Trim Router Edge Guide Jig (Palm Router Edge Guide)

Read Time: 4 mins

Hits: 42014

Trim routers or Hand Routers as they are also called have much less power than their larger, more powerful counterparts, so finding jobs for them to do that doesn't over-tax the motor is a bit more of a challenge. In this video, I am sticking with what their routers were designed for and that is trimming edges. The difference with the jig that I am making is that the base will be larger and more stable than the base that comes with the router, therefore a better chance of getting a good cut ...

Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/F4V57ePSQEI

And with the fence guide, it means I can use any 1/4 inch shank edge treatment bit, either with or without a bearing, which is a huge advantage. 

Table Saw Tape Tear-Out Test: Part 2 / Woodworking Fact or Fiction

Read Time: 4 mins

Hits: 9936

If you are following along with these tests and have looked at the melamine tests I did a few weeks back using masking tape and Frog tape to see if either one of them will reduce or eliminate tear out, the results are quite clear, the tape did nothing to reduce tear out, in fact, it  could be argued the Frog tape made the cuts slightly worse. 
Since most people are using natural wood, it only follows that I should be testing natural wood as well to give some conclusive results to these tests.

Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/mT7gfCkx8ew

Does Tape on Wood Give Less Tear-Outs (Part 1)

I had many people provide many suggestions in the comments section of the last test offering their knowledge on how to better cut melamine, but the test was not how to cut melamine, the test was to see if tape could actually make a difference in the cuts, and in that case, it did not ... check out the results of what it did on natural woods here ...

5 Quick Table Saw Hacks Part 3 / Woodworking Tips and Tricks

Read Time: 4 mins

Hits: 104914

I don't always need to make permanent jigs or adaptions to my table saw, sometimes I only need something for a one-time cut. There are many ways of making adaptions so that think wedges of wood will not fall through or get caught between the blade and the insert. One way, if you have a fence suitable is to find yourself an very thin, like 1/8th thick plywood off-cut and slide it under the fence and lock the fence. This will prevent the plywood from moving. Now you can wind the table saw blade up through the plywood and now instantly have adapted a zero clearance insert ... but on TOP of you existing insert.

Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VcodNMiNNac

Now you can run the wood through that you want. In order for this to work, you need to know where to position the fence so you will need to mark or adapt it, but  there is also another way, similar, but more adaptable especially for those who don't have bigger cabinet type saws ... 

Buying Wood from the Lumber Yard: Money Saving Hacks for Woodworking Part 4

Read Time: 4 mins

Hits: 16746

There are a variety of ways we can all save money when purchasing lumber from the wood store, and any wood store I have dealt with is interested in trying to get you the best value for your money, because they know if they help you save money buying wood, you will be back, again and again, to deal with them so don't discount their help. If you are new to buying wood or new to the wood store the first thing to do is talk to someone at the store, tell them what you are doing and what you are looking for and ASK them for their suggestions ... 

Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/9VlmdpLSHlE

They might have specials or perhaps they have wood stored in another area that could be part of what you are looking for. It is not unusual for wood stores to have the same species of wood stored in different areas for a variety of reasons, the most common ... being price.