While preparing stock for a blanket chest project recently, I noticed a narrow crack in one piece, about an inch from the edge and a foot long, running to the end of the board. I could see that trying to work glue into the crack with a brush or piece of veneer would be fruitless. Then I saw my shop vacuum and inspiration struck. With the vac hose underneath the board, aligned with the crack, and a bead of glue on top, I turned on the vac. The glue started to disappear into the crack, so I did it again. Soon I had glue coming out the bottom of the crack, even at the end of the board. I clamped the board and, after the glue cured, the crack had disappeared and I had a sound piece of wood.
Les Crooks, Mishawaka, IN
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
DeWalt 735X Planer
At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.
Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander
With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
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