Sometimes the biggest challenge in a woodworking project isn't cutting the joinery or assembling the parts. It's figuring out how to hold an awkward piece steady, keep a custom paint color from drying out, or manage glue while you're working.
In this collection of Woodsmith Quick Tips, three readers share simple solutions to those everyday shop problems. Each idea uses readily available supplies and requires little, if any, fabrication.
1. Secure an Awkward Project with Compound Clamping
Sanding and finishing a rocking chair can be frustrating. Its curved rockers make it difficult to hold the chair steady, and setting it directly on a workbench doesn't always put it at a comfortable working height.
Ed Baxter of Rittman, Ohio, came up with a clever clamping arrangement when he was ready to sand his rocking chair.
First, he secured the rockers with wood handscrew clamps. Then he used F-style clamps to attach the handscrew clamps to a pair of sawhorses.
The combination holds the chair in position and raises it to a convenient height for sanding and finishing. Instead of trying to stabilize the chair with one hand while working with the other, Ed can concentrate on the task at hand.
It's a useful approach for other awkwardly shaped projects, too. Handscrew clamps can grip a workpiece, while a second set of clamps secures the assembly to a stable support.
Woodsmith Tip: Before sanding or finishing, check that all the clamps are tight and the sawhorses are stable. Use protective pads where needed to avoid leaving clamp marks on finished surfaces.
Shop tip submitted by Ed Baxter, Rittman, Ohio.
2. Store Leftover Mixed Paint in Squeezable Containers
Mixing a custom paint color takes time, especially when you're trying to match an existing finish or achieve a particular shade. If you have paint left over, it's worth keeping some for touch-ups or another coat.
But partially filled containers leave room for air, which can contribute to paint drying out during storage.
Ryan Ficek of Montgomery, Alabama, found an inexpensive way to store his leftover mixed paint. He transfers it into small, squeezable plastic flasks.
As he fills each flask, he can squeeze out excess air before sealing it. The smaller containers also let him divide a batch of paint into convenient portions instead of repeatedly opening one larger container.
This makes it easier to keep a little extra paint on hand when a project needs a touch-up.
Woodsmith Tip: Use containers compatible with your particular paint, and label each one with the color and date. Follow the paint manufacturer's storage guidance; not every paint or finish is suitable for storage in plastic containers.
Shop tip submitted by Ryan Ficek, Montgomery, Alabama.
3. Use Small Plastic Containers as Glue Palettes
When I'm brushing glue onto a joint, I like having a small amount in a separate container rather than working directly from the bottle. It makes the glue easier to access and helps keep the bottle clean.
Zach Berg of Overland Park, Kansas, uses small plastic ramekins as glue palettes during assembly.
They're a convenient size for holding the amount of glue needed for a typical glue-up, and their wide openings make it easy to dip a brush into the glue.
Many takeout meals come with these small containers, so you may already have a few on hand. They're also available in larger quantities if you want to keep a supply in the shop.
Another advantage is that many ramekins come with lids. You can cover the glue during a short pause in the assembly process rather than leaving it exposed on the bench.
Woodsmith Tip: Pour out only as much glue as you expect to use. A lid can help protect glue during a brief interruption, but follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for storage and pot life, particularly with two-part glues.
Shop tip submitted by Zach Berg, Overland Park, Kansas.
Small Shop Solutions for Smoother Project Assembly
These three tips show how everyday supplies can make woodworking tasks more convenient. A combination of handscrew and F-style clamps holds an awkward project steady, squeezable containers help preserve leftover mixed paint, and small plastic ramekins keep glue ready for brushing.
They're simple ideas, but each solves a problem that can interrupt your workflow. The next time you're preparing for a glue-up or finishing session, a small change in how you hold or organize your materials may make the job easier.
