Tricks of the Trade
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Magnetic Homemade Steady Rest
This reader designed an impressive steady rest system for his lathe using magnets. And it can be modified to fit any lathe.
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Holder for Mitered Workpieces
Need help securing a workpiece when cutting biscuit slots? This reader has a simple trick that will give you an extra hand.
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Scratch Awl from Scratch
This reader found a new way to give life to an old screwdriver, by turning it into a handy woodturning tool.
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Cabinet Door Sanding Shield
Protect your frame-and-panel cabinet doors from damage during sanding with this handy woodworking tip.
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On-the-fence Blade Height Gauge
This reader’s trick shows a simple way to set the height of your blade without using anything but your table saw’s fence.
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Keeping Router Collets Clean
Keeping your router bits and collets clean is an important bit of shop maintenance. This reader found a tool for another hobby that is a perfect helper for the task.
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Making Small Fastener Organizers
If you need a better way to keep your small hardware organized, this reader has a refreshing solution.
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Hands-free Branding Iron Prep
This reader has a tip for making a quick setup for heating your branding iron which is easy and hands-free. Just remember to stay safe!
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Binder Clips Protect Sharp Edges
Want to keep your chisels protected (and you protected from their edges) between use? This reader reached into their desk drawer for a solution.
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Right-sizing a Dowel Hole
When your dowels don’t quite match up to the size of the hole you drilled for them, this reader has a tip on how to tighten that fit.
