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ShopNotes
ShopNotes #131 2013-09-01

September 2013
Issue 131

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Table of Contents

Readers’ Tips4

Precision Joinery in Half the Time10

The JessEm Pocket Mortise Mill II is a great way to create accurate mortises in short order.

Stronger Joints with Ease12

Nails and brads have a place in the shop. Here’s how to get sturdy joints with them.

You can find cut nails online at Lehman’s, Lee Valley, and Tremont Nail Company.

5 Money-Saving, Shop-Made Clamps14

Why buy specialty clamps when you can make them yourself? These five clamps solve some challenging clamping tasks.

  • Page 17: Figure 3
    The pattern at the bottom of the page currently reads: Enlarge 400%. It should read Enlarge 200%. The grid key on the right side of the drawing states One Square = ½” It should read One Square = ¼” The scale of the overall size of the Jaw is correct; however, the scale of the radii that make up the inner profile of the jaw is not. In addition, the larger radius labeled incorrectly. Instead of 1 ½” it should be 1 3/8”. Finally, the centerpoint of each radius need to be aligned horizontally.

Online Extras

The clamps were finished with a couple coats of a wipe-on oil/polyurethane blend.

Handy Roll-Around Shop Stool20

Take a load off your feet and back with this easy-to-build shop stool. The open design keeps tools close at hand while you work.

The stool was painted with Aura satin paint from Benjamin-Moore in Army Green color. It was then sprayed with lacquer followed by a glaze using General Finishes’ Candlelight gel stain.

No-Muss, No-Fuss Finishing24

With the right tools and techniques, a water-based finish is the quick way to a great result.

Shop Short Cuts26

Check out our shop-tested tips and techniques for solving your woodworking problems.

Power Tool Workbench28

This heavy-duty workstation features a large worksurface, ample storage, and a cordless tool recharging shelf. If you’re a power tool user, then this bench is for you.

  • Page 29: Materials & Hardware list
    The quantity of #8 x 1" and #6 x 1/2" Fh Woodscrews are wrong. The #8 x 2" Fh Woodscrews should instead be #8 x 1-1/2". The corrected portion of the list should read as follows: • (12) #8 x 1" Fh Woodscrews • (30) #6 x 1/2" Fh Woodscrews • (10) #8 x 1-1/2" Fh Woodscrews
  • Page 33: Figure 6b
    The size of screws used for assembling and attaching the rack was omitted. The correct size is #8 x 1-1/4".
  • Page 31: Copy
    The first complete sentence at the top of the third column should be deleted: "A dado near each end fits over the tongue you made earlier in the sides." Also, the artwork in Figure 3a needs to have vertical break lines between the divider and aluminum angle.
  • Page 29: Materials list, part 'C'
    The width of the sides should be 29-1/2" instead of the 29-1/4" shown.

Online Extras

The cabinet of the bench was painted with Benjamin-Moore Aura satin paint, Fair Isle Blue color. The benchtop, totes, and shelf were finished with a wipe-on oil finish.

Quick & Easy Cutoff Bin34

Keeping cutoffs and small pieces of sheet goods organized is always a hassle. This mobile storage bin provides the solution.

Online Extras

High-Tech Routing: CNC Basics38

High technology meets the workshop: Here’s a look at what you need to know.

Online Extras

4 Simple Ways to Make It Mobile44

Improve your shop by going mobile. These four options provide a solution for any shop.

Our Top Picks for New Shop Tools48

Check out the latest new products that make time in your shop more enjoyable.

You can find bits for your impact
driver at hardware stores, home
centers, and various online retailers,
including amazon.com.

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