Matt's Basement Workshop Video Feed

Today's episode is the final in the series on the Maple, Child's Dresser build. Unfortunately as will happen on this show, I did have to jump forward in time a little as I started to fall behind my original schedule to have it completed. Up to this point the vast majority of the construction has been documented, and the only thing that was left to complete was the drawers.

We can come back on another episode and talk more specifically about the drawer construction, but in this episode I'll touch briefly on what I did in this project to make them. As part of the final wrap up on the build I'll touch on some of the subtle details I used to make the dresser as kid friendly as possible.

Hope you've enjoyed it, and if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. Coming up for the next build project...the Maple, Child's Bookcase!

There are a lot of workbench accessories on the market, but typically they're either something that needs to be built as part of the workbench top and are nearly permanent components or they're small useful items, but don't have much versatility to them.

A newer accessory that hit the market in the past year is the Veritas Surface Vise. It's a great tool that adds a ton of versatility and options to my less than adequate bench. The basic tool right out of the box worked amazing, and because it's removable head is designed to have shop made accessories attached...if necessary...the options for it's use increases dramatically.

We all want to kick the tires before we buy, but when it comes to certain things in life it's not always possible. Thankfully the folks at Lie-Nielsen understand this and travel across the states and into the great white north to give every woodworker an opportunity to man handle their planes, saws, chisels and more. While the events are slightly different from venue to venue, they're a lot of fun to attend!!

Thanks to everyone who made it to Jeff Miller's in Chicago for the show. It was great to meet all of you and thanks for saying HI, Aiden couldn't believe people actually knew me LOL!!

There are times when I just want to make something for fun and I don't want to spend a lot of time worrying about all the details to make it right. Of course, I do want to make sure it's something I don't mind my name being associated with too! One type of project that's fun and can make a great gift for a loved one is a custom wooden sign.

Whether it's an address plaque so the pizza delivery person knows NOT to miss my door once again or so help me I'll...or a humorous expression for reminding guest they're welcomed to visit but don't plan on staying long. Custom wooden signs are great projects. To make them even better and easier to knock out in your shop, Milescraft created the SignPro Kit. In the box is everything you need to make a wide variety of wooden signs, from horizontal to vertical...letters to numbers...large or small.

All you need is some wood and maybe a dictionary so the neighbors don't shake their heads in disbelief, again. For the typical signs I've created with the SignPro, it's taken only minutes to have everything laid out and ready to route. Quick, simple and time well spent in the shop!

It's Safety Week 2010 and it only makes sense for this week's "Try It Tuesday" to be a safety device. A while ago we had a chance to give-away a Micro-Jig GRR-Ripper as part of our monthly schwag drawing. I couldn't just give one away without trying it out for myself, so for total openness...YES I did get one to tryout and talk about on the show.

That was several months ago, and in that time I've had a chance to run the GRR-Ripper through it's paces. What are the final results and my thoughts? I LOVE IT! Why do I love it? One very specific reason...I feel safe and in control of my stock while using it. How many times can you say that about a tool that can be the difference between injury and a great day in the shop?

To find out more about the GRR-Ripper, visit www.microjig.com. There's quite a few options and accessories for the GRR-Ripper, check them all out for sale at Highland Woodworking.

We're close to wrapping up SAFETY WEEK 2010 and I stumbled across a great article at WOOD Magazine's website. Not one to let a good thing slide by, I asked the folks at WOOD for permission to share it with all of you. Thankfully they said yes!

Today's episode is based on the 12 point checklist mentioned in Shop Safety Checklist. It's a great read and something worth checking out to make sure you're working safe too.

A huge thanks to WOOD Magazine for permission to share this with all of you!

It's another Tuesday and that means it's time for another "Try it Tuesday". This week we have the Kreg Multi-Mark, a great little multi-marking tool for a wide assortment of jobs in and out of the shop.

With three possible blade positions for quick measuring and marking the Kreg Multi-Mark is a handy tool for setting up your blades and bits or creating relief lines around doors and windows for carpentry jobs. And that's just the start, I'm sure you'll find more jobs in your own shop.

Checkout one today at either Amazon.com

or at Kregtool.com.

Today's "Try it Tuesday" is all about my shop apron, more specifically the Leather Apron from Highland Woodworking. With it's generous proportions, it's deep flap covered pockets and it's really comfortable feel (once it's properly broken in that is) this is a great apron for any woodworker.

Why would you need a shop apron? With all the little things you have laying around your benchtop, or on top of your stationary tools it's great to have a place to put them where they can be reached quickly and easily. That's exactly what a good shop apron will do. Not to mention protecting you from flying debris and keeping you from being caked in sawdust.

Regardless of whether it's leather, canvas, cotton or polyester? A good shop apron will pay for itself in no time, especially when you don't have to search for your pencil or square.

Today's Try it Tuesday is the Lee Valley Handplane Screwdriver. Since the next few episodes will be continuing our discussion of hand planes, it only makes sense we need to cover some tools or accessories that go along with them.

The Handplane Screwdriver is one such accessory. Unlike an ordinary screwdriver, the full length slot and brass ferrule completely grip the chipbreaker screw ensuring it won't be damaged and make it amazingly easy to tighten and loosen. Along with the easy to grip handle, the handplane screwdriver is perfect for the handplane user.

Finally returning to our discussion on hand planes we pick back up by talking about the roughest planes on the bench. The Jack Planes!

This class of bench plane falls between the large jointers and the smaller smoothers, but they're the perfect size for doing rough work without wearing out the user.

In the Stanley-Bailey numbering system the Jack Planes are the No.5's, No.5, No.5-1/4, No.5-1/2. But in case there's no number or it's a wooden bodied or you're just not sure, the Jack Plane is easy to identify by its size - approximately 9-12 inches in length. Again, not to long, but not to short!

The Jack isn't a plane built for beauty, so if you're picking one up second hand don't be surprised if it's really, really beaten up. But don't worry, it'll work amazing.