Saw Blades & Bits
Even the best woodworking tools are only as good as their blades or bits. In this category, learn the types of blades & bits necessary to cut, router or drill as necessary, plus ways to keep those implements in their best working condition.
Ten Basic Router Bit Shapes
Fixed base routers, plunge routers and shapers are all used to apply shaped edges on wood stock. Whether applying an edge dressing to a larger piece of stock or creating a piece of moulding, the shape to be applied to the stock is determined by the shape of the router bit in the router's collet. There are hundreds of different router bits, but they all are variations of these ten base shapes.
Fixed base routers, plunge routers and shapers are all used to apply shaped edges on wood stock. Whether applying an edge dressing to a larger piece of stock or creating a piece of moulding, the shape to be applied to the stock is determined by the shape of the router bit in the router's collet. There are hundreds of different router bits, but they all are variations of these ten base shapes.
1/4" vs. 1/2" Shank Router Bits - Which are Better?
Most router kits include two collets, to accommodate both 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits. You can buy most router bits with either size shank, so which size is better, and why? Learn the differences between 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits, and the affects each can have on your woodworking projects.
Most router kits include two collets, to accommodate both 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits. You can buy most router bits with either size shank, so which size is better, and why? Learn the differences between 1/4" and 1/2" shank router bits, and the affects each can have on your woodworking projects.
How Many TPI Should My Saw Blades Have?
One question I occasionally hear from beginning woodworkers is asking how many teeth per inch (TPI) their saw blades should have for the best cuts on their woodworking projects. Well, the answer is a little more complicated than that, but it doesn't have to be. Learn the basics of choosing the proper blades to make any cut required by your woodworking plans.
One question I occasionally hear from beginning woodworkers is asking how many teeth per inch (TPI) their saw blades should have for the best cuts on their woodworking projects. Well, the answer is a little more complicated than that, but it doesn't have to be. Learn the basics of choosing the proper blades to make any cut required by your woodworking plans.
Fold Your Band Saw Blades for Easy Storage
Band Saw blades can be very cumbersome to store. However, with this quick woodworking tip, you can learn to fold your band saw blades into a much smaller size, to where they will easily fit into a drawer or other small space.
Band Saw blades can be very cumbersome to store. However, with this quick woodworking tip, you can learn to fold your band saw blades into a much smaller size, to where they will easily fit into a drawer or other small space.
How to Install Router Bits Properly
In order to use router bits safely and properly, router bits need to be installed correctly in the collet of your router. Improperly installed router bits can break easily and can be quite dangerous. Learn how to install your router bits properly, to work safely and to get the best results on your woodworking projects.
In order to use router bits safely and properly, router bits need to be installed correctly in the collet of your router. Improperly installed router bits can break easily and can be quite dangerous. Learn how to install your router bits properly, to work safely and to get the best results on your woodworking projects.
Forstner Bit Alignment Tip
When using a forstner bit with a hand power drill to cut large diameter holes, the bit may have a tendency to walk, particularly if the tip of the forstner bit is a somewhat worn. In this woodworking tool tip, we show you a way to keep forstner bits centered properly when using them in a hand-operated power drill.
When using a forstner bit with a hand power drill to cut large diameter holes, the bit may have a tendency to walk, particularly if the tip of the forstner bit is a somewhat worn. In this woodworking tool tip, we show you a way to keep forstner bits centered properly when using them in a hand-operated power drill.
Straight Router Bits and Spiral Router Bits: Which is Better?
When a straight router cut, such as a dado or rabbet, needs to be made in a piece of stock, you have a few choices. You can use a straight router bit or a spiral-cutting router bit. Which one should you choose? In this article, we dissect the difference between these two similar woodworking tools and show the advantages of each.
When a straight router cut, such as a dado or rabbet, needs to be made in a piece of stock, you have a few choices. You can use a straight router bit or a spiral-cutting router bit. Which one should you choose? In this article, we dissect the difference between these two similar woodworking tools and show the advantages of each.
Selecting the Proper Saw Blade
There are many different types of saw blades, each of which is designed for a particular cut. While combination blades do provide some of the advantages of the different types of blades, the best combination blade cannot cut better than the right blade for the job. Learn the different types of saw blades to select the right one for your woodworking project.
There are many different types of saw blades, each of which is designed for a particular cut. While combination blades do provide some of the advantages of the different types of blades, the best combination blade cannot cut better than the right blade for the job. Learn the different types of saw blades to select the right one for your woodworking project.
Will a Stacked Dado Blade Fit on Your Table Saw?
Many small and medium table saws have relatively short arbors. This can be a problem when trying to use a stacked dado blade on one of these table saws, as the arbor isn't long enough to accommodate the dado blade and chippers. Learn how to cut dadoes and rabbets when your table saw or radial arm saw has a short arbor.
Many small and medium table saws have relatively short arbors. This can be a problem when trying to use a stacked dado blade on one of these table saws, as the arbor isn't long enough to accommodate the dado blade and chippers. Learn how to cut dadoes and rabbets when your table saw or radial arm saw has a short arbor.
How to Remove Pitch from Blades & Bits
Even the best woodworking tools are only as good as their blades or bits. In this tip, learn how to clean your blades & bits, to keep those cutters in their best working condition.
Even the best woodworking tools are only as good as their blades or bits. In this tip, learn how to clean your blades & bits, to keep those cutters in their best working condition.