Woodworking 101--Tools and Tips

[Reco Very]

As an owner of both the R3 and K4 Kreg jigs I have found that BOTH are very nice to have. I have used the R3 on everything. It is really nice when repairing old built in shelves. The big gray circle comes off and you can mount the jig with screws to drill pocket holes.

 

[Locker537]

The K5 kit often goes on sale as well.

 

[Craptain]

I don't know which Kreg kit I have. But I built my bathroom vanity using it. Used both jigs for different parts.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[rrich1]

Jim: the kit you bought will work to see if you like it or not. It's nice to be able to take the jig to the part sometimes like stated earlier. Some k4 kits come with an extra base to make it mobile. If you end up getting another one I would go with the k5. It has a few upgrades that I think are worth buying it over the k4.

I got a lot of shop time in after church today. I jointed, planed, and cut to width all the poplar. I then made the face frames for the sides and glued/nailed them on. It's starting to look like an armoire. I have a couple of pieces in glue up right now that I need to do before I go on, I forgot to do them earlier. Happy with it so far.

P.S.A- milling takes forever!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[ptgarcia]

I have the R3 jig and it's great. One day I'll get the K4 or K5 but I get along fine with what I have.

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

 

[jimreed2160]

rrich--Looking good. That new bench is getting a workout.

 

[jimreed2160]

My $16.97 air scrubber

My shop sessions are limited to a few hours each and rarely include power tools. But when I do crank up the table saw I fill the shop with dust. I don't mind sweeping the floor but I do mind breathing the fine airborne stuff. My last scrubber burned out after a few years of hard use but I have been reluctant to spend a lot on something that will get little use.

But then comes the GJ thread on dust collection. I measured the floor fan that was taking up space in the spare room and got a grade 9 filter for it. I added eye bolts on the bottom and duct taped the filter to **** side of the fan, and then hung it upside down from the garage door opener angle iron. At 5'9" I find the clearance just fine but Shorty would give it a face dive for sure.

Stay tuned for the performance trials. I am anxious to see how long the fan will last. I think it cost only a dollar more than the filter.

BTW, this project went smoothly because my hardware and my 1/4" sockets are now organized. These organization savings are piling up.

 

[BMR24]

I'm looking into getting a set of forsner bits, anyone have any input on the best value? I won't use them every day but I don't want junk either.

 

[ScottsGT]

Honestly, my Harbor Freights have never let me down. Occasional user too.

I will add that when I remodeled my kitchen I used one to punch about 40 counter sunk holes for euro style hinges into the old cabinet doors. Last hole was as fast as the first hole.

 

[EOC_Jason]

My $16.97 air scrubber
...
I measured the floor fan that was taking up space in the spare room and got a grade 9 filter for it. I added eye bolts on the bottom and duct taped the filter to **** side of the fan, and then hung it upside down from the garage door opener angle iron. At 5'9" I find the clearance just fine but Shorty would give it a face dive for sure.
...
Stay tuned for the performance trials. I am anxious to see how long the fan will last. I think it cost only a dollar more than the filter.

Can probably re-use quite a bit, just take it outside and blow off with air compressor. If it clogs too quick (which I doubt), maybe bumping up to a 2" thick would last a lot longer?

I'm looking into getting a set of forsner bits, anyone have any input on the best value? I won't use them every day but I don't want junk either.

I got the HF set too, haven't used them yet but look pretty good.

 

[jimreed2160]

I'm looking into getting a set of forsner bits, anyone have any input on the best value? I won't use them every day but I don't want junk either.

I have a special drawer for mine. The small set of seven was from my dad. They are OK quality but never seem to be the right size. The larger set of 16 are typical Chinese stuff. They work OK but seem to clog. The larger sizes have teeth and leave a more ragged hole. The steel is a bit soft and one of the smaller bits has deformed on the edge in a few spots. The singles bits are higher quality. But all of this stuff is over 20 years old.

Most of my drilling lately has been making recesses for bolts and quality of cut is not a big issue. I bought a new bit for drilling Stanley plane tote nut holes. And that would be my advice. Get an inexpensive large set so you have enough sizes. When (if) a big project comes along, use the inexpensive bit until it wears out and then replace it with one better. That way you will always have the correct size on hand. With average use, you will probably never have to replace more than one or two.

 

[ez-duzit]

I have a couple sets. One is this Feud set which is pretty good. Get a lot of use from it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225ZN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jimreed2160]

I have a couple sets. One is this Feud set which is pretty good. Get a lot of use from it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225ZN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Now those are some good looking bits. I'll bet there is no deformed steel on them after they drill a hole.

 

[rrich1]

I have the porter cable bits. I have been very happy with them so far.

 

[ez-duzit]

The only time I deformed one was when I hit a hidden stainless steel screw.

 

[BMR24]

Thanks everyone for your input about the bits, now I'll just have to find some prices and decide

 

[ScottsGT]

The only time I deformed one was when I hit a hidden stainless steel screw.

Ouch! That sounds painful to the bit.

 

[paulm12]

Jim: I am anxious to hear how the air filter works for you. I just don't see there being enough airflow with a good filter, but let us know.

 

[IMStuner]

Jim: I am anxious to hear how the air filter works for you. I just don't see there being enough airflow with a good filter, but let us know.

++++1 on this as well.

 

[Bob Heine]

I'm looking into getting a set of forsner bits, anyone have any input on the best value? I won't use them every day but I don't want junk either.

I have a cheap set Costco sold years ago (Mastergrip) and had good luck with them. They got horrible reviews but the complaints sounded like they were using them in high-speed drills rather than a drill press.

I buy carbide router bits so I don't have to sharpen them as often so if I were buying a set I would look at carbide forstner bits. This set of 15 sells for less than $100 so it's double the price of the Porter Cable and almost half the price of the Freud. Most of the negative reviews complained about the wooden storage box but one said they were dull. Perhaps someone has experience with this set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007D2Y8G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jimreed2160]

More shop organization

A few months ago, The Queen was having trouble storing all of her makeup. As her dutiful slave spouse, I picked up some Husky organizers. The project was a hit and my bonus was a leftover box. Since it was too chilly for ww projects, I decided to go a little organizing.

Hidden under a workbench was a nice vintage Craftsman tool box full of drywall anchors. Yes, I have a tool box full. That's what happens when you move a lot and buy more because you cannot find anything. The first step was to collect all of them in one place and the next step was to get them organized.

It was a quick project and I ended up with a whole pile of blister cards to pitch. Now the anchors are sorted and visible. At my rate of consumption, I estimate this stash to be 250+ months of on hand items.

 

[jimreed2160]

Craftsman toolbox

My dad picked up this Craftsman toolbox. Probably sometime in the late 1980s. There are two spots on the top where it looks like he scratched two labels off. Price stickers? Other than that, this thing is in excellent condition. Now that the drywall anchors have a new home, this box is up for repurposing. It seems to be begging for some tools.

 

[1Garageman]

I'm looking into getting a set of forsner bits, anyone have any input on the best value? I won't use them every day but I don't want junk either.

Honestly, my Harbor Freights have never let me down. Occasional user too.

I will add that when I remodeled my kitchen I used one to punch about 40 counter sunk holes for euro style hinges into the old cabinet doors. Last hole was as fast as the first hole.

Can probably re-use quite a bit, just take it outside and blow off with air compressor. If it clogs too quick (which I doubt), maybe bumping up to a 2" thick would last a lot longer?



I got the HF set too, haven't used them yet but look pretty good.

I also have the HF Forstner Drill Bit Set. I have had no problem with them either. I have drill over 20 holes with some different sizes and they have held up pretty good so far. I especially like them when I use them on my drill press. I think they were on sale and of course I had a coupon. So I paid less than $20 for them!!

 

[R_einan]

I’ve been meaning to get a get of forstner bits but haven’t gone and done it. I have home saws up to over 4” and good brad points for the smaller stuff, so I haven’t yet. If that grizzly set is good I might take a look at it in the future.

Interesting air filter idea, not sure how much it will flow, you will have to keep us appraised of the performance Jim.

I’m nearly done with my newest table, just need to wipe on a coat of 1# shellac as a sealer before it goes down to get sprayed with precat lacquer. Then we will see what people really think of it, a buddy talked me into putting this in his shop to see if there is a market.

 

[chrislehr]

Jim - that box was my first ever REAL toolbox growing up. I retired it when I bought my first roller, but that thing was a beast for a solid 15-18 years of my life. Nice find, thanks for bringing back that memory

 

[jimreed2160]

R--Nice table. Good luck on the showing.

Chris--Thanks for your kind words. This is a handy sized box--I am sure you loved yours. Just big enough but not too big.

All--Waiting for the Kreg to arrive. Waiting for warmer weather to try out the fan. The job is not big and my expectations are low. If I can dirty up that purdy white filter I will be pleased.

 

[ptgarcia]

I’ve been meaning to get a get of forstner bits but haven’t gone and done it. I have home saws up to over 4” and good brad points for the smaller stuff, so I haven’t yet. If that grizzly set is good I might take a look at it in the future.

Interesting air filter idea, not sure how much it will flow, you will have to keep us appraised of the performance Jim.

I’m nearly done with my newest table, just need to wipe on a coat of 1# shellac as a sealer before it goes down to get sprayed with precat lacquer. Then we will see what people really think of it, a buddy talked me into putting this in his shop to see if there is a market.

That's a beautiful table! I'm curious what you plan on asking for it?

 

[Unruh]

I also have the HF Forstner Drill Bit Set. I have had no problem with them either. I have drill over 20 holes with some different sizes and they have held up pretty good so far. I especially like them when I use them on my drill press. I think they were on sale and of course I had a coupon. So I paid less than $20 for them!!

Seems like I’ll have to make a trip to HF this weekend...thanks Garage Journal.

 

[jimreed2160]

Well it may be cold outside, but it's toasty at HF with all those smokin' hot deals on tools!

 

[R_einan]

That's a beautiful table! I'm curious what you plan on asking for it?

I’m not entirely sure yet, I’m hoping 750-800, after I duduct my materials and all the costs involved if I can manage that I will be reasonably compensated for my time.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Just used my forstner bits for the first time today helping my neighbor out with a project. Now that I look at the box vs the HF pictures I'm not really sure where the heck they came from. I bought them at an estate sale for $5 IIRC... Only one actually looked used and it was the one missing the cap... They are made in China and while not looking the nicest worked great, even though we were just drilling into pine.

 

[jimreed2160]

EOC--Those sure do look like mine. Looks like you scored a good deal.

 

[chrislehr]

I turned this bowl in 2016 but used the beall buffing system today on it. Wow. Ill let that pic do the talking.

 

[jimreed2160]

Chris--The proof in in the pudding. Tell us more about the Beall system.

 

[drivesitfar]

Chris: i thought i was keeping up with this thread, but i'm not sure what the BEALL POLISHING SYSTEM or method is. do tell?

Chris and Jim: i might own 6 of those old Craftsman carry toolboxes and they were built well. I had a newer one that was maybe 30 years old still new in the box that i gave to the 30 year old kid that does the maintenance at my storage unit and even though he doesn't know much about vintage tools i know he appreciated it.

ALL: i think i have a box or two of those old HF forstner bits and the prior owner left them out in the rain so i got them for free. mostly surface rust so i could wire wheel them off or can you put drill bits in evaporust or vinegar and not lose the edge if any of you might know?

 

[rlitman]

Evaporust or vinegar won’t hurt the edge. Acids sharpen edges, which is why they’re used to sharpen files. A wire wheel is a different story.

You can always easily sharpen a forstner with a file.

Oh, and you ****.

 

[chrislehr]

Chris--The proof in in the pudding. Tell us more about the Beall system.

Details and link here

http://www.bealltool.com/products/buffing/buffer.php

Ive turned maybe four bowls and 3 have now been pulled back to the shop for buffing. Takes the finish from wow to holycrapwanttotouch.

 

[CRSINMICH]

MILLERS FALLS No. 85 RABBET PLANE I dug this out from a hidey hole I had put it in some time ago. I had never used a rabbet plane of this type before, but in less than 5 minutes I was able to plane a perfect 3/8" X 3/8" rabbet in a piece of scrap. It worked so well that I flattened the sole and gave it a thorough cleaning and lubing. I also found a place for it on the shelf right next to my bench. It's a very handy plane and I'm going to keep it close at hand.

It might look like a Stanley 78 to you because they are, for all practical purposes, identical.

 

[rrich1]

The flu had kicked my **** this week and had been out of the shop since Sunday. Today I managed to work a little bit and got the trim work done. Up next is doors.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[jimreed2160]

CRS--I used a MF #85 as my first rabbet plane. It was really nice, so nice in fact, that I was compelled to sell it. Now I use my Stanley #289. But I have a soft spot for that #85. You already know that you will love that plane.

rrich--Drink plenty of fluids and nap it out. The flu is not trivial this year. Good luck with your recovery.