SHOP AIDS

Most jigs that hang from the walls of woodworkers’ shops typical­ly provide a shortcut to a common task, from boring mortises to edge-gluing panels. As the previous chapters have shown, the most popular jigs are those that make a job easier and more accu­rate, or improve a tool’s performance. But even the most mundane of work­shop chores can benefit from a helping hand, whether you are moving large sheet materials around a shop or throw­ing some light on your work.

This chapter covers a collection of such shop aids. Some devices, such as feath – erboards and push sticks (page 125), are indispensable for every woodworking shop. Others are designed for more spe­cialized tasks, such as measuring and marking large circles (page 133) or prepar­ing thin or small stock (page 130). If you frequently work alone with large sheet materials such as plywood and particle­board, collapsible sawhorses (page 128) are as handy as an extra pair of hands, while an auxiliary overhead switch for the table saw (page 131) will make your shop a safer place. Even many of the sticky problems of finishing can be solved with a few simple devices (page 135).

AN ASSORTMENT OF SHOP AIDS

Standard featherboard (page 125)

Also known as finger­board; presses stock snugly against the ‘ table or fence of a stationary too!

beveled featherboard (page 127)

Identical to standard featherboard, except the fingers are beveled so they press workpiece against both the fence and tabie of a stationary tool

Shimmed featherboard (page 127)

A standard featherboard supported by a shim so that fingers apply pressure higher on workpiece

Plywood carrier (page 130)

Features a handle and a lip for carrying large sheet materials like plywood and particleboard

Bench dog lamp support (page 137)

Fits into bench dog hole; features a hole to accommodate desk lamp

A spraying turntable allows you to apply a finish evenly without touching the workpiece or moving around it; the end table shown at left rests on four drying supports. As shown on page 136, the jig is easily built from plywood and a “lazy Susan” bearing.

Auxiliary table saw switch (page 131)

For turning table saw on and off when main switch is out of reach; installed near ceiling and wired to saw