Category Archives: Tools

Add a harbor freight caliper to your drill press

Posted on December 11, 2017 by robertwilkie

Not a bad idea, the digital calipers are $10 or less and its a nice way to add a readout onto the drill press.  Downside, the batteries on them wear out fast, so you may need to add in an … Continue reading →

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Nice thickness planer with a handheld sander

Posted on December 8, 2017 by robertwilkie

I have seen sanding platforms built in the past with handheld sanders.  But this is the first thickness planer I have seen with one. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/138762

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A paper log maker

Posted on December 7, 2017 by robertwilkie

I wish the author had a little more detail on how this was built.  Its a clever build to turn paper into logs.  Given you need to wait for them to dry. http://drbyte9.wixsite.com/bluehaze-woodworking/logjammer

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Make a jig to make dowel rod

Posted on December 6, 2017 by robertwilkie

Clever build, but….I think I would just get the stuff at home depot http://woodgears.ca/dowel/making.html#maker

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Make a tablesaw milling jig

Posted on December 5, 2017 by robertwilkie

HAHAHAHA…OK this is pretty neat.  Only thing I think I would use a cheaper blade on the saw to make the boards. https://www.izzyswan.com/tablesaw-saw-mill-jig/  

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Thin strip ripping jig

Posted on December 4, 2017 by robertwilkie

Ever need to convert a board into thin strips…well I haven’t yet but I do like this build for one.  Pretty straight forward and the PDF gives details how to do it. http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/105/extras/thin-strip-ripping-jig/

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Nice taper Jig for tablesaw

Posted on December 2, 2017 by robertwilkie

Been noticing a lot of nice jigs for tablesaws lately.  This on is for making taper cuts, like for table legs.  The author states its a cheap build (well not including the kreg hold downs).  But its a bit time … Continue reading →

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Make a non weld belt grinder

Posted on December 1, 2017 by robertwilkie

Been going back and forth on belt sanders for years.  I would like to get one, but…they are not a cheap tool.  I have seen other home made builds but most of them are welded jobs.  This build is a … Continue reading →

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Found a cool site for homemade tools

Posted on November 30, 2017 by robertwilkie

Mostly for woodworking tools.  It has several nice ideas and builds to try out.  I wish they had an RSS feed. http://www.homemadetools.net/

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Some good hints for milling with a drill press

Posted on November 20, 2017 by robertwilkie

Nice tips for using a drill press to do light milling. Tips For Basic Machining on a Drill Press

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