Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0da00660eezzsc.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Shop Tips, Jigs and Fixtures</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#006633" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF3300" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#CC0033" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>About the WoodMangler</U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>   |   </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U><B>Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques.</B></U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>   |  </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>Basic Tablesaw use</U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>   |  </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>Turnin on the Lathe!</U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>Ryobi AP1300 Planer</U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>   |  </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U> </U></A><A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>Tame Those Band Clamps!</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Home"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the WoodMangler"><U>About the WoodMangler</U></A></div> <div> Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques</div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Compare Benchtop Bandsaws"><U>Compare Benchtop Bandsaws</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Articles"><U>Articles</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Basic Tablesaw use"><U>Basic Tablesaw use</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ryobi AP1300 Planer"><U>Ryobi AP1300 Planer</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tame Those Band Clamps!"><U>Tame Those Band Clamps!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Turnin on the Lathe!"><U>Turnin on the Lathe!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gallery of Work"><U>Gallery of Work</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Featherboards"><U>Featherboards</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#drillpresstablesquaring" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Square that DP Table!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#grindingjig" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>"</U></A><A HREF="id18_m.htm#grindingjig" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Ellsworth</U></A><A HREF="id18_m.htm#grindingjig" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>" Grinding Jig</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#auxmiterfence" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Auxiliary Miter Fence</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#centeroflargecircle" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Find the Center!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#squarethatsquare" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Square that Square!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#jointerknifeglassjig" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Jointer knife setting jig</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#lynnsjig" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>"Lynn's" Box Joint Jig</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#drill_press_chuck_won_t_come_off_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>DP Chuck wont come off?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#need_to_check_if_your_cms_miter_gauge" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Check Miter Angles</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#saw_not_cutting_right_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Tablesaw Quick Check</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#planertables" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Adjusting Planer In/Outfeed Tables</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#mark_the_center_of_a_dowel" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Center of a Dowel</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18_m.htm#using_a_planer_sled" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Shop Jigs, Tips, and Techniques"><U>Planer Sled for Jointing</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#6600FF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Shop Tips, Jigs and Fixtures</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="5" WIDTH="693" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#00FF00" BORDERCOLORDARK="#FFFFFF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6633 HEIGHT= 174 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="drillpresstablesquaring"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Here's a simple way to check and help adjust your drill press table. </div> <div> Using an ordinary peg as shown, spin the drill by hand and adjust your table until the tip of the peg just grazes the table all the way around a complete circle.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="07f5e9f0.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="159" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6633 HEIGHT= 561 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="grindingjig"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >This is a jig I make that makes grinding a "fingernail" or "Ellsworth" profile on a bowl gouge nearly an automatic process. The small ball on the end of the jig is places an a "V" shaped holder in front of the grinder (as illustrated in the picture below) and rotated right and left to grind the sides of the bowl gouge, producing the "wings" that work so well for a shearing slice when bowl turning.</FONT></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0815e2b0.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="555" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 239 WIDTH="200"><div> Here's the Bowl Gouge grinding jig in action!</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0835ee90.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 192 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="auxmiterfence"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >Need to cut a 60 degree miter on your Compound Miter Saw?</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Make a jig like the one on the right. </div> <bR> <div> First cut the block of wood at 15 degrees, then hinge the auxiliary fence as shown.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0a462af0.jpg" border=0 width="354" height="175" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 218 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="centeroflargecircle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >Need to find the center of a large circle?</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Put a Carpenters Square against the circle, and run a Combination Square against that and draw 2 intersecting lines... </div> <bR> <div> Where they meet is the center!</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0a65ed40.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="212" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 385 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="squarethatsquare"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >To check a Carpenters Square:</FONT></div> <bR> <div> You'll need a long straight edge to place your Carpenters Square against... like the edge of a sheet of plywood or MDF works well.</div> <bR> <div> Draw a line as shown, then flip the square and draw a second line as close as you can to the first line but still leaving a gap between the lines. Any deviation from Square will be immediately visible. </div> <bR> <div> To adjust - Use a pointed punch on the inside corner of the square to expand the legs of the square, and on the outside corner to bring the legs close together. </div> <bR> <div> Use a light touch, and recheck after every "punch"</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0a8907b0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="379" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 213 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="jointerknifeglassjig"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >This jig makes it easy to get your jointer knives "right"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> A 3/8" piece of glass and 4 "Rare Earth" magnets and some Super Glue or epoxy are all that's needed. Glue the 4 magnets as shown, and set the jig on the outfeed table as shown. The magnets hold the jig to the table and hold the knives in the correct position for you to tighten the knive holding screws.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0aaa9c80.jpg" border=0 width="425" height="200" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 269 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="lynnsjig"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >This is my version of the Lynn's Jig...</FONT></div> <bR> <div> I've added a bottom to help it and the stock being milled to slide better, plastic bushings where the threaded rod goes through the wood sides to avoid wear and to make it turn easier, a removable backing plate that slides on and out easily so you always have a clean backer to prevent chipout.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0ac5e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 269 ><NOBR><div> Rear View of "Lynn's Jig"</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0ae5e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 183 WIDTH="200"><div> Learn how to tame those loooong nylon straps that are on most band clamps.</div> <div> (click on photo)</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="466"><div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tame Those Band Clamps!"><U><IMG SRC="0b296b10.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="177" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 231 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="drill_press_chuck_won_t_come_off_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Drill Press chuck won't come off? Make a couple of simple wood wedges and tap them from both sides at the same time. Clean the chuck and morse taper with Mineral Spirits and reinstall by (1) retracting the jaws and (2) "Seating" the chuck home with a good firm rap with a wood mallet or wood block.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0b555e10.jpg" border=0 width="341" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 303 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="need_to_check_if_your_cms_miter_gauge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Need to check if your CMS, miter gauge, etc. is cutting correctly?</div> <bR> <div> This technique works well for a couple of reasons; </div> <div> (One) - You'll be checking the accuracy of the 45 degree cut with a square, not a triangle... and</div> <div> (Two) - Any error with your saw's setup will be doubled, and will be easier to see and correct.</div> <div> Click on pic for larger pic.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id23_mitercheck.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PicStorage"><U><IMG SRC="1ec90290.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="297" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 293 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="saw_not_cutting_right_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Saw not cutting right?</div> <bR> <div> Do this Quick-Check to see if the fence is the problem...</div> <bR> <div> The fence needs to be parallel to the blade, and this will show if it is.</div> <div> Put a straight edge between the fence and blade. An aluminum rule, a carpenters square, or even a straight piece of plywood or MDF will work. Slide the fence as close as you can to the straight edge, leaving a tiny gap, and lock the fence down. Look at the gap... is it even all the way along the straight edge?</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="0dc41100.jpg" border=0 width="321" height="272" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 186 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="planertables"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>I find it works better at reducing snipe if the infeed/outfeed tables are slightly higher than the planer bed. </div> <div> Place a metal rule or a couple of nickels on the planer bed, set a straigh edge on top of that, and adjust the infeed/outfeed tables until they just touch the bottom of the straight edge.</div> <div> Click on pic for larger view.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id23_planertablelargepic.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PicStorage"><U><IMG SRC="0de7cb40.jpg" border=0 width="380" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 150 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="mark_the_center_of_a_dowel"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Need to mark the</div> <div> center of a dowel?</div> <bR> <div> Drill a hole in a piece of scrap with a forstner bit the same size as the dowel until the tip of the bit just pokes through... then insert the dowel into the hole use an awl through the hole to mark the center</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="1598c900.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="15bb9890.jpg" border=0 width="185" height="137" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 181 WIDTH="200"><div>  <A NAME="using_a_planer_sled"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Using a sled in conjunction with your planer can add to the tools usefullness. One sled that I use lets me "Joint" wood wider than my 6" jointer allows. Cupped and/or twisted stock can have one face planed flat because the "rails" on the sled prevent the In/Outfeed rollers from flattening the wood so the blades can make one flat face.</div> <div> Wedges work on twisted stock.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id23_planersleddrawing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PicStorage"><U><IMG SRC="15f68ad0.jpg" border=0 width="360" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 136 WIDTH="200"><div> Here's pics of the sled. The wood is placed against one "rail", and the other "rail" is put snugly against the other edge of the wood and secured with brads or screws, ALWAYS placed lower than the blades will reach. <A HREF="mailto:WoodMangler@Yahoo.Com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:WoodMangler@Yahoo.Com"><U>Email</U></A> if you need more information...</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id23_planersledendview.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PicStorage"><U><IMG SRC="16aaa800.jpg" border=0 width="170" height="128" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A>  <A HREF="id23_planersledwithwood.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="PicStorage"><U><IMG SRC="164a2820.jpg" border=0 width="162" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="200" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="466"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="466" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FF6600 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="200" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="466"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="466" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="200" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="466"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="466" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div>          </div> </td> </tr></table></body>