Keep your tools sharp.

I was walking through a local lumber store trying to match up a piece of trim. Finally, I got some assistance from an employee. I handed him my small sample that I brought to make sure I had a perfect match. After holding it a few moments he commented that most people don't sand their end cuts.

I was briefly bewildered. When I figured out what he was saying - that the cut on my sample was extremely clean and smooth - I informed him that I didn't, in fact, sand it. He went on to ask me how I managed to get such a perfect cut then. I smiled, shook my head a bit, and let this youngster in on the most basic of woodworking tips. I use a good blade of the appropriate type for my work (in this case a finishing blade) and I make sure it is sharp.

His response was priceless, "Really, is that the key?" I wanted to slap him upside the head. Yes, believe it or not, using the right tool for the right job and making sure it is in good condition is the most important key for getting the highest quality results out of your woodworking.

After this unbelievable exchange I thought it would be appropriate to send out a note to all of you to remind you to keep your tools sharp.

Long gone are the days when you would hand sharpen your own saw blades. Therefore, make sure you are using a fresh blade. If you are looking for blades we sell them over at the store: Woodtoolstore.com. Beyond saw blades, remember to frequently sharpen your chisels, and your drill bits. We even offer an inexpensive drill bit sharpener over at the store.

Have fun, keep your tools sharp, and work safe . . . oh yeah, that reminds me of another reason to keep your tools sharp; a sharp tool is a safer tool.

Perfect Angle Cuts on the Miter Saw

Have you ever mad an angle cut on the miter saw, perhaps just a simple 45, and when you went to use it you would swear the saw didn't cut straight? The angle was off, or even looked curved. Guess what, you were probably right.

There is an important thing to keep in mind when using a power miter saw. The rotation of the blade puts pressure on your wood. When the saw is square the rotation of the blade pushes the wood directly back into the saw. However, as soon as you tip or turn your blade the saw no longer pushes perpendicular to the back fence or the table. It is now pushing at an angle. This makes the stock want to travel along the fence a bit. The sharper the angle the more prominent this becomes. Without care your angle cuts will be off.

So what is the solution? First, most saws come with a built in clamping mechanism. Securely clamping your piece in place is the best bet. Yet, I find these clamps awkward and time consuming. The solution that will bring you the most mileage is much simpler. Hold the piece firmly, take your time, and make sure you have a sharp blade in your saw. A proper grip on the work piece will ensure that it won't carry. Also, remember that the faster you cut the more pressure the saw will put on the wood. Never ram your saw through your work. Take your time and let the saw do the work. Finally, an old dull blade radically increases the angular pressure on your work. A good sharp blade will ease its way through the wood. With these simple practices you can ensure that your angle cuts are truer every time.