ShopNotes Magazine Issue 136

As most woodworkers, those of us here at ShopNotes face the same challenges you do: Choosing the best tools for our shops given time, space, and financial constraints. Those issues were some of the things I ran across as I was looking for a new bench grinder for my shop. Wading through the available options resulted in a bit of “analysis paralysis.” Should I choose a grinder with 6" or 8" wheels? And what types of wheels? Low speed vs. high speed was another consideration. And how does the function of the tool rests play into making a decision? Well, if you check out the article on page 42, you’ll get some insight into my decision-making process on what’s important. That’s the great thing about ShopNotes. The projects and articles…

Plunge Router Mortising Jig A plunge router is great for cutting mortises. But you need a jig to hold the workpiece and guide the tool as it cuts in order to get the precision required for a mortise. This versatile jig allows me to adjust the length and location of the mortise plus I can use it to cut mortises in angled workpieces. The heart of this jig is the two-piece platform. It provides a wide surface to steady the router base. It also incorporates stops that let you change the opening for different mortise lengths. The adjusters allow you to replace the stops for different size bushings, in this example ¾". The stops are held in place by strips of hardboard which match grooves cut in the two platform…

Creating profiles is a bread and butter routing task. And for good reason. In a short time, you can create eye-catching profiles that soften the hard edge of a workpiece. The right profile can even enhance the overall look and style of a project. One popular (and traditional) profile is the ogee. This flowing, S-shaped double curve has been used to dress up furniture and buildings for thousands of years. So you’ll find it’s right at home in a wide range of furniture re styles. Looking at ogee bits from any router bit manufacturer, you’ll quickly see that the name “ogee” can refer to a whole family of profile bits. In fact, the range of bits offered can be a little dizzying. To add to the confusion, two router bits…

When I first acquired a lathe, the only way I knew to turn a workpiece was to mount it “between centers.” That is, supporting the workpiece between a drive center mounted in the headstock and another center mounted at the opposite end in the tailstock. This method of turning is great for making spindles and pens, but it can be limiting. Turning between centers doesn’t allow you to finish off the end or face of a workpiece (like a bowl) because the centers are in the way. A Chuck. The solution is a chuck. It securely grips a workpiece without requiring the tail-stock to support it. This allows you to turn the face of the workpiece that would normally be obstructed by the tailstock. You’ll find chucks from manufacturers like…

LOCK ANATOMY A latch or a catch keeps a lid, drawer, or door closed. But every once in a while, I’ll build a project that demands a little extra security. That’s when I turn to cabinet locks. A lock keeps everyone out except you and whoever else you want to have access. Unlike the locks found on your front entryway, locks made for cabinets are not as sturdy. They can be forced and picked more easily, so they shouldn’t be used to secure high-value items. But they can be just the ticket for keeping papers private, collections safe, or things away from curious young children. Types of Cabinet Locks. When you start to look for the right lock for your project, you may be overwhelmed by the selection available. You’ll find…

A workbench is often just a large, flat surface for setting your work on to assemble a project. But as your woodworking skills grow, you might need more functionality from your workbench. That’s where the dual-rail system you see here comes into play. It adds a lot of features to an otherwise ordinary bench. First, the grooves in the pair of rails accommodate sliding accessories. These include dog blocks to clamp a workpiece, and tool anchors used to attach auxiliary platforms for tools like a bench vise or miter saw. And speaking of a miter saw, the rail system also features a pair of support blocks for holding long workpieces when using the saw. Each of the support blocks can be positioned anywhere along the rails. Each one incorporates a…