Category: Jigs

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This Week in the Shop: DIY Height Gauge

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A quick jig can make the difference in a woodshop.  This height gauge helps measure and set cutting tool heights and thicknesses for rabbets, dadoes, chamfers, etc.  Since it incorporates a digital caliper, the dial is easy to read, precise and accurate.

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This tool came in handy building the light box project – I hit the rabbet depth and thickness dead-on each time.

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In the next few weeks, I will be developing new projects for NoVA Labs and this blog which utilize more intermediate woodworking skills.  Build this jig now and it will be used over and over again.

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Classroom Project, Home Makerspace, Jigs, Maker Eduation, Maker Project, WoodworkingLeave a comment

Home #Makerspace: The Bench Hook is a Secret Weapon for #Woodworkers

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Bench hooks are portable work surfaces used to make basic woodworking tasks, such as crosscutting boards and drilling holes, easier to perform.  As a bonus, they help protect the surface of your woodworking bench from bumps and dings.

In the makerspace, bench hooks can be used for numerous tasks and roles (such as a surface to solder on without ruining Mom’s dining room table).

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These week, my youngest and I made two bench hooks.  The most common design works best with saws that cut on a push stroke.  We also made and tested a bench hook modified for pull saws.  Bench hooks can be modified in numerous ways, so take the jump and get hooked!

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Classroom Project, Education, Home Makerspace, Jigs, Maker Eduation, Maker Project, Woodworking, Woodworking3 Comments

Home #Makerspace: Miter Boxes for #Woodworking #Makered

woodshopcowboy

Sometimes, young (and old…) woodworkers can use a little help sawing a board accurately, especially if the board must have a specific angle or length.  A miter box helps a woodworker saw a 90 or 45 degree angle into a piece of wood.  They are cheap to make, easy to modify and cut accurately.

Miter boxes are channels with slots cut into them.  The slots guide the hand saw blade for accuracy and precision.  The sides allow the user to clamp down the miter box and work pieces to the table or work bench, which greatly increases safety.

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To use a miter saw, place your work piece in the channel, with your cut line against the kerf of the wood.  Use a clamp to clamp the work piece and miter box to the table, as shown.  Then place the saw in the cutting slot and saw away!

Take the jump to build your own.

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Classroom Project, Jigs, This Week In the Classroom, WoodworkingLeave a comment

This Week In the Classroom: Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It

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In the spirit of my saw guide, I had the opportunity this weekend to build a few jigs for future use.   In about twenty min, here they are: From front to back: A bench hook, which I consider a necessity for students to learn to saw by themselves. A wooden speed square – just a 45 deg. right triangle with a hook on the end. A shooting board – which I have to learn to use.  It’s used to cut 45 degree angles in a piece of wood or for a block plane to smooth end-grain in mitered cuts.  I … Continue reading This Week In the Classroom: Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It