Quick Tips

These tips are little things that I’ve learned or figured out with experience.  They should be self-explanatory.  They are in no particular order.

• Don’t store solvent for cyanoacrylate glue in a child-proof container.
• Rare-earth magnets are great for keeping hex keys, screwdrivers, wrenches and other accessories with the machines they belong to.
• Keep metal away from cutting edges.  Wooden jaw faces and bench dogs are awesome.
• Experiment.
• Have fun.
• Have a spot for everything.
• When unsure of what to do, pick up something and put it where it belongs.
• Not everything you can possibly need is made.  You are allowed to make tools and jigs.
• Don’t be afraid to modify tools so that they work better for you.
• Don’t believe everything you read or hear.
• Nobody can, or is expected to know everything or be proficient at everything.
• Find a local sawyer who is willing to work with you and stock up on wood.
• Throw away your scrap wood.  Even better – give it away!
• Store your hand saws vertically so dust, which traps moisture, doesn’t collect on the blades.
• Sharpen your tools when they are getting dull, not after they have dulled.
• Maintain your tools.
• Don’t buy the most expensive tool.  Buy the tool that is best suited for your needs.
• Throw away your old sandpaper.
• You can’t have enough drawers in the shop.
• Get a magnetic tool bar.  They are very handy for keeping chisels handy, yet off your bench.
• A cable reel is a great luxury.