Archive for the ‘DIY Shop Tools’ Category

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Sliding Dovetail Toggle Clamps

Friday, July 27th, 2018

I recently had the idea of trying to make  a toggle clamp more versatile in the wodshop.  What I came up with was a sliding dovetail attachment that can be used with your existing toggle clamps.  So far I am pleased with how well they work in the shop. With the add-on, you can quickly move your toggle clamps from jig to jig without having to use screws to attach them.

The build video can be viewed here.  In the video I wasn’t very clear regarding the sizing of the male dovetail.  When sizing the dovetail it would be easier to remove some (~1/2” or so) of the side supports so that you can test fit the male dovetail in the dovetail channel. And if it’s too snug adjust the router fence accordingly and remove more of the sidewalls of the dovetail (male). Also, when making the dovetail (male), the height of the bit will determine if it contacts the bottom of the dovetailed channel; this is easier to get right then the side to side fit of the dovetail (the bit should be slightly lower than what is used to make the dovetail channel). After the dovetail fits nicely with a test fit, the remaining side supports can be removed.

If you make these and find them useful, please let me know.  Also ask me any questions if anything isn’t clear.

 

 

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New Twin Screw Vise

Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

I recently made a new twin screw vise to replace my older one (build video).  There’s nothing wrong with my old one; I just wanted to make a new one that was a little more aesthetically appealing.

For my new one, I turned my own screw blanks at the lathe instead of using commercially available 1″ dowels.  Aside from the look of the front jaw, the wooden screws are the only difference.

If you’d like to build your own twin screw vise, I have very detailed plans available for a small fee.  I am giving my old vise away to a Patreon member that has already been selected.

 

Old Twin Screw Vise

New Twin Screw Vise

 

 

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Jointer Alignment – Parallel Tables

Wednesday, August 9th, 2017

When I first purchased my jointer, around ten years ago, I never checked for parallelism between the infeed and outfeed tables.  Although the jointer has been performing ok, I’ve often wondered how close to perfect they were aligned.  A popular method for checking for parallelism involves purchasing an expensive straightedge that can span both tables in conjunction with feeler gauges.  Alhough I’ve never tried it, the straightedge method appears to be a time consuming process.

I’ve often wondered if it would be possible to check for parallelism with a dial indicator, but I never came up with a solution; until a couple days ago.   The method that I came up with utilizes a dial indicator and a shop-made alignment tool (a dial indicator magnetic base is also used in the process).  The tool is very easy to make and the process turned out to work very nicely and was quick.

Over the years I have demonstrated several different alignment uses for a dial indicator.  If you don’t own one by now then I’d suggest that you’d be a happier woodworker if you bought one.  Dial indicators can be purchased for less than $20 and you’ll use it over and over again.

See the build and demo video here.

 

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