Issue 668

Issue 668

Feeling Groovy

Rob Johnstone photoThe very first project I built (for the woman who would later become my wife) was a bookcase from construction-grade fir joined with dadoes. I formed them with a table saw, and just let me say that I could have fit the joints better.

Since that time, I can’t even guess how many dadoes and grooves I have machined, and I have gotten much better at fitting the joints. And now Rockler has come out with a Perfect Fit Dado Jig for routing that I think is a great new product for making these machining tasks even easier.

But there are many ways to solve a problem in woodworking, so check out Chris Marshall’s video below on the same topic. You’ll be groovin’ in no time.

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal

How Much Wood Do I Need?

Drawings for a simple bookcase project

Determining lumber quantity for a project isn’t difficult with the right formula.

DIY Magnetic Saw Fence

Detachable band saw fence attached to table

Need a handy, removable fence for making bandsaw cuts? This reader used some scrap for a clamp-free solution.

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Dado joinery is a very common and useful technique in shelf making and cabinetry, resulting in extremely strong joints. Constructing a dado joint is rather simple, but precise cuts and proper alignment are essential. Soak up some of the basics in our quick Skill Builder video.

Cutting a dado joint

Click here for Free Plans!