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118K views 269 replies 93 participants last post by  shipwright 
#1 ·
Simple Precision Arc Inlay Jig

I had the need this afternoon for a way to cut a curved groove for a veneer inlay. It needed to be absolutely accurate and easy enough that even I couldn't screw it up. A half hour later I had this little jig. I thought someone else may find it useful.

The first photos are self explanatory and show the simple construction and assembly of the base and pivot arm. The featured performer is one of my personal favourite Harbour Freight tools, the trim router.

Wood Material property Audio equipment Gas Hardwood


Flooring Camera accessory Gas Cable Gadget


In the next photo the base has been cut off at the 6 1/2" radius that I require for this job. This is the only critical measurement here and it can be made with a regular tape measure. The accuracy lies elsewhere.
As you can see, I like to do cutoffs over foam insulation.

Drilling Gas Wood Flooring Drill


This one shows the obvious, that is that the cut in the base is exactly where the cut will be in any piece the base is clamped to.
Wood Material property Font Rectangle Gadget


Here I'm making a trial cut in a piece of plywood to check depth of cut to match my veneer thickness.

Wood Table Gas Machine Electrical wiring


Here's the obvious again. I love it when these things are this obvious. It makes it much harder (although not impossible) to screw up in a moment's lack of focus. The inner cut radius is exactly where the edge of the base is.

Table Wood Material property Flooring Tool


Now the depth of cut has been adjusted and exactly matches the veneer thickness.
Hand Textile Sleeve Finger Wood


And finally, here's why this has to be so precise. There's just no room for error here. Even so, I will be making this cut in the morning with a clear head and I'll be thinking it through very carefully before any routers get turned on.
Textile Flooring Wood Floor Material property


There are lots of bells and whistles that could be added to this but all I needed was a one time non-adjustable, deadly accurate, deadly obvious jig that I could make, use and chuck. That's the way I usually think about jigs in general.

Thanks for looking. I hope this helps someone somewhere.

Paul
 

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#46 ·
Matching Short Grain Veneer Border

As the series title says, this is a simple technique but when I discovered it it was a "Dohhh !!!" moment so I thought I might spare someone the pain. I like to use short grain borders, especially nice straight grains like cedar on picture frames, table tops and that sort of thing. I never had a problem getting good fits at the joints but often matching the grain was a bit of a challenge….. then one day this arrived in my (slow) brain and now it is a breeze even when the grain isn't at 90 degrees to the edge.

Here are a series of pieces cut from a piece of cedar veneer about 6" wide. The grains are similar but the joints need help.
Brown Rectangle Wood Table Wood stain


Brown Table Rectangle Wood Floor


Just rotate one piece 180 degrees and slip it under the adjacent one. The grains will lay parallel even if the angle is not 90 degrees. If you sequence the pieces as you cut them off the long piece, the grains will be almost identical (for straight grain woods).

Brown Rectangle Wood Beige Grey


Brown Rectangle Wood Sleeve Beige


Hold the pieces with their edges even and take them to any sander. I'm using a belt sander here. Sand them parallel to the grain. Pay no attention to square. As long as your edges remain parallel the resulting strip will be straight.

Wood Wood stain Rectangle Hardwood Flooring


Re-butt the pieces and fit the next one before fixing this one with a bit of veneer tape and carry on until you have a full length strip to fit your project.

Wood Road surface Rectangle Flooring Triangle


Wood Rectangle Road surface Flooring Beige


The finished border can have an interesting and different effect.

Rectangle Wood Art Tints and shades Window


Table Furniture Computer desk Wood Desk


I know that this is not news to a great many of you but it was a significant enough penny drop moment for me that I thought it was worth posting.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

Attachments

#47 ·
Matching Short Grain Veneer Border

As the series title says, this is a simple technique but when I discovered it it was a "Dohhh !!!" moment so I thought I might spare someone the pain. I like to use short grain borders, especially nice straight grains like cedar on picture frames, table tops and that sort of thing. I never had a problem getting good fits at the joints but often matching the grain was a bit of a challenge….. then one day this arrived in my (slow) brain and now it is a breeze even when the grain isn't at 90 degrees to the edge.

Here are a series of pieces cut from a piece of cedar veneer about 6" wide. The grains are similar but the joints need help.
Brown Rectangle Wood Table Wood stain


Brown Table Rectangle Wood Floor


Just rotate one piece 180 degrees and slip it under the adjacent one. The grains will lay parallel even if the angle is not 90 degrees. If you sequence the pieces as you cut them off the long piece, the grains will be almost identical (for straight grain woods).

Brown Rectangle Wood Beige Grey


Brown Rectangle Wood Sleeve Beige


Hold the pieces with their edges even and take them to any sander. I'm using a belt sander here. Sand them parallel to the grain. Pay no attention to square. As long as your edges remain parallel the resulting strip will be straight.

Wood Wood stain Rectangle Hardwood Flooring


Re-butt the pieces and fit the next one before fixing this one with a bit of veneer tape and carry on until you have a full length strip to fit your project.

Wood Road surface Rectangle Flooring Triangle


Wood Rectangle Road surface Flooring Beige


The finished border can have an interesting and different effect.

Rectangle Wood Art Tints and shades Window


Table Furniture Computer desk Wood Desk


I know that this is not news to a great many of you but it was a significant enough penny drop moment for me that I thought it was worth posting.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
News to me. I'll never do enough to figure this out. Nothing beats years of experience. Thanks for the post.
 

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#60 ·
Veneer Press Screws for $4.50

When I built my small veneer press in Green Valley I made six holes for screws, like my bigger one at home but only installed four screws because they are expensive and I wasn't sure I really needed six.

Computer Screenshot Font Software Personal computer


Then I stole one to make my Miter Jack.

Wood Rectangle Building Flooring Hardwood


That left me somewhat deficient in veneer press screws so I decided to try something I have been thinking about for a while now. I remember looking at the $6, six Inch "C" clamps at HF and wondering how hard it would be to turn one into a veneer press screw. ...................... Well it turns out, ..... NOT HARD AT ALL.
( ................. and $6 with a 25% off coupon is only $4.50)

Here's a real one beside the HF "C" clamp. The threads are a little slower but not much, the length is the same and the ends are different.

Hand tool Tool Wood Metalworking hand tool Office supplies


This one shows what you have when you cut the "nut" off of the clamp and grind the ball off one end of the handle to facilitate installation of the screw in the press.

Tool Wood Auto part Font Metal


And here it is in the press. The nut will need to be epoxied or well jammed into the beam but it works very well. I guess I'll get a few more. The press was made Q & D from green, wet, nasty construction 2X4s and a couple of the joints have failed so I may replace the whole thing ….. thing is, I installed threaded rods when I built it and it still works fine so it's not that high on the priority list.

Wood Floor Hardwood Gas Flooring


And, as an added bonus if you make one today, we'll give you absolutely FREE, a solid steel bench holdfast. (wedge not included)

Wood Wood stain Table Hardwood Plank


This may not save all that much on a simple press but at ~$18 each for real ones it would add up quickly if you were considering a large press with many screws.

Here's hoping someone can use this.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul

Addendum Jan. 2015

Well, I finally got around to replacing the old press with a newer, better built one. This one uses the original three Lee Valley screws in the front frame and three modified HF 8" C clamps in the rear one. I added speed handles made from square U bolts and they all work perfectly. The cost, including handles is about $6.50 each.

The pictures show the press set up with an extra long platen for a large job I have coming up and with one of the old frames in the middle. When that job is done the platen will be cut back and the middle frame removed to storage for next time. I only have room for a 20" X 20" press in my little marquetry shop.

Wood Hardwood Flooring Machine Wood stain


Wood Table Wood stain Tool Hardwood


Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Composite material Gas


The original handle was a 5/16" bar, loose fit. Turns out a 3/8" tap fits right in.

Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood Plywood
 

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#61 ·
Veneer Press Screws for $4.50

When I built my small veneer press in Green Valley I made six holes for screws, like my bigger one at home but only installed four screws because they are expensive and I wasn't sure I really needed six.

Computer Screenshot Font Software Personal computer


Then I stole one to make my Miter Jack.

Wood Rectangle Building Flooring Hardwood


That left me somewhat deficient in veneer press screws so I decided to try something I have been thinking about for a while now. I remember looking at the $6, six Inch "C" clamps at HF and wondering how hard it would be to turn one into a veneer press screw. ...................... Well it turns out, ..... NOT HARD AT ALL.
( ................. and $6 with a 25% off coupon is only $4.50)

Here's a real one beside the HF "C" clamp. The threads are a little slower but not much, the length is the same and the ends are different.

Hand tool Tool Wood Metalworking hand tool Office supplies


This one shows what you have when you cut the "nut" off of the clamp and grind the ball off one end of the handle to facilitate installation of the screw in the press.

Tool Wood Auto part Font Metal


And here it is in the press. The nut will need to be epoxied or well jammed into the beam but it works very well. I guess I'll get a few more. The press was made Q & D from green, wet, nasty construction 2X4s and a couple of the joints have failed so I may replace the whole thing ….. thing is, I installed threaded rods when I built it and it still works fine so it's not that high on the priority list.

Wood Floor Hardwood Gas Flooring


And, as an added bonus if you make one today, we'll give you absolutely FREE, a solid steel bench holdfast. (wedge not included)

Wood Wood stain Table Hardwood Plank


This may not save all that much on a simple press but at ~$18 each for real ones it would add up quickly if you were considering a large press with many screws.

Here's hoping someone can use this.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul

Addendum Jan. 2015

Well, I finally got around to replacing the old press with a newer, better built one. This one uses the original three Lee Valley screws in the front frame and three modified HF 8" C clamps in the rear one. I added speed handles made from square U bolts and they all work perfectly. The cost, including handles is about $6.50 each.

The pictures show the press set up with an extra long platen for a large job I have coming up and with one of the old frames in the middle. When that job is done the platen will be cut back and the middle frame removed to storage for next time. I only have room for a 20" X 20" press in my little marquetry shop.

Wood Hardwood Flooring Machine Wood stain


Wood Table Wood stain Tool Hardwood


Wood Bicycle part Rectangle Composite material Gas


The original handle was a 5/16" bar, loose fit. Turns out a 3/8" tap fits right in.

Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood Plywood
And I even have some C Clamps that are rarely used. Thanks as always for the idea Paul! Had my Miter Jack on hold until I could scrounge enough recycling money for a press screw. Now I just need to find the time.
 

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#86 ·
All Wood Button Catch

I have had several requests for a blog on the construction of my Chart Box but I don't really think that I did much that isn't already well covered in my other blogs. So any of you who are curious about marquetry in general, please check out my LJ blogs. There is however one sort of new thing in the chart box …...... and that's the catch.

OK, Here's the catch.

The catch I used on my recently posted Chart Box was derived from the one I used last year on my Picnic / Art Box but it is much cleaner and has a minimum negative effect on the marquetry on the front panel of the box.

Wood Chair Natural material Rectangle Drawer
Brown Rectangle Wood Font Wood stain


The hook is essentially the same and although it looks fragile, made of a very strong wood like Osage Orange it is not. This series of photos is really no more than a shameless show off of a few of the stellar attributes of the Miter Jack. The longer you have one of these the more you wonder how you lived without one. ..... not just for planing miters.

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Flooring Hardwood


Wood Wooden block Rectangle Flooring Floor


Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Tool


The next few (still showing off the MJ) show the catch shelf being cut in my prototype piece.

Furniture Table Wood Wood stain Flooring


Wood Hardwood Wood stain Wooden block Creative arts


Hand tool Table Tableware Wood Kitchen utensil


This one shows the prototype button (made up of pieces) and the stepped hole. The through hole is 1/2", the next is 3/4" and the last is 1".

Wood Water Wood stain Hardwood Plywood


Here the button is in place with its flange resting in the 3/4" recess.

Wood Hardwood Rectangle Circle Wood stain


... and here the keepers are in place in the 1" hole. They will prevent the button from rotating out of position as well as retaining it in its place.

Wood Rectangle Beige Hardwood Fashion accessory


The hook is glued into a recess in the upper lid.

Wood Flooring Wood stain Hardwood Rectangle


Here is the prototype in my box simulating jig.





That's just about all there is to it but since I have the photos, here is a run through on the real box. You will notice a piece of veneer to strengthen the ramp that the hook slides in on. The substrate is poplar and I thought it would wear. The new button is lathe turned and the ramp is cut on it after turning.

Brown Wood Wood stain Beige Hardwood


The veneer piece is in place and the button is in its recess.

Brown House numbering Wood Rectangle Font


The keepers are in.

Brown Wood Rectangle Beige Wood stain


An alignment check to make sure the button goes far enough in to push the hook clear of the shelf. It doesn't because I added the veneer …

Window Wood Fluid Wood stain Hardwood


... so, as intended, I added a bit of the same veneer to the end of the button.

Brown Bag Wood Beige Rectangle


... And that really is it. I like it a lot because it provides a secure closure, involves no metal and intrudes very little on the marquetry motif on the front.

Thanks for looking in

Paul
 

Attachments

#87 ·
All Wood Button Catch

I have had several requests for a blog on the construction of my Chart Box but I don't really think that I did much that isn't already well covered in my other blogs. So any of you who are curious about marquetry in general, please check out my LJ blogs. There is however one sort of new thing in the chart box …...... and that's the catch.

OK, Here's the catch.

The catch I used on my recently posted Chart Box was derived from the one I used last year on my Picnic / Art Box but it is much cleaner and has a minimum negative effect on the marquetry on the front panel of the box.

Wood Chair Natural material Rectangle Drawer
Brown Rectangle Wood Font Wood stain


The hook is essentially the same and although it looks fragile, made of a very strong wood like Osage Orange it is not. This series of photos is really no more than a shameless show off of a few of the stellar attributes of the Miter Jack. The longer you have one of these the more you wonder how you lived without one. ..... not just for planing miters.

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Flooring Hardwood


Wood Wooden block Rectangle Flooring Floor


Wood Wood stain Hardwood Varnish Tool


The next few (still showing off the MJ) show the catch shelf being cut in my prototype piece.

Furniture Table Wood Wood stain Flooring


Wood Hardwood Wood stain Wooden block Creative arts


Hand tool Table Tableware Wood Kitchen utensil


This one shows the prototype button (made up of pieces) and the stepped hole. The through hole is 1/2", the next is 3/4" and the last is 1".

Wood Water Wood stain Hardwood Plywood


Here the button is in place with its flange resting in the 3/4" recess.

Wood Hardwood Rectangle Circle Wood stain


... and here the keepers are in place in the 1" hole. They will prevent the button from rotating out of position as well as retaining it in its place.

Wood Rectangle Beige Hardwood Fashion accessory


The hook is glued into a recess in the upper lid.

Wood Flooring Wood stain Hardwood Rectangle


Here is the prototype in my box simulating jig.





That's just about all there is to it but since I have the photos, here is a run through on the real box. You will notice a piece of veneer to strengthen the ramp that the hook slides in on. The substrate is poplar and I thought it would wear. The new button is lathe turned and the ramp is cut on it after turning.

Brown Wood Wood stain Beige Hardwood


The veneer piece is in place and the button is in its recess.

Brown House numbering Wood Rectangle Font


The keepers are in.

Brown Wood Rectangle Beige Wood stain


An alignment check to make sure the button goes far enough in to push the hook clear of the shelf. It doesn't because I added the veneer …

Window Wood Fluid Wood stain Hardwood


... so, as intended, I added a bit of the same veneer to the end of the button.

Brown Bag Wood Beige Rectangle


... And that really is it. I like it a lot because it provides a secure closure, involves no metal and intrudes very little on the marquetry motif on the front.

Thanks for looking in

Paul
Wow Paul…the latch itself is a work of pure design fun and ingenuity.
 

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#101 ·
Fresh Air Supply Without Breaking the Bank

Back in my boat building days I periodically had the need to spray some very toxic paints. A fresh air supply is highly recommended for these occasions but they are very expensive for infrequent use. I found this today as I was doing a deep spring turf-out of my shop and thought it might save someone a few bucks.

This is what I came up with to save my lungs without the cash outlay for a compressor operated one with filters and coolers. (The filters and coolers are to remove the oil and heat that the compressor adds to the fresh air it takes in.)

Photo #1 shows the heart of the "system", a cheap bathroom exhaust fan. In this case it is attached to a plywood disc.

Asphalt Electronic device Circle Font Grass


Photo #2 shows the same thing from the back with a length of 3" dryer vent hose attached.

Garden hose Electrical wiring Cable Gas Grass


Photo #3 is one of the back doors of my current shop. The portlight is plexiglass and can be unscrewed and replaced by the plywood fan mount.

Blue Fixture Wood Door Building


The last one shows a two filter respirator with the other end of the hose attached. The other side of the respirator is sealed off by simply putting a piece of plastic film over the base and then screwing the filter in.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Gas Bicycle handlebar


This is the system that I used to paint Friendship with nasty linear polyurethane paint. In practice it works very well. The large bore hose is a little more trouble than a small pressurized one would be but it is very light and not much of a problem at all.

When you turn on the fan the respirator is filled with fresh, cool outside air with just a slight positive pressure. Excess air goes out through the exhale valve (and any minor leaks in the seal) and there is no way any ambient (poisonous) air is getting in. The air in the shop may be thick with nasty solvents and overspray but you are smelling the daises outside the door. Of course there are other concerns such as eyes and skin contact that also have to be dealt with but this one will keep your lungs safe and happy.

The total cost, aside from the respirator which you should already have if you spray paint, is about $30.
I've always mounted them in some exterior surface like a door panel but it would work just as well if you just took it several feet outside the door and left it on the ground.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

Attachments

#102 ·
Fresh Air Supply Without Breaking the Bank

Back in my boat building days I periodically had the need to spray some very toxic paints. A fresh air supply is highly recommended for these occasions but they are very expensive for infrequent use. I found this today as I was doing a deep spring turf-out of my shop and thought it might save someone a few bucks.

This is what I came up with to save my lungs without the cash outlay for a compressor operated one with filters and coolers. (The filters and coolers are to remove the oil and heat that the compressor adds to the fresh air it takes in.)

Photo #1 shows the heart of the "system", a cheap bathroom exhaust fan. In this case it is attached to a plywood disc.

Asphalt Electronic device Circle Font Grass


Photo #2 shows the same thing from the back with a length of 3" dryer vent hose attached.

Garden hose Electrical wiring Cable Gas Grass


Photo #3 is one of the back doors of my current shop. The portlight is plexiglass and can be unscrewed and replaced by the plywood fan mount.

Blue Fixture Wood Door Building


The last one shows a two filter respirator with the other end of the hose attached. The other side of the respirator is sealed off by simply putting a piece of plastic film over the base and then screwing the filter in.

Wood Flooring Hardwood Gas Bicycle handlebar


This is the system that I used to paint Friendship with nasty linear polyurethane paint. In practice it works very well. The large bore hose is a little more trouble than a small pressurized one would be but it is very light and not much of a problem at all.

When you turn on the fan the respirator is filled with fresh, cool outside air with just a slight positive pressure. Excess air goes out through the exhale valve (and any minor leaks in the seal) and there is no way any ambient (poisonous) air is getting in. The air in the shop may be thick with nasty solvents and overspray but you are smelling the daises outside the door. Of course there are other concerns such as eyes and skin contact that also have to be dealt with but this one will keep your lungs safe and happy.

The total cost, aside from the respirator which you should already have if you spray paint, is about $30.
I've always mounted them in some exterior surface like a door panel but it would work just as well if you just took it several feet outside the door and left it on the ground.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Paul, You never cease to amaze! And your 'fixes' are always low budget and practical!
 

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#124 ·
Veneer Matching Mirrors

There's certainly nothing new about using mirrors to check veneer matches but this week, when I needed to do some matching I had an idea that some of you may want to try. I hate having glass around all the hard steel tools and I hate even more the idea of suffering seven years bad luck for breaking mirrors. (At my age that could be a large percentage of what I've got left…...)

So here's the plan. I decided to try acrylic mirror stock and make half cuts in it to eliminate the need to tape, prop, or just hold the two mirrors while looking at the match. They are way harder to break, can be thrown in a veneer drawer, and I'm not even sure they qualify for a full seven years if you do break them. The pieces are one foot square and cost about $20 ($10 each) here in pricy old Canada. The piece of paper defines the size of one quarter of the veneer area.

Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring Composite material


Wood Flooring Floor Rectangle Hardwood


Brown Rectangle Wood Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking in

Paul
 

Attachments

#125 ·
Veneer Matching Mirrors

There's certainly nothing new about using mirrors to check veneer matches but this week, when I needed to do some matching I had an idea that some of you may want to try. I hate having glass around all the hard steel tools and I hate even more the idea of suffering seven years bad luck for breaking mirrors. (At my age that could be a large percentage of what I've got left…...)

So here's the plan. I decided to try acrylic mirror stock and make half cuts in it to eliminate the need to tape, prop, or just hold the two mirrors while looking at the match. They are way harder to break, can be thrown in a veneer drawer, and I'm not even sure they qualify for a full seven years if you do break them. The pieces are one foot square and cost about $20 ($10 each) here in pricy old Canada. The piece of paper defines the size of one quarter of the veneer area.

Rectangle Wood Floor Flooring Composite material


Wood Flooring Floor Rectangle Hardwood


Brown Rectangle Wood Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking in

Paul
Neat idea, Paul!! I have some of that acrylic mirror around, too!!.............Jim
 

Attachments

#140 ·
Chevalight

As I get older my eyes seem to require more and more light to see fine detail. That is a problem when cutting on the chevalet, especially when cutting piece by piece (classic) style where line following is critical. After trying all sorts of floor mounted lamp solutions I finally decided to put a little thought into a chevalet mounted light source that would
1) give good illumination from the left side of the blade,
2) not interfere with my left hand manipulating the packet,
3) not interfere with the packet rotating around the blade and
4) adjust to allow the largest packet my saw frame will (18").

Here's what I came up with this afternoon. I haven't used it a lot but I think it will be fine. it certainly adds a lot of light right where I need it. The light is a cheap incandescent spot (~$10).

Wood Window Floor Flooring Engineering


Wood Flooring Lectern Gas Art


Easel Wood Gas Flooring Hardwood


Table Wood Hood Motor vehicle Rectangle


Wood Table Bumper Automotive exterior Wood stain


Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


Wood Chair Hardwood Armrest Flooring


Wood Flooring Gas Engineering Electrical wiring


Hope this will be of interest to some of you with old eyes and chevalets. :)

Thanks for looking.
 

Attachments

#141 ·
Chevalight

As I get older my eyes seem to require more and more light to see fine detail. That is a problem when cutting on the chevalet, especially when cutting piece by piece (classic) style where line following is critical. After trying all sorts of floor mounted lamp solutions I finally decided to put a little thought into a chevalet mounted light source that would
1) give good illumination from the left side of the blade,
2) not interfere with my left hand manipulating the packet,
3) not interfere with the packet rotating around the blade and
4) adjust to allow the largest packet my saw frame will (18").

Here's what I came up with this afternoon. I haven't used it a lot but I think it will be fine. it certainly adds a lot of light right where I need it. The light is a cheap incandescent spot (~$10).

Wood Window Floor Flooring Engineering


Wood Flooring Lectern Gas Art


Easel Wood Gas Flooring Hardwood


Table Wood Hood Motor vehicle Rectangle


Wood Table Bumper Automotive exterior Wood stain


Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


Wood Chair Hardwood Armrest Flooring


Wood Flooring Gas Engineering Electrical wiring


Hope this will be of interest to some of you with old eyes and chevalets. :)

Thanks for looking.
Very ingenious, Paul. Necessity is the mother of invention and pulled this one off real well!!
Cheers, Jim
 

Attachments

#155 ·
Table Saw Sled Mod for ShopSmith

I just posted my new table saw sled, inspired by Kiefer's versatile version. There is a problem, however, with using such a sled on a ShopSmith and that is simply that because on a SS the table tilts, the line on which the saw blade intersects with the plane of the table top moves as you change the angle.

Tire Wheel Wood Vehicle Flooring


My solution was to make a 45 degree ramp to fit my new sled. I have made these before as stand alone jigs with a miter slot fitting strip on the bottom but this one is part of the new sled and fits right in, in either of two orientations.

It could be made adjustable quite easily and if I ever have call to accurately crosscut angles other than 45 degrees, I may do that but for now a really accurate 45 is all I need.

Wood Gas Machine tool Engineering Machine


Wood Automotive exterior Gas Bumper Machine


Wood Orange Gas Chair Plywood


As these pictures were taken before the sled was finished, here's the finished version. Lack of organization seems to have got in the way of a finished shot with the jig. :)

Wood Machine Office equipment Armrest Flooring


Here's an earlier version on my trusty old 10 ER back home on Vancouver Island.

Wood Creative arts Space Flooring Font


Exercise machine Gas Auto part Automotive exterior Machine


Thanks for looking in,

Paul
 

Attachments

#156 ·
Table Saw Sled Mod for ShopSmith

I just posted my new table saw sled, inspired by Kiefer's versatile version. There is a problem, however, with using such a sled on a ShopSmith and that is simply that because on a SS the table tilts, the line on which the saw blade intersects with the plane of the table top moves as you change the angle.

Tire Wheel Wood Vehicle Flooring


My solution was to make a 45 degree ramp to fit my new sled. I have made these before as stand alone jigs with a miter slot fitting strip on the bottom but this one is part of the new sled and fits right in, in either of two orientations.

It could be made adjustable quite easily and if I ever have call to accurately crosscut angles other than 45 degrees, I may do that but for now a really accurate 45 is all I need.

Wood Gas Machine tool Engineering Machine


Wood Automotive exterior Gas Bumper Machine


Wood Orange Gas Chair Plywood


As these pictures were taken before the sled was finished, here's the finished version. Lack of organization seems to have got in the way of a finished shot with the jig. :)

Wood Machine Office equipment Armrest Flooring


Here's an earlier version on my trusty old 10 ER back home on Vancouver Island.

Wood Creative arts Space Flooring Font


Exercise machine Gas Auto part Automotive exterior Machine


Thanks for looking in,

Paul
Ya got a good thinker on ya Paul.

What a clever solution. I like it.
Steve
 

Attachments

#166 ·
Easy DIY Safety Straightedge

Today I had a little knife and straightedge work to do and I know how (painfully) easy it is to slice a tiny piece of finger off while concentrating on the veneer. I hate getting blood on my veneer …. so I decided to take the time and make something that would keep my skin attached and my veneer clean. Turns out it only took about ten minutes and it works really well.
I had a bit of aluminium angle around and with a bit of oak scrap and a couple of screws it was done.

I'm not posting this because it is any sort of great discovery but rather just to point out how quickly and easily you can up your safety level from the old steel ruler. :)

Table Wood Pen Office supplies Tool










Thanks for looking in

Paul
 

Attachments

#167 ·
Easy DIY Safety Straightedge

Today I had a little knife and straightedge work to do and I know how (painfully) easy it is to slice a tiny piece of finger off while concentrating on the veneer. I hate getting blood on my veneer …. so I decided to take the time and make something that would keep my skin attached and my veneer clean. Turns out it only took about ten minutes and it works really well.
I had a bit of aluminium angle around and with a bit of oak scrap and a couple of screws it was done.

I'm not posting this because it is any sort of great discovery but rather just to point out how quickly and easily you can up your safety level from the old steel ruler. :)

Table Wood Pen Office supplies Tool










Thanks for looking in

Paul
Looks like an effective and safe solution.
 

Attachments

#184 ·
Modular Veneer Press Build

Just a few more pictures and explanations than the project post had room for. The concept is simple and can be adapted in many ways but here is what I did.

First off I selected knot free parts of 8' construction 2X4's and ripped them into 1X4's. Then I laminated them up in half laps so that the result looks like a box joint but is easier to get perfect fit and glue ups. I used PVA glue because I had it around and threw a few staples in to keep things aligned while I quickly laid up the frames.

Wood Hardwood Workbench Automotive design Machine


Just for a little added strength I pinned each corner with 1/2" dowels when the clamps came off.

Wood Gas Hardwood Composite material Wood stain


Next I bored holes for the screws…....

Wood Gas Machine tool Hardwood Table


.... and expanded the holes on the inside with a trim router to fit the "nuts" and provide a shoulder for them to work against. This is the one of the old frames but the same was done with the new ones.

Wood Gas Engineering Machine Automotive tire


The shop made screws are epoxied in with cheap quick set epoxy. All it does is keep them from falling out. The force is taken on the wood shoulder inside the holes.

Wood Table Wood stain Tool Hardwood


Once you have the frames you can make the platen and screw it to the bottom cross members. This is just to keep the pieces together and again has no bearing on the strength of the press. You can use more or fewer frames and can also add a few C clamps around the platens at the outer ends if you like.

Wood Hardwood Rectangle Wood stain Art


Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Table


The conversion of cheap C clamps to veneer press screws is detailed here.

This is a really easy build and makes for a very versatile press. You can use the whole area to glue up a large project or have several smaller items even different thicknesses, pressing at the same time. I use it all the time for flattening veneer, pressing veneer after paper backing, glue ups on assembly boards, actual pressing of marquetry with or without hot cauls, and generally just to keep things flat while they await assembly into a project.
In short, since I've had these presses I have come to depend on them an cannot imagine what I would do without them.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

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#185 ·
Modular Veneer Press Build

Just a few more pictures and explanations than the project post had room for. The concept is simple and can be adapted in many ways but here is what I did.

First off I selected knot free parts of 8' construction 2X4's and ripped them into 1X4's. Then I laminated them up in half laps so that the result looks like a box joint but is easier to get perfect fit and glue ups. I used PVA glue because I had it around and threw a few staples in to keep things aligned while I quickly laid up the frames.

Wood Hardwood Workbench Automotive design Machine


Just for a little added strength I pinned each corner with 1/2" dowels when the clamps came off.

Wood Gas Hardwood Composite material Wood stain


Next I bored holes for the screws…....

Wood Gas Machine tool Hardwood Table


.... and expanded the holes on the inside with a trim router to fit the "nuts" and provide a shoulder for them to work against. This is the one of the old frames but the same was done with the new ones.

Wood Gas Engineering Machine Automotive tire


The shop made screws are epoxied in with cheap quick set epoxy. All it does is keep them from falling out. The force is taken on the wood shoulder inside the holes.

Wood Table Wood stain Tool Hardwood


Once you have the frames you can make the platen and screw it to the bottom cross members. This is just to keep the pieces together and again has no bearing on the strength of the press. You can use more or fewer frames and can also add a few C clamps around the platens at the outer ends if you like.

Wood Hardwood Rectangle Wood stain Art


Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Table


The conversion of cheap C clamps to veneer press screws is detailed here.

This is a really easy build and makes for a very versatile press. You can use the whole area to glue up a large project or have several smaller items even different thicknesses, pressing at the same time. I use it all the time for flattening veneer, pressing veneer after paper backing, glue ups on assembly boards, actual pressing of marquetry with or without hot cauls, and generally just to keep things flat while they await assembly into a project.
In short, since I've had these presses I have come to depend on them an cannot imagine what I would do without them.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Thanks for the additional info Paul. I noticed in one picture threaded rod at either end of the (old) frame. I'm assuming the new ones with the thicker sides and half laps don't need the additional support.
 

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#190 ·
Locating Critical Insert Nuts

This is pretty simple but I hadn't thought of it before. Maybe someone else can use this little tip. When I was making the adjustable jaws for my school chevys, I needed to locate some insert nuts really accurately so the jaws wouldn't bind. The slot in the jaw is 1/4" but the hole for the insert nut needs to be 3/8".

I'm sure there are lots of good ways to do this but here's what I did. It was really easy and absolutely accurate.

First I marked with a brad point 1/4" bit.

Wood Wood stain Material property Hardwood Tints and shades


Then I drilled the hole with a 3/8" Forstner bit. The brad hole was a perfect locator.

Wood Writing implement Hardwood Office supplies Wood stain


The fit is perfect and everything slides smoothly.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Pattern Plywood


Property Table Wood Wood stain Floor


Wood Floor Building Flooring Hardwood


This is so simple that I almost didn't post it but then the series is called "Simple Jigs and Techniques" and besides I had not thought of it before. ......... maybe you didn't either… :)

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

Attachments

#191 ·
Locating Critical Insert Nuts

This is pretty simple but I hadn't thought of it before. Maybe someone else can use this little tip. When I was making the adjustable jaws for my school chevys, I needed to locate some insert nuts really accurately so the jaws wouldn't bind. The slot in the jaw is 1/4" but the hole for the insert nut needs to be 3/8".

I'm sure there are lots of good ways to do this but here's what I did. It was really easy and absolutely accurate.

First I marked with a brad point 1/4" bit.

Wood Wood stain Material property Hardwood Tints and shades


Then I drilled the hole with a 3/8" Forstner bit. The brad hole was a perfect locator.

Wood Writing implement Hardwood Office supplies Wood stain


The fit is perfect and everything slides smoothly.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Pattern Plywood


Property Table Wood Wood stain Floor


Wood Floor Building Flooring Hardwood


This is so simple that I almost didn't post it but then the series is called "Simple Jigs and Techniques" and besides I had not thought of it before. ......... maybe you didn't either… :)

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Nice one.
The center point in the forstner bit here is the key. And that that bit will not 'walk' around. Neat.

Steve
 

Attachments

#208 ·
Making Fine Dust for Marquetry Mastic

This is a little videoI did last summer after having a "Doh!" moment. Very fine sanding dust is difficult to generate and contain in a clean, uncontaminated condition. The go to method has been hand sanding with ~220 grit paper.
This is just a little trick that came to me while I was sanding a spindle one day. I thought it was worth sharing.

Wood Creative arts Flooring Machine Hardwood




Thanks for lookng in.

Paul
 

Attachments

#209 ·
Making Fine Dust for Marquetry Mastic

This is a little videoI did last summer after having a "Doh!" moment. Very fine sanding dust is difficult to generate and contain in a clean, uncontaminated condition. The go to method has been hand sanding with ~220 grit paper.
This is just a little trick that came to me while I was sanding a spindle one day. I thought it was worth sharing.

Wood Creative arts Flooring Machine Hardwood




Thanks for lookng in.

Paul
Good idea Paul,thanks for sharing.
 

Attachments

#224 ·
Fast Accurate Louis Cubes

Louis cubes have been around for ever and with good reason. They are just a great 3D illusion.
I was making some this week for a couple of parquetry panels in my current project and took some pictures of the way I do it.
Maybe someone can use the ideas.

First I rough ripped the strips of ribbon Bloodwood veneer on my sled with a covering piece of 3/4" plywood.
Wood Machine tool Gas Engineering Machine


Then I trued them to exact width with a simple shooting board.
Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood Wood stain


On to the guillotine to chop the trapezoids.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor Triangle


Wood Tool Saw Hunting knife Knife


If you get the pieces accurately cut,assembly is dead easy. The only thing to watch is that you get the small amount of tearout (from the bottom of the pieces as they cut in the guillotine) to be the glue side. The tops will be perfect.

Bottom (glue side)
Brown Purple Wood Grey Violet


Top (show side)
Brown Rectangle Wood Textile Floor


Assembled panel. Start to finish a panel like this takes about an hour.
Brown Rectangle Wood Textile Art


Thanks for looking

Paul
 

Attachments

#225 ·
Fast Accurate Louis Cubes

Louis cubes have been around for ever and with good reason. They are just a great 3D illusion.
I was making some this week for a couple of parquetry panels in my current project and took some pictures of the way I do it.
Maybe someone can use the ideas.

First I rough ripped the strips of ribbon Bloodwood veneer on my sled with a covering piece of 3/4" plywood.
Wood Machine tool Gas Engineering Machine


Then I trued them to exact width with a simple shooting board.
Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood Wood stain


On to the guillotine to chop the trapezoids.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor Triangle


Wood Tool Saw Hunting knife Knife


If you get the pieces accurately cut,assembly is dead easy. The only thing to watch is that you get the small amount of tearout (from the bottom of the pieces as they cut in the guillotine) to be the glue side. The tops will be perfect.

Bottom (glue side)
Brown Purple Wood Grey Violet


Top (show side)
Brown Rectangle Wood Textile Floor


Assembled panel. Start to finish a panel like this takes about an hour.
Brown Rectangle Wood Textile Art


Thanks for looking

Paul
Great to be able to see your technique Paul. Thanks for sharing.
 

Attachments

#248 ·
Hot Pipe Bending

I've read about this technique in Pierre Ramond's books but never had a need for it before. I wish I had tried it out sooner. It is an amazing little technique and so easy that my first attempt was good enough to use and I had four rings like the one In the photos done in about a half hour.

The pipe (or bar) needs to be about 200 - 220 degrees F. I'll let the photos explain the procedure.

Here's the setup. A quick online search will turn up this style of jig in several places.

Fluid Wood Engineering Gas Auto part


My first try, a ~1" coil, just the right size for my rings.

Wood Wood stain Font Hardwood Circle


Cut to size

Brown Wood Rectangle Natural material Wood stain


Glued in .....

Tableware Dishware Table Wood Textile


.....and sanded off

Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Art


Next I tried a 1/4" punch shaft for some more intricate pieces I will need tomorrow.

Bicycle handlebar Wood Gas Bicycle fork Electrical wiring


Too easy! You just gotta try this!

Thanks for looking in,

Paul
 

Attachments

#249 ·
Hot Pipe Bending

I've read about this technique in Pierre Ramond's books but never had a need for it before. I wish I had tried it out sooner. It is an amazing little technique and so easy that my first attempt was good enough to use and I had four rings like the one In the photos done in about a half hour.

The pipe (or bar) needs to be about 200 - 220 degrees F. I'll let the photos explain the procedure.

Here's the setup. A quick online search will turn up this style of jig in several places.

Fluid Wood Engineering Gas Auto part


My first try, a ~1" coil, just the right size for my rings.

Wood Wood stain Font Hardwood Circle


Cut to size

Brown Wood Rectangle Natural material Wood stain


Glued in .....

Tableware Dishware Table Wood Textile


.....and sanded off

Wood Rectangle Floor Flooring Art


Next I tried a 1/4" punch shaft for some more intricate pieces I will need tomorrow.

Bicycle handlebar Wood Gas Bicycle fork Electrical wiring


Too easy! You just gotta try this!

Thanks for looking in,

Paul
Thanks Paul, another keeper!
 

Attachments

#260 ·
Re-design of my Veneer Guillotine

I've built two wooden veneer chopping guillotines I the past and they have worked very well for me but faced with the task of producing over a thousand little fillets for the parquetry on my current project, I decided to go metal. After a (very) little thought I decided that the easy way to go would be pipe fittings.

So ….. I give you the steampunk veneer guillotine!

Wood Tool Flooring Gas Metalworking hand tool


Table Wood Flooring Gas Tableware


Wood Table Art Artisan Artist


 

Attachments

#261 ·
Re-design of my Veneer Guillotine

I've built two wooden veneer chopping guillotines I the past and they have worked very well for me but faced with the task of producing over a thousand little fillets for the parquetry on my current project, I decided to go metal. After a (very) little thought I decided that the easy way to go would be pipe fittings.

So ….. I give you the steampunk veneer guillotine!

Wood Tool Flooring Gas Metalworking hand tool


Table Wood Flooring Gas Tableware


Wood Table Art Artisan Artist


The process reminds me of Japanese Kumiko screens. Though they are sawing the tiny pieces. Great to see your progress.
 

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