Welcome to Episode 6. It’s been a busy week for both Matt and Marc. Marc discusses the new upgrades to The Wood Whisperer’s website. There is a new streaming video and an actual chat room! Lots of fun so be sure to check it out.
Our first question is from Ty. He would like information about how to get that thick top layer on a bar top that he and friends are planning to build this summer. Marc says the finish is usually a 2-part, epoxy-style finish that is poured-on and refers listeners to www.Klockit.com for their finishing supplies.
Next e-mail is from Craig who is looking for the optimal way to glue up some large panels. Marc suggests using biscuits to keep the joints level and aligned. Parallel style clamps are also helpful. Matt suggests using cauls or maybe using narrower panels to make it more manageable.
Terry writes in and would like to follow up on a previous show’s question and would like additional information on the “how to’s” when one does not have dedicated equipment such as a jointer. Then Dan asks for an opinion and discussion on the strengths vs. weaknesses for the various types of joinery such as mortise and tenons, biscuits, pocket holes, etc. for an upcoming coffee table project.
The fifth e-mail is from Brian who would like to know how to get a clean edge so that the mortise and tenon looks good when assembled. Marc and Matt discuss the various possible causes for the tear out and then offer some suggestions and tips.
The next question is from Pete who would like to know which key skills are required for one to become proficient in using hand tools. Correct sharpening skills is most important followed by the proper use of chisels. The next skill should be the use of a block plane, as well as card scrapers and then the various hand saws. In their discussion, Matt and Marc also talk about various chisel sets and hand saws.
Jeff writes in and would like some suggestions on inlay techniques when cutting out letters that require tight angles. Marc suggests using a very fine blade on the scroll saw and then be sure to orient the letter properly with respect to the grain. Also the use of double sided tape helps. Take a very thin piece of material as a backer board and double stick tape it to the piece that you are working on. The extra support will allow really fine work without the risk of it splitting.
And lastly, a BIG thank you to Bob for the generous, huge box of assorted candy. Bob is an avid listener and wanted to show his appreciation for all we do. So if there is anyone else out there listening that would like to send Marc a new wireless microphone he will be very happy to accept your donation to the cause!
6 replies on “WT6”
Hi Guys! I enjoy the Wood Talk Online episodes and listen to them while I’m out walking to get some exercise.
In listening to episode 6, there was a question from a power tool user asking about developing his hand tool skills with a goal of creating hand cut dovetails (or at least that’s what I thought I heard). You and Matt immediately went into describing the basic hand tools one should have – and while I agree with the tools you mentioned, I don’t think that was the question. As I recall, the question dealt with what was needed to acquire the skills to cut dovetails by hand. Here’s my answer:
1. Practice laying out the joint with a marking guage (and/or a cutting guage) and a layout knife. Make sure your layout out cuts are deep enough so your chisel seats in them easily.
2. Practice sawing to a line. Cut to the line but do not cut away the line.
3. Practice chiseling to a line.
Put simply – Practice, practice, practice.
keep up the good work,
,,,,,,,,,Chet
Hey guys. Thanks for getting to my inlay question in this Episode. I was able to get some results that I am happy with. I will be posting the finished project on the LumberJock site sometime tomorrow. Check it out. Look for USCJeff.
Thanks again!
Jeff
Hey there Guys
Another trick to eliminate tear out for the tenons is to scribe the cutting line all around with a striking knife (or stanley knife if no striking knife is available). This will sever the fibres on the surface of the work & stop the tear out.
Ross.
Keep up the great work. I just recently found you and am still exploring your site.
For cutting the tenons, I put a few coats of shellac on the wood and that always prevents tear out and fuzz. Binding tape from lmii.com too. it’s like masking tape on steroids
I realize this is very late but this is for anyone looking at this for reference. These videos are covering how to apply the bar top finish.
The 1st is Liquid Glass Finish:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGxVikwTK1A
The 2nd is another epoxy bar top finish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qyKCTwiMI