If you are intimidated by the through mortise and tenon joint, you should check out the latest videos. I’ll show you a method to make perfectly sized and spaced mortises without a mortising machine or router.

For measured drawings and in-process pictures, you can visit the project page at Eagle Lake Woodworking:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Arts-and-Crafts-Bed-Stickley-Panel-Bed.aspx

For measured drawings and in-process pictures, you can visit the project page at Eagle Lake Woodworking:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Arts-and-Crafts-Bed-Stickley-Panel-Bed.aspx

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You can also watch the video and download measured drawings at Eagle Lake Woodworking:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Super-Sled-Crosscut-and-Miter-Sled.aspx

Some pictures of the new mitering fence:

The Tenon Jig’s features include:
- micro adjustment feature
- built in scale
- unique leveling system

For PDF measured drawing of the Super Sled and the Tenon Jig, go to the project page and click on the “Browse This Projects Files” link towards the top:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Super-Sled-Crosscut-and-Miter-Sled.aspx

To download a measured drawing or to see the full photo gallery, click here:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Super-Sled-Crosscut-and-Miter-Sled.aspx

Project Description:

I just completed a two part video series on how I made my new table saw sled. I’ve named the new sled the “Super Sled”.

The Super Sled combines two of my best shop jigs!

I love my original crosscut sled, so when the voters at Eagle Lake asked me to make a video about how to make that sled, I started to think of ways to improve upon the existing design.

I regularly use two different sleds in my shop:
1. My crosscut sled which I use mainly for crosscutting, and cutting shoulder cuts on tenons.
2. Wood Magazines Universal Tablesaw Jig which I use exclusively for mitering.

While contemplating ways to improve on the design of my crosscut sled, I started to focus on the concept of combining the two sleds. I spent a lot of time modeling the new Super Sled in Google Sketchup and I feel I have come up with one of the most versatile crosscut / mitering sleds around. When you see the video for the construction of the sled, I think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to build for yourself!

Features:

Crosscutting
The Super Sled has all the benefits of my original crosscut sled, including a t-track for adjustable stop blocks. The new sled uses a flip stop, so you can keep the stop in the same place, but flip it up out of the way to make other cuts in between.

With generous capacity to the left and right of the saw blade, the Super Sled can handle just about any crosscut. The main fence is extended out farther on the left side of the blade allowing you to use the flip stop for long cuts.

Mitering

I really love mitering with Wood Magazines Universal Tablesaw jig which is why I wanted to incorporate all the features of this jig into the Super Sled. The Universal Tablesaw jig needs to be switched from one side of the blade to the other when doing complementary miters. With an identical setup on both sides of the blade, you can easily miter on either side of the blade.

The fence used for mitering has a t-track for mounting a stop block or hold downs and can be positioned any where from 0 to about 70 degrees.

Versatility

I designed the Super Sled with versatility in mind. The four slots in the main board of the fence function the same as t-tracks, and allow for the inclusion of stop blocks, the miter fence, and other add-on jigs like a tenon or box joint jig.

The main board for the super sled is 1/2 inch plywood. I went with 1/2 inch plywood so I wouldn’t loose very much blade height capacity. The four slots in the main board are 3/8 inch wide from the top, and have a 3/4 inch wide shallow recess in the bottom and will accomodate a standard 5/16 inch t-bolt.

Pictures:

Smiley dude:

Setup for crosscutting

Setup for Mitering

Angling tenon jig:

Over the weekend, I made two videos on how to do the wiring for my Motorized Router Lift. If you were thinking of making one for yourself, this video series should help you along a bit. The electronics are pretty simple, so don’t be intimidated.

I also show how to make a cool looking and functional control panel for the Motorized Router Lift:

Here’s my interpretation of Gustav Stickley’s No. 603 tabouret. This little round table works great in almost any decor.

The construction of the table looks deceptively simple, but it has it’s fair share of challenges. You have to be accurate and precise in the execution of the joinery to make the through tenons and interlocking cross members fit perfect.

There is a multi-part video series for this project (Part 1 was released 12/7/08, the rest of the videos will be coming soon). In the video, I make two of these tables side by side – each with very different methods. I compare and contrast how to build an authentic version of this table versus an “imposter” table. I think you’ll enjoy seeing the choices in materials and construction that goes into each distinct method.

To see the rest of the project details (photo gallery, file downloads), visit:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Arts-and-Crafts-Round-Table-Stickley-603-(round-tabouret).aspx

I made a display case for my father-in-law that holds an American flag and certificate. The flag and certificate were presented to him by an active Navy Seal serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The certificate shows the date the flag was flown over Camp Patton in Fallujah.

This was quite an honor for my father-in-law, and the flag and certificate deserved a special case to preserve and protect them.

Here’s a link to the video on how the case was made:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Flag-Display-Case.aspx

Link to the Picture Gallery:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Flag-Display-Case.aspx

Best Regards,
John Nixon – www.EagleLakeWoodworking.com

This box has some unique features that make it special. Check out the video and leave a comment on the site and let me know what you think of the project.

The video can be accessed here:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Keepsake-Box-Cocobolo.aspx

I actually made two of this style box (one as prototype). Here’s a link to the photo galleries of each box:

Cocobolo Keepsake Box Photo Gallery:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Keepsake-Box-Cocobolo.aspx

Oak Keepsake Box Photo Gallery:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Keepsake-Box-Oak.aspx

Here’s a few Pictures of the two boxes:

Thanks for checking this blog out!
John

I was able to get it into his house while he was away on his honeymoon. He and his new bride really loved it! It’s a great feeling knowing that they will have this gift and cherish it forever.

I made a video about the entire process.
Here’s a link to the video. Check it out, and leave a comment telling me what you think:
http://www.eaglelakewoodworking.com/post/Oak-Blanket-Chest.aspx

Thanks for loookin!
John Nixon
www.EagleLakeWoodworking.com