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ShopNotes No. 61

5-in-1 Router Base Plate System

Brad Nailers

Drill Press Sharpening Wheel

Adjustable Hand Plane

Features

Jigs & Accessories

6 / 5-in-1 Router Base Plate System

A unique router base plate system makes it easy to use a number of shop-built accessories — mortising jig, circle cutter, flush trim jig, edge guide, and benchtop fence and table.

In The Shop

14 / Brad Nailers

A brad nailer can now be standard equipment for every workshop. We’ll give you the reasons why and the features to look for when selecting one for your shop.

Feature Project

18 / Drill Press Sharpening Wheel

Use the low speed of your drill press to sharpen a plate iron or chisel in minutes. Plus, this sharpening wheel features a leather top for honing a razor sharp edge.

Tips & Techniques

25 / Tapping Threads

A jig, fixture, or tool will often work better and more accurately by tapping the metal parts to accept threaded fasteners. Here’s what you need to know about tapping threads.

Fine Tools

26 / Adjustable Hand Plane

The look and feel of a traditional wood plane with some of the easy-to-use features you find on a metal plane: an adjustable throat opening and a secure blade-mounting system.

Departments

4 / Readers' Tips

Shop-tested tips to solve common woodworking problems.

32 / Shop Talk

We take on the left or right tilt debate. When it comes to table saws, is one really better than the other?

34 / Tool Chest

In this new department, we take a look at tools we use day in and day out. First up — Sandvik scrapers.