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1500 questions
15
votes
8 answers
When are pocket holes an appropriate joinery technique?
I have come across a lot of designs and plans for things like outdoor furniture, kids' furniture, etc., that call for the use of pocket holes. I can appreciate why this is enticing to a lot of people as it's a lot simpler that mortise and tenon…
Steven
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15
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5 answers
Can I make a dado blade set out of multiple regular blades?
Lets say, for argument sake, that I have 2 or 3 10" blades for my table saw. That would give me just under 3/8 inches, when all mounted together, which I could use to make dadoes.
With what I have available this would be easier than constantly…
Matt
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15
votes
2 answers
What is a shooting board?
This answer regarding preventing tearout when planing end-grain suggests using a shooting board. What is it, and how does it prevent tearout?
Daniel B.
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15
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2 answers
What is the best way to get started with limited funds and space?
I enjoyed doing woodwork back in high school, but I haven't been able to do any since I started college. I want to get into it, but I lack the tools I had at the school shop, and similarly the space. Any recommendations/advice for starting with a…
Jacob McCarthy
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15
votes
2 answers
What are spokeshaves and what is their intended use?
A lot of the woodworking books and articles I read will mention using spokeshaves for different things. What exactly is a spokeshave and what is their primary design purpose? I've never used one and they look like a cross between a draw bar and a…
bowlturner
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15
votes
3 answers
Are there advantages to using pipe clamps over parallel bar clamps?
Pipe clamps seem to be a low cost and versatile option for gluing up projects. However, they're prone to racking the work piece if not placed correctly.
Parallel bar clamps aren't as susceptible to this problem, but they're much more expensive.…
Doresoom
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14
votes
2 answers
Can I thin PVA wood glue that has thickened?
I have half a gallon of Titebond I (yellow PVA glue) that has thickened quite a bit, making it difficult to pour.
Can I thin it? How?
Will thinning it have any effect on the glue's strength?
lars
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14
votes
2 answers
How can I properly dispose of rags used with Boiled Linseed Oil
I have read several times now that, if not disposed of in a proper manner, rags covered in Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) can combust.
In that regard I have some related questions:
Under what condition, if any, can I reuse the rags?
What is the process…
Matt
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14
votes
3 answers
What minimum level of hardness (on the Janka scale) is appropriate for a desk top?
A friend of mine asked what wood to use for his desktop and said, "I'd be fine with pine, since I assume it's cheaper." I told him that I wouldn't use pine because it's so soft and would dent easily, but when he asked which he should use, I couldn't…
Daniel B.
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14
votes
5 answers
Is glue the best permanent join?
My understanding of modern wood glue is that, if the proper glue is used and wood surfaces are properly prepared, it will form a bond stronger than the wood itself.
Is this true? If not what are the exceptions to that statement? If so does that…
feetwet
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14
votes
3 answers
Tiny core bits for broken screws
I have on several occasions broken screw heads in pieces where I can't readily access or cut into the joint they're securing. Is there such a thing as a tiny core drill bit for cutting around what's left of the fastener so I can remove the rest of…
feetwet
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14
votes
2 answers
What is a crosscut sled used for?
I've read various references to people using a crosscut sled on their table saws. Google brings up hundreds of pages on how to make one but I haven't found much background on them.
So what exactly is a crosscut sled used for and when/why would I…
Steven
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14
votes
4 answers
Does knotty wood dull a hand plane faster than normal wood?
While I was planing down a plank of Cedar this evening I noticed that the plane did not slide through the knotty wood, that it was a harsh stop. It made me wonder whether I should attempt to plane wood that has knots in it.
Does knot wood cause a…
Peter Grace
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14
votes
3 answers
How can I make precise corner or notch cuts on the edge of a board?
I am planning my first cabinetry project, and having difficulty with some of the shapes in my design. I would like to have notches along the edge of some large boards. There are two types of notches:
At the bottom of a board for the sides of the…
mbmcavoy
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14
votes
5 answers
Replacing small drill bits without buying new sets (or preventing breaks)
It seems that every few months, I've broken all my pilot hole drill bits because they're so easy to break (and so frequently used). So, every few months, I buy a whole new pack of drill bits and throw away everything in the pack above 1/8 inch or so…
dfife
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