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Hands Free Level

February 6, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
Hands Free Level

Workshop Tip:  Using A Clamp To Hold A Level In Place: . I mostly work alone. If you're a solo carpenter it behooves you to take the time to think about tips, techniques and methods of work that will not only help you accomplish your job, but save you time and money. One such tip that I use often is to us a clamp to hold my level in place to free my hands up.  I always joke that carpenters should have three hands when … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Wood Shop Jigs, Workshop tips

Dust Free Sanding

January 20, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 1 Comment
Dust free sanding

Sanding is probably the least glorious part of any carpentry or woodworking project but also and important part of the process. The biggest problem with sanding is the dust, the mess, and the subsequent contaminating your surface when applying a finish. So whether it's for health reasons of just a kick ass finish on your project, reducing dust in your shop is important. Dust collection, shop air filtration  and collecting sanding … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dealing With Dust, DeWalt Tools, Jobsite Safety, Lead Paint Dust, Workshop tips

Painless Picture Hanging

January 18, 2012 Written by Robert Robillard 2 Comments
Johnson perfect picture level

 Perfect Picture Level If you hang alot of pictures or install appliances here's a simple, hands free level tool to make your job easier. It's called the Picture Perfect Level, and it's made by Johnson Level. Johnson Perfect Picture Level The Perfect Picture Level is a lightweight ninety degree level with dual Vials to simultaneously check plumb and level of anything from pictures, art, refrigerators,  mirrors or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Johnson Level, Tool Reviews, Tools PLUS!, Wood Shop Jigs

How To Retrieve An Item Dropped Down A Sink Drain

December 26, 2011 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
Retrieving Items in a sink drain

 Retrieve A Ring From A Sink Drain:   How To Retrieve In A Sink Drain Retrieve rings, coins and earrings from sink drains fast and easily.  This post is all about easy tips you can use for retrieving items dropped in a sink drain. How many times have your taken off your rings to wash dishes only to accidentally knock one into the sink? Did it make it down the ring down the drain? Detailed below step by step are the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bath, Bathrooms, Plumbing, sink, Wednesday's Weekly tip, Workshop tips

Table Saw Auxiliary Fence

December 16, 2011 Written by Robert Robillard Leave a Comment
table saw auxiliary fence

Auxiliary Table Saw Or A Disposable Fence When I say disposable fence I mean a fence that I can easily change out when I cut into it.   An auxiliary fence  protects the facing of your table saw fence (as well as your saw blade). Another great feature of an auxiliary fence is it allows you too be able to clamp a face board along your table saw rip fence or screw stop blocks into the fence. Auxiliary fences allows you the flexibility to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Wood Shop Jigs

Cordless Nailer Maintenance

December 9, 2011 Written by Robert Robillard 1 Comment
installing a faceframe on bookcase

Paslode Cordless Fastening Tool Maintenance You know how much I like fuel-powered cordless nailers; I use them all the time now. They are fast and easy to set up – just load in fuel, battery and nails and you’re good to go.  No need to lug in and set up a compressor. I also know that like all of my tools, keeping these nailers clean and well-maintained will keep them running and out of a service center. So, I did two things.  First, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Paslode Tools, Tools PLUS!, Uncategorized, Workshop tips

Workshop Tip One Handed Clamps

December 8, 2011 Written by Robert Robillard 2 Comments
Bora pistol clamp

 Wood Clamping With One Handed Bar Clamps:   Many, many times when working in the shop I end up wishing I had an extra hand to hold something.  When working alone in your shop its important to find the right tools or jigs that make your work process flow easier, faster and stress free. One of those tools is pistol grip clamps.  DIYers and pros alike love pistol grip clamps because they can be installed and removed with one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Wood Shop Jigs

Handling Sheet Stock In A Small Shop

December 6, 2011 Written by Robert Robillard 3 Comments
Milwaukee Panel Saw

My shop is located in my basement with exterior access through a bulkhead stairway.  Getting sheet stock down those steps is do-able but difficult. Many a project I work on from cabinets to bookcases end up with me having to rip plywood sheet stock into 12" or 24" strips.  On many of these projects instead of wrestling with a 3/4"  4'x8' sheet of plywood I used my lumberyards panel saw to rip the plywood sheet to a rough width.  What is a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Workshop tips