Offset Biscuit Joints

Tom Caspar AW152, Biscuit Joiner, Joinery, Shop Tips, Techniques, Tricks of the Trade, Workshop Tips

I use biscuit joints in lots of small projects, particularly for joining rails to legs. I usually reference from the bottom of the plate joiner rather than use its fence. When I want to make an offset joint, I cut …
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A Dovetail Reference Joint

Pop Wood Editors Box Joint Jig, December 2008, Dovetails, Joinery, Techniques, Tricks of the Trade

Like many woodworkers, I own a basic half-blind dovetail jig, which I use only occasionally for making utility drawers. During the interim, I tend to forget the setup procedures and spacing required to create those elusive “perfect” dovetails. To help …

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Flattening a Plane Sole, Part 5 – The Tools I Use to Measure Flatness

Yoav Liberman Hand Tool, Plane, Sharpening, Techniques, Tool Maintenance, Tricks of the Trade

To conclude this series of entries about lapping/flattening the soles of metal planes (read them here #1, #2, #3, #4), I wish to share some information about the precision tools I use. The difference between Straight …
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Rare Earth Hinges

American Woodworker Editors AW154, Boxes, Magnets, Techniques, Tricks of the Trade, Workshop Tips

Rare earth magnets make really slick hinges for small boxes. The lid on this ring box pivots on two hinges made from 10mm magnets—nothing more. Each hinge is composed of two magnets: one is glued to the box’s side; the …
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Launder Your Sanding Belts

American Woodworker Editors AW141, Cleaning, Sander, Sanding, Techniques, Tool Maintenance, Tricks of the Trade, Workshop Tips

When I’m sanding pitchy wood or removing old finish, my sandpaper gets really gummed up and I can’t get it clean with the rubber eraser-type cleaner. I used to throw it away and buy more. Now, I pour some resin …
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