My sister recently got me a machinist ruler for my birthday. Its a solid metal ruler but the measurements start exactly at the end of the ruler, without the little gap. Its helped me become much more accurate in my measurements and for keeping things square!
Agreed! However I wouldn't be using a #2 philips head screwdriver on my electronics. I have a whole other set of much smaller specialized tools for working on computers/circuit boards which I would never magnetize to begin with so there would be no need to demagnetize them.
@@MWAWoodworks I get it I have tools for wood working different tools for electronics and different again for automotive work. Was just answering your statement for some who might not know why a de magnetizer lol be safe.
Haha my first thought when I heard that was he's definitely a woodworker and must not work with metal often. Tiny metal shavings get stuck to everything quick.
If you took a pencil-on-paper drafting class, you learned to spin the pencil to keep a fine, consistent line. You are effectively sharpening the lead as you’re drawing.
If you stayed in that class for longer than seven minutes you would also know that you still have to advance your lead, or if using a wooden pencil, SHARPEN IT to keep the lead exposed from the wood.
Yep, I used wax paper for a long time, but the glue still sticks to it and if you have a glue line over it you get wax paper stuck to the glue line and have scrape or sand it off and that wastes a lot of time compared to using the silicone mat that the glue just won't stick to at all.
Love your video! I have some of the tools and accessories you showed, and want some of the rest. I too have 1-2-3 blocks and never use them. Maybe I’ll try using them for stop blocks. Or paper weights. I second the comment about the usefulness of a digital caliper. Thanks!
I guess nobody has had drafting training like us old guys had. When you drag your pencil across the paper (or wood) you turn it so that it takes a bit of lead off all around leaving a sharp point just like the one you started with. Can't do that with a carpenter pencil, but carpenters seemingly don't pay any attention to the lines anyway. Any pencil will last longer if you use it properly.
Yep, I started out as a drafter, before cad. Who knows what I spent on my mechanical pencils, a lot. I got these pencils after stumpy nubs introducing them. They are by far the best I've used. If people are still breaking lead, they sell them in all different sizes. I like .7 mm. The most. But I bought all the sizes. They are very reasonably priced.
I have both the Pica and Pentel pencils, both have their place. The pica works best for initial rough layout and it has multiple lead colors for dark woods . And I deify you to break it on rough lumber. The pentel is suited better for fine layout lines for precision work on smooth lumber.
I love the track rack. I have one piece of advice for you is to turn them opposite from the way they are in this video. From experience my silicone track moved where it rested on the track rack. Put the silicone facing upwards where the weight rests on the aluminum instead of the silicone. Keep the great videos coming.
Protect the silicone. Nothing worse than to come out to the shop, and when you pull out your tracks to watch the zero clearance strip snake onto the floor.
I wonder if the weight of the tracks on the garage door will affect the door operation? I know the spring is calibrated to the weight of the door and tracks are not light.
The best thing about the FastCap tapes is that they're all very, very consistent from one to another. They are dead-on precise. I always had trouble finding that in other brands and mixing brands. They make "self-stick" versions for table saw and miter saw fences and they even a tape measure with a blank side that you can write on with a pencil so you can use it like a story stick too.
I have gone metric. I have 25x50x75 blocks. I use them often, but generally in conjunction with my I-gauging metric setup block set. I also purchased the fastcap metric tape measures (regular and flatback), largely because that is the only metric brand I could find in the US. I also use calipers often in the wood shop.
As a life long metric user, seeing an imperial tape measure up close is daunting. Hope you're well and having fun sliding the decimal place around for unit conversions.
I would add a digital caliper to your very informative list. You can get a good one for less than $10. They have a large digital screen, measure inside and outside diameter and depth. I appreciate the ability to convert inch and millimeter just by pressing a button. The measurement range is from 0-to 6". Calipers in the under $20 can even give you fractions, which allows you convert from inches to fractions to millimeters at the press of a button. I prefer the plastic/carbon fabric ones as they are non-conductive, inexpensive and very durable. For woodworking and home use they are extremely accurate.
I have a .5mm and a .9mm Graphgear pencil. They are both great! I ordered an Amana countersink bit about an hour before I watched this video. I have been wanting one for a while.
I learned drafting many years ago before computer aided design. You're supposed to rotate the pencil when you draw a line so the width stays consistent as you draw. Same goes for the Pica.
You are absolutely correct but I also agree with old mate about the 0.5mm mechanical pencil for workshop use. I use a variant of the Pica pencil at work (on site carpenter) but I still prefer my super fine lead mechanical pencil for the dainty little projects I work on at home.
Yes, have an AA in Architecture and Construction Tech. Cad wasn't being taught around here then. I never used it except for myself. I became a medic the law enforcement.
Always a good day when you upload. I’ve said it before but I stand by it. Your quality and skill is right there with bourbon moth, Jay Bates and TWW and I’m sure one day you’ll have that type of following.
Bought one of those pencils straight after watching the video! I have one where the tip retracts but so does the lead so you have to push it out each time. This looks great. Thank you.
Matt, Another great and informative video. I built my miter station from your video. I noticed in this video that you built a miter saw hood. Would be interested to see an update video to your miter saw station showing the build and functionality of the miter saw hood and also the shop towel holder.
Screw driver magnetizer: the de- magnetizer is for small screwdrivers, I use it before working on automatic watches . The trick is to undoo it while you work and sometimes magnetize the screwdriver just long enough to not drop your loose screw into moving parts.
Dad used a lead holder and a special “sharpener” that was a grinder that you placed the fixed lead point of the holder in and spun to sharpen. The lead was more durable than the typical HB leads in most mechanical pencils, so needed sharpened less often, and left a crisp, yet lighter, line.
I use the 1-2-3 block in conjunction with a fence clamp for a use-anywhere stop block. It works on my drill press fence, router fence, table saw fence, etc. since you can rotate it to the optimal height for the particular fence. The pair works great when doing repeatable cuts with my miter gauge on my table saw since I can set my fence to 1 inch more than what I want the cut piece to be, then register the end of the board to the 1-2-3 block .
I use the Graphgear pencils and have one gripe about them. I wear an apron and store the pencil in the chest pocket. When I grab it and depress the plunger to project the writing tip it also advances the lead which was where I wanted it when I stored it. Aggravating!
Those Pica (lead holders) and even mechanical pencils work better if you slowly rotate the pencil as you mark your line. So instead of wearing a flat tip in one spot as you make your mark, it sharpens itself while you draw your lines if you rotate it while drawing. Learned that in drafting class back in high school (a long time ago…).
@@MWAWoodworks Even if you rotate the Pica pencil, the point will still widen as it dulls. Rotating the Pentel will allow the lead to wear evenly and not create a 'point' on one side of the lead as you write/draw with it. I was taught this in mechanical drawing in high school (c/o '86).
My preferred tape measure is from Lee Valley Tools. It's called the Blindman's Tape. I prefer the right to left version to use on my table saw, router, bandsaw, miter saw, drill press. You get the idea. I'm not a contractor just a DIY guy so this 12 foot tape is the perfect size. This tape is 1 inch wide so it's better that the Stanley that's only 1/2 an inch wide and you can only get in left to right. I've tried some of the Fastcap tapes and for me they just don't hold up to use. Thanks for all the info in this video. I've wondered about the PICA pencil and you confirmed what I assumed. I use .5 lead but just some cheep mechanicals, I think I'll try the fancy Pentel you use. People who think the size of the mark doesn't matter usually aren't making furniture or boxes or other DIY projects that need this kind of precision. A contractor's margin of error is a lot larger than a cabinet maker's. For the future, how about a comparison between the igaging set up blocks and something like the Kreg set up bars? Thanks for your suggestions.
For a pencil: Eberhard Faber #2. Period. Best tape measure (for me): Stanley Classic 25'. Hands down most practical. Been using the Vix Bits for 40 years and wouldn't be without.
Magnets from mechanical hard drives are the best. The reason you were unable to demagnetize your screwdriver was technique. To demagnetize, connect the screwdriver to the magnet and move it around a little VERY slowly. Then, move the screwdriver away VERY slowly. Any sudden movement will cause the screwdriver to retain magnetism. To magnetize, move the screwdriver around a little on the magnet, and then SNATCH it away. That’s all it takes. Just use a hard drive magnet. You don’t need to buy the tool.
I love your videos this one is no exception. I definitely think this should become a regular video segment. A tool I use in my shop all the time is the dewalt 20v router
I’ve been subscribed to your channel for a while now. I enjoy your wit and delivery. I’ve started going back through your old stuff and stumbled across this video. I know the demo with the Kreg hinge jig was to emphasize the Vix bits, but are you aware of the two screw pilot holes that are under the cage when you remove it from the base? Just have a second drill set up with a 1/16” bit set to appropriate depth and you don’t have to worry about lining up your hinge out of square. If you knew this great, but if any of your followers didn’t know this then great also. 😊
Harbor freight has a set of counter sink drill bits and I love them.. cheap and work great! If you don’t like the bit it comes with you can change it out. And can adjust the depth of bit also.
Really good vid. One of the best ones I’ve seen for actually useful items. Re the Pica segment…now that’s swimming upstream. Good ole #2 pencil for me. The lil time I spend sharpening slows me down a bit which isn’t always a bad thing. Thank you for sharing.
I have to agree with you on the Pica, I saw a UA-cam clip where they guy called it a workshop essential, I bought one and my experience was the same as yours/ It dulls quickly and even sharpening the thing is a chore. I went back to my mechanical pencil.
Igaging also makes a 4" and 6" double square set (just under 40 bucks) that's really nice. Overall, their setup/layout tools are super good value! I also revently grabbed a set of Uncle Bill's splinter tweezers. Game changer.
FWIW, a 'flat 1.8 mm x 0.9mm exam mechanical pencil' [good search term] is a *GREAT* sub for a standard mechanical pencil, as the rectangular lead gives it a lot more strength, and can be easily kept to a sharp wedge with just a bit of sandpaper stuck to the edge of your workbench. They are also cheap as chips and available everywhere.
Couple comments, I liked the video so much I subscribed. I've been using a Fastcap tape for years but now I'm trying to find a good one for a person with limited vision, any ideas? I also have the thread checker like yours and it has come in handy so many times. I highly recommend it! That set of set-up blocks is the best I've found and I've been woodworking since 1974. I would like to see more like this from you.
I have a telescopic magnet with a small built in LED light. It's great for when you drop screws into small places to retrieve them or like I do quite often I drop screws or metal parts into the pile of sawdust under my lathe
Hypermarket in Quito, Ecuador has a couple of 6 meter tapes for under $2 that seem to work fine. Since people everywhere seem to think borrowing a tape measures ok, these are perfect. They also sell a magnetized ash tray/screw collector that magnetizes screwdrivers easily
I discovered a use today for demagnetization. When you drill into metal; you often get metal ‘sawdust’ that sticks to the drill bit. Would have loved to have been able to demagnetize the bit today to drop those off.
@@MWAWoodworks No, it wasn’t. But the drill bit had a hex end which I put into my Festool centrotec chuck, which is magnetized. So maybe the chuck imparted a charge to the bit.
@@MWAWoodworks oh ok nice, then I'll watch that one too. Just found your channel and am super excited to learn from you. Thanks for the content. I like the way you teach. Keep going!
I got my magnetizer at Wal-Mart for about $5. One on the bench and one in my carry bag. Magnetism fades with time and use, so having one in my bag to refresh my drivers is a good thing.
I have several of the Pentel GraphGear 1000 pencils in my shop. They offer different lead sizes for the pencils. I have the .5, the .7, and a .9, and they also have a .3 but I don’t have much use for that fine of a lead.
My favorite ratcheting screwdriver is the Kobalt 13-Piece Plastic Handle Magnetic Ratcheting Assorted Multi-bit Screwdriver Set, Model 15000. Includes 12 bits including straight, Philips, torx, and hex. The best part is that it has a collar grip that if you hold it will turn the bit at double rotation. You can also hold the handle stationary and turn the collar to rotate the bit, giving more stability like trying to start a screw without a pilot hole.
For sure! The Pica is a good overall carpenters pencil for around the shop. It's just if I had to chose one for every need I would go with the Graph Gear because it can do really fine work too and its cheaper than the Pica. BUT I have two Picas and use them for certain tasks like rough layout and making notes on my work.
Try the Crescent “Nites Eyes” 8’ tape measure & you’ll never go back. The 8’ tape is the perfect size for furniture making & fits easily in your apron pocket. If you need a longer tape, they also make a 16’ version. Both are very tough & keep you from hauling around more tape than you need. The “Nite Eyes” feature was a game-changer for me.
@@MWAWoodworks I like the “Night Eye” feature since the marks are easy to read, probably since it offers a bold color contrast with most species of wood. I never benefit from (or use) the glow in the dark feature. It’s the large numbers, compact size (8’) & contrasting color between the tape & stock that have made this measure a game-changer for me.
I use a pica pencil and I absolutely love it. However, I do construction and finish carpentry on the field more than my shop. The holster is fantastic because I never loose my pencil anymore or have to go digging in my pocket for it. There are leds for it available in various colors too for marking different materials. There is at least one other brand I’ve seen that has the pencil sharpener in the side of the holster which is more convenient.
15:00 LMFAO. That was hilarious. Love seeing your attempt to break expensive Festool stuff in the name of making a good video. That looked like something a normal person would do in their shop haha.
I’ve been using pentel twist erase mechanical pencils for mor than 10 years. It has a rubberized grip, it clicks and stores several extra leads, and has a long vinyl erasure that cranks out of the back end. They come into various lead sizes (I prefer .9mm HB). Also, get a pentel polymer erasure for cleanly removing marks on wood- or when quickly drawing up plans, they are amazing.
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✅ TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO:
Amana Countersink Bit - amzn.to/3VCZUib
Pica Dry Mechanical Pencil - amzn.to/3VfMwAJ
Pentel Graph Gear 1000 - amzn.to/3gDM5Bf
FastCap Track Racks - tsoproducts.com/organization-storage/fastcap-track-rack/?ref=MWAWW
Magenetizer/Demagnetizer - amzn.to/3gGcK04
Thread Checker (metric/inch) - amzn.to/3gNlMID
FastCap Lefty/Rigty (Inch) tape measure - amzn.to/3VvuIln
FastCap Lefty/Righty (Metric) tape measure - amzn.to/3UnZbjW
FastCap 12’ (Metric/Inch) tape measure - amzn.to/3ASi33m
FastCap Flatback 12’ (Metric/Inch) tape measure - amzn.to/3EOOroC
Vix Bit Self Centering Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3XD6o2j
1-2-3 Blocks - amzn.to/3UfYn08
iGaging Set Up Blocks (set) - amzn.to/3F9LcJW
Stanley 12’ Tape measure - amzn.to/3uenR3n
FastCap Quad Edge Banding Trimmer - amzn.to/3gLgUnw
Wera Ratcheting Screwdriver - amzn.to/3u8BwJt
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My sister recently got me a machinist ruler for my birthday. Its a solid metal ruler but the measurements start exactly at the end of the ruler, without the little gap. Its helped me become much more accurate in my measurements and for keeping things square!
Yeah machinist squares are good for several things in a shop. I have a small 4 inch one that I use all the time
@@MWAWoodworks I think he is taking about the ruler - I have a set that starts from the edge and they are great.
Ah yeah I can't read so good 🤣
I really appreciate your honesty in this video. Too many folks just peddle the tools they didn't use or don't say anything negative.
I try to do my best to show what I like and don't really like!
Honestly I was thinking FastCap paid for the video.
@@terrynunya7444If they worth recommending, who cares. Thats the sharp point...
You de magnetize when working on electronics.
Agreed! However I wouldn't be using a #2 philips head screwdriver on my electronics. I have a whole other set of much smaller specialized tools for working on computers/circuit boards which I would never magnetize to begin with so there would be no need to demagnetize them.
@@MWAWoodworks I get it I have tools for wood working different tools for electronics and different again for automotive work. Was just answering your statement for some who might not know why a de magnetizer lol be safe.
This might be the first one of these videos where I actually want every item!
De-magnatizer comes in handy for drills or bits that start to accumulate metal shavings
Haha my first thought when I heard that was he's definitely a woodworker and must not work with metal often. Tiny metal shavings get stuck to everything quick.
If you took a pencil-on-paper drafting class, you learned to spin the pencil to keep a fine, consistent line. You are effectively sharpening the lead as you’re drawing.
Indeed and its still a habit
If you stayed in that class for longer than seven minutes you would also know that you still have to advance your lead, or if using a wooden pencil, SHARPEN IT to keep the lead exposed from the wood.
I remember those days, lol. 2H pencils, that pale green paper, the T square...Damn, I'm old, LOL!
Or you can up your game and buy a drafting mechanical pencil, like the Kuru Toga, that has this functionality built in.
Or, you can join the rest of society and not need to spin your pencil while you use it so that you can actually use it.
I find a silicone pastry mat super useful for a glue station. Once the glue has dried, it pops right off
Wax paper is cheaper.
Same thing I use
@@bingmattson8685 not in the long run, pay $5 once or pay $2 every couple months
Yep, I used wax paper for a long time, but the glue still sticks to it and if you have a glue line over it you get wax paper stuck to the glue line and have scrape or sand it off and that wastes a lot of time compared to using the silicone mat that the glue just won't stick to at all.
Amazon must love you, I just ordered half the stuff you are talking about. Great video Thanks
Me thinks it's the other way around...
The Amana countersink tool, Pentel Graph Gear pencils and the Fastcap tape measures are all great tools. Thanks for showing them off.
😂 Everyone needs more than 50 tape measures. Love your channel.
Love your video! I have some of the tools and accessories you showed, and want some of the rest. I too have 1-2-3 blocks and never use them. Maybe I’ll try using them for stop blocks. Or paper weights. I second the comment about the usefulness of a digital caliper. Thanks!
I guess nobody has had drafting training like us old guys had. When you drag your pencil across the paper (or wood) you turn it so that it takes a bit of lead off all around leaving a sharp point just like the one you started with. Can't do that with a carpenter pencil, but carpenters seemingly don't pay any attention to the lines anyway. Any pencil will last longer if you use it properly.
Yep, I started out as a drafter, before cad. Who knows what I spent on my mechanical pencils, a lot. I got these pencils after stumpy nubs introducing them. They are by far the best I've used. If people are still breaking lead, they sell them in all different sizes. I like .7 mm. The most. But I bought all the sizes. They are very reasonably priced.
Or you buy a Kura toga machine pencil from Japan and just let it do it for you
Thanks that’s never occurred to me.
@@dougprentice1363😊
Yep , just Learn to us a pencil. This is a lost art , it really works !
I have both the Pica and Pentel pencils, both have their place. The pica works best for initial rough layout and it has multiple lead colors for dark woods . And I deify you to break it on rough lumber.
The pentel is suited better for fine layout lines for precision work on smooth lumber.
I agree pica is perfect for carpentry and rough layout. I have one that I put white lead in so I can mark on walnut.
The forth be with you.
they have a pica fine dry now 0.9mm
I have searched for years for a left handed tape. Thx u. I can’t wait to get one
I bought one from Lee Valley in 1975
This is one of the best Xmas lists I’ve seen this year!
Ha wow! Thanks! 😁
Great, keep this frequent. I learned two things today. You are a trusted mentor. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words!
Tape measure with a built-in tape measure... Genius!
🙌
I love the track rack. I have one piece of advice for you is to turn them opposite from the way they are in this video. From experience my silicone track moved where it rested on the track rack. Put the silicone facing upwards where the weight rests on the aluminum instead of the silicone. Keep the great videos coming.
I have done the same thing. Let the weight rest on the aluminum instead of the silicone
Protect the silicone. Nothing worse than to come out to the shop, and when you pull out your tracks to watch the zero clearance strip snake onto the floor.
I wonder if the weight of the tracks on the garage door will affect the door operation? I know the spring is calibrated to the weight of the door and tracks are not light.
Cut to the line! It’s thickness doesn’t matter
This might be the best youtube video of all time. Thank you so much.
The best thing about the FastCap tapes is that they're all very, very consistent from one to another. They are dead-on precise. I always had trouble finding that in other brands and mixing brands. They make "self-stick" versions for table saw and miter saw fences and they even a tape measure with a blank side that you can write on with a pencil so you can use it like a story stick too.
One the best tool videos I've ever seen! Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
I have gone metric. I have 25x50x75 blocks. I use them often, but generally in conjunction with my I-gauging metric setup block set. I also purchased the fastcap metric tape measures (regular and flatback), largely because that is the only metric brand I could find in the US. I also use calipers often in the wood shop.
As a life long metric user, seeing an imperial tape measure up close is daunting.
Hope you're well and having fun sliding the decimal place around for unit conversions.
One year later and still helpful! Straight to Amazon for the Flatback tape measure :)
I would add a digital caliper to your very informative list. You can get a good one for less than $10. They have a large digital screen, measure inside and outside diameter and depth. I appreciate the ability to convert inch and millimeter just by pressing a button. The measurement range is from 0-to 6". Calipers in the under $20 can even give you fractions, which allows you convert from inches to fractions to millimeters at the press of a button. I prefer the plastic/carbon fabric ones as they are non-conductive, inexpensive and very durable. For woodworking and home use they are extremely accurate.
Yes! In fact I actually did a previous tool video which included my digital calipers 😃
Just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for posting, !!
Glad the algorithm found you. Great video. Thanks.
Tool and die maker, I’ve used the 1,2,3 blocks for years. Like this video
Yeah that's the wheelhouse of that tool for sure!
Cool video. Loads of useful tips and humorous..
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a .5mm and a .9mm Graphgear pencil. They are both great!
I ordered an Amana countersink bit about an hour before I watched this video. I have been wanting one for a while.
It's a great drill bit!
Great job, Teacher kudos 👍
Nice to see you master the fourth.
Nice selection!!
I learned drafting many years ago before computer aided design. You're supposed to rotate the pencil when you draw a line so the width stays consistent as you draw. Same goes for the Pica.
You are absolutely correct but I also agree with old mate about the 0.5mm mechanical pencil for workshop use. I use a variant of the Pica pencil at work (on site carpenter) but I still prefer my super fine lead mechanical pencil for the dainty little projects I work on at home.
I was a draftsman also in the 60s and 70s. We call the folks who dont know to properly use a pencil. “Wood butchers”
Yes, have an AA in Architecture and Construction Tech. Cad wasn't being taught around here then. I never used it except for myself. I became a medic the law enforcement.
Fantastic tips, Matt! Thanks! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks 👍
Great info. Thanks for posting.
Nice work! I probably won't buy those exact items, but you did get me thinking. Thanks!
Always a good day when you upload. I’ve said it before but I stand by it. Your quality and skill is right there with bourbon moth, Jay Bates and TWW and I’m sure one day you’ll have that type of following.
Thanks for the kind words and high praise!
Wow, a very Informative video!
Thank you!
Vix bits are an absolute necessity!
Brother, you gotta get a Komelon Self Lock tape measure. They come in all lengths. My favorite for years and very inexpensive. Great video thanks!
I have one now! It's in my truck. I love that thing!
Bought one of those pencils straight after watching the video! I have one where the tip retracts but so does the lead so you have to push it out each time. This looks great. Thank you.
My first time watching your channel. I liked it so much I subscribed. Nice job!!
Wow awesome! 😁
Best video of this type ever!11
Matt, Another great and informative video. I built my miter station from your video. I noticed in this video that you built a miter saw hood. Would be interested to see an update video to your miter saw station showing the build and functionality of the miter saw hood and also the shop towel holder.
Thanks Steven! I'll be sure to include those updates in my next shop tour video. So many new things in the shop this year!
Thanks for the honesty. All too often products are pushed without all the facts
Screw driver magnetizer: the de- magnetizer is for small screwdrivers, I use it before working on automatic watches . The trick is to undoo it while you work and sometimes magnetize the screwdriver just long enough to not drop your loose screw into moving parts.
I second the graph gear. I have the Pica Dry, but reach for the Pentel constantly as the lead is always nice and crisp.
Definitely like this format. Keep on doing it. Already ordered from your recommendation.
Great Video Sir
Thanks
Dad used a lead holder and a special “sharpener” that was a grinder that you placed the fixed lead point of the holder in and spun to sharpen. The lead was more durable than the typical HB leads in most mechanical pencils, so needed sharpened less often, and left a crisp, yet lighter, line.
Solid recommendations!
I use the 1-2-3 block in conjunction with a fence clamp for a use-anywhere stop block. It works on my drill press fence, router fence, table saw fence, etc. since you can rotate it to the optimal height for the particular fence. The pair works great when doing repeatable cuts with my miter gauge on my table saw since I can set my fence to 1 inch more than what I want the cut piece to be, then register the end of the board to the 1-2-3 block
.
Nice yeah I think a stop block is a great use for them!
thanks for the tips!
I use the Graphgear pencils and have one gripe about them. I wear an apron and store the pencil in the chest pocket. When I grab it and depress the plunger to project the writing tip it also advances the lead which was where I wanted it when I stored it. Aggravating!
Those Pica (lead holders) and even mechanical pencils work better if you slowly rotate the pencil as you mark your line. So instead of wearing a flat tip in one spot as you make your mark, it sharpens itself while you draw your lines if you rotate it while drawing. Learned that in drafting class back in high school (a long time ago…).
I don't know if I'm coordinated enough for that 😆🤣
@@MWAWoodworks Even if you rotate the Pica pencil, the point will still widen as it dulls. Rotating the Pentel will allow the lead to wear evenly and not create a 'point' on one side of the lead as you write/draw with it. I was taught this in mechanical drawing in high school (c/o '86).
That’s an old drafting trick we were taught with those original mechanical pencils they had in the 70’s
@@woodandwheelz you all should look at the Uni Kuru Toga, everytime you put down the lead it rotates, problem solved
My preferred tape measure is from Lee Valley Tools. It's called the Blindman's Tape. I prefer the right to left version to use on my table saw, router, bandsaw, miter saw, drill press. You get the idea. I'm not a contractor just a DIY guy so this 12 foot tape is the perfect size. This tape is 1 inch wide so it's better that the Stanley that's only 1/2 an inch wide and you can only get in left to right. I've tried some of the Fastcap tapes and for me they just don't hold up to use. Thanks for all the info in this video. I've wondered about the PICA pencil and you confirmed what I assumed. I use .5 lead but just some cheep mechanicals, I think I'll try the fancy Pentel you use. People who think the size of the mark doesn't matter usually aren't making furniture or boxes or other DIY projects that need this kind of precision. A contractor's margin of error is a lot larger than a cabinet maker's. For the future, how about a comparison between the igaging set up blocks and something like the Kreg set up bars? Thanks for your suggestions.
Thanks for the tips
You're welcome
I use the Pica with a harder lead. Works great and doesn't dull.
I have some hard lead now. Oh wait 🤦
Thanks a lot!!!! Now my Amazon wish list just got bigger - and I didn’t know that was possible! 🤣🤣. Great video, I really enjoyed.
Awesome!!!! Thanks Man!!!! Good Looking Out!!!!!👍😎
For a pencil: Eberhard Faber #2. Period. Best tape measure (for me): Stanley Classic 25'. Hands down most practical. Been using the Vix Bits for 40 years and wouldn't be without.
I use a magnet out of an old computer hard drive to magnetize my tools. Works very well. Those HDD magnets are very strong.
Oh wow I think I about 100 old hard drives I just found a use for 😂
Magnets from mechanical hard drives are the best. The reason you were unable to demagnetize your screwdriver was technique. To demagnetize, connect the screwdriver to the magnet and move it around a little VERY slowly. Then, move the screwdriver away VERY slowly. Any sudden movement will cause the screwdriver to retain magnetism. To magnetize, move the screwdriver around a little on the magnet, and then SNATCH it away. That’s all it takes. Just use a hard drive magnet. You don’t need to buy the tool.
I love my Pentel Graphgear as well. I use my Pica with white lead for marking rough lines on darker woods
I do the same thing. My Pica is used for rough layout on walnut boards.
I love your videos this one is no exception. I definitely think this should become a regular video segment. A tool I use in my shop all the time is the dewalt 20v router
And Ive got that router 😁
thanks, some good tips
I’ve been subscribed to your channel for a while now. I enjoy your wit and delivery. I’ve started going back through your old stuff and stumbled across this video. I know the demo with the Kreg hinge jig was to emphasize the Vix bits, but are you aware of the two screw pilot holes that are under the cage when you remove it from the base? Just have a second drill set up with a 1/16” bit set to appropriate depth and you don’t have to worry about lining up your hinge out of square. If you knew this great, but if any of your followers didn’t know this then great also. 😊
Yep that's true. Thanks for pointinging that out.
Harbor freight has a set of counter sink drill bits and I love them.. cheap and work great! If you don’t like the bit it comes with you can change it out. And can adjust the depth of bit also.
I use the 123 blocks as an offset for my table saw fence when using the miter gauge. It's a perfect 1" offset, so very easy to set the fence.
Yep
nice tools
Thanks brother
Really good vid. One of the best ones I’ve seen for actually useful items. Re the Pica segment…now that’s swimming upstream. Good ole #2 pencil for me. The lil time I spend sharpening slows me down a bit which isn’t always a bad thing. Thank you for sharing.
I still keep good quality cedar pencils lying around. Never know when you'll need one.
I have to agree with you on the Pica, I saw a UA-cam clip where they guy called it a workshop essential, I bought one and my experience was the same as yours/ It dulls quickly and even sharpening the thing is a chore. I went back to my mechanical pencil.
Cool stuff, the track storage looks interesting.Though you're limited to working with the door closed when fastened to the door.
Igaging also makes a 4" and 6" double square set (just under 40 bucks) that's really nice. Overall, their setup/layout tools are super good value! I also revently grabbed a set of Uncle Bill's splinter tweezers. Game changer.
The 6" double square is used almost every time I do anything in the shop. Need to get a 4" one.
FWIW, a 'flat 1.8 mm x 0.9mm exam mechanical pencil' [good search term] is a *GREAT* sub for a standard mechanical pencil, as the rectangular lead gives it a lot more strength, and can be easily kept to a sharp wedge with just a bit of sandpaper stuck to the edge of your workbench. They are also cheap as chips and available everywhere.
I have the 12' tape measurer but the smaller 6' is a nice pocket meassurer as well.
I just got the thread checker. Love it and it can be an industrial necklace for woodworking geeks 😂
Great idea!!
Great information. Thanks
Couple comments,
I liked the video so much I subscribed.
I've been using a Fastcap tape for years but now I'm trying to find a good one for a person with limited vision, any ideas?
I also have the thread checker like yours and it has come in handy so many times. I highly recommend it!
That set of set-up blocks is the best I've found and I've been woodworking since 1974.
I would like to see more like this from you.
Search for “ blind man’s tape” I dont remember who makes them
Great! Nice video 👍👍👍
Interesting information better for beginners like me.
Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I have a telescopic magnet with a small built in LED light. It's great for when you drop screws into small places to retrieve them or like I do quite often I drop screws or metal parts into the pile of sawdust under my lathe
Ooohhhh I need to check that out! I just put a magnet on a dowel rod and hope for the best 🤣
Same here!
I carry the graph gear 1000 and the pica, I use the pica for writing notes, marketing sides, etc. and the 0.5mm for marking measurements.
Hypermarket in Quito, Ecuador has a couple of 6 meter tapes for under $2 that seem to work fine. Since people everywhere seem to think borrowing a tape measures ok, these are perfect. They also sell a magnetized ash tray/screw collector that magnetizes screwdrivers easily
I discovered a use today for demagnetization. When you drill into metal; you often get metal ‘sawdust’ that sticks to the drill bit. Would have loved to have been able to demagnetize the bit today to drop those off.
Was the bit magnetized to begin with?
@@MWAWoodworks No, it wasn’t. But the drill bit had a hex end which I put into my Festool centrotec chuck, which is magnetized. So maybe the chuck imparted a charge to the bit.
You sold me on the Amana countersink and Fastcap trimmer. I’m also getting the Speed Roller Pro that you used but didn’t mention.
New(ish) woodworker. Second video (of yours). New "Subb"! Good job, sir!
Spring loaded center punch is awesome.
Yes! I have two of them. I think I did a different tool video on the center punch
@@MWAWoodworks oh ok nice, then I'll watch that one too. Just found your channel and am super excited to learn from you. Thanks for the content. I like the way you teach. Keep going!
HI matt the best tools r the simple ones and do lots off job greatly.
Agreed! Thanks!
For mechanical pencils, the Pentel P209/207/205 are my go to.
I got my magnetizer at Wal-Mart for about $5. One on the bench and one in my carry bag. Magnetism fades with time and use, so having one in my bag to refresh my drivers is a good thing.
I've used a tailor's tape before for measuring round things. It's cloth so no problem bending it.
I have several of the Pentel GraphGear 1000 pencils in my shop. They offer different lead sizes for the pencils. I have the .5, the .7, and a .9, and they also have a .3 but I don’t have much use for that fine of a lead.
Yeah I bought one of the .9 pencils but I'd put that on par with a Pica with about the same benefit to my shop
My favorite ratcheting screwdriver is the Kobalt 13-Piece Plastic Handle Magnetic Ratcheting Assorted Multi-bit Screwdriver Set, Model 15000. Includes 12 bits including straight, Philips, torx, and hex. The best part is that it has a collar grip that if you hold it will turn the bit at double rotation. You can also hold the handle stationary and turn the collar to rotate the bit, giving more stability like trying to start a screw without a pilot hole.
Obv. pencils can be used for more than marking lines tho. Jointer and sanding scribbles, labelling pieces, etc benefit from sturdy lead.
For sure! The Pica is a good overall carpenters pencil for around the shop. It's just if I had to chose one for every need I would go with the Graph Gear because it can do really fine work too and its cheaper than the Pica. BUT I have two Picas and use them for certain tasks like rough layout and making notes on my work.
Try the Crescent “Nites Eyes” 8’ tape measure & you’ll never go back. The 8’ tape is the perfect size for furniture making & fits easily in your apron pocket. If you need a longer tape, they also make a 16’ version. Both are very tough & keep you from hauling around more tape than you need. The “Nite Eyes” feature was a game-changer for me.
I have the 25' Nite Eye and its nice. Not sure I'd ever need glow in the dark in my shop, but it's great for outdoor projects.
@@MWAWoodworks I like the “Night Eye” feature since the marks are easy to read, probably since it offers a bold color contrast with most species of wood. I never benefit from (or use) the glow in the dark feature. It’s the large numbers, compact size (8’) & contrasting color between the tape & stock that have made this measure a game-changer for me.
I use a pica pencil and I absolutely love it. However, I do construction and finish carpentry on the field more than my shop. The holster is fantastic because I never loose my pencil anymore or have to go digging in my pocket for it. There are leds for it available in various colors too for marking different materials. There is at least one other brand I’ve seen that has the pencil sharpener in the side of the holster which is more convenient.
15:00 LMFAO. That was hilarious. Love seeing your attempt to break expensive Festool stuff in the name of making a good video. That looked like something a normal person would do in their shop haha.
I’ve been using pentel twist erase mechanical pencils for mor than 10 years. It has a rubberized grip, it clicks and stores several extra leads, and has a long vinyl erasure that cranks out of the back end. They come into various lead sizes (I prefer .9mm HB). Also, get a pentel polymer erasure for cleanly removing marks on wood- or when quickly drawing up plans, they are amazing.
3 mins in. Subscribed.
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