Small Dovetailed Desk

Fir Wall System

Overview showing disguising of architectural columns

Detail showing pull out desk and sliding closet door

Woodworking Tip # 17: TOPCOTE for Hand Planes

Your hand planes will really take off if you spray the bottom with a layer of TOPCOTE by Bostik.   I had used this product for years to clean, seal and reduce friction on the beds of my table saw, jointer, planer, etc., but then one day I sprayed it on the bottom of my jointer plane pictured to the left.  The results were scary, as if the plane now had some propulsion of its own!  Try it, and you will be a believer.  I have concluded that most of the resistance in pushing a hand plane is the dynamic friction of the sole and not the cutting done by the knife.  Polish the sole thoroughly after application.  Other woodworkers have certainly discovered this too, though Bostik does not include the suggestion on their TOPCOTE can.   It is certainly a very effective use of this excellent product.

Tool Tip #13: Miter Gauge Tightening

The miter gauge that comes with many stationary tools typically fits loosely enough to induce errors.  Unless the miter gauge guide bar is fitted with adjusters, you can still make it snug in its slot by just adding a layer of transparent tape.  In the photo I add a single layer of "Scotch" tape to one side of my table saw miter gauge bar and trim the excess with a razor blade.  The tape's thickness of .001" is all that it takes to eliminate any play, and the surprise is that this quick fix lasts several years.  A layer could be added to the other side as well if the play were really bad.