Sometimes the most useful woodworking tips are the simplest. A little scrap plywood, a handful of zip ties, or a dab of putty can solve everyday frustrations without adding another expensive accessory to your shop.
These three reader-submitted tips from Woodsmith Issue 280 cover everything from getting more versatility out of a router bit to keeping your sanding setup organized and your nails within easy reach.
1. Make Your Own Router Bit Bearings to Adjust Cutting Depth
Steve Johnson of Altoona, Iowa, frequently uses his router table to cut woodworking joinery. Slot-cutting bits are especially useful, but he didn't want to purchase a different bit for every groove depth. His solution was to make a series of shop-made bearings from scrap plywood.
The plywood rings slip over the bit's existing bearing, effectively increasing its diameter and limiting how far the cutter extends into the workpiece. By making rings in different sizes, Steve can customize the depth of a groove using the same router bit. It's a practical way to get more versatility from a tool he already owns.
Woodsmith Tip: Make sure any shop-made bearing fits securely and clears the cutter and surrounding router components. Check the setup with the router unplugged before using it.
2. Keep Random-Orbit Sander Cords and Vacuum Hoses Together
Connecting a random-orbit sander to a shop vacuum helps collect dust while you work, but managing the power cord and vacuum hose can be frustrating. Eric Houghtaling of Carmel, Indiana, keeps his sander connected to his vacuum so it's ready whenever he needs to sand a project. To prevent the cord and hose from becoming tangled, he came up with a simple solution using zip ties.
Eric wraps the power cord around the vacuum hose and secures it at intervals with zip ties. After tightening the ties, he trims the excess ends and files down the sharp nubs. This keeps the cord and hose together, making the sanding setup easier to handle and store.
Woodsmith Tip: Leave enough slack near the sander and vacuum connections to avoid putting strain on the cord or hose. Don't cinch the ties so tightly that they pinch the hose or damage the cord.
3. Use Putty to Keep Nails Handy While Working on a Ladder
Trying to hold a handful of small nails while working on a ladder can be awkward, especially when you need both hands for the job. Carol Edwards of Westchester, Pennsylvania, found an easy way to keep her nails from getting scattered: a small blob of putty.
She presses the putty onto the top of the ladder and sticks the nails into it, much like pins in a pincushion. The nails stay in one place with their heads exposed, making them easy to grab as needed. It's a quick solution that requires no special holder or additional hardware.
Small Shop Improvements That Make a Difference
You don't always need a new tool or elaborate jig to make woodworking easier. These three tips use inexpensive materials to solve common problems: adjusting a router bit's cutting depth, managing cords and hoses, and keeping small fasteners organized.
The next time you run into a minor frustration in your shop, take a look at the materials you already have on hand. A simple solution might be all you need.
Originally published in Woodsmith Issue 280.
