In the informative video titled “12 Woodworking Tips and Tricks for Beginners,” Jamison from Rogue Engineer shares valuable insights that can help both novice and experienced woodworkers. The tips are practical, straightforward, and offer innovative solutions for common woodworking challenges.
1. Breaking Down Plywood
Jamison starts off with a clever method for breaking down plywood using a one and a half inch rigid foam insulation board. This board, measuring four feet by eight feet, acts as a sacrificial surface that supports the full sheet of plywood while allowing for clean cuts. By setting the circular saw depth just deeper than the plywood, users can make precise cuts without damaging their work surface.
2. Making Repetitive Cuts
For making accurate repetitive cuts on a miter saw, Jamison suggests using stop blocks. A simple scrap piece of wood can be clamped down as a stop block, or you can mark a line on the miter saw’s deck to guide your cuts. This technique ensures consistency and precision with every cut.
3. Preventing Brad Nail Deflection
When using a brad nailer, it’s common for nails to deflect and pop out the side. Jamison advises nailing side to side instead of straight up and down, which minimizes the risk of deflection and ensures the nails stay in place.
4. Drawing Perfect Circles
To draw a perfect circle, Jamison recommends using a piece of paper as a guide. By measuring the radius and marking two points, you can poke holes and use pencils to rotate around one point, creating a flawless circle without damaging the wood.
5. Preventing Tear Out
Tear out is a common issue when cutting wood. Jamison suggests laying down a strip of painter’s tape along the cut line to support the wood’s top edge. He demonstrates the difference in results with and without tape, showing how effective this simple trick can be.
6. Centering a Pilot Hole
For precise pilot holes, especially with hinges, Jamison introduces a self-centering pilot hole bit. This tool aligns the drill bit perfectly with the center of the hinge hole, ensuring accuracy.
7. Keeping Project Notes Handy
A simple magnetic clip can be a game-changer for keeping cut lists and project notes visible while working. Jamison uses one over his miter saw and table saw to keep important information accessible and organized.
8. Finding Angles
Finding angles can be tricky, especially when installing trim. A simple angle finder can help determine the exact angle of a corner, which can then be halved for miter cuts. Digital angle finders offer even more precision, down to the tenth of a degree.
9. Marking Angles with Speed Square
When a miter saw isn’t available, a speed square can be incredibly useful. It allows you to find 90-degree and 45-degree angles easily, enabling accurate cuts even without a miter saw.
10. Perfecting Imperfect Miters
Jamison shares a simple trick for rolling miters to blend imperfections. Using a pencil or a small round bit, you can easily roll over the corners, helping them to fit together seamlessly.
11. Upping Your Glue Game
The glue bot is recommended for a cleaner and more efficient way to dispense glue. Unlike traditional glue bottles, the glue bot allows you to squeeze out glue without needing to turn it upside down, making it easier to apply in tight spaces.
12. Do More with Your Saw Horses
Lastly, Jamison explains how to maximize the utility of saw horses. By using the notches on top to hold a 2×4, you can create an extended work surface that adds stability and adjustability while cutting.
