Woodworker's Journal 1993-17-5, страница 12

Stationary Try-Square

When you need to mark a square line on a small part, it's often awkward to hold both the part and a try-square while marking the line with a pencil. I've found that the band saw makes a handy "try-square" for such a job. Just place the part on the band saw

table and against the blade, then scribe the line. There's another advantage to consider: The band saw will always be there when you need it—try-squares have been known to disappear for days at a time. By the way, you can also use the scroll saw for this tip.

John Posu, Omaha, Nebr.

Woodshop Feeler Gauge

An automotive feeler gauge can serve double-duty as a handy woodshop tool. When grinding the bevel on a

chisel or plane iron, set two of the blades to the angle you want, tighten the locking nut. then use it to check your grinding progress. When laying out dovetails, set one blade of the feeler gauge to the correct angle and use it like a template to scribe the dovetails.

Manila Stencil

If you like to stcncil wood projects, a manila folder makes a perfect low-cost stcncil material. The manila paper has the needed weight and stiffness, yet it cuts easily with a razor knife or scissors.

Once the stencil cutout has been made, you can add a good measure of durability lo the paper by applying a coat of varnish to each side.

Slipping Pipe Clamp: The Sequel

Here's another way to deal with a pipe clamp suffering from an adjustable end that slips when clamp pres

sure is applied (see Shop Tips. May/ June 1993).

With the pipe clamp in position, slide a hose clamp up to the adjustable end and tighten it securely to the pipe. The hose clamp will grip tightly enough to keep the adjustable end from slipping.

Threaded Insert Bevel

No matter what trick you use lo drive a threaded insert, it's usually a real hassle to get it started "square" to the hole that you drilled.

We have found, however, that a slight chamfer applied to the hole (use a chamfering bit) will enable the threaded insert to start with a lot less fuss.

Broken Rule Tool

The extension end section of an old folding rule can serve as a multipurpose measuring, layout and setup device in the wood shop. Most folks

simply discard the entire rule when they become old or broken, but save the extension leg and keep it handy. Use it for everything from joint layout to setting the table saw blade height. It's an especially useful gadget for checking the depth of a mortise or hole.

Cookie Mold

I like to make round Shaker-stvle wooden boxes. Traditionally, these boxes were made by bending the sides around a wooden mold, but I simply use one of those 7'/2 in. diameter cookie tins, the kind you'll find in the grocery store filled with fancy Danish butter cookies. Not only do these tins work fine, you'll enjoy the added benefit of keeping your sweet tooth well satisfied.

Hugh H, Nuremberg New Milford, Conn.

The Woodworker's Journal pays 525- $100 for reader-submitted shop tips that are published. Send your ideas (including sketch if necessary) to: The Woodworker's Journal, P.O. Box 1629. New Milford, CT 06776. Attn: Shop Tip Editor. We redraw all sketches, so they need only be clear and complete. If you would like the material returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

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The Woodw orker'5 Journal