Taking care of your woodworking tools doesn't always require special accessories or expensive supplies. Sometimes a piece of packaging, a hardware-store mending plate, or a little wax is all you need to solve a frustrating problem.
In this collection of Woodsmith Quick Tips, three readers share practical ideas for protecting sharp chisel edges, improving the grip of a jointer push block, and keeping wooden tool handles comfortable during long sessions in the shop.
1. Make Chisel Blade Protectors from Plastic Packaging
A good tool roll keeps chisels organized and easy to transport, but the sharp edges can eventually cut through the fabric. The corners of a chisel are particularly vulnerable, both to damaging the roll and to getting nicked when the tools bump against one another.
Jim Koepke of Longview, Washington, found an inexpensive solution in the tough plastic blister packaging that comes with many household products.
After opening a package, he uses a sturdy pair of scissors to cut the plastic into small pieces. He then folds each piece to create a simple blade protector that slips over the end of a chisel.
The folded plastic shields the cutting edge and corners from bumps while keeping them from cutting into the tool roll. It's a practical way to reuse material that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Woodsmith Tip: Trim away sharp corners or burrs from the plastic before using it, and make sure the protector stays securely in place. Handle the chisel carefully when fitting or removing the guard.
Shop tip submitted by Jim Koepke, Longview, Washington.
2. Improve a Jointer Push Block with a Steel Gripping Plate
When you're milling rough-sawn lumber, maintaining a firm grip on the workpiece is essential. But the rubber pads on conventional push blocks can wear quickly against rough wood, and they don't always provide the grip you need.
Mark A. Williams of Sparta, Wisconsin, came up with a modification for his push block using a truss repair mending plate.
These steel plates have sharp, raised points designed to bite into wood. Mark drills small mounting holes in the plate and screws it to the underside of his push block. The points dig into rough lumber, helping the block maintain a firm grip as he guides the board across the jointer.
Unlike a rubber pad, the steel gripping surface is less susceptible to abrasion from rough stock. It's a useful idea for the early stages of milling, when the board's surface is still uneven.
Woodsmith Tip: This modification is intended for gripping rough stock, not finished surfaces, since the steel points will leave marks. Make sure the plate is securely attached and that its teeth and mounting screws cannot contact the cutterhead. Use the jointer's guards and appropriate push-block procedures at all times.
Shop tip submitted by Mark A. Williams, Sparta, Wisconsin.
3. Refinish Wooden Tool Handles with Bowling Alley Wax
A wooden tool handle should feel comfortable and secure in your hand. Unfortunately, some varnished handles can become tacky during extended use, particularly when your hands get sweaty.
Martin Whitcomb of Divide, Colorado, encountered this problem with his wood-handled tools. After a long session in the shop, the sticky finish could even cause blisters.
His solution was to remove the existing varnish and refinish the handles with bowling alley wax.
The wax dries to a hard, water-resistant surface that feels smooth and pleasant in the hand. Martin reapplies it every few years as needed, and he's found that the finish improves with continued use.
He now uses this approach on all his wooden tool handles. It's a straightforward way to refresh an uncomfortable handle without changing its shape or replacing it.
Woodsmith Tip: Before applying wax, remove the old finish as needed and make sure the handle is clean and dry. Apply the wax according to the product directions, then buff away the excess. Avoid building up a slick coating that could compromise your grip.
Shop tip submitted by Martin Whitcomb, Divide, Colorado.
Simple Ways to Protect and Improve Your Woodworking Tools
These three tips show how small changes can make a difference in the way your tools perform and feel. A folded piece of plastic protects a sharp chisel, a steel plate helps a push block grip rough lumber, and a fresh wax finish makes a wooden handle more comfortable.
The next time a tool accessory wears out or a handle starts to feel uncomfortable, consider whether a simple shop-made solution might do the trick.
