Quick Answer: The safest way to heat a woodworking shop is with a system designed for dusty environments, such as a mini-split heat pump or a sealed-combustion furnace. Electric infrared heaters are a good option if placed away from combustibles. Never rely on open-flame heaters like propane “salamanders” without extreme ventilation due to fire and…
What is a loupe for woodworking? A loupe is a small, high-powered magnifier used to inspect the cutting edges of tools like chisels, plane irons, and saw teeth. It reveals microscopic flaws the naked eye can’t see. Why use a loupe? Using a loupe helps you achieve a perfectly sharp edge by identifying tiny nicks,…
What are oire nomi? Oire nomi are Japanese bench chisels, known for their laminated steel blades and hollow-ground backs. They are designed to be struck with a mallet (gennou) for creating precise joints like mortises and tenons. Why use them? They offer superior sharpness, excellent edge retention, and reduced cutting friction, resulting in exceptionally clean…
Quick Answer: Setting up a kanna involves three critical steps: first, flattening the sole of the wooden body (the dai); second, fitting the blade (ha) snugly into the body; and third, sharpening the blade and adjusting its projection with a small hammer (genno). Proper setup is essential for achieving the whisper-thin shavings that produce a…
A secondary bevel, also called a microbevel, is a narrow, second angle honed at the very tip of a tool’s primary cutting bevel. Its main purpose is to dramatically speed up the sharpening process. Instead of re-honing the entire bevel surface, you only focus on this tiny edge, saving time and steel. This also creates…
Quick Answer: A precision straight edge is essential for woodworking tool setup. Use it to check for flatness on machine surfaces like table saw tops, jointer beds, and planer tables. You also use it to align fences and blades, ensuring they are perfectly parallel or perpendicular for safe, accurate cuts. To use it, lay the…
What are Japanese chisels? Japanese chisels (nomi) are woodworking tools made from forge-welded hard steel and soft iron. This lamination creates an incredibly sharp, durable cutting edge combined with a shock-absorbing body. Why use them? They offer superior sharpness for slicing wood fibers cleanly, providing exceptional control for fine joinery like dovetails and mortises. Their…
What is a box joint jig? A box joint jig is a device used with a table saw or router table to cut a series of perfectly spaced, interlocking square “fingers” on the ends of two boards. This creates a strong and decorative corner joint. Why use one? It provides incredible strength due to massive…
A microscope for sharpening woodworking tools lets you see the microscopic flaws, burrs, and scratch patterns on a blade’s edge. This visual feedback allows for precise honing, ensuring you achieve a truly razor-sharp, burr-free apex for cleaner cuts. For most woodworkers, an inexpensive USB digital microscope (40x-100x magnification) is the best choice. It connects to…
What are winding sticks? A winding sticks woodworking tool accessory is a pair of simple, perfectly straight sticks used to visually check a board for “wind” or twist. By placing them at opposite ends of a board, they exaggerate any twist, making it easy to spot. How do they work? You sight across the top…