding to do then getting colored stains to do it as a flag

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[turbowoodworker]

Jar, What are you going to do with two of those plate joiners? I have one and I use it some but honestly I usually pull out the Porter Cable hand held. Less fuss.

 

[jar944]

Jar, What are you going to do with two of those plate joiners? I have one and I use it some but honestly I usually pull out the Porter Cable hand held. Less fuss.

Honesty I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to use them for. The current plan is for pre sloting the cabinet sides for face frame attachment, where pocket screws would show. But in reality I just bought them because they were $35 for the pair.

 

[jar944]

One more tip. Never use any sandpaper on the lathe bed to remove rust and don't let anyone else. Bought a used 36 inch lathe. It was dead on center entire way down. Pens were perfect. Then my grandpa sanded the rust off when I wasn't home and now everything is noticeably oval off by over an eighth of an inch had to break my harbor freight one back out and clear work bench to finish some orders. I need to buy a cheap feeler gauge to shim the tailstock so moral of the story don't do anything to the lathe bed don't coat it or sand it and cover with towel when applying finish.

Will get a pick up later of my current project. Making mom a coffee table went to a wood place nearby that pulls wood from the river so mystery wood but they sell lots as is or cut down for firewood size but they also cut and sell slabs so bought a slab for $30 started sanding and it looks amazing but don't have any post sanding pics yet. Got more sanding to do then getting colored stains to do it as a flag

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The sanding didn't make the parts oval, at best the lowering or lateral movement of the tailstock will cause a taper along the length of a turned part and only when a carriage is involved like on a metal lathe.

 

[ztorres]

Does anyone own the Laguna 14|Twelve? I am going back and forth on buying one. I've heard nothing but good things but that's only been from salesmen and reviews. I was wondering if anyone from here had one.


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[ez-duzit]

The sanding didn't make the parts oval...

This.

 

[jimreed2160]

teen--Sorry to hear about your lathe issues. You learned a tough lesson early and that lesson is to guard your tools. NOBODY will care for them the way you will. I know this is tough given your age and circumstances but things will bet better. Now that I am AdultWithTools, I do not let people in my shop unescorted. I do not loan out my good tools--I loan spares and even give tools to friends, but I do not let my good tools out of my sight.

As for your lathe, remember your geometry. The center of your rotating stock is determined by the headstock and the tailstock. As long as they are fixed, your turning will be round. It may taper if one of them is lower on the bed. But an oval shape indicates dual centers on one end. Perhaps the tailstock is wobbling. Anyway, I think you are on the right track by shimming the tailstock. Use Mr Google to help you find assistance with setting up and adjusting the lathe. It seems to me that the line defining the two turning points (headstock pin and tailstock pin) is the 90 degree intersection of two planes. One of these planes should be parallel to the bed and the other should split the bed in equal pieces.

Good luck with your setup challenge. And BTW, you scored an EXCELLENT slab.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

teen--Sorry to hear about your lathe issues. You learned a tough lesson early and that lesson is to guard your tools. NOBODY will care for them the way you will. I know this is tough given your age and circumstances but things will bet better. Now that I am AdultWithTools, I do not let people in my shop unescorted. I do not loan out my good tools--I loan spares and even give tools to friends, but I do not let my good tools out of my sight.

As for your lathe, remember your geometry. The center of your rotating stock is determined by the headstock and the tailstock. As long as they are fixed, your turning will be round. It may taper if one of them is lower on the bed. But an oval shape indicates dual centers on one end. Perhaps the tailstock is wobbling. Anyway, I think you are on the right track by shimming the tailstock. Use Mr Google to help you find assistance with setting up and adjusting the lathe. It seems to me that the line defining the two turning points (headstock pin and tailstock pin) is the 90 degree intersection of two planes. One of these planes should be parallel to the bed and the other should split the bed in equal pieces.

Good luck with your setup challenge. And BTW, you scored an EXCELLENT slab.

My bad its only things on a mandrel or already round that become oval due to the offset tailstock experimented and if you offset same amount off of the center of the work on two sides you will achieve an oval so pens and already round things have problems. In the next months I will be getting keys made for my Kennedy toolboxes because I love my grandfather but he screws with stuff he has no business screwing with. My step dad will have a key to them while I'm away at boot camp next summer however because I trust him with my stuff. The slab looks b*tchin after sanding it some pic of that to come tomorrow night. Place I got it from had beautiful slabs that were very red thinner not as wide but longer for forty bucks. Had to control myself by reminding myself I was getting wood for a coffee table not a dining table with bench seats. May not be a hardwood but it's a 3.5 inch thick slab I got. My craftsman belt sanded I bought used died so I have a ryobi and with 60 grit it took a while to get rid of the high spots. Still can't convince step dad to get a 36 inch wide planer though

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