HackSpace_-_April_2020

FEATURE

Woodworking

Right

Saw a length of 2 × 2 in. (50 mm × 50 mm)

at 1 in. (25 mm) shorter than width of base.

This forms the fence. Apply and spread

glue to the underside of the fence

Right

Align (left or right) the fence to front edge

of base. Use square to ensure fence is 90

degrees to side of base. Rub fence and base

together, creating a rub joint

Left

Use (two) clamps to

attach fence securely

to base. Maintain

fence alignment using

large square while

setting up clamps.

Wait 1.5 hours before

removing clamps

Above

Side of bench hook

showing fence (top)

and hook (below)

glued to base

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOOK

An addition to the bench hook is the stop. Often you’ll

need components of similar length. A bench hook

with a stop excels at creating identical small parts. An

adjustable stop ensures repeatability.

Bench hooks can be made narrow or wide, and

oriented for left- or right-hand use. The tools to

make your first bench hook will be used in every

woodworking project.

Start with a plywood base ½ inch to ¾ inch thick

(12 mm to 18 mm). Ensure the sides of base are square

or 90° to each other. We used a roughly 15 cm × 20 cm

piece of plywood, but this doesn’t have to be exact.

The fence is attached across the top end; the hook

is attached at the bottom of the opposite end. Fence

and hook attach to a plywood base using glue and

clamps. Two short lengths of 2 × 2 lumber (50 mm ×

A back saw will see regular use in your woodworking.

Use it with a bench hook to trim wood. Razor saws are

fine-tooth back saws for detail work. I use razor saws to

make precise, clean cuts. A common razor saw is 6 in.

(150 mm) long with a 24 TPI, 1.5-inch (38 mm) deep blade.

A razor saw is an inexpensive back saw found at hobby

shops. It creates a thin kerf saw-cut to aid in precision.

Back sawsBack saws