ShopNotes Magazine Issue 140

At the risk of running too deep, I think our workshops are a window. Looking out from the shop, the projects we make, how we think about our time spent there, the tools we use all informs how we see the world around us. Woodworkers are creators — the things we do offer a bit of commentary on how we wish things to be. In this light, it makes sense why we take our workshops so seriously (in a fun way). I enjoy the opportunities I have to see the workshops of other woodworkers. While walking my dog, I see several garage shops during warm summer days. On page 10, I give you peek inside one element of my home shop by examining the saws I use. Want another way…

Starting a project on the right foot is important, and getting a good layout is key. Having the right tools is half the battle, but there are some techniques that will not only help get a more precise layout, but also save time doing it. SQUARES. After rulers, squares are probably the most common tool in the shop, and there are a few kinds. A combination square is a must. Framing squares and T-squares (like the one you’ll find on page 20) will come in handy with larger workpieces. BEVEL GAUGE. A bevel gauge is used for laying out angles. It can be set with a protractor or directly off of a mating joint, then the sliding arm is locked in place by a wing nut. Being able to register…

Framing squares are a great help when working with large panels, and given how little they cost I often keep several hanging around the shop. The big issue I’ve found with them however is that they may not actually be square. A fall off the bench is all it takes to knock one off its proper angle, and some cheaper framing squares might not even be at a perfect 90° in the first place. Luckily, truing up a framing square is easy, although it can take a little time to dial in an exact 90° angle. The steps below take you through the process. Once you’ve finished, repeat the steps to check for square again. With a little work, you’ll have all your squares back in alignment.…

Sometimes thinking outside the box is the best way to mark a point or take a measurement. Below are two examples that can save time on your measurements. Rather than trying to measure out 243⁄64" on a 511⁄32"-wide board, this first trick uses a ruler to find the center. Sit the ruler at one edge and tilt it to a number easily divisible by two — the halfway point is the center of the board. As for the second tip, it can be difficult to know if you’re measuring at the widest point of the circle, unless you pin it between two squares.…

“Setting up shop” information is popular stuff. A key element in this advice is listing “must-have” tools. These lists serve two purposes: first, to provide a guide for beginning woodworkers. Second, and more importantly, they provide fodder for vigorous discussions among more seasoned builders. In that spirit, here is my offering — submitted for your approval. What’s often unsaid in tool lists is how subjective the advice is. The recommendations reflect the author’s own preference, experience, manner of work, and even type of workshop. With that in mind, here’s where I’m coming from. My workshop occupies the rear of my garage. It’s 8’ wide and 24’ long. Space constraints like this influence my tool selection. I enjoy making furniture projects like tables, wall cabinets, dressers, and chests. I dabble in…

As fun as it is to while away the hours in the shop, it’s a good idea to take a break now and then. And although my partner loves the projects that come out of the shop, she’ll give me the stink-eye if I show up in the house covered in dust and sweat. I don’t blame her. So one way to bridge the divide was to come up with a resting spot in the shop that’s comfortable (but not so much that I’d end up looking for a remote and a libation) and doesn’t take up much space. The stool you see here rings the bell in all categories. It’s tall enough that you can work comfortably at the bench and stretch your legs at the same time, yet…