Blade Helpers

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Carpentry Tools, Tips

If you are about to change the blade on your bandsaw, dig out your small spring clamps to make the job easier. A new bandsaw blade can have a tendency to slip off of the top wheel while you try to get it on the lower wheel. Use a pair of small clamps to hold the blade...

Drill Propeller

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Nailing & Drilling, Tips

Shavings can pile up around a hole being drilled, making it hard for you to see what you are doing. To prevent this, push the point of the drill bit through a 4-in. strip of masking tape, then draw the tape up the bit so it will clear the work. Fold the strip...

Miter Box Saver

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Carpentry Tools, Tips

If you just bought a manual miter box, a simple modification will extend its useful service life. Insert and fasten a piece of 1x stock to the inside bottom of the box. The saw blade will then cut into the false bottom, without damaging the miter box itself....

Rip Cuts

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Carpentry Cuts, Tips

Rip cuts are cuts that go with the woodgrain. After a proper measurement and marking have been made, carefully use your thumb to guide your saw with two or three short upward strokes. Once the cut is started hold the saw at a 60 degree angle to the wood and make...

Deck Nailing

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Nailing & Drilling, Tips

When building a deck, always nail a thinner member to a thicker member. Hot-dipped zinc-coated nails are a good choice. For more holding power, consider using either ring- or spiral-shanked nails, or go with deck screws. If using screws, it’s best to pre-drill...

Flat Planing

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Carpentry, Lumber, Tips

To determine if the entire surface of a board that you’ve run through a thickness planer is flat try the following: Scribble a chalk mark on the surface of the board. Then run it through the planer until the chalk mark disappears.