Woodworking Weekend

These are the first two jigs I built.  I built them both with free plans readily available online.  I would build one of them again, and may rebuild it just to make a better one.  You can either browse the images below or go to the flash gallery here.

I built both jigs, one after the other and tried to build both as sqare as possible.  The Tenon Jig, which I favor of the two, had less than perfectly straight red oak runners.  They both seemed to have a bow in them so I positioned them so tha tthe bow would be in the same direction at least and ensure that I have no play when I cinch them down.  I actually played around with putting knobs on the adjusters but the wingnuts work better and they are cheaper so I wouldn’t bother with knobs and you can build this for under $5.00 the main cost item being the four 2 1/2″ x 1/4″ #20 threaded screws.

After using the Skil 1810 fixed base router that I picked up for around $60 for a few projects, I figured out I would have to purchase a new base plate that accepts guides for use with a dovetail jig, and a dust collector that doesn’t really help.   The shipping on the dust collector cost more than the dust collector, like 10 times more.   I decided to turn to Skil’s daddy Bosch for a superior router.

I could see that after using the Skil and seeing what it could do, I would get alot of use out of a router.  Routing, being what it is requires precision, and that is the one thing the Skil lacked.   I researched all of the top selling and highest rated routers on the market and was torn between buying a used Dewalt router kit with 3 bases (Plunge, Fixed, and D-handle)

I have found few items as versatile as the standard four foot level.

When I first started fixing things myself I picked one up at Lowes for around twenty bucks ($20).  At first I thought it was overkill because I was not working much with sheet ply, composite, or drywall.  Once I moved into my new house that has space in the garage that I converted into a DIY shop/ Photo Studio (enclosing open space in a garage into a shelved,dust free storage unit), I might as well not hang the level on a hook, it is always in use!

Not only is it made to level the main benefit is a perfect straight edge with enough width to be useful!

When working with four foot wide stock it is imperative to have something to span the width as a measuring tool or straight edge guide.   Sure you could use a piece of stock but if you leave it out in the rain while building a porch it will never be the same.  I will stick to plastic or aluminum straight edge.  For measuring it can rarely be beat in the cost vs usefulness category.

To obtain the most benefit from the four foot level I use

The handiest and most useful tool in any serious shop – clamps! Simple and easy to use.  You will find they can be used in and out of the garage in many other areas you always wish you had a third, fourth, or even fifth hand!  The possibilities are endless!