Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Woodworking). This thread is read-only.
This isn’t really for big tools such as planers, joiners, table saws, etc.
This thread is about little hand tools, accessories, layout tools. Stuff that makes those big tools easier to use, make your projects easy to finish and/or improve results. I’d prefer to skip the traditional clamps because we all know how useful clamps are but could include specialty clamps, maybe dovetail clamps. Safety is also more than welcome, need to keep those digits!
Tips and tricks also welcome because, why not?!
BUT this is TiA, we don’t need guidelines, no one is going to complain if you post something you thought classified for this thread!
Rockler silicone glue brushes, cheap and they spread glue well and they don’t need to be cleaned immediately or ruined!
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Concave sanding pads, also available on convex and other shapes. Available at Rockler, Amazon, eBay. Under $10
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Silicone mat, wood glue doesn’t stick to it. Great to use while using a heatgun. Rockler has a great one but I bought the cheapest 2-pack on Amazon ($20):
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Rockler’s is $25 but it’s thicker and textured(probably easier to peel wood glue up).
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Oddball tips that I’ve acquired:
Packing clear tape over a piece of wood is a great base for glue-ups, wood glue doesn’t stick. I use this method with my jawhorse (which I use as a makeshift woodworker’s vice.
HF aluminum clamps, cut a filler piece of pine to slide into the clamp. It makes the clamp significantly stronger.
Blue painters tape and double sided tape. Using them together is a third great thing. Put blue painters tape down the. The double sided tape on top of it. The surface won’t get harmed from the double sided tape.
Hand planes. Oh man are these things useful. A small apron or block plane is great to chamfer or round over an edge. They also are great for panel glue ups where they don’t exactly line up. Plane the top part away. Sanding will normally leave a divot where the plane won’t.
Card scraper. Get one. Just do it.
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rrich1 wrote:
11 hours ago, rrich1 said:Blue painters tape and double sided tape. Using them together is a third great thing. Put blue painters tape down the. The double sided tape on top of it. The surface won’t get harmed from the double sided tape.
Hand planes. Oh man are these things useful. A small apron or block plane is great to chamfer or round over an edge. They also are great for panel glue ups where they don’t exactly line up. Plane the top part away. Sanding will normally leave a divot where the plane won’t.
Card scraper. Get one. Just do it.
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I love the painters tape and double sided tape idea, soo simple and obvious but never thought of it!
I need to get myself some hand planes, I need to do a lot of research on them because I’m soo green on the subject. You, Chris, khariV and the Kendalls have me drooling over planes!
For a card scraper I use old gift/store credit cards.
Are you using the gift cards like this?BMack37 wrote:
I love the painters tape and double sided tape idea, soo simple and obvious but never thought of it!
I need to get myself some hand planes, I need to do a lot of research on them because I’m soo green on the subject. You, Chris, khariV and the Kendalls have me drooling over planes!
For a card scraper I use old gift/store credit cards.
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rrich1 wrote:
11 hours ago, rrich1 said:
Oh, I thought it was a scraper for glue which is really helpful.
That’s definitely interesting, I’ll have to get myself one of those, thanks! What brand do you have? I see Crown is made in Sheffield and Bahco has some from Portugal and Sweden.
BMack37 wrote:
17 minutes ago, BMack37 said:
Oh, I thought it was a scraper for glue which is really helpful.
That’s definitely interesting, I’ll have to get myself one of those, thanks! What brand do you have? I see Crown is made in Sheffield and Bahco has some from Portugal and Sweden.
i have these. Comes in a two pack. a thicker one and a thinner one. They went over how to put a hook on them at the hand tool event. It is really easy and actually takes very little time. In the demonstration he could go from no hook to a hook in probably 30 seconds. And that was with explaining it.
https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/handscrapers/handscrapers-hand-scraper-set-?node=4181
rrich1 wrote:
22 hours ago, rrich1 said:i have these. Comes in a two pack. a thicker one and a thinner one. They went over how to put a hook on them at the hand tool event. It is really easy and actually takes very little time. In the demonstration he could go from no hook to a hook in probably 30 seconds. And that was with explaining it.
https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/handscrapers/handscrapers-hand-scraper-set-?node=4181
Finally! Something from LN that I can afford!
Did you see that Jeff Mack has been recommending the Bahco utility scraper?
Ha! I know what you mean. I really want to get their chisels next.BMack37 wrote:
Finally! Something from LN that I can afford!
Did you see that Jeff Mack has been recommending the Bahco utility scraper?
Ya I have been seeing that. Looks really nice.
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rrich1 wrote:
23 hours ago, rrich1 said:Ha! I know what you mean. I really want to get their chisels next.
Ya I have been seeing that. Looks really nice.
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Their site gets expensive quick. I like my Marples but I’m sure there is soo much better out there. I do really need a hand plane, it’s becoming a real issue working without one. I haven’t been able to find something vintage locally and the good planes are more expensive than some of my power tools.
Look at Lee valley veritas as well. Their planes are cheaper than LN. Veritas are as good if not better than LN. LN is very traditional while veritas makes improvements to the original designs and starts from scratch.BMack37 wrote:
Their site gets expensive quick. I like my Marples but I’m sure there is soo much better out there. I do really need a hand plane, it’s becoming a real issue working without one. I haven’t been able to find something vintage locally and the good planes are more expensive than some of my power tools.
I am contemplating selling my record planes though. I’ll have to mull it over. I have a 4,5, and 7.
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Veritas is where I’m putting my money, their tools seem to be a better value for my money, plus I’m not attached to the traditional plane styles so I see no reason to pay a higher price for them. Veritas also has better prices on other items like saws. A pair of carcass saws (rip and crosscut) is $139 from LV, LN has a single carcass saw (crosscut only) for $140. LN also seems to use some proprietary fasteners and want you to buy a $30 screwdriver.
The standard #4 bench plane is $232 at LV and $300 at LN ($350 of you want bronze). The LV has the PM-V11 blade and the LN has an A2 blade; replacement A2 blades are similarly priced on both sites. The PM-V11 replacement blade from LV costs more, however if taken care of the PM-V11 should outlast the A2 meaning less replacements over the plane’s lifetime.
I will give the nod to LN on their regular plane lateral/forward adjustment. The veritas uses a different style and isn’t as easy as the LN/Stanley style.
I have a veritas apron plane, cabinet scraper, and dovetail saw. All awesome tools. I will be picking and choosing my planes between LN and veritas. Veritas has a major lead on the shoulder planes. They made significant improvements on them and are much more manageable in the hands.
With the wood whisperer guild discount for LN it brings the pricing closer to veritas making decisions harder lol.
Matt Estlea has put out some awesome comparison videos between LN and veritas including bench planes, chisels, router planes.
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And don’t forget that PMV11 is great and my Veritas 4-1/2 has it but A2 has its strengths too.
I really love the pmv-11 blade in my apron plane.ChrisK wrote:
And don’t forget that PMV11 is great and my Veritas 4-1/2 has it but A2 has its strengths too.
Btw…tried the LAJ #5 today. Oh so sweet!
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Yup, mine is pretty sweet too. I’ve got three Blue Spruce chisels on the way plus another set of Lie Nielsen scrapers and a burnished on the way. They should all be here on Monday. Still eating on my Jack Rabbet from LN, they said another three weeks of production before they ship ☹️ It’s a phenomenal plane but the guy was telling me they don’t sell very many so don’t keep many in stock. This Christmas everybody bought the Jack Rabbet apparently so Chris waits. It’ll be nice when I’m building my Nicholson. I met with my Neurosurgeons this week and got the approval to go back to being a sergeant and the ability to lift my Son FINALLY! So I can increase my exercise now and that will include some shop time 😄😇🙏👍🤙😜😎 Looks like ill be back to my day job in just a couple of quick weeks! 🏎🚓
rrich1 wrote:
2 hours ago, rrich1 said:Matt Estlea has put out some awesome comparison videos between LN and veritas including bench planes, chisels, router planes.
I’ll have to watch them. I actually just came across him the other day when trying to find a video on building a plane till. Didn’t find a good plane till video, but found his “What Planes Do You Need?” video, the one on saws, and the one on chisels. I’m watching through his Roubo build now.
Awesome to hear! Id hate not being able to pick my kids up. My good work news is I have weekends off this year. We did shift sign up in December and I managed to get the same shift 3-11p but weekends off. Never had weekends off since I’ve had a job so it’s kinda weird.ChrisK wrote:
Yup, mine is pretty sweet too. I’ve got three Blue Spruce chisels on the way plus another set of Lie Nielsen scrapers and a burnished on the way. They should all be here on Monday. Still eating on my Jack Rabbet from LN, they said another three weeks of production before they ship [emoji852]️ It’s a phenomenal plane but the guy was telling me they don’t sell very many so don’t keep many in stock. This Christmas everybody bought the Jack Rabbet apparently so Chris waits. It’ll be nice when I’m building my Nicholson. I met with my Neurosurgeons this week and got the approval to go back to being a sergeant and the ability to lift my Son FINALLY! So I can increase my exercise now and that will include some shop time [emoji1][emoji56][emoji120][emoji106]🤙[emoji12][emoji41] Looks like ill be back to my day job in just a couple of quick weeks! [emoji964][emoji600]
I really liked the LN honing guide.
What use will you have for the carriage plane?
Love to see your thoughts on the blue spruce chisels.
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I found him probably six or so months ago. Really good editing style. His how to and comparison videos are really well done and gives good solid woodworker insight about why something is better or not.jtkendall wrote:
I’ll have to watch them. I actually just came across him the other day when trying to find a video on building a plane till. Didn’t find a good plane till video, but found his “What Planes Do You Need?” video, the one on saws, and the one on chisels. I’m watching through his Roubo build now.
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jtkendall wrote:
1 hour ago, jtkendall said:
I’ll have to watch them. I actually just came across him the other day when trying to find a video on building a plane till. Didn’t find a good plane till video, but found his “What Planes Do You Need?” video, the one on saws, and the one on chisels. I’m watching through his Roubo build now.
Try his sharpening video… good stuff
rrich1 wrote:
13 minutes ago, rrich1 said:Awesome to hear! Id hate not being able to pick my kids up. My good work news is I have weekends off this year. We did shift sign up in December and I managed to get the same shift 3-11p but weekends off. Never had weekends off since I’ve had a job so it’s kinda weird.
I really liked the LN honing guide.
What use will you have for the carriage plane?
Love to see your thoughts on the blue spruce chisels.
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I’ve got the Veritas and everybody says the LN is better. Grrrrr.
That Rabbet plane will do some heavy tenon work for me and I might get a second blade and camber the corners and use it as an extra large smoother.
Not holding my little bit for over a month SUCKED. But this weekend we watched some tv and he crawled up in my lap for a hug. Now I can pick the squirt up all day long though truthfully I need to start working out, it’s amazing how weak I still am.
jtkendall wrote:
1 hour ago, jtkendall said:
I’ll have to watch them. I actually just came across him the other day when trying to find a video on building a plane till. Didn’t find a good plane till video, but found his “What Planes Do You Need?” video, the one on saws, and the one on chisels. I’m watching through his Roubo build now.
Sorry forgot to attach the link!
I have the veritas as well. Might sell it for the LN.ChrisK wrote:
I’ve got the Veritas and everybody says the LN is better. Grrrrr.
That Rabbet plane will do some heavy tenon work for me and I might get a second blade and camber the corners and use it as an extra large smoother.
Not holding my little bit for over a month SUCKED. But this weekend we watched some tv and he crawled up in my lap for a hug. Now I can pick the squirt up all day long though truthfully I need to start working out, it’s amazing how weak I still am.
Makes sense on the plane.
Glad everything is going better for you.
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BMack37 wrote:
On 1/31/2018 at 2:43 PM, BMack37 said:You, Chris, khariV and the Kendalls have me drooling over planes!
I’ve yet to use any of my planes. The Apron Plane from Veritas still needs to be wiped down with mineral spirits and the three Millers Falls are apart but sitting in totes until I get around to cleaning them up. I’ve been so busy with work that all of my woodworking plans have been set aside so I can complete the project.
I hope to have a break after this week where I can get started on the Millers Falls restorations and build some Wood Whisperer shaker tables… and a workbench.
This is an awesome topic. I’m sure I am going to add to this one more than once, but right off of the top of my head, I want to add the Rockler Corner Clamp jig. It has made making box type units super easy.
OOH, I have another item to add.
I love the Magswitch magnetic featherboard. I use it all of the time because it is easy to use and very quick to adjust.
I’ve got the narrower mag switch board, absolutely love it.
Honestly, one tool I could not live without, even though it’s not used to often, is a BFH!
WigWagWorkshop wrote:
1 hour ago, WigWagWorkshop said:Honestly, one tool I could not live without, even though it’s not used to often, is a BFH!
may I ask what a BFH is?
Jronman wrote:
1 hour ago, Jronman said:may I ask what a BFH is?
Sorry, my apologizes “Big F*ckin’ Hammer”
WigWagWorkshop wrote:
7 hours ago, WigWagWorkshop said:Honestly, one tool I could not live without, even though it’s not used to often, is a BFH!
I have a few of those myself. I don’t use the 3lb a lot but I use my dead blows and one engineering hammer often. Now that I’m making mallets, the deadblows might get used less. I really like my little 12oz that I just made. I need to make a bigger-faced lightweight mallet.
BMack37 wrote:
On 1/31/2018 at 3:11 AM, BMack37 said:Concave sanding pads, also available on convex and other shapes. Available at Rockler, Amazon, eBay. Under $10
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Lee Valley has a 15pc set (6 convex, 5 concave, and 4 angled) for only $15.90.
justinkendall wrote:
1 hour ago, justinkendall said:
Lee Valley has a 15pc set (6 convex, 5 concave, and 4 angled) for only $15.90.
Lee Valley also has free shipping going on right now until Feb, 21. (not that anyone needs another reason, but there it is.)
khariV wrote:
4 hours ago, khariV said:
Lee Valley also has free shipping going on right now until Feb, 21. (not that anyone needs another reason, but there it is.)
It’s only on orders of $40 or more though so now is a good time to pickup a set of card scrapers and bench dogs as well.
justinkendall wrote:
13 hours ago, justinkendall said:
Lee Valley has a 15pc set (6 convex, 5 concave, and 4 angled) for only $15.90.
Nice find!
Oh man, I just thought of another thing. Parallel Clamps. I use them all of the time. I’ve got Bessey Revo clamps and some Jorgensens. Unfortunately, Jorgensen went out of business recently.
As a matter of fact, I just noticed today that Bessey has come out with a new set of parallel clamps. They improved on their K Body Revo clamps and they are calling them the K Body REVOlution. I don’t believe they are available yet, but when they are, I am getting some for sure.
tugnut1 wrote:
2 hours ago, tugnut1 said:Oh man, I just thought of another thing. Parallel Clamps. I use them all of the time. I’ve got Bessey Revo clamps and some Jorgensens. Unfortunately, Jorgensen went out of business recently.
As a matter of fact, I just noticed today that Bessey has come out with a new set of parallel clamps. They improved on their K Body Revo clamps and they are calling them the K Body REVOlution. I don’t believe they are available yet, but when they are, I am getting some for sure.
I might take another look at Bessey clamps when these come out if I can lay my hands on some. I really and truly dislike the existing Bessey K Body clamps. The release mechanism in the lever on the ones that I had was always sticking and really difficult to engage and release without picking up and moving my entire work piece, which of course moved things enough that everything shifted out of alignment. I ended up selling them and switching over to Jets.
khariV wrote:
18 hours ago, khariV said:I might take another look at Bessey clamps when these come out if I can lay my hands on some. I really and truly dislike the existing Bessey K Body clamps. The release mechanism in the lever on the ones that I had was always sticking and really difficult to engage and release without picking up and moving my entire work piece, which of course moved things enough that everything shifted out of alignment. I ended up selling them and switching over to Jets.
I’ve had the same issues with the besseys. I think it has a lot to do with the grooves they cut in the bar to help the jaws bite in. I bought a couple Jorgensens right before they went out of business and I really like them. I haven’t tried the Jet clamps yet.
I have some besseys and a few jets from their Thanksgiving sale. The Jets are much much better. I’d love to get all jets. But having to wait once a year for any type of sale really sucks.
A good workbench and vise are very underrated until you have them. They make life so much easier and open up a lot of things you can do. If you have the room build a good solid bench with vises.
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My bottle of CMT cleaner is a top contender. Using it to clean off caked on wood off my bits/blades is very nice. I sometimes I also use it to do a quick wipe on other tools/power tools that are needing cleaned.