Tag: oneminuteworkbench

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$10 Twin Screw Vise!

Years ago, watching YouTube videos of master woodworkers use their high end tools, I developed a strong desire for a twin screw vise. I was completely sold on the twin screw vise design, but when I looked to buy one (or even just the hardware kit for one), my desire turned to envy, because there was no way I could afford to spend $150+ for one.

(Watch the video!)

It didn’t take long before I designed my own version, and made sure I could make it for next to nothing. Is this vise as nice as one that’ll cost you $300? No. Will it clamp up a board with enough strength to hold my bodyweight, all while doing it for 1/30th the price? Yet bet your bottom dollar!

My YouTube video for this vise is probably everything you need to build one, but if you want nice diagrams and instructions, you can buy the plans here for just a couple bucks.

So if you’re suffering from from twin screw vise envy, give this one a try. And when you do, be sure to send me pics of your build so I can add them to the customer gallery!

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Get BOTH Ends of Your Jointer’s Fence Square!

Why is it so hard to get both ends of a jointer’s fence to be square?

I’m guessing it has something to do with the fact that no matter what mechanism is used, the engineers leave some play in it for ease of manufacturing, and/or lower cost of manufacturing. If the tolerances were set tighter, the components would have to be of higher quality and precision, or else the fence might not move at all! High quality, precise parts are harder to make and cost more money.

So what are we to do? Buy a really expensive jointer, or deal with finicky yet affordable fences. I’ve opted for the later of the two options because spending lots of money is not my strong suit. Also, expensive jointers usually take up a lot of room, which is another strike against the idea.

All that said, I think when it comes to getting the fence square, I’ve finally got it down, and can get it square, and at BOTH ends, in only a few minutes. By using two squares and spring clamps, I can monitor the squaring progress of both ends of the fence at the same time. The spring clamps allow the square to move to a new position, but still apply enough pressure to hold the fence steady while you tighten everything down.

You can see my technique in action here. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Also let me know if you come up with a better technique of your own!

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One Minute Workbench, V2

It’s Finally Here!

I couldn’t be happier with finally completing the project plans and video for version 2 of the One Minute Workbench. It’s literally been 2+ years in the making. Between being crazy busy with work, school, and life in general, at times it seemed like I might not ever get it done.

(Watch the video!)

(Buy the plans!)

I’m also really happy with the quality of the project plans. My other project plans are, in my opinion (and so far in the opinion of anybody I’ve ever talked to that’s downloaded them) very good, however I think this is my best work yet, and people tell me they are very easy to follow.

If you buy the plans, please let me know what you think, write a review, and be sure to send me photos so you can show off your work in the customer gallery!

As always, until the next time, I hope you have fun building something!

-Tommy