The video “The Clever 10-second woodworking trick I use to impress people” is by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton). Stumpy shares a brilliant method to create perfectly fitting lap joints that will transform any woodworking project into a masterclass of craftsmanship. This technique not only enhances the appearance of the work but also strengthens the joints, making it a must-know for any woodworker.
Understanding Lap Joints
Lap joints are a fundamental technique in woodworking, where half the thickness of two pieces of wood is removed to allow them to fit together seamlessly. Stumpy emphasizes the importance of achieving a perfect fit without excessive fussing, especially when the joint is located in the center of a workpiece rather than at the end. This is where his clever method comes into play.
Setting Up for End Lap Joints
Stumpy first explains how to create end lap joints. He begins by using a table saw, although a router table can also be utilized. The key to this process is a simple little scrap of wood that is the exact thickness of the saw blade. This shim is crucial for ensuring accurate cuts.
To start, a wooden sacrificial fence is attached to the miter gauge, extending several inches past the blade. This setup allows for precise cuts while providing room to clamp a stop block against the workpiece.
Next, Stumpy demonstrates how to set the blade height without measuring the thickness of the wood. Instead, he raises the blade by eye, making several passes until the height is set to exactly half the thickness of the workpiece.
With the blade height set, he places one workpiece against the blade’s teeth and the end against the miter fence. Here comes the clever part: to account for the thickness of the blade, he inserts the shim between the workpiece and the stop block. This adjustment ensures that the first cut is in the correct position.
After making the necessary cuts on both ends of the workpieces, the result is a perfectly fitting end lap joint that is flush on all edges and surfaces.
Creating Cross Lap Joints
Stumpy then transitions to cross lap joints, which may seem more challenging but are equally straightforward. He marks the workpiece where the cutout will be, aligning the blade to the left of the line. If the miter fence is not long enough, the table saw’s rip fence can be used as a stop block.
Using the shim again to compensate for the blade’s thickness, he makes the first cut and then replaces the shim with the mating workpiece to make the second cut. The remaining waste is removed, resulting in a perfect fit that will impress anyone who sees it.
Angled Lap Joints
Stumpy also covers how to create lap joints at an angle, which adds a layer of complexity but is still manageable. By setting the blade and miter gauge to the desired angle and beveling the edges of the stop block and shim to match, the process remains consistent and straightforward.
He demonstrates using a Dado stack to remove waste faster, and stresses that whether using a Dado or a router bit, the same principles apply. With this knowledge, even angled lap joints become less intimidating.
Final Thoughts
Stumpy concludes by highlighting the usefulness of this technique not only for aesthetic purposes but also for enhancing the structural integrity of woodworking projects.
This clever method is sure to make woodworkers feel like masters in their craft, encouraging them to explore new projects and refine their skills.