Feel free to add. Here's the things I've found were incredibly useful, and didn't cost a fortune
a) Bessey - 4 piece clutch clamp set (Home Depot)
True - there's a difference between Bessey and BESSEY. I have both. However, this little set delivers
pretty good value for $20. There's similar sets from DeWalt, and I'd guess Irwin. These clamps deliver 600 lbs
of power - which is fine for most applications. For big glue-ups, I have special clamps.
b) Irwin corner clamp (Lowes)
True 90 degree joins have always given me fits ---- until I got this. I built a bookshelf in half the time it usually takes.
I absolutely love this tool.
c) 3/8" dowel drilling kit (Rockler)
I have tried a lot of different approaches for jonery ---- the dowel is my go-to.
This handy little jig often goes on sale. It's worth every penny.
I like this more than my fancy auto-center jig. The clear plastic is super easy to align with the pencil mark.
This jig doesn't take any time to get onto the wood. It'll always be spot-on ----- as long as you're using true 3/4"
d) Empire true blue speed square
My eyes are getting old -------- so small print is awful for reading. Empire totally made my day when
I picked up their blue speed square. I can read and cut quickly, again.
Stanley and Milwaukee make some high visibility squares, as well.
The blue is perfect for my eyes.
e) Gent's saw (woodworking store of your choice)
I picked mine up on sale at woodcraft. Great little saw that allows me to work close-in.
When I feel artsy, I do hand-cut dovetails with it.
f) Vertical Pen Blank Drilling Jaws
I make pens - which means I need my pen blanks centered on the drilling vise.
Penn State industries offers these really cool inserts for just $13 ------- they have a perfectly vertical
slot, so your blank gets a straight hole in it. My pens come out much nicer, now that I have centered holes.
If you ever need help drilling a centered hole ------ this is going to help you a ton.
a) Bessey - 4 piece clutch clamp set (Home Depot)
True - there's a difference between Bessey and BESSEY. I have both. However, this little set delivers
pretty good value for $20. There's similar sets from DeWalt, and I'd guess Irwin. These clamps deliver 600 lbs
of power - which is fine for most applications. For big glue-ups, I have special clamps.
b) Irwin corner clamp (Lowes)
True 90 degree joins have always given me fits ---- until I got this. I built a bookshelf in half the time it usually takes.
I absolutely love this tool.
c) 3/8" dowel drilling kit (Rockler)
I have tried a lot of different approaches for jonery ---- the dowel is my go-to.
This handy little jig often goes on sale. It's worth every penny.
I like this more than my fancy auto-center jig. The clear plastic is super easy to align with the pencil mark.
This jig doesn't take any time to get onto the wood. It'll always be spot-on ----- as long as you're using true 3/4"
d) Empire true blue speed square
My eyes are getting old -------- so small print is awful for reading. Empire totally made my day when
I picked up their blue speed square. I can read and cut quickly, again.
Stanley and Milwaukee make some high visibility squares, as well.
The blue is perfect for my eyes.
e) Gent's saw (woodworking store of your choice)
I picked mine up on sale at woodcraft. Great little saw that allows me to work close-in.
When I feel artsy, I do hand-cut dovetails with it.
f) Vertical Pen Blank Drilling Jaws
I make pens - which means I need my pen blanks centered on the drilling vise.
Penn State industries offers these really cool inserts for just $13 ------- they have a perfectly vertical
slot, so your blank gets a straight hole in it. My pens come out much nicer, now that I have centered holes.
If you ever need help drilling a centered hole ------ this is going to help you a ton.
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