Tricks of the Trade
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Score First to Stop Dovetail Blowout
If you’re having trouble with blown-out corners after using a dovetail jig, Bruce Kieffer has a simple solution for ensuring clean cuts.
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How to Make Cabinet Doors with Rail-and-Stile Router Bits
Learn how to build cabinet door frames using a rail-and-stile router bit set.
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Combination Mortiser Hold-down and Vacuum Fence
This reader created a hold-down fence for a mortising machine, doubling as a hold-down with a DIY dust collection solution.
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Keep Tools Cool: Mark Extension Cord Ratings
Don’t let your tools suffer the same fate as this reader’s did, here’s a simple tip that will keep you from overheating them next time you grab an extension cord.
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Simple Solution to Eliminate Planer Snipe
This reader had issues with snipe on his cutting boards, but he has a simple solution for dealing with planer snipe on small panels like this.
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Simple Air Hose Stopper
Use this simple trick from one of our readers to keep your shop’s hoses clear of shop debris (and critters) that might build up while they’re not in use.
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Sanding Block Support for Edge Sanding
Avoid getting rid of your corners when edge sanding with this handy tip that will provide a bit more support to your sanding block.
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Broader Shoulders Make Better Planing
This simple reader’s trick will help you smooth out those thin shoulders around your tenons by providing a wider, more solid base for your hand plane.
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Solving Clamping Problem in a Snap
Having trouble with staining or rusting on your pipe clamps? These small plastic gardening clamps might help preserve both them and your next project.
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Foam Clamping Aids for Miter-cutting Moldings
Clamp odd shaped wood and moldings for better miter cuts using an extra hand that can conform to the shape of the piece.