That technique is also great for holding small, tricky to clamp pieces for routing without clamps getting in the way 😊

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I hadn't considered that, and I'm sure there are many other useful applications for this technique i also haven't considered, for both power and hand tools.

Nice. This both represents an alternative to clamps (eg, when yours aren't the right size) and probably a historical technique. Thanks!

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Yes, it is a rather flexible technique which i believe is useful to know

hmmm seems there are no haters here bitching about you using your bare hands on the finish. I LOVE the feel of the finish, wood and my hands heating the surface.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I have had the bare hand haters before, i guess they haven't found this video yet. It was raw linseed oil i used here so all natural and bare hands is just easier.

Theres a smiley face on that board 😂

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I don't see it

Very cool. I coated my bench top with waxed shellac, and the glue beads pop right off. The bench top is a little slicker than normal, but it hasn't been a problem.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

That's a pretty good idea i think, making sure glue doesnt stick to the bench top, i may try that.

The simplest of traditional techniques are often the best (though not always, I admit that). For some reason, a lot of people tend to think that everything needs to be ultra-modern and mechanised or automated to work best but that just isn't true in small-shop woodwork. Tactile feedback from tools (including clamping methods) usually results in a better overall end product. As for sandpaper, I use the least I can get away with and I don't buy anything above 240 grit; I also have 80, 120 and 180. My cordless sander wore out a few of months ago and I have no urge to replace it. In fact, I don't aim for a sanded-smooth finish as such, I just soften corners and lightly prepare surfaces for a finish to adhere to. I don't even like sharpening planes above 240 because that was all we had back in the day but because I now mainly use diamond plates (for speed) ranging from 400 to 1000, I have little option. Less is more, I think.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I think you're correct that traditional ways should not be forgotten just because there is a new way of doing things. Sometimes the new way is better, some times its not. Thanks for sharing your sanding grits too much appreciated

Useful tip, good video

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

I have use wedges for years when you start using them and think outside the box. You will find more and more uses, no need for fancy clamps How did the woodworkers hundreds of years ago used I enjoyed the video well done

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I agree, there are definitely a lot of applications for using wedges to clamp items or even work holding.

Instead of sandpaper on flat surfaces, I use a card scraper or cabinet scraper if it's a large project. I do still use sandpaper occasionally

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Thanks i generally use scrapers instead of sand paper too where possible.

I am trying to avoid sanding ... I prefer to plane..but when i can't use my plane and card scraper i am starting sanding with 80, 120, 180 and 220. Sometimes i am skipping the 80 and the 220. Before adding finish on the wood i wipe all the sawdust off with microfiber cloth or old cotton rug and than i am using some mineral spirits for final cleaning B.L oil or Tung oil and sometimes Shellac. Using wedges is very helpful way using while woodworking...i am using wedge all the time with my leg vise anti rack system .. Good video!

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your sanding grits / finish process and uses for wedges, much appreciated

I did this to glue up 2"x2" to make my own stairs i my house.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Great example of gluing up larger items with this method

I like my workholding how I like my politics, with a wedge... Seriously though 220 is usually my final grit for sanding , but for finer work I usually work my way from 180 to 600 grit. Organoil (whose Danish Oil I use) instructions say 1200 grit. Never gone that fine. On the other extreme I sometimes just give shop builds a quick once over with 120 to soften edges and remove splinters.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your experience with sanding grits, much appreciated

Oil finish 180.

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

Thanks

This video was really useful. Does it matter what the angles are on the wedges?

@AussieWoodshed

2 ай бұрын

I don't think the angle matters too much as long as the wedges hold and stay relatively square to the work. So i would probably make sure the angle is less than 45 degrees as i think 45 would slip. To be honest i haven't played around with the angles much. I usually just grab an off cut and cut it nearly corner to corner so i have a flat on the small end to hit.

@jonrost5574

2 ай бұрын

@@AussieWoodshed Good to know. I will see what off cuts I have around the shop and experiment some.