This is more of a tip than anything else but this is as good a place to post this as any, I guess -

 

It occurred to me this afternoon as I reached for a couple of the wedges I keep handy that maybe this isn't a normal 'go-to' for some folks so I thought I would share this.  Often I find myself needing to support a long piece for driving screws, chiseling, drilling, etc. and sometimes there just isn't a convenient way to do this.  So, a long time ago (eons) I cut a dozen wedges of Maple to use for jacking a suitable block to support another piece.  The photos below will far better explain what I'm rambling about -

 

42" long piece of Walnut and needing to chisel out for hinges but to support the piece I would have to cut a block to fit.  Or, I could grab a block, two wedges, and the block now is very tight and exactly the right size for support -

 

 

If you already do this then great; if you don't it doesn't take long to cut a handful of these hardwood wedges to have ready for when you need them.  There are other ways to do this, of course, but this is quick and easy and doesn't require any cutting or tools - just grab what's handy and go on to the task at hand.  I keep a few of them on my tablesaw fence because they also come in handy if a board is trying to close up on you and pinch the blade.  You can probably go back and look at some of the photos and videos I've posted and see them right there and handy.

 

David

Edited February 8, 20188 yr by difalkner

1 hour ago, difalkner said:

It occurred to me this afternoon as I reached for a couple of the wedges I keep handy that maybe this isn't a normal 'go-to' for some folks so I thought I would share this.

Great tip David...I'm a cheapskate...I keep a couple packs of window/door shims on hand...not hardwood, but usually adequate...

 

NOW, about that case project you're working on...grandfather clock case? We need more pictures (PIP) of this...looking great so far!

We used to call those feather wedges and had a pack taped togethe in the bottom of our tool boxes , handy little rascals.

 

Good tip ,David, I had forgotten about that.

Herb

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

I keep a couple packs of window/door shims on hand

Me too.

51 minutes ago, lew said:

Me too.

 

me three..

Thanks for the reminder. Gotta pick up a couple packs. 

Dave, if so that will be one down to earth grandfather clock for there are feet installed on one side.

11 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

Dave, if so that will be one down to earth grandfather clock for there are feet installed on one side.

Perhaps a RECUMBENT grandfather clock?

John

It's a rifle display case, will be set on a mantle to display a Henry .45 given as retirement gift by the lucky man's kids.  I like the idea of the Grandfather clock, though!

 

David

1 hour ago, difalkner said:

It's a rifle display case, will be set on a mantle to display a Henry .45 given as retirement gift by the lucky man's kids.  I like the idea of the Grandfather clock, though!

 

David

Wow, that's going to be a beauty.

3 hours ago, Smallpatch said:

Dave, if so that will be one down to earth grandfather clock for there are feet installed on one side.

Ya' know Patch...I did not see those until you pointed it out.

I focused on the block/wedge detail pointed out, the walnut and the basic case/lid (door to me)...never saw 'em...

I never could find Waldo in all those pictures either.

4 hours ago, difalkner said:

I like the idea of the Grandfather clock, though!

 Glad to help!  If you have more of that beautiful walnut, it would be an awesome case.

 

4 hours ago, difalkner said:

It's a rifle display case, will be set on a mantle to display a Henry .45 given as retirement gift by the lucky man's kids.

There's going to be a lucky recipient of a an awesome walnut display case too. Very befitting of a Henry especially a .45...

Just the same, like a little kid, you've given me a sugar OD here, so you're obligated to keep feeding (me) us with this project...I foresee a gallery project display in your (our) future.

Reminds me of the large theater set build I worked on last fall.  We needed to clamp some parts about 4' apart.   I think they have two or three clamps in the shop, max about 10".      I grabbed some scrap screwed on a couple of blocks, then grabbed some tapered pieces that were sitting in the trash and pounded them in.   Obvious to me, but I think I amazed some of the other volunteers.

 

You make a good carpenter ,Keith, carpenters live by wedges..

 

Herb

Great tip, moved from General Woodworking to Tips