The video “5 Woodworking Tips Every Woodworker Should Know” is by TodaysCraftsmen. In this video, Jeff shares 5 valuable woodworking tips submitted by viewers, putting them to the test in his workshop.
Tip 1: The $100 Bill Trick
The first tip comes from Keith at Blackthorn Concepts, known as the “$100 bill trick.” This technique is perfect for those moments when a finished piece has a bit of roughness on the surface—often due to dry spray from a spray gun. To smooth out those pesky nibs, simply take a $100 bill (or cardboard, or printer paper) and use it to burnish the surface. Jeff gives this method a go and finds it works wonders, making for a smooth finish.
Tip 2: Watered-Down Glue Solution
Next up is a tip from Freddy at Period Craftsman. He suggests using a watered-down glue solution on the end grain of wood to achieve a more uniform appearance throughout the board. Jeff tries this technique with some pure tongue oil, but notes that the result is a lot lighter than expected. He plans to check back with Freddy for further guidance.
Tip 3: Steaming Out Dents
Dave from What Dave’s Doing shares a clever method for removing dents in wood. The technique involves using a wet towel and a hot iron to steam out the dent. Jeff demonstrates this method on a cherry board but finds that it requires a bit more time to fully remove the dent. He concludes that while it may not have worked perfectly this time, sanding could be a viable option for deeper dents.
Tip 4: Repeatable Cross Cuts with a Bump Stop
Walter of MW Machine Co introduces a handy tip for making multiple cross cuts using a miter gauge. He recommends using a block against the fence as a bump stop to make repeatable cuts. Jeff shows how to set this up, allowing for precise cuts without binding. This technique is a fantastic addition to any woodworker’s toolkit.
Tip 5: Enhanced Stability for Palm Routers
The final tip comes from a fellow woodworker and focuses on enhancing the stability of palm routers. Jeff showcases an acrylic base he created for his Makita cordless router. This base provides extra stability, especially when working on the edge of a board. He emphasizes the importance of having downward pressure in the right places to prevent tipping, making this a must-try for any woodworker.
Jeff encourages viewers to submit their own woodworking tips for future videos, fostering a community of shared knowledge and expertise.