In the video titled “Essential Shop Made Tool for Woodworking,” Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft demonstrates the construction and multiple uses of a simple yet versatile woodworking tool made from MDF and sandpaper.
This video serves as an excellent tutorial for woodworkers looking to enhance their workshop with a tool that improves both safety and accuracy during various woodworking tasks.
Jodee starts by introducing the tool—an MDF strip with sandpaper attached—which he frequently uses to assist with safe and precise cuts on the table saw, bandsaw, and miter saw.
The tool’s primary function is to act as a straight edge or jointing guide for irregularly shaped pieces or rough edges that need to be straightened or squared up. By placing the sandpaper-coated side against the material, it helps prevent slipping, allowing for a stable and controlled cut.
The utility of this shop-made tool extends beyond just guiding cuts. Jodee demonstrates its use as a push block, which is particularly useful for keeping smaller or thinner pieces stable on the table saw, reducing chatter and improving the quality of the cut.
The length of the MDF strip helps maintain continuous pressure across the piece being cut, further enhancing control and safety.
Additionally, Jodee shows how this tool can be beneficial on the bandsaw, particularly when resawing or making cuts where one’s hands might come dangerously close to the blade. The MDF strip acts as an extended push stick, maintaining a safe distance between the hands and the blade.
Another practical application shared in the video is at the miter saw, where the MDF strip can hold down small pieces that are too risky to hold by hand due to their proximity to the blade.
This technique prevents the material from moving during the cut, which can lead to inaccuracies or potential accidents.
For routing operations, Jodee explains how a smaller version of the tool can be used as a guide or additional support when working on intricate pieces or when additional control is necessary to follow a template accurately.
The video is highly informative, offering clear instructions and practical demonstrations of how to make and use the tool. Jodee emphasizes the tool’s simplicity and low cost, as it utilizes commonly available materials like MDF and sandpaper, making it accessible to woodworkers of all skill levels.
Overall, “Essential Shop Made Tool for Woodworking” by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their woodworking practices with a multifunctional tool that enhances precision, safety, and efficiency in the workshop.