Making cutting boards was how I got the bug to do some more advanced stuff. They're the gateway drug to woodworking.
Woodworkers Thread
- Thread starter AgronAlum
- Start date
I find it fun to look back at how far I've come. This is especially helpful when I'm pissed off because I can't get some advanced joinery to work or something like that.
I started 7 years ago with christmas ornaments; literally cut a circle of pine using my jig saw, sanded it, and glued on a snowflake from the craft store. Then I tried some gifts for others, simple gluing/painting projects for decoration.
Then I did some DIY at home which was mainly just window trim. Then I built a hall bench with cubbies. Then I made an entryway table. Now I'm doing my own kitchen cabinets.
7 years ago, I could barely cut a straight line with a table saw and I had no idea that boards from menards even had flaws. Compare that to this weekend where I built two storm windows from a menards 2x6 using power and hand tools. They are two perfectly square windows with mortise and tenon joinery.
Like the old adage, you have to learn how to walk before you can learn to run, each project completed gives you the confidence (and sometimes courage) to attempt the next. I never had any formal training nor did I ever have any on job experiences to guide me along the way--I grew up a crop and livestock farmer. With todays YouTube video's you can find how to do most anything. And if you don't have the tools to perform your task you can at least envision the path to completion and attempt to get there with a little ingenuity and the tools you have. My "go to" thought is look at all the fine furniture made before the use of electricity. I have built several cabinets and wanted to build my own kitchen cabinets when I built my house but because of time constraints I didn't. Good luck with yours and post some pictures along the way and the completed project.
An aquaintence of mine (an older gent at the time) made some rather detailed model castles, houses etc from patterns available with a scroll saw and although the finished product wasn’t up to the standards I would have set for myself they were impressive. I thought I would enjoy trying my hand at it so I purchased an older saw at an auction and started making sawdust. Turns out the saw I purchased didn’t have the capability his did and I didn’t want to invest the money to upgrade. I did make a few pieces and gave them away as gifts—one to a “cat lady” friend and some as valentines gifts as well as one to a first time mom. The latter two were inspired by photos that I transformed to wood.
Attachments
Not very clear in the pic but the first one is a jigsaw puzzle that says “I (heart) cats”
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Any recommendations for a general purpose track saw blade? I usually end up with Diablo for my blades but unsure if those are decent for track saws.
I’ve been having an issue with my track saw not cutting 2 inch material, even on full battery. The blade doesn’t look like it’s in bad condition at all but maybe it is. I tried cutting a 15 degree angle on a pine 2x4 last weekend and it wouldn’t even make it 6 inches.
I’ve been having an issue with my track saw not cutting 2 inch material, even on full battery. The blade doesn’t look like it’s in bad condition at all but maybe it is. I tried cutting a 15 degree angle on a pine 2x4 last weekend and it wouldn’t even make it 6 inches.
I would have said Diablo but I don’t know. I don’t have a track saw. I’d like one but don’t do enough of cuts like that to justify. Buddy has a sweet setup with a commercial sawstop if I get in a pinch (or if I just want to use it because that thing is just amazing).
I ended up borrowing the neighbors table saw because my track saw wouldn’t do it.
Makita. I’ve got blade cleaner I use on a semi regular basis for the chop saw but haven’t done it to the track saw blade.
I would try cleaning the blade. What size blade is in your track saw? I have a Makita track saw and it takes a different size blade
I missed your post. Awesome work.
Now you need to make a cabinet.
I also hope your basement floor stays really dry. Too nice to get damp legs.
The blade is 6.25 and it seems like the thin kerf blades are fairly expensive for the size.
Anyone try selling decorations and such? Im thinking about going to Facebook marketplace or Etsy. Suburban moms eat this type of **** up.
I made this tonight as a prototype of sorts to try and gauge materials and time. Maybe try a bow or lights to see what works.
Also looking to make some of these which comes out to less than a dollar each for materials according to the YouTube channel I watched. They look way more intricate to make than they actually are.
I made this tonight as a prototype of sorts to try and gauge materials and time. Maybe try a bow or lights to see what works.
Also looking to make some of these which comes out to less than a dollar each for materials according to the YouTube channel I watched. They look way more intricate to make than they actually are.
It was just figuring out the angles. I used 55 degrees on the top cuts and 17.5 for the others. Seemed to make a nice proportional width.
Don’t let me discourage you…but I tried a side business making decoration items a few years ago and I wouldn’t do it again.
In my case, the price I could get was never worth the time and effort I put in. I was probably making $10/hr at best all things considered.
I went to several craft shows and would put stuff on marketplace. The last straw for me was being at a craft fair and selling nothing while the guy with cheap Chinese sh*t at the booth next to me was making a killing.
Hopefully you have better luck than me.
Diablo isn't too bad.
First choice for a sawblade of they make one for your saw is a Forrest.
Forrest Saw Blades: Quality Saw Blades & Dados
Serious woodworkers count on American-made Forrest saw blades for smooth, quiet cuts, every time... without splintering, scratching or tearouts.
www.forrestblades.com
Second choice would be a Ridge Carbide.
Ridge Carbide Tool: Professional Saw Blades, Router Bits and Dado Sets
Explore our web site to find out why Ridge Carbide Tool is an industry leader for carbide saw blades, dado sets, custom made router bits, and shaper cutters.
ridgecarbidetool.com
Diablo would be in 3rd place in my opinion.
