New year, new tools? Dean Sharp shares his do-it-yourself tool techniques for everyone who has no idea how to use their tools correctly.
Most important carpentry tool: pencil
Carpenter’s pencils look the way they do because:
• Won't roll away, strong
• Easy to grab
• Comfortable to hold
• Can make a thicker line if necessary
• You can sharpen with a knife your first task in woodworking is learning to sharpen your pencil avoid gizmos … develop skills!
How to mark wood:
• Crow’s foot, thickness of the line, what side of the line will you cut?
Hammer
Pop Quiz: Seven basic tools - the inclined plane, the wedge, the screw, the gear, the wheel, the pulley, and the lever.
Splitting wood - drilling pilot holes and blunting the tip
Screwdriver
Pilot hole
Gently initial pressure with slow turns
Same with removing but opposite
Drill
Slow rotation
Increase pressure and speed until the bit finds its way
If screws - same as screwdriver
Pliers
Again … leverage … don’t choke up and use the right gear
You’re in the right gear when the handles are close enough to get a good squeeze on
Pliers are for round objects without flat sides that a wrench can slide onto
Wrench
Much easier than pliers
Don’t choke up
Careful to support the other side with a reverse wrench
because its easier … don’t over tighten!
Saw
Stable surface
Don’t over support both ends … let the cut fall away
Practice leaving the line … the ⅛” blade removal
Blade rotates upward so put veneers face down
Use the right blade for the right job (fast rip vs. clean crosscut) - 14 tooth demo, 24 framing, 40 plywood, 60-80 finish, 80+ veneers & laminates
Saw in line with shoulder, don't stand behind
Notch guide good for long rips, otherwise see the blade make the cut
Measure twice, cut once
For more information, listen to Dean's tips below.