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This article offers five woodworking tips that can save time, frustration, and even money. The first tip focuses on Purple Heart wood, which is renowned for its beauty. However, sanding this wood can cause it to turn an unappealing grayish-brown color. To restore its deep purple hue, one can wipe the sanded wood with acetone, set it in the sun for 20-30 minutes, and repeat the process until the desired color is achieved.
Other tips include organizing sandpaper in an art bin box, using business cards as setup bars, utilizing the Cutlist Optimizer tool to minimize waste when cutting plywood, and using the Cutting Board Calculator to determine the cost and design of cutting boards. The article also recommends a physical calculator and a beginner’s woodworking manual for those starting out.
Key Takeaways
- Restore the deep purple hue of Purple Heart wood by wiping it with acetone and exposing it to sunlight.
- Organize sandpaper in an art bin box and use business cards as setup bars.
- Utilize online tools like the Cutlist Optimizer and the Cutting Board Calculator to minimize waste and plan designs.
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Working With Purple Heart Wood
Purple Heart is a beautiful wood that is often used for cutting boards, mallets, and various woodworking projects. However, when sanded, it can turn into a weird grayish-brown color. To bring back the deep purple color, you can take some acetone and wipe it down after sanding. Then, set it in the sun for about 20-30 minutes and repeat the process until you get the desired color.
It’s important to note that Purple Heart is a very hard wood, so it can be difficult to work with. It’s recommended to use sharp tools and take your time when cutting, drilling, or sanding. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask when working with Purple Heart as it can produce a lot of fine dust.
If you’re looking to create a cutting board with Purple Heart, it’s important to consider the wood’s hardness. You may need to adjust your tools or techniques to ensure you get a smooth and even surface. It’s also recommended to use food-safe finishes when working with cutting boards.
Overall, Purple Heart is a beautiful and unique wood that can add a special touch to your woodworking projects. With the right techniques and precautions, you can work with Purple Heart and create stunning pieces.
Organizing Your Sandpaper
One of the most frustrating things in woodworking is not being able to find the sandpaper you need when you need it. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. By using an art bin box, you can keep your sandpaper properly sorted and easily accessible.
The art bin box is a type of art supply box that can be purchased on Amazon for around $30. It has multiple compartments that can be used to sort your sandpaper by grit level. For example, you can have one compartment for 120 grit, another for 220 grit, and so on. You can also use the compartments to store small sanding blocks that go with your power tools.
By using the art bin box, you can save time and frustration by quickly finding the sandpaper you need. Plus, it is easily stackable or can be stored on a shelf, making it a great space-saving solution for your workshop.
This tip was shared by a woodworker named All Red Woodworks. By using this simple tool, you can keep your sandpaper organized and easily accessible, allowing you to focus on your woodworking projects without the hassle of searching for the right sandpaper.
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Using Brass Setup Bars
Brass setup bars are commonly used in woodworking shops to set up different tools such as routers, table saws, and more. However, many of these bars only go down to an eighth or a sixteenth of an inch, which can limit their usefulness in precise measurements.
One helpful tip is to stack two business cards together to create a thickness of 1/64th of an inch. By stacking four business cards together, you can create a thickness of 1/16th of an inch. This simple trick allows you to achieve more precise measurements with your brass setup bars.
This tip was sent in by a viewer named Steve Hawkins, and it’s a great example of how small adjustments can make a big difference in woodworking. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the most useful tips come from fellow woodworkers who have encountered the same challenges and found creative solutions.
Overall, using brass setup bars can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your woodworking projects. By incorporating this simple tip, you can take your measurements to the next level and achieve even better results in your work.
Cutlist Optimizer Tool
The Cutlist Optimizer Tool is a free online tool that helps woodworkers optimize the cutting of plywood to minimize waste. This tool is especially useful for those who frequently work with plywood and want to save money by reducing waste.
To use the Cutlist Optimizer Tool, users simply input the measurements of the stock sheets they have, such as 96 by 48 inches for four-foot by eight-foot sheets of plywood in America. They then enter the dimensions of the panels they need to cut out, which can be obtained from woodworking plans or other sources. The tool then calculates the optimal layout for cutting the panels out of the stock sheets, taking into account the blade kerf and any curves that need to be cut.
Using the Cutlist Optimizer Tool can save woodworkers time and money by reducing the amount of plywood wasted due to inefficient cutting. It is also a great way to ensure that projects are completed with precision and accuracy, as the tool provides a detailed layout that can be followed during the cutting process.
Overall, the Cutlist Optimizer Tool is an essential resource for any woodworker who wants to optimize their cutting process and minimize waste. By using this tool, woodworkers can save time, money, and frustration, while ensuring that their projects are completed with precision and accuracy.
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Cutting Board Calculator
The Cutting Board Calculator is a free online tool that helps woodworkers determine the layout and cost of their cutting board projects. It allows users to input the length and thickness of the board, as well as the type and amount of wood they plan to use.
One of the best features of the Cutting Board Calculator is its ability to arrange the layout of the cutting board based on the information provided. It can show different designs such as zigzag, checkerboard, and spiral patterns. Users can also adjust the width of each piece according to their preference.
In addition, the calculator takes into account the blade kerf, which is the thickness of the saw blade, to ensure that no parts of the plywood are wasted during the cutting process. This feature helps save both time and money, making it an invaluable tool for woodworkers who frequently work with plywood.
Overall, the Cutting Board Calculator is an excellent resource for woodworkers who want to create beautiful and functional cutting boards. It is easy to use, free, and provides accurate results that can help save both time and money.
Physical Calculator
The physical calculator is a great tool for those who prefer to have a physical device to calculate measurements in the workshop. This calculator is capable of converting feet, inches, fractions, and decimals to the nearest 1/16th, 1/32nd, or 1/64th of an inch. It is also capable of performing simple math operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The physical calculator is an essential tool for any woodworker who needs to make precise measurements and calculations in the workshop. It is particularly useful for those who are working on projects that require accurate measurements, such as furniture or cabinetry. The physical calculator is also a great tool for those who prefer to work with a physical device rather than a digital one.
One of the advantages of using a physical calculator is that it is easy to use and does not require any special training or knowledge. It is also very reliable and does not require any batteries or electricity to operate. The physical calculator is also very durable and can withstand the wear and tear of the workshop.
Overall, the physical calculator is an essential tool for any woodworker who needs to make precise measurements and calculations in the workshop. It is a reliable and durable tool that is easy to use and does not require any special training or knowledge. If you prefer to work with a physical device rather than a digital one, the physical calculator is a great tool to have in your workshop.
Woodworking Manual
Woodworking can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby, but it can also be frustrating and time-consuming if you don’t know the right tips and tricks. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful woodworking tips that can save you time, frustration, and even money.
One of the most beautiful woods for cutting boards, mallets, and other projects is Purple Heart. However, sanding this wood can cause it to turn a weird grayish-brown color. To restore the deep purple color, simply wipe it down with acetone after sanding and let it sit in the sun for 20-30 minutes. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired color.
Sorting sandpaper can be a hassle, but using an art bin box can make it easier to find the right grit. This box is stackable and can be easily stored on a shelf. You can sort sandpaper by grit size and even include small sanding blocks.
If you need to set up different tools such as routers, table saws, or other equipment, brass setup bars can be helpful. However, most of these bars only go down to an eighth or a sixteenth of an inch. You can use two business cards stacked together to get 1/64th of an inch or four cards for 1/16th of an inch.
If you cut a lot of plywood, wasting it can be expensive. Cutlistoptimizer.com is a free tool that can help you lay out exactly how to cut plywood to avoid wasting any pieces. You can put in your measurements and the tool will show you how to lay out the plywood to make the cuts. You can even include the curve size to ensure you waste zero parts of the plywood.
Finally, if you’re making cutting boards, The Cutting Board Calculator website can be a helpful tool to figure out the layout and cost of your project. You can input the length and thickness of the board, the woods you’ll be using, and the board feet. The tool will arrange the layout of your cutting board based on the information you provide.
By following these tips, you can improve your woodworking skills and make your projects more efficient and enjoyable.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Aside from the five woodworking tips mentioned earlier, there are other tips and tricks that can help you in your woodworking projects. These tips can save you time, money, and effort.
One of the most important things to consider when working with wood is safety. Always wear the proper safety gear, such as goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. It’s also important to keep your work area clean and organized to prevent accidents.
Another tip is to invest in good quality tools. While they may be more expensive, they will last longer and perform better, saving you money in the long run. It’s also important to keep your tools sharp and well-maintained to ensure they work properly.
When working with wood, it’s important to choose the right type of wood for your project. Different woods have different characteristics, such as hardness, durability, and grain pattern. Make sure you choose the right wood for your project to ensure the best results.
In addition, it’s important to take your time and work carefully. Rushing through a project can lead to mistakes and poor results. Take the time to plan out your project and work carefully to ensure the best outcome.
By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your woodworking skills and create beautiful, high-quality projects.
