This video is by Billy from Newton Makes. It features five clever tool and shop upgrades that can make a noticeable difference in safety, efficiency, and accuracy around the workshop.
Each hack is built with simple materials and basic tools but has a big impact on how your equipment performs. From making cleaner cuts to increasing visibility and control, these tips can be applied to nearly any woodworking setup.
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1. Custom Miter Saw Jig for Safer Small Cuts
Small workpieces are often difficult—and risky—to cut on a miter saw. Billy solves this with a purpose-built jig that makes the process safer and more accurate.
The jig features an L-shaped fence and base made from MDF, with routed dovetail grooves that accept quarter-inch bolts. These grooves allow you to slide clamps into place from multiple angles and keep your hands clear of the blade during cuts.
This design lets you secure small parts on the fence, the base, or the front edge, depending on the shape of your material. It’s an easy upgrade that adds precision and peace of mind for anyone frequently cutting small pieces.
2. Clear Acrylic Router Base for Better Visibility
Many router baseplates are small and opaque, making it hard to see your cut line. Billy replaces the stock plate with a larger one made from clear acrylic, improving visibility and handling.
He cuts the acrylic to size, drills and countersinks the mounting holes, and attaches it to the base of his router. The result is a smoother glide and a clear view of the bit in action.
Having multiple acrylic bases in different sizes makes it easy to swap based on your project needs. This small change dramatically improves control and accuracy during routing tasks.
3. Removable Spindle Sander Top for Greater Support
Standard spindle sanders don’t always offer enough support for larger workpieces. Billy addresses this by creating a removable MDF top with a squared edge that increases the usable surface area.
To attach it securely, he bends a strip of oak veneer—cut with kerfs for flexibility—into a form-fitting collar that grips the sander’s top snugly. No clamps or fasteners needed.
This added surface not only makes sanding large curves easier but also raises the work closer to the spindle center for more even wear. It’s a clever solution for improving both function and comfort.
4. Micro Adjuster for Table Saw and Router Fence Precision
Making micro-adjustments to fences can be tedious and imprecise. Billy builds a slim jig using two wooden blocks, a threaded rod, and a wing nut to solve that problem.
Placed between the fence and the rail, the threaded rod moves the blocks closer or farther apart with a simple twist. This allows you to nudge your fence in small increments without relying on guesswork.
Magnets added to the top give the jig extra versatility—it can even double as a thin strip cutting guide when laid flat on your table saw. It’s a compact, useful tool made entirely from scraps.
5. Straight Edge Jig for Cleaner Jigsaw Cuts
Jigsaws are convenient but often imprecise due to blade flex and wandering. To fix this, Billy makes a custom MDF straight edge jig that serves as a fence for the jigsaw base.
When clamped to your material, the jig keeps the jigsaw blade aligned for a much cleaner cut. It’s similar to a circular saw guide but tailored for the smaller jigsaw footprint.
For added grip, you can attach sandpaper to the bottom, or glue additional guides underneath for perfect 90-degree cuts. This jig helps get the most out of a tool that’s often seen as rough or imprecise.
Why These Upgrades Matter
Each of these hacks is rooted in solving common shop challenges with accessible solutions. They don’t require specialty materials or expensive tools—just time, scrap wood, and a little creativity.
Whether it’s safer small-part cutting, smoother router control, or more accurate fence adjustments, these upgrades help make the workshop more productive and enjoyable. They also encourage woodworkers to think beyond off-the-shelf solutions.
What stands out in Billy’s approach is how each fix is tailored to real shop problems, backed by thoughtful design and clear demonstrations.
Learn More from Newton Makes
Billy continues to share practical ideas like these on his Newton Makes YouTube channel. His approach is all about helping woodworkers of all skill levels get more from their tools without overspending.
From jigs and fixtures to shop furniture and tool reviews, there’s always something useful to learn. If you’re looking to improve your workflow or get inspired for your next shop project, his channel is a great place to start.
Please support Billy by visiting his website here: https://www.newtonmakes.com/shop.