Six-pointed star-head screws and their corresponding bits, more commonly known as Torx, are not often used on wood screws available today. Even so, it's a really good idea to have a complete set of Torx screwdrivers and Torx bits in your wood shop.

Why?

Learn why you need a full set of Torx screwdrivers and Torx bits for use in the woodshop in Torx Bits and Woodworking.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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If you've tried to make a clean cross-cut in a piece of plywood with a combination blade, you have probably been experienced chipping on either the top or bottom veneer of the plywood. This can be a frustrating problem, but it can be avoided a number of ways.

First, you can try a specially-designed plywood blade, which will certainly reduce the chances of chipping the veneer along the cut line, but it won't prevent the problem. You might also try scoring the cut line with a sharp utility knife on both the top and bottom veneered-sides of the plywood, but it can be difficult to line up the bottom side of the cut line perfectly.

A common trick for keeping the veneer clean when cross-cutting plywood is to apply a piece of masking tape along the anticipated cut line on both the top and bottom sides before making the cut. The tape will help keep the plywood from splintering, but you need to be careful when removing the tape immediately after making the cut, as the tape can lift an edge of the veneer during removal, particularly if the tape is left on the cut line for a lengthy period of time.

For more information on working with plywood, check out Plywood Grades & Bonding Types.

One of the problems that every woodworker using a router will deal with at one time or another is router tear-out. This typically occurs near the end of routing an edge, where the bit takes a undesired chunk out of the edge of the board.

In Reducing Router Tear-Out, learn some steps you can employ to help eliminate unsightly router tear-outs.

(c)2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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