Saving Tool Manuals

By Robert Robillard

2 compelling Reasons To Save Tool Manuals I’ve been working with tools for over 30 years and have acquired a lot of tools over the years. Saving tool manuals was a thing I’ve always done for future repairs and part orders. I still do this today. Tool Manuals Identify Parts – Schematics While many manuals can…

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Using Labels On Tools

By Robert Robillard

Increase Efficiency and Organization by Labeling Tools Being organized is a way of life for me – it helps me navigate life’s chaos! Imagine a workshop where you can find every tool, jig, and board almost without looking. The secret is using labels on tools. One aspect that I’ve incorporated into my tool organization is…

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90 Degree Clamping Jig – Shop Tip

By Robert Robillard

Woodworking Clamp Blocks – Shop Tip One thing I always notice when clamping wood is you never have enough clamps and you can always use a third hand. To solve my third-hand problem I use a 90 Degree Clamping Jig – shop tip to help me align casework, assist with dry fitting and glue-ups. Using The 90…

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Using Sacrificial Foam Board To Break Down Sheet Goods

By Robert Robillard

Breaking Down Plywood With A Track Saw and Sacrificial Foamboard Ripping full sheets of plywood safely and accurately on the table saw can be a challenging balancing act, especially if you’re alone. Trying to hold a 60 lb. piece of plywood flat on a table saw while pushing it through the saw blade and trying…

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How To Replace A Band Saw Tire

By Robert Robillard

Band Saw Maintenance – Replacing The Rubber Tire The other day I was using my band saw and all sudden this black rubber dust was deposited on the wood I was cutting. For a minute I had no idea what was happening and then BANG – the belt came off the bandsaw wheel. That startled…

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How to Build a Hot-Box

By Robert Robillard

Keep Caulking and Glues From Freezing How do you keep your caulking, glue, drywall mud and paint from freezing? It’s starting to get cold here in Concord, MA and it’s the time of year when yoIf you’re like me, you bring in my caulking and glue to protect them from freezing. At the end of a long…

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Router Maintenance

By Robert Robillard

Woodworking Router Care and Cleaning As a carpenter I learned early on that tools need maintenance of they will not be ready for you when you need the. Your woodworking router is one of those tools. Regular Routine Checking You should conduct regular checks on the router so as to find out any damages. Ensure…

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Contour Sanding Grips

By Robert Robillard

Rockler Double-Ended Contour Sanding Grips I want to share with you a cool tool that I recently grabbed that I wish I had bought these years ago!  They’re called profile or contour sanding grips. To me, sanding is a necessary evil. I don’t know anyone who enjoys sanding.  My carpenter friend George always reminds me to…

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