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Timber butt joints

Create a simple butt joint when building any timber frames for stability and ease.

Using a custom jig

To increase speed and accuracy when aligning evenly spaced timber, create a jig from a scrap piece of wood.

What does proud mean?

A feature that is raised above the surrounding surface can be described as proud.

What does flush mean?

Surfaces, sides or edges that are level with each other are described as flush.

Mark measurements on cut lengths

To make it easy to identify cut lengths of timber, mark the dimensions on the wood with a pencil.

Pilot holes

Drilling pilot holes in your timber will help prevent the wood from splitting.

Create a level support for a chop saw

To ensure you are using your power saw safely and precisely, it is key to create a level support for this bulky tool.

Crosshatch markings with a pencil

To avoid confusion, mark your timber with cross-hatching or a scribble to indicate where fixings should sit.

Work from both ends of your timber

Cutting both ends of the timber will save you time adjusting the angle of your chop saw.

Plugging a hole with a dowel

For a professional clean finish, fill holes with a dowel for a flush surface.

Use a drilling template

Creating a drilling template will save you time and effort.

Use PVA and super glue when pinning

Use glue to secure a joint before pinning to make the process easier.

Use a nail or pin gun at an angle

To create stronger, sturdier joints, use your nail or pin gun at an angle.

Make a chop saw stop block

Cut multiple lengths of timber at speed by creating a stop block for your chop saw.

Making a 90 degree timber drill jig

Help guide your drill squarely into wood using a drill jig made from timber offcuts.

Make a small hole before drilling

Using a bradawl to create a small hole in woodwork will ease the insertion of screws or nails.

Use a countersink drill bit for a flush finish

.For a flush finish, use a countersink bit to bevel the rim of a drilled hole so that a screw or bolt can be inserted flush to the surface

Marking a drill bit depth gauge

Use masking tape to mark a depth gauge on your drill bit to ensure you drill accurate holes in your woodwork projects.

Mark measurements with a crows foot

Marking measurements with a crows foot mark rather than a line or dash will make it clearer when drilling or cutting.

Use a sanding block to level filled areas

Use a flat sanding block for perfectly levelled and flush filled holes.

Extend your index finger along the handle when sawing by hand

Increase the balance and steadiness of your blade when sawing by hand, by using the correct grip.

Use your saw handle to scribe 90 and 45 degree lines

Simply butt the handle up to the edge of your timber then use the back of the saw blade to scribe a straight cut line across your timber.

Lightly sand surfaces before painting or gluing

Use sandpaper to lightly rough and key your material before applying paint or adhesive.

Draw a circle around marks to be drilled

When working on timber lengths with multiple scribes and intersecting lines, use clear markings as a visual guide.

Use coins or washers to level timber legs

For uneven timber leg lengths, use coins or washers of a similar diameter to help even up your surfaces.

Use excess wastage zones to secure timber lengths

Secure materials to your workbench by screwing or clamping through zones outside of your working area.

Paint timber lengths before cutting to size

If you plan on painting your final project, it can be beneficial to undercoat and apply the first coat of paint to your timber before construction.

Use a spoon to open a tin of paint

If you don’t have a paint tin opener to hand, use a metal spoon instead of a screwdriver to open the lid.

Stretch an elastic band over an open tin of paint

Using an elastic band on your paint tin can help reduce mess and drips, making it easier to replace the lid later.

Use a piece of tape to note quick dimensions

Stick a piece of masking tape on your tape measure to jot down dimensions and memos.

Use a straight edge as a fence for your circular saw

For straight and accurate freehand cuts, screw or clamp a perfectly straight edge to your timber.

Hammer against a wood block to prevent marring your timber

Use a and a wooden block as a barrier preventing the metal hammer from damaging the wood.

Unplug your power tools

You should always ensure your power tools are disconnected when swapping accessories, cleaning, servicing or storing.

Draw parallel lines without a mortice gauge

Use your hand and a pencil as a mortice gauge for parallel lines.

Dip your paintbrush bristles ¾ of the way into paint

For best results when using a paintbrush, dip the bristles into the paint ¾ of the way to prevent overloading the brush.

Saving your paintbrush

To prevent your paintbrush from drying out between coats, wrap it in a disposable glove.