Popular Woodworking 2006-06 № 155, страница 27
Plan to Hide Mistakes In the course of my woodworking endeavors, it seems I'm always trying something new - and not always successfully. Maybe it's a new joint, or a new trimming operation or even (shudder) a new finishing technique. In the process, I've learned a lot of tricks, but two of the most important are to practice first on a test piece, then to do the actual work on the piece beginning with the most hidden areas. Working with a test piece allows you to get the basic feel of the operation - how the tool cuts, or how it feels in your hand when held in an unfamiliar way. But no matter how well the practice run goes, I've also learned to begin the real process on the least evident sections of the actual project, which gives me more familiarity with the process before I attack the all-important primary "show surfaces." For example, it makes sense to rout a decorative rabbet in the edges of a cabinet's rear legs before doing the front legs. That way, if the bit was set wrong or if it slips, the error won't be so apparent. Even something as simple as handplaning the underside of a tabletop first may save you the unpleasant discovery that the wood you're using tears out like crazy, and will need to be scraped or sanded instead. Anyway, working this little "trick" into my regular repertoire has saved me some embarrassment over the years. Robert Marples Perth, Australia Tape Rule Shims Like many of you dusty packrats, I tend to hang on to all manner of scraps, including leftover sections of self-adhesive measuring tape that I've used on jigs. I find that this stuff makes great shim material because it's thin, durable and self-adhesive. It's easily cut into appropriate-sized strips for shimming fences and jig parts, but it can also be cut into very small pieces if necessary. For example, I have affixed short, narrow pieces of it along the underside edges of recessed machine table inserts to bring them flush to the table. Whenever I need to shim something, it's one of the first things that comes to mind. PW Paul Anthony, PW contributor popularwoodworking.com I 25 .. . ,WH wmmas tncreaseyour productivity. {_gf}fljg Bird One ot the most versatile bits thatyou can use. 7* Question ami Answer column si Our Pattern bit prorluces smoother results. www.amanaiool.com Superior cutting geometry combined with an advanced grinding technology that dramatically increases the carbides' resistance to wear. Super clean cuts and a long cutting lite. » w §t Wi de se lectio n of ciftti n g le ngths an tl rt iam eters. ^ » MttlOtlQ TOOl High Performance Cutting Tools Question and Answer column at www.amanatool.com For a dealer nearest you call (800) 445-0077 circle no. 102 on free information card. Try our DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER for 6 MONTHS RISK- We're so sure you'll love it, we're willing to extend to you this unusual invitation to use our self-propelled, walk-behind brush cutter on your property! • CLEAR & MAINTAIN meadows, pastures, roadsides, fencelines, walking paths with ease! • CUT tall grass, weeds, brush, brambles — even saplings up to 2-1 /2" thick! • CHOP/MULCH most everything you cut! If this is not the hardest-working, most durable, easiest-to-use machine for clearing fields and brush that you've ever used, we'll take it back and give you a complete refund of your purchase price! B'YES! Please rush me your full-color Catalog and Demonstration DVD on the DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER, including models, prices, your 6-MONTH RISK-FREE TRIAL, and how I can now receive FREE Depot Delivery! Name _ Address City E-mail DR® POWER EQUIPMENT, Dept. 53244X 127 Meigs Road, Vergennes, VT 05491 www.DRfieldbrush.com |
