A hand screw vise.

 Woodworkers never start out with all the things we think we might need, so we exercise ingenuity and grow stronger and more creative in the process, making do with what we have. Lacking a real woodworking bench, this is how I started, and it's also a great way to get your kids started, too.

Featured as a tip in Fine Woodworking #313, December 2024

25% off sale.

  I am having a 25% off pre-holiday sale on my Etsy website. https://dougstowe.etsy.com

Using a micro jig 360 sled in box making

 The micro jig 360 sled is a device you can make yourself, that can allow complex shapes to be cut for box making. In this video I describe its use in making the ends of chapel shaped boxes.

Routing cleanly to a stop SD 480p

When routing up to a stop, sawdust will accumulate against the stop block and alter the length of the cut. A block lifting the stop block provides clearance to prevent the accumulation of sawdust that will interfere with the accuracy of the operation.

   A spacer block underneath a stop block can prevent the accumulation of sawdust from altering a routed cut.

Keeping hands safe on the table saw sled

 The table saw sled is one of the most accurate and safe means for cutting small parts as one might use in box making. 

There are a few extra safety measures to follow to keep you safe.

where to put your own sacred stuff

I'm working on  small chapel shaped reliquaries,  and unlike my reliquaries of wood that contain samples of Arkansas hardwoods, these will be a place where you can put  your own stuff. Or is "stuff" the right word? Perhaps "sacred objects" might be a better fit. 

These will have wooden hinges, and the lids are being made with breadboard ends to keep them flat despite the tendency of wood to warp this way and the other when exposed to changing seasons.

It helps in using this technique, that the roof sections are small and the amount of expansion or contraction is limited. Note that I sanded the edges slightly where the parts come together. That gives greater definition to the separate parts used in its making.

Make, fix and create... Assist others in learning likewise.

vacuum veneered boxes

 This is about an article I had in Woodwork Magazine in February 2007 and features making vacuum veneered boxes using the Thin Air vacuum press. The box is assembled with rabbet joints and uses barbed hinges from craft-inc.com

Making miter keys for the keyed miter joint

 Miter keys are a great way to strengthen miter joints. Making the small keys to fit can be a challenge. This video shows how.

Making a wooden hinge

 This video is about making wooden hinges for box making from 1/4 in. stock. More videos are available on my youtube channel @MrDougStowe

Tape measure magic.

 After about 50 years of woodworking, and thirty of teaching other woodworkers, it's occurred to me that there are some subtle things that can make things easier and more accurate with a bit of deeper understanding. Often in classes, the simple techniques that I use in setting stop blocks on the sled are not obvious to students. And I often fail to specifically call them out to student attention. Then with students attempting to learn 3 or more things at once, such a simple thing can pass under the radar.

Making an inlaid walnut box

I've been going through some old photos and beginning to compile some articles for YouTube. This one is about making an inlaid walnut box and was featured in Woodcraft Magazine in May 2005.

Coming in two days.

My new book, Designing Boxes comes out in two days and can be purchased through this link at Amazon.com 

I've been sharing a series of box making videos on my youtube channel. This video is from today. More fresh box making contents is available. https://www.youtube.com/@MrDougStowe