Some of the handiest shop accessories come from finding a new use for something you already have. A leftover piece of plastic can become an epoxy spreader, a magnet can provide convenient push-stick storage, and a soft brass brush can help clean up layout marks.
In this collection of Woodsmith Quick Tips, three readers share inexpensive ways to make woodworking tasks a little easier.
1. Make a Disposable Epoxy Mixer and Spreader from Mini Blinds
Mixing a small batch of epoxy doesn't require a special tool. But it's helpful to have something that's sturdy enough to blend the resin and hardener, then spread the mixture where it's needed.
Crayola England of Des Moines, Iowa, found a clever solution in an old set of plastic mini blinds.
She cuts a short section from one of the blind slats and uses it to mix the epoxy. The plastic strip is rigid enough to stir the components together, and its flat surface makes it useful for spreading the mixture onto a workpiece.
When she's finished, she can simply dispose of the strip rather than cleaning epoxy off a reusable tool.
It's a handy way to put scrap material to work, especially when mixing small batches for woodworking repairs or assembly.
Woodsmith Tip: Mix epoxy in the proportions and for the time specified by its manufacturer. Wear suitable gloves, work in a ventilated area, and check that the plastic strip is compatible with the epoxy you're using.
Shop tip submitted by Crayola England, Des Moines, Iowa.
2. Keep a Band Saw Resawing Push Stick Within Reach
When resawing thin stock on a band saw, a narrow push stick can help guide the workpiece while keeping your hands farther from the blade.
Scott Kirk of Solon, Iowa, frequently uses a thin push stick for this task. To make sure it's available whenever he needs it, he added a simple storage feature.
Scott attached a magnet to the end of his push stick. Now he can hang it directly on the metal band saw cover between uses.
The push stick stays close to the saw instead of getting buried on a bench or misplaced among other tools.
It's a small modification, but having the right accessory ready to go makes it easier to use it consistently.
Woodsmith Tip: Store the push stick where it won't interfere with the blade, wheels, guards, or other moving parts. Before resawing, make sure the blade and fence are properly set up and use a push stick suited to the size and shape of the workpiece.
Shop tip submitted by Scott Kirk, Solon, Iowa.
3. Remove Chalk Marks from Open-Grain Wood with a Brass Brush
White chalk is useful for making visible layout marks on dark wood. But removing those marks can be frustrating, especially on open-grain species such as walnut and oak.
Chalk can settle into the pores, where a cloth may have trouble reaching it.
Dan Martin of Galena, Ohio, uses a soft-bristle brass brush to remove stubborn chalk from the wood surface.
The fine bristles reach into the open grain and help dislodge chalk that remains after wiping. It's a quick way to clean up layout marks before moving on to the next step of a project.
Woodsmith Tip: Use a soft brush and light pressure. Test it on a scrap or inconspicuous area first, particularly on softer woods or surfaces that are already finished, to make sure the bristles don't leave scratches.
Shop tip submitted by Dan Martin, Galena, Ohio.
Simple Solutions for Common Woodworking Tasks
These three reader-submitted tips demonstrate how small changes can make shop work more convenient. A plastic mini-blind slat serves as a disposable epoxy mixer and spreader, a magnet keeps a band saw push stick close at hand, and a soft brass brush helps remove chalk from open-grain wood.
They're inexpensive ideas that are easy to put to work the next time you're mixing epoxy, resawing stock, or cleaning up layout marks.
