Question: I am looking for a way to determine how to most efficiently cut work pieces from 4 x 8 plywood. Is there a service available on the Internet to help me optimize my sheet stock? Submitted by Maurie1 Answer: What you’re looking for is called optimization software. With this type of software you can…
Question: I’d like to plane some short pieces of 3/4″ x 1.515″ (approx) x 3.5″ long poplar. I am afraid the rollers won’t keep feeding the wood and I will get a large dwell mark, and I may possibly damage my new DV735 machine. Submitted by Jcoleman001 Answer: You’re right. The limiting factor in board…
Question: I like built-ins; window seats, quality shelving and the like. Do these things add or take away from the sale value of a home? Is there a minimum standard: good, better, best for finish vs. paint? Submitted by lpage Answer: I like adding my own woodworking projects to our home, but I’m not the…
Question: On SawStop’s website, they say that the SawStop cabinet saw must be wired directly into the shop power according to NEC. As I: 1) like to (must) move my saw and 2) always unplug it when I’m working on it, that seems odd to me. On your video, “Essential Woodworking Techniques,” you unplug the…
“I am looking at a used 10″ table saw to replace my very old one. The top has a light coating of rust from just sitting in the garage. How is the best way to remove it, if possible?” Submitted by: brandenbergs WWGOA Editor Response: I’ve had great luck getting surface rust off tools using…
“How can I cut across grain on OAK plywood and get a smooth cut? I used a brand new Freud Diablo 40-tooth circular saw blade and it chipped out on the cut. Please help.” Submitted by: lpribyl WWGOA Editor Response: There are a handful of tricks you can try for cutting across the grain. First,…
“How do you keep your table saw so shiny? I use tool spray, but it leaves the cast iron top foggy looking. Do you recommend a wax instead?” Submitted by: John WWGOA Editor Response: There are a number of good products on the market that will protect your tools. Wax is fine, but I’m too…
Question: What are framing spikes? The bench plans I have call for framing in of the bench base by assembling “them with the framing spikes as shown above.” I see no spikes in the picture. Thanks for your help. Submitted by T. Welsh Answer: Back when I was building houses, we called 16D nails, used…
“Do you have any suggestions about how to keep the water bath for my water stones from freezing in my shop during cold nights? I heat the shop only when I am working, so it gets below freezing some nights. I have brought the stones indoors for now, but this is very inconvenient. I have…
“What is a fair guideline when charging for projects to sell or building a small cabinet for someone? What is reasonable when considering cost of material and labor? Do you mark up the cost of material? What is a fair labor rate?” Submitted by: D. Bender Projects you might be interested in: How to Make…