Shop Tips

Learn tips and tricks that make your shop time more productive. Find out how to get the most out of hand tools and power tools, including your router and table saw. See tips on finishing, gluing, clamping, sharpening, layout, and more!

Most Recent

Custom Handheld Router Template
I’ve never been happy with the traditional method of cutting handholds by drilling out the two ends and using a jigsaw to finish the cut. I get much better results using a custom template for my handheld router.
Stabilize Hacksaw Cuts
When cutting steel tubing or pipe with a hacksaw, my blade wants to wander at the start of the cut.
Simple Bandsaw Sled for Small Slices
This simple bandsaw sled provides safe, repeatable results when cutting small parts to length. I use it to cut dowels and loose tenons.
DIY Foam Storage Trays
Commercial router bit trays feature 1/4" and 1/2" holes in dense foam. With all the packages I receive, I have a ready supply of foam to make my own storage trays.
Totally Tubular Turning Tool Rack
This mobile rack provides an easy way to transport and quickly identify my turning tools. For convenient storage, it hangs on the wall behind my lathe.
Scrap Wood Glue Wells
Working on small projects requires small dabs of wood glue for assembly.
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More Shop Tips

Sander Sled Simplicity
This simple sled with a pivoting fence adjusts for fine-tuning miter joints.
Sanding Sleeve Freeze Treatment
I sometimes have trouble removing sanding sleeves from the drums of my spindle sander.
Mini Sander Conversion

I make bowls and trays but could never get the results I wanted when sanding on the lathe. What I needed was a miniature version of a random-orbit sander. So I made an adapter for my handheld sander that can reach into tight areas.