HackSpace_-_April_2020

LENS

Above

A selection of common

wood glues and applicators

Right
Bench hook with 90-
degree straight and
45-degree mitre slot

Left

Bench hook with

adjustable stop

for repeatability

Repeated nicks makeRepeated nicks make

the slot wider,the slot wider,

removing the precisionremoving the precision

BENCH HOOK VARIATIONS

There are two versions of the classic bench hook.

One has a fence shorter than the width of the base

(open-ended). A shoulder is created at the end of the

fence. A handsaw is used with the fence to make a

square cut. Another version has a fine saw-blade

housed in a narrow kerf in the fence. When sawing,

this introduces more control and accuracy, since

there is no way the blade can twist, so you can

achieve precise 90-degree and 45-degree cuts.

A back saw is used with a bench hook as it has a

rigid back. This keeps the blade from twisting,

ensuring a straight cut. Back saws have either rip or

cross-cut teeth. Since bench hooks cross-cut pieces

to length, a cross-cut tooth pattern is ideal. Mitred

slots added to your bench hook increase the

versatility. Pre-cut mitre slots can be standard 30-,

45-, and 60-degree angles.

To create the mitre kerf in the fence, pencil marks

guide a saw-blade into the fence. Small workpieces

held against the fence are then cut at this angle.

The saw blade will eventually nick your bench

hook fence. Repeated nicks make the slot wider,

removing the precision. The slot can be filled in

and recreated, or a new slot made. When no

space remains, the fence can be replaced, or a

new bench hook created. The fence eventually

wears, and accuracy is compromised. Simply trim

the fence end to create a new edge. The bench

hook life is now extended!

Bench hook dimensions

depend on the size of the

components you trim. Small,

portable bench hooks are quickly

positioned. Larger bench hooks

occupy more workbench space,

which is something to consider.

Bench hooks don’t last forever, so

it’s wise to make your own.