Shop Tips - Page 6 of 164

Here's a look at some easily made tools that will make life easier in the shop: the dovetail marker, the glue-bottle wrench, a drawer opening strap, pins for centering a tabletop, spacers for aligning drawer parts when cutting dovetails, and a foolproof depth stop for drilling.

For precise thickness changes, you can use digital calipers as a depth gauge.

Simple planing platform goes alongside any standard workbench, putting the woodworker at the most comfortable height for hand-planing.

Small, simple bases with cleats allow benchtop tools to be clamped easily in a bench vise and removed and stored just as quickly.

Framing lumber, turnbuckles, bolts, and bags of sand make Tim Manney's rock-solid workbench quick to make and easy to move.

An easy way to install high-performance wood flooring over concrete.

This featherboard sets up quickly and requires no clamps, using friction and a T-rail to keep itself in place.

Swinging router jig is great for curved pieces and chair seats.

If stuck with a board that's too short, use a long scarf joint and a track saw to stretch it.

Inexpensive silicone brushes work great for spreading glue, and can be reused.