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1500 questions
7
votes
2 answers

hand plane controls (bevel down)

I finally got a decent craigslist haul of a #4, #5 1/4, #6 Stanley Bailey and a bunch of spare blades. I have been searching online and can find explanations for each of the adjustments. But I am having a hard time understanding how they interact…
jbord39
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7
votes
2 answers

How do I cut a lap in the middle of a 2x6 that does not extend to either end of the board without using a router?

I need to cut a 2" x 1/2" lap in the middle of a 2x6 (5-1/2" on either end will NOT be cut...only the middle 3 feet). Without a router or router table, what is the best way to accomplish this? Something like this:
gman4691
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7
votes
4 answers

What is damaging this finished oak surface?

I have a lovely oak table; most of its surface looks as pristine as the day I got it, e.g.: Parts of the table surface are getting damaged -- the finish is wearing off and the pores of the grain are exposed and feel pitted to the touch, e.g.: Any…
Kevin Cain
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7
votes
2 answers

Similar wood to Koa

Long story short, I recently got a chance to visit Hawaii a few months ago, and while there really fell in love with all of the Koa wood stuff they have there. The wood is really beautiful, but the problem is that it's really expensive (they can…
Jance
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7
votes
1 answer

What are the minimum, maximum, and optimal depths for dadoes, grooves, and rabbets?

I kind of assume that dadoes, grooves, rabbets / rebates should be no deeper than half the thickness of the material. So, in 3/4" stock, dadoes should be no deeper than 3/8". Anything deeper would compromise the integrity of the wood. Is that…
mmathis
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7
votes
2 answers

What are the different types/grades of wood glue?

I was wondering what where different types or grades of glue there is for gluing wood. I use titebond and there is others. My Question is simple. Can somebody list the different types and how the benefit over the others. Like maybe titebond is the…
Ljk2000
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7
votes
1 answer

Use a fence with a router bit with a bearing?

I was putting a roundover on some pieces and used my router table. The table has a fence, and the 1/8" roundover bit I used had a bearing on the bottom (top with the router installed in the table). I didn't bother setting my fence very accurately,…
mmathis
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7
votes
5 answers

Is it necessary to apply finish to both sides of a table top?

I am building a very large (110" X 48") dining table. I intend to finish the wood by applying Danish oil and a water-based, oil-modified, polyurethane. Since it won't be exposed to wear, is it necessary to seal the underside of the table?
Jeromy French
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7
votes
1 answer

How to build a picture frame?

As a first project I would like to build a picture frame. The picture frame I want to build is 24"w 1"d 21"h. I do not have a table saw and for some unknown reason I am scared of them. So using a table saw is not an option for me at this point. I…
Joe
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7
votes
3 answers

Reading a hardwood dealer's price list for plywood

I've seen The Wood Whisperer's video about some of the terms and such you see at a hardwood dealer, but it deals mostly with solid wood. There are some topics he doesn't touch on, like the various grades of plywood. I have the price list from my…
mmathis
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7
votes
4 answers

What tools do I need to start making cabinets?

I am looking for what equipment I need to start a minimal shop that will eventually be making nice cabinets. I have no preference for power tools versus hand tools. I already have a cheap contractor's table saw, a drill, and some screwdrivers.
Adam Zuckerman
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7
votes
1 answer

What is the best way to slice CHUNKS of wood?

Here is a photo of the floor I plan to install in my barn house. I have a great source for the wood, but it is all in "chunks" that are approximately 9"x11"x14". My (old) table saw blade doesn't raise high enough to easily cut even halfway through,…
Tennessean
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7
votes
3 answers

How to join short boards to make a longer panel

I'm pretty familiar with edge joining boards of the same width to make a panel (for a table top, cabinet door, or whatever) but I've never done a project where I also need to end join short boards, and I'm a little unsure of what order I should do…
Jedediah
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7
votes
3 answers

What's water sandpaper for?

I bought 320 grit sandpaper the other day and only noticed now that it's a different kind, labelled 'water' instead of 'cabinet' sandpaper. I tried using a bit of it and it seemed to work fine. So what's water sandpaper for?
user2251
7
votes
2 answers

Can I turn my router table into a jointer?

I would like to use my router table as a jointer since I can not afford the cost of a jointer itself. What modifications would I need to do to the router fence (maybe?) to make it work the best. Is there an easy way to set the bit to the right…
Ljk2000
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