Field Guide to Making Custom Knobs (3 Hardware Methods) @makethingswithrob

Lets Make Things If you’ve ever paid too much for a plastic knob that barely holds… this video is for you.

In this DIY field guide, I’ll walk you through three proven hardware methods to make your own custom knobs—using square nuts, threaded wood inserts, and T-nuts. These aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re mechanically solid. One of them is even stronger than any store-bought knob you’ll find.

This video focuses on the mechanics behind each method—how they work, how to install them properly, and which one is best for your project.

If you want reliable fasteners and a deep understanding of what holds (and what fails), you’re in the right place.

Whether you're building jigs, fixtures, vises, or just want a handle that actually works, this guide walks through each method with pros, cons, and setup tips.

I’ll break down:

The mechanical strengths and weaknesses of each fastener
Which method works best for torque, speed, or batch building
Tips for centering, fit, and optional upgrades to improve pressure distribution
Don’t pay for flimsy knobs—make your own, and make them better.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:20 1. Square nut
04:42 2. Threaded wood insert
08:36 3. T-nut
10:59 4. Knob neck/shaft
11:51 5. Credits

#MakeThings #mtbitesize

updated 1 year ago

Field Guide to Making Custom Knobs (3 Hardware Methods)

Lets Make Things 2025-05-19 | If you’ve ever paid too much for a plastic knob that barely holds… this video is for you.

In this DIY field guide, I’ll walk you through three proven hardware methods to make your own custom knobs—using square nuts, threaded wood inserts, and T-nuts. These aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re mechanically solid. One of them is even stronger than any store-bought knob you’ll find.

This video focuses on the mechanics behind each method—how they work, how to install them properly, and which one is best for your project.

If you want reliable fasteners and a deep understanding of what holds (and what fails), you’re in the right place.

Whether you're building jigs, fixtures, vises, or just want a handle that actually works, this guide walks through each method with pros, cons, and setup tips.

I’ll break down:

The mechanical strengths and weaknesses of each fastener
Which method works best for torque, speed, or batch building
Tips for centering, fit, and optional upgrades to improve pressure distribution
Don’t pay for flimsy knobs—make your own, and make them better.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:20 1. Square nut
04:42 2. Threaded wood insert
08:36 3. T-nut
10:59 4. Knob neck/shaft
11:51 5. Credits

#MakeThings #mtbitesize

Ratcheting Band Clamp Hack (Better & Cheaper Than Store-Bought!)

Lets Make Things 2025-09-20 | Band clamps are great—but they’re also expensive and kind of overrated. When I needed one to glue up a set of miter joints, I almost bought another $20 clamp… until I looked over at a ratchet strap I already had.
In this video, I’ll show you how to turn a basic ratchet strap into a full-on ratcheting band clamp—with no glue, no tools, and no sewing. We’ll even take a look at those little plastic corner pieces most of them come with—and why I think they’re more trouble than they’re worth.
If you’ve got a strap and a miter to clamp, this hack might just save you a trip to the store.
Thanks to my patrons for supporting both channels. Let me know how you clamp your miters in the comments—and as always, remember to keep making things.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K

Let's Make Things

#Let'sMakeThings #mtbitesize

Burn Wire Tool for the Lathe (Made with a Guitar String and $5)

Lets Make Things 2025-07-25 | Why spend $50 on a lathe burn wire tool when you can make one for next to nothing?

In this video, you and I are building a burn wire from scratch—complete with turned handles, threaded inserts, and a high-carbon steel guitar string that leaves crisp, black lines on your turning. I’ll walk you through the build, show how to use it safely, and explain what to avoid so you don’t get burned—literally.

This tool takes about 15 minutes to make and delivers bold contrast lines that look amazing on spindles, knobs, handles, and more. We’ll even talk about string choice (spoiler: don’t use the wound ones), wire tension, and what happens when you forget to pull it out before you let go.

Wires:
#9 wire (ultra thin) 6 pack → amzn.to/44Luxt7
#16 wire (medium) 6 pack → amzn.to/4kYqNcB
#24p wire (thick) 5 pack → reverb.com/item/50572863-ernie-ball-plain-steel-024-6-pack
#24p wire (thick) 1 pack (only if you can't get it from reverb) → amzn.to/3H08e9U

"Playlist of bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmYR53HIhBcbVzYN8hLXQhH

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:24 1. Materials
01:27 2. Marking the handles
02:59 3. Adding threaded inserts & assembly
03:25 4. Wire/Strings
04:44 5. Operation/Safety
06:18 Credits

#letsmakethings #lathe

Turn Your Router Table Into a Mini Jointer

Lets Make Things 2025-06-30 | If you've built a compact router table and need a fence that does more than just sit there, this project might be exactly what you’re looking for.

In this video, I’m making a simple, reversible router fence designed for a small bench-mounted router table. On one side, it's a straightforward fixed fence—easy to make, easy to use. But flip it over, and you get a precision edge jointer for cleaning up small stock—without ever touching your full-size jointer.

Why build a router fence like this?
A router table without a fence limits what you can do. Whether you’re cutting dados, trimming edges, or using a chamfer or roundover bit, the fence gives you a reliable reference surface to control the cut and improve safety. This version pivots from one side so you can dial in your cut, lock it with a knob, and reinforce it with an F-clamp. It’s adjustable, solid, and compact enough to hang on the wall next to the table.

Why use a router instead of a jointer for small pieces?
Jointers are incredible machines—but they come with a serious downside when it comes to smaller stock. The large cutterhead can easily grab and throw short or narrow pieces. That’s where this setup shines. With a flush trim bit and a small shim on the outfeed side, your router table becomes a safe, controlled mini jointer. It’s perfect for squaring up small exotic blanks, edge jointing short strips, or fine-tuning pieces that are just too risky for larger machines.

Tools, materials, and project plans are on my website if you want to make one yourself (check back in a couple days for it).

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:30 1. Two fences
00:50 2. Groove lock & insert
02:53 3. Lock studded knob
04:49 4. Notching prep
06:56 5. Fence glue up
08:22 6. Jointer fence build
11:44 7. Jointer using and troubleshooting
13:17 8. Credits

#MakeThings

Better Sanding Block Build — and a Tote to Match

Lets Make Things 2025-06-03 | I made this sanding block over a year ago as a quick Bitesize build — and I’ve used it on so many projects since. The trick? It uses a belt sleeve instead of sandpaper sheets, which means it lasts longer, sands smoother, and doesn’t tear up halfway through the job.

In this video, I’m slowing things down to show the full build. This dowel-tensioned sanding block with curved ends is simple to make, and I’ll also walk you through a handy ejection jig. You can use the block by hand or chuck it in a vise — and because it rotates, you actually use the entire belt before tossing it, unlike most sanding blocks where half the grit goes to waste.

Stick around and we’ll build a tote to go with it. The handle doubles as a dowel ejector — tap the sides, and it pops the belt loose. It’s fast, reliable, and just works.

If you’re tired of wasting sandpaper, this might be your next favorite shop-made tool.

Set of belts that I used → amzn.to/4koI3rY
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Batching Custom Knobs: When One Just Isn’t Enough

Lets Make Things 2025-05-23 | A few days ago, I posted my Field Guide to Making Knobs, where I walked through three hardware methods: square nuts, threaded wood inserts, and T-nuts.

That video gave a quick overview of each method, with pros and cons to help you choose the right one.
But in this video, I’m slowing down and going deeper—focusing on how to batch out custom knobs using the threaded wood insert (TWI) method.

I needed to replace a few knobs I stole from my router jig… and ended up making a whole set.
This method is fast, easy, and surprisingly satisfying—especially when you’re using nothing but scrap wood, a handful of TWI's and a Post-it note.

You’ll see how I batch out 7 custom knobs in just about 7 minutes (with no jigs, no templates, and no stress).
If you liked the first video but wanted a more practical, production-minded follow-up—this is it.

Want to see all three knob styles and when to use them?
Watch the Field Guide to Making Knobs here → youtu.be/3RBaA-BDfyk

Threaded inserts I found (and love) on Amazon ↓
(5/16”) Threaded wood inserts (41 Count) → amzn.to/4mtQF1X
(1/4”) Threaded wood inserts (60 Count) → amzn.to/43uNkHd

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

218. Sanding with PVC (Tip) → youtu.be/nz1c2MzNAUI

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:28 1. Materials and Mapping
02:26 2. Drilling and TWI'ing
03:38 3. Shaping and Sanding
04:42 4. Adding a Neck
06:42 5. Credits

#LetsMakeThings

The Yardstick Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed

Lets Make Things 2025-05-04 | If you’ve ever struggled to make accurate marks with a yardstick—especially one with dual scales—you’re not alone. In this video, I take a simple yardstick and turn it into a fully functional layout system, complete with a saddle arm for square, repeatable measurements and a hook stop that transforms it into a reliable T-square.

This isn’t about over-complicating a ruler. It’s about removing the guesswork from layout work and creating something you can trust—every single time.

Whether you use metric, imperial, or both, this build makes marking clean and easy.

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → coming soon!

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

#MakeThings #mtbitesize

More Reach. More Control. Make a Router Sled // Router Base Onion Build III

Lets Make Things 2025-04-11 | Need more reach and control from your router? In this video, I’ll show you how to build a simple, powerful router sled that expands your router’s surface area—unlocking new possibilities for cutting lap joints, flattening slabs, and improving accuracy on large workpieces.

This is the third project in my Router Base Onion Build series, where each project builds off a shared plexiglass baseplate. If you’ve already seen the dog hole router table and the router anchor jig, this sled is your next layer. It’s designed to drop onto the same plate and provide rock-solid control for big cuts.

You’ll see how I made the base, flush-mounted the plate, added top braces, and even reinforced it with rails to ride on Unistrut—turning it into a full slab-flattening jig without the back pain.

Check the description below for links to the full plans, other jigs in the series, and related videos on my second channel.

Want to get more out of your router? This sled is where it starts.

Router Dog Hole (Onion Build I) → youtu.be/MS7Q9RcaNmw
Router Anchor (Onion Build II) → youtu.be/7rKplbO8Tdg

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnOMpS-AbRp__DVsylzSnSi
Materials Tools/Step by Step Instructions → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-router-sled

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:28 1. Materials
01:19 2. Mappings
02:02 3. Shaping
05:42 4. Attachment holes
08:11 5. Lap joint braces
10:45 6. Handle hole placement
11:15 7. Glue up
12:37 8. Example
13:15 9. Beyond
15:27 10. Credits

#LetsMakeThings #router

Poor Mans Clamp Stretchers // Full QUICK! Build

Lets Make Things 2025-03-24 | Need a longer clamp but don’t want to spend a fortune on pipe or bar clamps? In this video, I show you how to extend your clamp reach using a scrap of plywood and two clamps you already own. This DIY clamp extender is simple, cheap, and surprisingly strong—strong enough to bend a full sheet of plywood using nothing but a piece of particle board.

I’ll walk you through the setup, the materials, and even where this trick can fail if you’re not careful. If you’ve got a glue-up that’s too long for your clamps, this could be the fix that saves your project and your budget.

This is part of my ongoing series focused on shop-built solutions, woodworking on a budget, and making things work with what you’ve got. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced builder, this clamp extender trick is worth adding to your bag.

If you like practical woodworking hacks that actually work, sub and follow for more.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:54 1. Materials & overview
02:05 2. Mapping
02:50 3. Drilling
03:26 4. Making D's
04:35 5. Testing it
05:19 Credits

A Router Anchor That Ends the Balancing Act // Router Base Onion Build II

Lets Make Things 2025-03-08 | Routers are powerful tools, but when used along the edge of stock, balancing becomes a challenge. Since most of the router's weight hangs off the edge, there's a constant risk of tipping, shifting, or uneven cuts. Enter the Router Anchor. This idea gives you more stability, control, and leverage while routing.

Designed to stabilize your router on edge work, this shifts the center of gravity onto the stock, preventing bumps and ensuring smooth, controlled passes.

If you're using a trim router, instead of spending $25 or more on a store-bought baseplate, we'll make a custom built pad that cost a fraction of the price while having the ability to fit any trim router setup. Whether you're using a full-sized router or a lightweight trim router, these fixtures will eliminate the balancing act and give you more control with your cuts.

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9Fl5jsj4RYaeX3M4FyNqlMpD

Attaching plexiglass to the base → youtu.be/MS7Q9RcaNmw?t=492
Step by step instructions/tools/materials → makethingswithrob.com/router-anchor

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.

Make Things, Let's Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:22 1. ROUTER ANCHOR
00:25 1.1. Materials
00:49 1.2. Mapping out lines
02:14 1.3. Recessing the plywood
03:13 1.4. Shaping the base
04:03 1.5. Base to baseplate
05:53 1.6. Dowel handle
06:14 1.7. Testing it out
06:52 1.8. Final thoughts
07:16 2. TRIM STYLE ROUTER PLATE
07:27 2.1. Differences and materials
08:54 2.2. Mapping the shape
09:59 2.3. Cutting and shaping
10:32 2.4. Final markings, drillings
13:17 2.5. Assembly & example
14:13 CREDITS

#LetsMakeThings

The Best Glue & Finish Storage System // Full Onion Build

Lets Make Things 2025-02-16 | Tired of losing your glues, finishes, and stains in a cluttered shop? Cold temps ruining your adhesives? This compact, wall-mounted glue & finish cabinet is the perfect solution!

This clam-style storage cabinet folds open to double your storage without taking up extra wall space. Inspired by Steve Ramsey’s design, I’ve added a hidden front tool door to store brushes, tape, and other finishing tools. And when the temperature drops, you can unhook it from the French cleat and bring it inside—protecting your materials from cold damage.

This project is part of an Onion Project, meaning you can build just the base cabinet or add more features depending on what you need. In this full build, I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.

Why would you want to build this?
* Saves space – Compact, wall-mounted design
* Keeps glues & finishes organized – No more lost bottles or messy shelves
* Protects from cold temps – Portable design lets you bring everything inside
* Expandable & modular – Add a hidden front tool storage door for extra organization

If you’re tired of digging through a mess every time you need glue or finish, this storage cabinet will fix that problem for good.

Would you add anything to this build? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Want more woodworking projects? Subscribe for more!

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FndYWgdRyqgsyX5NMr3ZHFD

Full step by step/tools/materials used → makethingswithrob.com/glue-and-finish-clam-cabinet

Check out my other channel! → @makethings

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar

Make Things

#MakeThings #mtbitesize

00:00 Introduction
00:31 1. Materials
01:00 1.2. Making boxes
04:09 1.3. Adding hinges
05:16 1.4. Weight ramp
09:02 2. Materials
09:18 2-2. Door frame
10:30 2.3. Lots of hinges
12:48 2.4. Shadow boxing
16:52 2.5. Thermometer
18:14 3. Materials
19:07 3.2. Base improvement
20:13 3.3. Dowel handle
23:00 3.4. French cleat
24:40 Credits

You’re Cutting Dowels Wrong – This Fixes That

Lets Make Things 2025-02-01 | Cutting dowels by hand can be frustrating, slow, and inconsistent—but this simple jig changes everything! With a V-groove design and a flush cut saw with no set teeth, this jig makes fast, repeatable, and dead-on accurate cuts without the hassle.

No more eyeballing. No more uneven dowels. Just precise cuts, every time.

In this video, I’ll show you:
* How this jig keeps cuts straight and consistent
* The rare flush cut saw that makes it all possible

Get the no-set flush cut saw here: amzn.to/4d6TEI1

If you’ve ever struggled with cutting dowels accurately, this bench appliance is the simple fix you need. Let me know what you think in the comments—would you use this in your shop?

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:36 1. Materials
01:04 2. Just 2 cuts and glue
02:12 3. Markings
02:58 4. Blade kerfs
03:41 5. Hardboard toe
04:41 6. No set teeth blades
05:54 7. Example
06:57 8. Credits

Router Dog-Hole Table // Router Base Onion Build I

Lets Make Things 2025-01-16 | Working with small stock on a router can be a challenge without a proper router table, but not everyone has the space—or budget—for a full-size setup. In this video, I’ll show you how to build a simple, space-saving benchtop router table that’s perfect for small shops and tight budgets.

This DIY router table uses just a single bolt, a piece of plywood, and a couple of supports to create a sturdy, reliable platform for your router. I’ll walk you through cutting the plywood, creating a custom router base plate from plexiglass, and setting up the supports to keep everything secure.

Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned pro, this project is an easy, affordable way to expand your router’s capabilities and make working with smaller stock safer and more precise. Plus, this compact design is customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your needs.

If you’re looking for a straightforward router table solution that won’t take up space or drain your wallet, this is the build for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more woodworking tips, tricks, and project ideas.

Check out a couple new layers! → youtu.be/7rKplbO8Tdg

Step by step/materials/tools website (all free) → makethingswithrob.com/router-dog-hole-table
"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnXBdMmeyCFSiRZ3AMTjEKq

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar

Make Things

#MakeThings #mtbitesize

00:00 Intro
00:25 1. Materials
01:10 2. Base (profile)
03:42 3. Adding a dog hole
05:32 4. Base (dog hole)
06:31 5. Base supports
08:12 6. Plexiglass
10:52 7. Base (rabbeting)
11:49 8. Operation
12:40 Credits

Quick & Simple Circular Saw Cut-Off Jig // Full Step by Step Build

Lets Make Things 2024-12-31 | Starting out in woodworking doesn’t mean you need expensive tools. While big, costly tools can make things easier, not having them doesn’t make the job impossible. When I first began, I bought a lot of pre-cut stock. The hardest part was getting a straight, accurate 90˚ cut on the edges.

This jig is a game-changer, especially if you’re using a budget-friendly circular saw (some as low as $30). To be honest, even with all the tools I have now, I’m looking forward to using this jig to break down my materials into more manageable pieces. Simply put, this is one of the squarest cutting DIY jigs I think I've ever made, and if you don't have a big budge, this cut off jig and a circular saw will get you far.

Step by step build → makethingswithrob.com/circular-saw-cut-off-jig

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnBWQ2CLpzjjBvzoVKa9__j

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY

Let's Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:33 1. Materials
00:56 2. Hardboard to size
02:27 3. Stock hook
03:47 4. Cut fence
05:06 5. Using Uni-strut (NOT necessary)
05:22 6. Squaring up the sides
06:21 7. Operation
08:29 8. Credits

#Letsmakethings

Build the Ultimate Tenoning Jig // The Full Onion Build

Lets Make Things 2024-12-12 | If you're really looking to take your woodworking to the next level, especially with joints, you'll appreciate this. This tenoning jig is the ultimate addition to _my_ workshop, giving me precise, flawless cuts every time...and I know it can do the same for you—all with tools you probably already have.

This video is what I call an onion project—a multi-layered build designed to suit all levels of woodworking skill. In the first half, I’ll show you how to create a fully functional tenoning jig that’s simple to make and ready to use right away. In the second half, we’ll peel back the layers and add advanced features to fine-tune the jig for ultimate precision. The other layers aren't critical and can be added any time in the future, so be sure to save this video.

The only large power tool you’ll need for this build is a table saw. If you’ve got a table saw, chances are you already have the smaller tools like a hand drill, to make this DIY project. I've done everything I can to make this as simple and as easy as possible, fully utilizing the table saw so that you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive tools.

By the end, I'm confident that you’ll have an extremely versatile, precision tool for your shop—perfect for making flawless tenons and improving your joinery workflow.

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9Fmt2K0LoVh-KMqOmy3CgXaL

Step by step / Materials & Tools used website (all free) → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-table-saw-tenon-jig

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY

Make Things

00:00 Intro
00:42 1. MAIN BUILD
01:31 1.2 Cutting grooves
02:20 1.3 Cutting base, carriage, fence
03:21 1.4 Adding t-track, dowels, t-bolt
05:12 1.5 Miter slot attachment
08:19 1.5B (Alt) Miter slot attachment
10:32 1.6 Fence work
12:41 1.7 Fence on the fence (stop block)
12:55 1.7B Slidable fence (optional)
14:56 1.8 Finishing the body
17:04 1.9 Epoxy the channels
18:19 2. STOP SYSTEM
18:39 2.2 Stop control (sliders)
20:27 2.3 Pointer build / install
22:05 2.4 Slider install
22:52 2.5 Ruler/safety install
24:10 3. HANDLE BUILD
24:42 3.2 Cutting centers
25:18 3.3 Shaping and gluing handles
26:55 3.4 Handle base
28:01 4. STOCK CLAMP
28:17 4.2 U-bolt and inserts
29:26 4.3 Clamp bar
30:05 1-4 DEMONSTRATION

#MakeThings #tenonjig

Miter Clamping Jig Aid (Picture Frame Edition) // Full Commentary Instructional

Lets Make Things 2024-11-07 | In this video, I’ll show you how to make a simple yet highly effective clamping aid for picture frames and small mitered projects. Inspired by an old woodworking book, I originally came across a technique using notched boards to hold mitered frames together. While it worked well, it had a limitation—you’d need to cut new boards every time you changed frame sizes. So, I decided to come up with a more flexible, adjustable version that lets you use the same jig for any frame size.

This DIY clamping aid is built from a few pieces of plywood, a groove with t-track, and a couple of blocks to keep everything locked in place. It securely clamps each corner with only two clamps, holding the angles just right for a clean, tight fit every time. It’s a quick project, but it’s now my go-to solution for clamping frames without needing any expensive corner clamps. Perfect for anyone looking to save money and make use of scrap wood.

If you interested in making picture frames with mitered corners, this clamping aid is what you want. It allows you to squeeze the joint together...something miter clamps aren't always good at doing as they're, more or less, built to hold a joint in place.

Follow along to see how it’s done, and add this practical tool to your woodworking setup!

Step by step/Materials/Tools used website → makethingswithrob.com/picture-frame-clamping-aid

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
01:00 1. Materials
01:25 2. Plywood tracks
02:10 3. Locking blocks
03:16 4. Homemade t-tracks
03:49 5. Static blocks
04:16 6. Moveable blocks & wax
04:45 7. Demonstration
06:00 Credits

Unreal Wood Bending...with a Muffler // Step by step build

Lets Make Things 2024-10-31 | The hot pipe bending method is a time-honored technique rooted in the art of luthiery, where instrument makers use heated pipes to bend thin strips of wood for guitar sides, violin ribs, and other precisely curved elements. This process, which has been essential to fine woodworking for centuries, allows for controlled, elegant bends without the need for complex steam boxes. By simply heating a metal pipe and applying moisture to the wood, the fibers soften and become pliable, making it possible to shape wood into tighter, customized curves with minimal equipment.

In this project, we’ll explore the hot pipe method from a practical perspective, taking cues from luthiers who value precision, efficiency, and artistry. Using a propane torch and a well-positioned stainless steel pipe, we’ll achieve smooth bends that hold their shape. Whether you’re a woodworker looking to add graceful curves to your projects or simply curious about traditional bending techniques, this guide will walk you through the essentials of hot pipe bending—right from the basics to some pro tips for getting reliable, repeatable results.

Full plans → makethingswithrob.com/bending-wood-with-pipes

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:10 1. Materials
02:01 2. Structure supports
05:15 3. Pipe work
06:23 4. Final assembly
07:35 5. Preparation for the bend
10:27 6. The bends
13:51 Credits (thank you patrons!)

Build a Simple, Versatile Router Fence // Step by step instructions

Lets Make Things 2024-10-18 | In this video, I’ll walk you through every step to building a simple yet powerful router fence using plywood, t-tracks, and a dust port. Even if you're new to woodworking or...you're a seasoned pro, this fence will transform your router into a powerhouse. Watch along, and by the end, you’ll be ready to build your own router fence for flawless, clean cuts every time.

Step by Step/Tools Needed & Used/Materials → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-router-fence-for-your-table-saw

Playlist of all bitesize tips used → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmqKenaMWOnIWnAGQQOsJXy

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:29 1. Materials
01:00 2. Building the base (dados)
02:48 3. Building the bas (walls)
05:50 4. Building the base (dust port)
08:25 5. Building the base (glue up)
08:48 6. Fence (to size and grooves)
11:04 7. Fence (t-track)
12:00 8. Fence (to size & assembly)
12:36 9. Attaching the t-track
13:39 10. Basic operation
15:36 11a. Extras - Stop block/featherboard
17:18 11b. Extras - Profile fence
18:49 Credits

Router Dado Track // Step by step instructions

Lets Make Things 2024-09-26 | Creating perfectly straight dados is essential for tight-fitting joints, but getting that precision with just a straight edge can be tricky. In this video, I’ll show you how to make a jig using uni-strut, bearings, and hardboard, which takes the guesswork out of lining up a straight edge. This method is simple, cost-free, and ensures your dados are dead-on every time. It doesn't matter if you're new to woodworking or just looking for a reliable technique, this jig makes dado cutting quick, clean, and effortless.

Website (Materials/Tools used/Step by Step) → makethingswithrob.com/router-dado-track
Playlist of all bitesize tips used → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmbHHAm5cdHzyZOF_eR_ZdW
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←

Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:38 1. Materials
01:01 2. Carriage base
01:24 3. Upper carriage arm (shape)
02:16 4. Plexiglass base
05:50 5. Carriage arm
06:26 6. Finalizing the carriage base
09:00 7. Finalizing the rail
11:22 8. Centering jig
12:24 9. Demonstration
14:50 Credits

Homemade Honing Compound for Glass...and More! // Step by step instructional

Lets Make Things 2024-09-11 | After countless hours of testing, I’ve perfected my own honing compound and sandpaper jig setup that will give you the edge you’ve been searching for—literally. I’ve spent time finding the ideal abrasives and fluid for my honing compound, ensuring it’s not just effective but something you can easily replicate. The best part? I’m offering this compound formula for free, so you don’t have to worry about costly honing pastes. In this video, I’ll walk you through my process and show you how to get a professional-quality edge without breaking the bank. Whether you're honing plane blades, chisels, or anything in between, this method will fit right into your shop.

Thin mineral oil → amzn.to/3MFDNFi
Before we make things → youtu.be/OpF2J90xawM
Step by step / materials / tools → makethingswithrob.com/compound-and-paper-cutter-jig
Full demonstration → youtu.be/fSdpAAMD8aw
Sharpening Jig video → youtu.be/520NBebosgg

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:57 1.1 Materials
01:40 1.2 Mixing
03:07 1.3 Glass vs ceramic
03:56 1.4 Method
05:52 2.1 Materials
06:11 2.2 Quick build / marking
07:10 2.3 Cutting process
08:18 Credits

Simple End Grain Table Saw Sled with the 2 Cut & 5 Cut Method

Lets Make Things 2024-08-29 | A sled is essential for ensuring accuracy and safety, giving you a stable platform to make consistent and clean cuts. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to build what I believe is the easiest and best table saw sled. I'll also demonstrate the two step and five step method to making sure you get the most precise 90˚ angle with your fence and the blade.

Unlock precision in your woodworking with a table saw sled that transforms your cuts into works of art!

Keep making things!

Tools used / Materials / Step by step (free!) → makethingswithrob.com/simple-table-saw-sled
William Ng's 5-Cut Method Video → youtube.com/watch?v=UbG-n--LFgQ

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:33 1. Material breakdown
02:21 2. Gluing rails and fence
03:09 3. Squaring the face
03:50 4. Attaching rails and back
05:04 5. Cutting a safety for the fence
06:51 6. Optional dust channel
07:28 7. Attaching the fence
09:03 8a. Testing (2 Cut Method)
11:43 8b. Testing (5 Cut Method)
16:18 9. Finishing touches
18:14 Credits

Make a Creeper Fence Jig // Step by step instructional

Lets Make Things 2024-08-12 | In this video, I show you how to build a jig that uses the Fibonacci spiral to get precise fence adjustments for your woodworking projects. This jig is great for cutting dados and grooves and works well with both exotic and native woods. I’ll walk you through the whole process, from start to finish, so you can see exactly how it all comes together. Don’t forget to check out my website for the free plans and more details. Watch and learn how to make this handy tool for your shop!

Free plans/materials/tools used/diagrams/step by step instructions → makethingswithrob.com/fence-creeper-jig

Full video without instructions → youtu.be/q3NW0Px8AJk

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
00:45 1. Materials
01:36 2. Making the creeper spiral
04:40 3. Magnetic base and lid
07:15 4. Simple studded knob
08:04 5. Magnetic plunge assembly
09:03 6. Operation
11:03 Credits

Easy Sharpening & Honing Jig // Step by step build

Lets Make Things 2024-07-30 | In today’s video, I’m excited to take you through the process of making a honing and sharpening jig. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your chisels or plane blades razor-sharp, this DIY project is a game changer!

I’ll walk you through each step, sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to ensure your jig is both functional and easy to use. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast, a mechanic, or just someone who loves maintaining their tools, this jig will help you achieve a perfect edge every time.

As a bonus, I’m offering FREE plans for the jig! You can download them from my website makethingswithrob.com/single-bevel-blade-guide , so you can follow along or modify the design to suit your needs.

Let’s get sharpening!

Playlist of all bitesize tips used → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9Fnz4tYMHvZMdb14Bo-nhLRU

Free plans → makethingswithrob.com/single-bevel-blade-guide

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
01:07 1. Materials
01:47 2. Making the angle
02:14 3. Shaping the body
03:20 4. Heel tracks
04:38 5. Attaching the heel
07:04 6. Locking arm
09:30 7. Calibration
10:44 8. Demonstration
12:20 Credits

Make a Hand Drill Jig that will give you Drill Press holes! // Step by step instructional video

Lets Make Things 2024-07-20 | In this video, we're going to make a simple jig that helps you drill straight holes with a hand drill. But before we dive into the jig itself, let's talk about why straight holes are so important.

When you're working on a project, whether it's woodworking, metalworking, or any other DIY endeavor, having accurate and straight holes is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, straight holes ensure that your parts fit together properly, which is essential for creating a strong and durable structure. If your holes are crooked or off-center, you'll end up with parts that don't fit together as intended, which can lead to poor performance and even safety issues.

Straight holes also make it easier to assemble and disassemble your project. When parts fit together smoothly, it's much easier to get them aligned correctly and avoid any issues during assembly. And if you need to disassemble your project for maintenance or repairs, straight holes make it easier to get everything back together without any frustration.

In this step by step video, we'll quickly make something that I think you'll enjoy using in your shop. With this jig, you'll be able to drill straight holes in wood, metal, or any other material with ease and accuracy.

Step by step, materials and tools used → makethingswithrob.com/hand-drill-jig

Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.

00:00 Intro
01:08 1. Materials
02:35 2. Mapping out cut lines
03:51 3. Bandsaw work
04:36 4. Adding the angle
04:59 5. Handle and clean up
06:17 6. Credits

How to Make a Woodworking Jig for Perfectly Flat Laminated Surfaces // Step by step instructions!

Lets Make Things 2024-07-06 | In this video, I'll show you how to create a custom woodworking jig that ensures perfectly flat laminated surfaces. This jig is designed to help you glue multiple layers of wood together without any unwanted bends or warping. The jig uses plywood, which is a very stable medium that will keep its flat shape, and it fits inside of a woodworking vise.

**Key Features:**
- Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions
- Techniques to ensure a smooth, flat finish
- Demonstration of the jig in action

Website for materials / tools used / step by step instructions: makethingswithrob.com/flat-surface-jig

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.

00:00 Intro
00:47 1. Materials (with breakdown)
01:13 2. Creating the tongue
02:39 3. Glue up
03:11 4. Leveling the surface
03:42 5. Adding HDPE strip
04:29 6. Example
06:13 7. Credits

Make a Mallet from 4 pieces of stock...No Joinery needed! // Step by step video

Lets Make Things 2024-06-18 | The woodworking mallet is as old as time. They're perfect for chisel work, for joinery and other tasks where you need to knock something into something else. Hammers and rubber mallets both are problematic as they leave marks, but a nice, stout mallet made from your own hands not only feels like an extension of your body, but it's much safer on your woodworking projects.

In this video, I'll be showing you how to build a custom woodworking mallet from scratch. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this step-by-step guide will help you create a durable and functional mallet that will be a valuable addition to your toolbox. There are also free plans that you can use below to build this.

Check out the Huntsman's Mallet (as mentioned in the video) → youtu.be/skOtffVrjRE

Step by step / Materials/tools used webpage for this build → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-wooden-mallet-quick

👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more woodworking tutorials and projects!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Intro
00:27 1. Materials
00:53 2. Handle top
01:59 3. Mallet center
03:31 4. Handle body
05:07 5. Assembly
05:38 6. Extras
07:54 Credits

The EASIEST Shim and Wedge Jig...make it in less than 5 minutes // Step by step instructions

Lets Make Things 2024-06-02 | Shims and wedges are essential tools in woodworking, helping to level surfaces, fill gaps, and adjust fits for a variety of projects. Joints like the mortise and tenon that accept wedges are an important way to lock and allow pieces to be dissembled. But these triangles can be difficult to create and cut due to the geometry of the slopes and the straightness that they need to be.

In this video, I'll show you a simple and effective way to create shims using a table saw and only a few pieces of scrap wood. This will get your shims and wedges cut quickly, getting you back to work before the boss knows you're gone. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, mastering the creation and use of shims can greatly improve the precision and quality of your projects...so let's get this started!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Intro
00:44 1. Materials & Build
01:57 2. Setting up for repeatability
03:16 3. The process (cut flip cut)
04:04 4. Making shims
04:30 5. No scraps left behind
05:18 6. A few more examples
06:58 7. Credits

Upgrading Your Knurled Thumb Nuts: A Simple DIY Hack

Lets Make Things 2024-05-22 | In this tutorial, we're going to take your knurled thumb nuts to the next level by using hex nuts as a substitute. You might be wondering why you'd want to do this, but trust us, the results are well worth the effort. With a simple DIY hack, you can create locking thumb nuts that are not only cheaper, but with more torque that will give you a better lock.

In this video, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of converting hex nuts into knurled thumb nuts. We'll cover the necessary materials, tools, and techniques you'll need to get started. You'll learn how to properly prepare the hex nuts, apply the knurling technique, and finish them off with a durable coating.

So what are you waiting for? Watch this video now and start making better knurled thumb nuts with hex nuts!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

Box joint FOR the miter arm // Step by step

Lets Make Things 2024-05-16 | If you own a table saw, you need a box joint jig. It's the safest, easiest, most precise way to create a 90˚ corner. Making boxes with this takes very little time and will make you feel like an experienced woodworker.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we're diving into the art of crafting flawless box joints with a homemade jig. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create professional-grade joinery with ease.

Join us as we walk through the construction of a custom box joint jig, designed to deliver unparalleled accuracy and repeatability in your woodworking projects. From selecting the right materials to precise measurements and assembly, we'll cover everything you need to know to build your own jig from scratch.

Once your jig is assembled, we'll demonstrate hot to use it. You'll learn essential tips and techniques for achieving tight-fitting joints that elevate the quality and durability of your creations. I've also added a trouble shooting in case you have any problems. Get ready to unlock the secrets of precision joinery and unleash your creativity in the workshop!

*Step by step/Materials/tools used (Free!)* → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-box-joint-jig-for-the-miter-arm

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Intro
00:47 1. Important notes
01:02 2. Improvising
01:22 3. Adding channel for the t-track
02:27 4. Jig body work
05:14 5. Building the fence
06:40 6. Keys & calibration
09:30 7. Basic operation
12:01 8. Troubleshooting tips
15:16 9. Credits

Make a miter arm for your table saw! / Step by step directions

Lets Make Things 2024-05-05 | The table saw sled has a number of advantages, but it’s bulky and not always needed to do smaller things. One might call it an overkill, for example, if all that’s needed is to cut a piece of stock into several smaller pieces. While I would never suggest that a sled is unnecessary, considering the miter gauge to be unnecessary would be just as faulty. The miter gauge is one of the most flexible tools that makes cutting angles simple, but it’s limited beyond that. Let’s add a miter arm that will give us some advanced abilities!

But wait!

If we’re going to use our miter gauge with the newly created miter arm, we need a good stop block system to make repeated cutting easier. The table saw’s fence has this ability…the miter gauge shouldn’t be left out. Besides this, having a t-track on the top will allow us to add jigs in the future with a simple t-bolt and thumb knob…and who doesn’t love expandability? In this chapter, we’re going to add a much needed system to what we created in the past chapter…a really good stop block system!

*Step by step instructions, materials, tools* → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-miter-arm-for-your-table-saw

*Playlist of all bitesize tips used →* youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FkJPFn5JKqQthnnB3zWDL4a

*Link in the description:*
Miter arm ruler tape → amzn.to/3H513cq
No Slop in the Stop → youtu.be/YokI6qqOLAs
Self centering hinge bit → amzn.to/3UEkTn7

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Intro
01:39 1-1. Strip explanation
02:27 1-2. Lamination the strips
03:00 1-3. Squaring up the arm
04:13 1-4. Attaching the fence to the gauge
05:28 2-1. Stop block materials
05:44 2-2. Profile block
06:56 2-3. Attaching the t-track
07:46 2-4. Finishing the stop block
09:57 2-5. Adding the tape and cutting to size
10:50 Thanks Patrons!

Make Dovetail Joints with a Bandsaw // Jig + Marker + Directions

Lets Make Things 2024-04-20 | A good dovetail joint is essential for both functional and aesthetic reasons, making it a cornerstone of fine woodworking and craftsmanship. These types of joints can easily be created with a hand saw and a few years of hand saw experience under the belt. But...for the rest of us that are not trained to make these, making a dovetail can be a difficult chore to make with a power tool due to the intricate angles. In this video, I'm going to show you a jig that you can use that will help you make the dovetail you've dreamed of making...with a bandsaw.

The jig uses a base and 2 carriages to create the tails and the pins. You'll also need to mark your stock, so I've included an easy to make dovetail marking jig.

WEBSITE → Step by step with materials and tools used → makethingswithrob.com/dovetail-marker

"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnSgm6QQu0EHHVHwFWyAwet

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Introduction
01:45 1-1. Materials and tools (Dovetail marker)
02:42 1-2. Cut glue cut
04:24 1-3. Half tail marker
05:24 2-1. Materials (Pins)
06:13 2-2. Cutting the angle braces
07:07 2-3. Attaching the braces to the pin base
08:03 2-4. Adding the pin top surface and fence
09:13 2-5. Bandsaw miter slot bar
11:15 2-6. Squaring up the fence
11:42 3-1. Materials and overview (Tails)
12:16 3-2. Miter bar addition
12:23 3-3. Adding a fence
14:38 4-1. Marking thickness lines (Directions)
15:38 4-2. Tail taping and marking
18:51 4-3. Tail cutting
21:07 4-4. Mating ends
21:45 4-5. Tail cleanup
22:16 4-6. Marking pins
24:00 4-7. Pin cutting & hogging
26:09 4-8. Cleaning up pins
26:38 4-9. Box assembly
27:54 Credits

Make a Magnetic Bandsaw Stop (Step by step!)

Lets Make Things 2024-03-31 | Most of the time we make straight cuts with the bandsaw. Other times, we need a stop we can rely on for cutting things like joints. Today, we're going to make a magnetic bandsaw stop. It has a studded knob that makes it easy to raise and lower a magnet that locks this jig to the table.

Webpage for this coming soon!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert

00:00 Intro
00:24 1. Mapping out lines
01:16 2. Shaping the body
02:18 3. Studded knob build
03:19 4. T-nut added to the top
03:57 5. Cutting bolt to size
04:23 6. Body construction
05:31 7. Adding tracker runner (optional)
06:21 8. Lap joint demonstration
07:44 9. Credits

Sanding with PVC // Techniques

Lets Make Things 2024-02-24 | Spindle sanders are the best way to clean up curves. There are times where they just don't work as things are too large, cumbersome or long. A cove, for example, can rarely, if ever, be cleaned up with a spindle sander. But we can make an incredibly simple hand sander out of a simple piece of PVC pipe. I think you'll be amazed by how much power these are!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Bruce GC

#MTbitesize

00:00 Intro
00:26 1. Materials
01:08 2. First method
04:02 3. Second method
05:44 4. A couple examples
06:11 5. Credits

Floating Belt Sander Fence // Step by step plans...Free!

Lets Make Things 2024-02-10 | Belt sanders are incredibly inaccurate. Whenever I use one, I'm always worried I'll have a hard time getting a clean, square sanding. Today, let's make a fence that we can use as an index point to make sure that we sand at a 90˚ angle from the surface. This fixture will be easy to remove and is not a permanent jig attached to our belt/disk sander.

Webpage for the build → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-floating-belt-sander-fixture
"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmZ4ZxpfrlHv7M9FoOPd3ID

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.

00:00 Intro
00:32 1. Materials
01:27 2. Attaching the base plate (pt 1)
02:51 3. Attaching walls to the base board
04:28 4. Attaching the base plate (pt 2)
04:59 5. Attaching the fence
07:22 6. Floating? And operation
10:08 7. Credits

Make a DRILL PRESS v-block jig for dowels

Lets Make Things 2023-12-14 | A V-block is basically a v, cut into a block that you can place round or strange shaped objects in to cut or drill. I've made a dowel cutter for the bandsaw, and while that will work to drill a hole, it doesn't allow you to attach it to the jig like this does, by using painters tape. Attaching the dowel to the jig gives you hands free access to finding and making a perfectly centered hole...or several holes in succession.

Step by step build / materials / tools used on the website → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-drill-press-v-block-for-dowels

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:46 1. Materials
01:03 2. Making Triangles
01:46 3. Gluing Triangles On
03:29 4. Temporary Attachments
05:31 5. Marking & Drilling
07:14 6. Credits

Make a Steady Rest Fixture for your Lathe // Step by Step

Lets Make Things 2023-11-29 | A lathe has a head stock as well as a tail stock. We place our lumber that we want to round between both points. In this scenario, normally, you really don’t need anything else to use the lathe. In fact, the head stock alone can be enough to hold onto the work you’re working with. The trouble comes when you’re trying to work on the end, like if you want to drill a hole, or if you’re making a bowl. This is when a steady rest really helps out as it gives you a second point of contact that keeps your work…steady. In this video, I’m going to show how I made a stripped down version of a steady rest that uses clamps to hold it to the bed as well as the wheels arms to the body.

Full step by step plans → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-steady-rest-for-your-lathe
Advanced Steady Rest (With knobs) → youtu.be/60lj5ODXjjA

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:43 1. Materials
01:24 2. Creating "the frame"
04:22 3. To knob or not to knob
05:26 4. Option 1 or option 2
06:31 5. Frame Assembly
08:05 6. Base
09:11 7. Arms
12:54 8. Operation

Make a simplified track saw

Lets Make Things 2023-11-12 | A plunge or track saw is a wonderful tool that solves the difficult problem that cutting a piece of plywood with a table saw can be. But if you don't do a lot of plywood or sheet good cutting, a good straight edge works...and works well. I've made a more complicated conduit track saw build that works, but it's unnecessary as you only need a good straight edge to get a perfect cut.

In this video, we're going to make that straight edge. It requires very few tools and very few materials (unistrut, thin plywood) to make and I promise, you'll never look at the table saw again when you need to cut sheets down.

Step by step instructions → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-simplified-track-saw

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:35 1. Materials and tools
01:18 2. Cutting to size
01:55 3. Drilling and attaching the strut
04:35 4. Creating zero for alignment
05:04 5. Example
06:01 6. Credits

Marking Gauge Update // The Flipper Strikes Back

Lets Make Things 2023-10-28 | The Marking Gauge is a unique part of history. I've used a number of cutters, but I really like having a sharpened pencil line to lay out marks. This is an update to the video I made about 6 months ago, removing the magnet and adding a flipper.

For the full build of the entire Marking Gauge → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-marking-gauge

For just the video → youtu.be/iENrjQHRDpU
For the moldy oldie that I made years ago with a printing rod → youtu.be/ERZTLopnow4

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

#MTbitesize

Hold Down Clamp Build // Wood Lamination 101

Lets Make Things 2023-09-21 | Let's face it, if you're going to use t-tracks, if you're going to make jigs, you're going to, at times, need to hold things down. A hold down clamp does just that: it holds things down. In order to get pressure to hold things down, we need a little bit of spring. We can create that spring with a hold down clamp made from laminating wood. Don't worry, this is an easy thing to do, so long as you have the right kind of mold or form to do it. In this video, we're going to go over the steps needed to make a very basic hold down clamp out of oak and walnut. Check out the website for an indexed step by step as well as materials and tools used. This is going to be a fun one!

Step by step/Materials/Tools used/Schematics → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-hold-down-clamp

Thin Strip Jig → makethingswithrob.com/spring-thin-strip-jig

Playlist of all bitesizes used → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FlrBeh2w9oYp9gJEds0ricw

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:35 1. Buttering the bread (glue up)
01:35 2. Mapping out the form
02:38 3.Carving the form
03:22 4. Cutting bendable thin strips
04:21 5. Finalizing the form
06:33 6. Bent stock glue
07:20 7. Rounding and shaping the ends
08:54 8. Better friction
11:20 9. Credits

Make Cambered Cauls with a Thumbtack

Lets Make Things 2023-09-06 | A cambered caul is a clamping aid used to clamp across wide surfaces you couldn't normally reach with clamps. The idea is definitely not a new one and has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. But they're very difficult to make as you really want a nice shape that will apply even pressure along an entire surface. There are some that swear by the jointer method of creating cauls, but in this video I show how it's not nearly as effective as using a simple thumbtack.

Check out my Quad Screw Vise video (talked about in this video) → youtu.be/VdQLdu0gz_w

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

#MTbitesize

00:00 Intro
00:38 1. More about cambered caul
03:22 2. Thumbtack cauls
07:41 3. Testing for cambering
09:33 4. Credits

Quad Screw Vise Build // Would Moxon be proud?

Lets Make Things 2023-08-25 | The Screw vise, also known as the Moxon vise, is an old invention. I decided to add a few things to it for a better workflow in my shop. Instead of a couple screws, I went up to a Quad with absolutely no threaded rods hanging out the front...like the original double screw vise. This allows me to work on joints instead of just half of a joint. Tracker runner gives it a better grip and allows the vise to be much lighter.

Absolutely free plans → makethingswithrob.com/make-an-advanced-moxon-double-screw-vise
Simple to make knobs → youtu.be/ZNUq53yvj6c?t=441

Bitesize's from this video → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FloIlY13F5CryEz4557UwZO

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
01:11 1. Mapping out the body
04:09 2. Prefacing the top and bottom jaw
06:53 3. Notching the body (dog hole)
07:25 4. Drilling out the vertical holes
08:52 5. Latch and handle (optional)
18:28 6. Attaching the bottom jaw
18:53 7. Finishing the upper and front jaws
22:12 8. Dog hole connection
27:56 9. Credits

Simple Moxon (Double Screw) Vise // From Start to Finish (1 Power Tool Needed)

Lets Make Things 2023-08-10 | The double screw vise, also known as the Moxon vise, is a relatively old devise that's been documented as early as 1676. One of its major strengths is the ability to clamp stock for joint creation. While a lot of vises made for benches can be very expensive, this one is extremely cheap and can be made from a single trip to the hardware store. I'll show you how to make knobs that work just as well as any other Moxon kit that's on the market. To sweeten this, this vise racks, allowing tapered and non square stock to be clamped with ease. All of this and you only need a drill press or even just a hand drill if you have steady hands.

Cheap + easy + extremely important = you can't afford to miss making one of these!

Step by step/Materials & Tools Used webpage for this video → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-moxon-double-screw-vise

The Bench Knobs I talked about in the video → youtu.be/zsDHsLC5IKY

Bitesize's (tips and tricks) for this video → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FmQeAikEqIAJaGj4k7vOhIi

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:49 1. Two Methods to Attach
02:45 2. Adding Vise Holes
04:25 3. Transferring Holes
04:41 4. Conduit for racking (Optional)
05:50 5. Snugging each post
06:18 6. Epoxy, glue and screws
07:21 7. Creating simple knobs

Steel bench vise appliance // Two methods!

Lets Make Things 2023-07-25 | Woodworking bench vises are traditionally built into the bench: Great for woodworking projects, terrible for cutting or working on metal. But mounting a steel vise to the surface can get in the way of larger projects. We can get around that by making a vise on a jig that's easily able to be removed when not needed. I've got two different jigs I've come up with that will work: One with a woodworking vise, the other if you don't have a vise but don't want to mount your steel vise to the table.

Marking Gauge → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-marking-gauge

All the bitesize tips used in this video → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FkHKzT-eZ770rYzJGDlum0X
Full step by step (Materials/Tools used) → makethingswithrob.com/build-a-steel-vise-bench-appliance

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
00:25 1. Materials (V.1 & 2)
00:58 2. Steel vise mapping (V.1 & 2)
02:07 3. Adding crossbar (V.1)
04:15 4. Adding crossbar (V.2)
05:30 5. Adding dog hole (V.2)
07:45 6. Adding the vise (V.1 & 2)
08:43 7. A few cuts (V.1)
09:56 8. Bonus: Wood jaws

Magnetic Bench Appliance #lmts #bench #magnetic

Lets Make Things 2023-07-25 | Full Build → youtu.be/NyT318GPbC4

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

Herringbone Magnetic Appliance

Lets Make Things 2023-07-18 | Cut steel, clean it up and prevent it from getting into your wood projects with a tool holder magnet. Yeah, it was a little silly adding a handle to a magnet to make a wand...when the magnet tool holder alone could have worked, but I love giving my tools character as well as playing around with new techniques. First in this video: herringbone design, split dowels and wedges, making a tang and adding it to a handle.

For all the bitesize tips in the video, I made a playlist → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FluKyC8HLDJIdl_yian_Zr9

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

Bandsaw Jig Made for Lathes // Step by step guide

Lets Make Things 2023-07-10 | If you want to cut some corners when it comes to the lathe (literally!), making a jig like this will help do that. This makes lathe work a lot easier as you're not trimming back the corners, waiting to hit the actual meat of your stock. I've used this for years and there's nothing like these guys...they really do do a lot of work that you don't want to do later on.

I do have a free step by step set of plans with materials/tools used here → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-bandsaw-sled-for-your-lathe

Marking gauge → youtu.be/iENrjQHRDpU
For the advanced version that's slightly more complicated → youtu.be/csfzN-tD_18

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

00:00 Intro
01:33 1. Opening
02:12 2. The four columns
04:06 3. Making the bed
06:19 4. Attaching the columns
07:37 5. Base plate slots
09:03 6. Expansion bar
11:03 7. Base and cradle attachment
11:21 8. Cutting the blade center
12:37 9. Safety precautions
14:14 10. Credits

Bandsaw jig made for the lathe #lmts #shorts #bandsaw #lathe

Lets Make Things 2023-07-10 | Quick video showing how I made my bandsaw jig that works great for the lathe.
For the full-size video → youtu.be/csfzN-tD_18
Step by step to build a simpler one (materials / tools used) → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-bandsaw-sled-for-your-lathe

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

Bandsaw jig built...for the Lathe

Lets Make Things 2023-07-03 | Rounded objects are scary to cut on the bandsaw (in fact, anything not _flat_ against the table should be avoided when cutting). If we create a two point contact, we can replicate the flat surface, thus making it much safer to cut round shapes with the bandsaw.

On the other hand, rounding square stock is a chore and taxing on lathe tools when stock needs to be made round. If we can cut the corners off of our stock and bring them to a rounder shape, we're doing less dulling with our tools.

This tool, used on the bandsaw, is an excellent way to work with stock going to or coming from the lathe.

Like the folding knob in this video? Watch it here! →youtu.be/UtcXUmEp7o8
To view all the *bitesize tips* and techniques used in this video → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FlyB4Gu4i-SPSgx4ypd6K44

Stay tuned for a step by step video coming soon!

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

#MTbitesize

Bench Vise Crank #lmts #shorts #bench

Lets Make Things 2023-06-26 | Full Build → youtu.be/PW0n8EU0Ud0

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.

Bench Vise Crank (A Handle on a Handle!)

Lets Make Things 2023-06-25 | If you're doing a lot of turning with your vise, try making a crank for yours. It's a quick way to lock and unlock your vise and seems like something that should have been back before the quick release vise was produced. If you like watching how homemade cranks, knobs or handles are created, this is the video for you.

For all the bitesizes mentioned in this video → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9Fl7mrdNNfIpjP9RqKE2saY5

More projects: www.makethingswithrob.com/pro

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!

Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.