Tips for Woodworking

[Randy Owens]

Some may already know this but for those who do not:

Shelving:

When making adjustable shelves, you can set the router table or use your handheld router to rout short dados in the ends of your shelves that will fit over the shelf-pin. This gives the shelf a better look and make it more stable by locking the shelf over the pin.

Using a file:

Files are designed to be used  in one direction and will be self cleaning if this is followed. If not then you should use a card file to clean your file as wire brushes will dull the cutting edge on your file.

Finishing:

I have found that all finishes work better if I thin them some. I do have to put more coats on to build it to the thickness I want, but they lay smoother and more level by being thinned than by using it as it comes in the can.

The best way it to put some finish in another container, thin it to your desired thickness, and then use a cloth pad to apply. You will get a smoother more even distribution of finish on your project that will result in less sanding and a glass-like finish when done right.

Sawdust:

Many woodworkers like to or know someone who likes to hike, camp, fish and/or hunt. We have a great tool available to us by saving sawdust and making fire starters to use for starting our campfires.

You need a block of paraffin wax, you can acquire this at a craft store. Melt the wax and then mix in some sawdust till the wax is mostly absorbed by the sawdust. Pour this into a square contain to form it and let it set-up. When solid, remove from your form and cut into equal squares. Wrap with wax paper and store for camping.

To use: take one out and put it at the base of your camp fire with the wax paper accessible. When you have arranged your wood for the fire, light the wax paper and this should create a great camp fire while you are setting up the rest of your camp.

Many of us have useful tips to share: 

Some may not realize it, others may believe that their tip is known by all. Please feel free to leave your tip here for someone else. All of us woodworkers can learn something new or a new way of doing something we have been/are doing already. THANK YOU!!

[Johnny Berry]

Thank you for the tips Randy.  I will make some fire starters and try them out soon!