The video “This Simple Woodworking Jig Solves a Major Problem” is by Brady Hommel. Brady shares his innovative approach for replicating the sought-after circular saw marks on wood. This is particularly useful for those in the business of creating rustic furniture from reclaimed materials.
The Problem with Band Saw Marks
Brady begins by discussing the common issue he faces with lumber sourced from lumber stores, which is primarily cut using band saws. He explains that while he has made many pieces from reclaimed wood, there’s a noticeable demand for the aesthetic appeal of circular saw marks. These marks are often preferred by customers for their rustic charm.
He highlights that most lumber available today is milled with band saws, making it difficult to find the desired circular saw look. This search can lead to a bottleneck in his workflow, as he spends time calling around to find a suitable piece of lumber.
Introducing the Jig
To tackle this problem, Brady decided to create a simple jig made from scrap wood and an old sawzall blade. The jig is designed to replicate circular saw marks effectively, providing an easy solution without extensive modifications to his workflow.
He explains that the jig is easy to make, requiring minimal materials that most woodworkers would already have in their shop. By using a 12-inch sawzall blade, he is able to mimic the curvature of a circular saw blade, which typically measures 24 inches.
How to Use the Jig
Brady walks viewers through the process of using the jig on a piece of 1×8 pine wood. He emphasizes the importance of clamping the jig securely in place while running the saw blade backwards to create the desired marks. This technique allows for a rhythm that speeds up the marking process.
As he works, he advises on varying the pressure to create lighter strokes, which adds character and depth to the marks, mimicking the natural variations found in real reclaimed wood.
Preparing for Finish
Before applying any finish, Brady stresses the importance of sanding the marked wood using high-grit sandpaper (220 grit). This step is crucial to ensure that the saw marks remain intact while smoothing out any rough edges.
He notes that careful attention to detail, such as sanding more on the edges, can enhance the overall look, making it appear more authentic. Once the sanding is complete, he moves on to staining the wood.
Staining the Wood
For the staining process, Brady utilizes a special walnut stain. He mentions that the saw marks will absorb more stain, resulting in a darker appearance. This contrast is what gives the final product its character and depth.
As he applies the stain, he expresses his satisfaction with how the project is turning out, noting that the marked piece of lumber looks remarkably similar to real barn wood.
Final Thoughts
Brady wraps up by encouraging viewers to give this jig a try, highlighting its low cost and effectiveness. He believes that anyone interested in creating reclaimed-looking furniture should have this trick in their toolkit.
This jig not only simplifies the process of achieving the desired aesthetic but also enhances the overall quality of the furniture produced. Brady’s innovative approach is a testament to the power of creativity in woodworking.