Wood Tips and projects for the shop

E-book insight... what many know..
Secret: The right book can lead to " all the right moves."

An optimized system is all about "Making things on the fly."
Some like to produce a few things from wood.....other, well, more than that.

Want to sell your woodworking projects at a
neighborhood fair, market, or craft shows?
Then you need a device to make components accurately
and consistently, with precision, and accuracy. And now it's possible.
See some of what the Mascut can make HERE

Is Hand-made better than mass produced?

In manufacturing, the end quality is established by the specifications, and materials used, not by whether it is made by hand, or mass produced. As an example, Bose makes thousands of great Wave radios. Just because they are made in high volumes doesn’t mean that they won't last. They obviously have specified very high quality circuitry, and Bose radios are very heavy compared to a similar sized mass produced radios. How many times do we buy a $20 dollar radio that only lasts 2-3 years. So, in many ways, our society has rejected mass production techniques. But the larger size of the product order, or the volume does not determine inferiority. The design specifications, and materials do. This is a centuries old question: "Is hand made, or mechanical made better?" It probably always will be elusive to many, but automation, lean technology, and laser precision are here to stay. Those still stuck on the question of "Hand or Mechanical" aren't familiar with woodworking history or how it is that they produce more, while at the same time ensuring precision.

Exchange rates, tariffs, and cheap labor are not the only threat to an economy. The knowledge of the techniques of making things in volume may just still be what the economy is so foreign to.

Those interested in producing things in volume need to become familiar with the principles which create a surplus, not merely using all machines as a pastime. After building close to 200 table saw jigs you hear stories about how little we know about machines and methods, and how important it is for clarity, and execution. You eventually come to realize that sentimentalities about what machines should be used for are secondary.

More woodworking ideas

Instruction Book
Index Page
How to use your
Minnie Cut Box Joint Jig
"Box joints are not unattainable anymore"
~Created by Woodjig.com~

"If you have ever tried another method, or tried to make box joints and had problems matching up the cuts, tear-out, alignment, and other problems, you will now be on your way." If you are new at box joints, this will be a great jig and technique to learn with. This booklet includes a proven technique, with many new ideas and clear descriptions of the process. This material includes an accumulation of the most important tips.

CONTENTS:

Using your box joint jig:
Tools needed.
Our great new "Swift Way" to Line up the fence.
More misc. tips, suggestions and photos.
FAQ's for box joints.
E-mail questions about box joints.
Stock calculations are also included in this
handy, bonus E-booklet.

This is a sample page of what's inside

The included E-booklets can be viewed very easily. They are filled with pictures,
and include many ideas and uses for the jigs.
( Approximately 820 kb. Windows PC E-booklet. Filled with many
major tips, and essential photos)

___________________

Back in the Seventies, American companies
were challenged by gas shortages and imports. Huge production runs and
stocked warehouses, filled with inventories were becoming very expensive.
Manufacturers had to find a faster way to set up production runs in factories.
Parts orders were becoming smaller and more often. They also required higher
quality. Standardized setups reduced much of the
lead time and grief at the beginning of production runs.

       Precision, positive mold and Die line-ups were discovered to be huge time savers.
Shorter runs, faster setups were becoming crucial. The parts then passed inspection much
faster because of less variations in the set ups. The companies who had the quickest production
changeovers were at an advantage.   Not all companies could afford these new changes,
but the ones who could, often benefited. After seeing the way production plants have made major
reductions in lead, and set up time with molds and dies, the Macut 1.0 wood jig is a direct result.
Make a cut, turn it, drop it in the bucket....what machines are for!

It also allows for a drastic reduction in measurements for every cut.

ORDERING MASCUT 1.0 by Credit Card or...Paypal
24/7 Online.... YOU can begin doing volume work in a few days.

_____________

Productivity is a process of eliminating waste and unnecessary tasks.
When raw materials are ordered in bulk, there is less packaging
and less freight, among other things. The point here is that it is
more efficient to make two products at any one time. There is much
less effort buying the raw materials and setting up all the processes involved in
producing copies of any product, once the initial operations
are in place. Our backlash at low quality, mass produced goods have stifled
many of the capable woodworkers interested in any "process."
Many set their goal on just one impressive masterpiece, and do not derive
very much experience from a single "one hit wonder." Often, repetition is what
brings results, because skills need to be fed, and processes need to be practiced
before most people can master most tasks. IMM and "Jigs and Gauges for
beginners" for example were written to decipher, and to
to bring clarity to what the principles really are required to produce
things, to make things in volume.

Now Rockler has some great Drill Bushings for drilling holes in all shapes of
wood. In the picture above, a stop is clamped in place to drill all of the holes in these
boxes in the same location.

There is a guide included for drilling into the sides of round
stock with the kit. It self centers the drill location.

Products like Tormex, Gorilla Glue,
Arrow Brad drivers, reconditioned tools
and more below.

Machinists often build production tooling and precision parts that need to carry close tolerances, but what is wrong with trying to work closer with wood? It is always important to work to the closest tolerance as possible, therefore leaving a wider margin of error and reducing waste.

This means that instead of using a tape measure to measure a length, maybe use a dial caliper. Instead of measuring thickness with calipers or a ruler, you might try using a micrometer. Isn’t it true that an athlete will use the most efficient system possible and eat the most protein packed food as possible. An athlete wants the best possible tool for helping him excel. He will go to any length possible to cut just a tenth of a second to his stride. It's time to start showing more use of precision instruments in all the books, TV shows and Web sites pertaining to woodworking also.

Many table saws have magnified settings. Compared to a micrometer, a magnifying glass is still not that accurate, and be careful that the scale is not off.

Calipers and micrometers are so easy to read now, especially the new digital ones. Many of your Tool and Die Makers have two or more pairs of micrometers and dial calipers. They also have 1" to 3" micrometers. I have always found that when we neglect to take the most accurate measurements possible it leaves us open for a wider assortment of mistakes.

Some woodworking tips.

aHere is an interesting thing about saw blades. Carbide saw blades have a very good life span, and if you are not doing work with recycled or pallet wood they might last years! If not, you can send them to a few major tool companies for
sharpening. Also, keep your table saw blades clean. One material we used in tool and die is ceramic. This is even harder than carbide but it is even more breakable than carbide. It is not used for wood saws. It is for cutting very hardened steels. Table Saw blades need to be cleaned by soaking them overnight in soap periodically. The reason for this is that the resin will cause heat build-up and your cuts will not not be as clean, leaving burn marks on hardwoods.
Always cover your table saw motor intake with some filtering material to keep dust out of it. Even a thin sponge taped to the intake will help.

Be careful taking any measurements with a tape measure. Many mis-measurements can be made with sloppy tape measures.

If you are not using extra fine pumice or 320 -400 grit paper to rub out your final finish you are missing a remarkable process. Also, Paste wax will prevent lost fortunes in furniture. Once furniture is refinished, it will almost never be worth an original untouched price.

Table saws will run with less vibration and start smoother in cold weather by using a power twist link belt. We use them and they last as long as a standard V-belt. You can buy them by the foot at Rockler. They are easily adjustable and are more flexible than the standard, solid belts. Your average 10in. table saw takes about 48 inches, 4 feet.

_________________

Many times you will buy wood and it will have a sticker on it. On fine hardwoods the sticker will stain and be hard to remove before you apply your finish. Always try to build your project with the sticker on the inside.

__________________

How to make it tip.......When mounting hinges self centering bits put the screw right in the dead center of all six holes. Then start the holes with steel screws because brass screws can break with force and then you have trouble. One way to fix a broken screw is to use a hollow drill that cuts out around the old screw and then you plug the hole and start over!

The three piece kit is a good choice because you will never have to guess which size to buy. Plus you might need one with the right size drill, but the tip is too big or small. These are handy.

On table saws always be careful, even when
using a push stick. Many times we use a home made aluminum tool that looks like a screw driver or ice pick. This will leave a hole in the wood, so obviously it should not be used on the working surface of any piece. For small parts you can use the erasers on the end of a #2 pencil. Table saws should be cleaned once in a while. Some will use steel wool if it has any rust build-up and then coating with a light oil, or paste wax.

____________________________

Details for Tormek Sharpening System...
Wet stone grinding with slow running speed gives you full
control while grinding. The wheel will not shatter- and there are no dangerous sparks with Tormek system. The quiet vibration free industrial motor is rated for continuous operation, and the honing wheel has a coupling for fast removal.
See more at ROCKLER

__________

More how to make it tips...If you need a quick filler material for many types of light wood try this. Open up your band saw and mix some of the fine sawdust from around the wheel into a small amount of wood glue to fill holes.

Many times wood glue bottles get clogged up with dry glue. You can always keep a small amount of glue in a small jar.
Then use a small Popsicle stick to apply. Just remember to close the lid when you are finished. When the glue gets thick, it is best to discard it for fresh glue.

Make simple boxes for conveniently holding and storing tools, supplies, and shop basics. If you are determined to ever make things in volume, you need to systematize every redundant task. This is so that it is always executed by the same methodology. (W. E. Deming)

Arrow Electric Brad Nailer? The Arrow brad nailer shoots
5/8'' , 3/4'' , and 1'' brads. See it at Rockler

Try Gorilla glue.....It's water proof. It has a twenty minute
open working time. This is longer than most polyurethane adhesives,
and means that you have more time for assembly. It works well on end
grain and oily exotic woods such as bubinga, IPE, and teak. It also
works on stone, ceramic, some plastics, and even glass. Here is a tip
from the manufacturer for gluing Up Exotic Oily Woods.....

"When working with an oily wood, it is always best to machine
the wood to get down to fresh wood fibers. Solvents can also be
used to help clean the wood, but is often not necessary if freshly
machined. Immediately following, lightly dampen both surfaces
with water and within the hour apply the glue giving it plenty of
clamping pressure." Gorilla Glue is
The original premium quality polyurethane glue now available
in a smaller size! Gorilla bonds virtually everything, indoors or outdoors!
No mixing required. Bonds wood, stone, metal, ceramics and plastics without
a glue line. 100 percent waterproof.
Now in a handy 4 ounce size.

Try it from Rockler HERE

__________________________

Who first realized the power of machines,
and where were they educated. Get details of their history,
principles, and goals. How did they find out about
machines two hundred and three hundred years ago?
Which machines did they use and invent?
Who were the scientists that they studied?
How did the knowledge travel and why?
What is going on now in industry? Woodworking history
______

You need a complete "banquet" of insight and methods, ideas and techniques.
That’s the way it’s always been. Too often, these hidden treasures would soon disappear,
unsung, never revealed, never passed on.. The new E-book, "Ingenious Machines and Methods"

copyrights 2008 Xtra Products
Tags, woodworkings ideas, how to make it tips ,

This page updated 2-01-2007