Inside calipers are woodworking tools used to measure the internal dimensions of an object, like the diameter of a drilled hole or the width of a mortise. Their legs splay outwards to touch the inner surfaces. Outside calipers are used to measure the external dimensions of a piece, such as the thickness of a board…
Quick Answer: A dehumidifier is essential in a woodworking workshop to prevent rust on tools and stabilize wood. Aim to maintain a relative humidity between 45-55% for optimal results. When choosing a unit, match its pint capacity to your workshop’s square footage and dampness level, and prioritize features like a continuous drain hose, auto-restart, and…
What are firmer chisel woodworking tools? A firmer chisel is a classic, all-purpose woodworking hand tool featuring a thick, rectangular blade. It’s designed for both heavy-duty chopping with a mallet and delicate paring cuts by hand, making it a workshop essential. What are they used for? They excel at creating strong joints like mortise and…
What is a dozuki saw woodworking tool? A dozuki is a type of Japanese handsaw with a very thin blade supported by a rigid spine. It cuts on the pull-stroke, offering exceptional control and precision. What is it used for? It excels at cutting fine joinery, such as dovetails, tenons, and half-laps, where clean, accurate…
Sheave alignment ensures the pulleys (sheaves) on a tool’s motor and its driven component (like a blade arbor) are perfectly in line. This prevents premature belt wear, reduces vibration, and ensures maximum power transfer from the motor to the cutting edge. To align them, use a quality straightedge or a laser alignment tool across the…
What is a Sashigane Square? A sashigane is a traditional Japanese carpenter’s square, characterized by a thin, flexible steel blade and a solid base. It’s designed for incredibly precise layout work, marking joinery, and checking for squareness with minimal error. Why use a Sashigane? Its primary benefit is accuracy. The thin blade sits flat against…
What are poly V belts? Poly V belts (also called serpentine belts) are a single, continuous belt with multiple V-shaped ribs. For woodworking tools, they are a modern upgrade that drastically reduces vibration, noise, and power loss compared to older, single V-belts. Why use them? Upgrading to a poly V belt on your table saw,…
A coping sled is a specialized jig for a table saw or router table that securely holds narrow workpieces perpendicular to the fence. Its primary purpose is to allow for safe and precise cross-grain cuts, such as the “cope” cut on a cabinet door rail. This tool is essential for preventing dangerous kickback and ensuring…
What are pinch rods? Pinch rods are a simple, often shop-made, measuring tool consisting of two overlapping sticks held together with a clamp. They are used to precisely capture and compare diagonal measurements inside a frame, box, or cabinet. How do you use them? You set the rods to the length of one diagonal, lock…
What is a Scandi grind? A Scandi grind is a simple, V-shaped edge with a single, wide bevel that extends from the middle of the blade down to the cutting edge. It has no secondary bevel, making it extremely durable and easy to sharpen. Why is it good for woodworking? The primary benefits of scandi…