Popular Woodworking 2008-06 № 169, страница 9

Tricks op the Trade

EDITED BY PAUL ANTHONY

THE WINNER:

Routing Round Tenons on Dowels

O 'er the years, 1 have had a number of occasions to create a round tenon on the end of a dowel. Because I don't own a lathe, I turn to the router table to do the job. 1 mount a straight bit in the router and adjust its height to half of the amount T want to remove. (For example, to reduce the end ofa Vs" dowel to 'A", I raise the bit '/i6" above the table.) I adjust the fence so that the dowel is centered over the bit, then set up a stop-block to register the desired length of the tenon. I turn on the router and, holding the dowel against the fence, slowly push and twist it into the bit until it hits the stop-block.

In addition to creating round tenons, you can use this technique to create small, custom-sized dowels that can then be cut from the end ofa thicker piece, including a broom handle or other available round stock. It's good for repairing broken spindles, and I've found it to be a helpful technique in a number of circumstances, including construction of toy parts.

— Michael Mann, Quartz Hill, California

CONTINUED ON PACE 20

Straight bit

Slowly spin dowel into the bit while pressing against router table and fence

Stop-block registers length of tenon

Cash and prizes for your tricks and tips!

Each issue we publish useful woodworking tips from our readers. Next issue's winner receives a $250 gift certificate from Lee Valley Tools, good for any item in the catalog or on the web site (leevalley.com). (The tools pictured at right are for illustration only, and are not part of the prize.)

Runners-up each receive a check for $50 to $100. When submitting a trick (either by mail or e-mail) you must include your complete mailing address and a daytime phone number. If your trick is selected for publication, an editor will need to contact you. All entries become the property of Popular Woodworking. Vou can send your trick by e-mail to popwoodtricks@fwpubs.com, or mail it to Tricks of the Trade, Popular Woodworking, 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

12 ■ Popular Woodworking June 2008