: Further thoughts:

: The importance of sharp tools cannot be exaggerated. A really sharp
: chisel will produce a fine surface - as good as a plane. To get
: an extra fine cut use your right (left) hand to hold and control
: the chisel and use the left (right) thumb to slide the edge
: sideways as it slices off an almost transparent paring. This
: gives you great control.

: A sharp edge lasts longer as there is less stress on the edge
: material. If the chisel comes with an edge protector use it; if
: not make one from a piece of wood with a slot in it. Chisels are
: delicate - don’t store them close to files and other
: “ruffian” tools. Don’t let any edged tool get blunt - it
: takes a more work to get them sharp again than it does to keep
: them that way. Chisels are like plane blades: for curly -or
: cross-grain sharpen the chisel at a shallower angle. For heavy
: work use a coarser angle.

: For making guide cuts for small mortises I use a dowel cutoff saw;
: I clamp a block at the line and use the saw with the non-marring
: side toward the block - very precise.

: A routing table is also handy for rabbets. However, if you use an
: outer or false stem the rabbet for the planking is not required,
: but the stem dimensions will change.

: An inexpensive and very useful rasp for a quick fix is the
: “four-in-one” - it has a round and a flat side and both fine
: and course surfaces. It can be rough on the hands so I have
: others that are better for extended use but this is the one I
: use the most. Lee Valley Tools sell it among others.

: On the subject of (handheld) belt sanders, I very rarely use mine
: since I acquired a bench-mounted combined belt and disc sander.
: Much more accurate. For scarfing thin strips I now use the disc
: sander with a guide clamped to the table; it is quicker and more
: accurate than anything else I have tried including a plane, a
: chop saw and a router, and the sander needs no jig. When using
: the belt for thin pieces wear leather gloves and always install
: the projectile catcher that comes with the tool!

Leather glove eliminate all the fun of sanding off your fingerprints .

Bill H.