5 Woodworking Tips Youtubers Don’t Share!

The first 1,000 people to use my link will get a full year of Premium membership to Woodworkers Guild of America for only $1.49: go.wwgoa.com/newtonmakes/
0:00 Intro
0:15 Jointing Lumber
1:04 Using the Correct Clamp
1:50 Woodworkers Guild of America
3:00 Cutting Rabbet Joints
6:03 Custom Woodworking Templates
7:20 Eliminate Workshop Chores
9:20 Invest in Specialty Tools
Like many woodworkers, I picked up tips and tricks by building projects and gaining experience. Over time, I noticed there were some techniques or tools that worked out great so I kept utilizing them. Other times, I found out what doesn’t work well and needed a better solution.
Regardless of where we’re at along our woodworking journey, I hope we can stay in a learning mindset. We can always improve our craft. Here are some woodworking tips I’ve picked up over time. If I stay in learning mode and strive to improve my skills, I’m optimistic I will be able to add to this list in the years to follow.
Repeatedly Joint Lumber
To start the build process of a woodworking project, we mill lumber and ensure it’s flat and square. Woodworkers understand the value of perfectly dimensioned materials. Don't over look the value of jointing your lumber again after making cuts at the table saw.
Use the Correct Clamps
Woodworkers have a lot of clamps styles and sizes to choose from, but I’ll argue that the F style clamp is the most common and versatile. Instead of using these clamps for smaller projects, consider using Japanese bar clamps. These small, light weight clamps flush against the box, which not only means they don’t stick out like F style clamps, but they can also be used to reference and align parts.
Digital Templates
If you watch many of my KZbin videos, you’ll see I use a lot of templates, especially in my scroll saw projects. Instead of trying to hand sketch a graphic or shape on your workpiece, learn how to make custom templates using vector software. I have a free three-video class on my website that shows you the basics that a woodworker should know. Check it out here: newtonmakes.com/inkscape-for-...
Eliminate Workshop Chores
The least you hate something, the more likely you will do it. With this in mind, I recommend removing chores in the workshop. For me, it's sharpening tools. Find a process that you like, or at least, don't hate. That's why I switched from using water stones to diamond sharpening stones.
Specialty Tools
There are projects that inherently require a significant amount of time to complete specific elements. When faced with a common situation that you dislike or takes a considerable amount of time, look into tools or items that could make the process faster, easier, and more enjoyable. This is why I bought micro sanding sticks. Game changing tool!
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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/newtonmakes
Sanding detailer sticks: amzn.to/3JDYPlW
Diamond stone Fine amzn.to/3Wf4UwN
Diamond stone Extra Fine: amzn.to/4aRvv7G
Diamond stone Extra Extra Fine: amzn.to/4dcxjtu
Japanese brass bar clamps: amzn.to/3UdbEZx
Japanese steel bar clamps: amzn.to/3UcbX72
This video was sponsored by Woodworkers Guild of America

[@NewtonMakes]

The first 1,000 people to use my link will get a full year of Premium membership to Woodworkers Guild of America for only $1.49: go.wwgoa.com/newtonmakes/

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

You just never know when one of these videos will solve a problem... I didn't know about the sanding sticks but have had a need for a while now that they clearly take care of. I've ordered some from Lee Valley and will have them tonight! Thanks! This isn't just "another advertisement" - unless you're someone who knows everything. I appreciate these videos. Thank you!

[@harolddecapodian2308]

Those clamps look incredibly easy to make, reckon I’ll give it a go

[@NewtonMakes]

I personally like the steel ones better. Both are fantastic though.

[@terrychristian672]

I like that sharpening box idea.

[@russellfay81]

I agree! Would love to see how you made it!

[@vanessaclark9303]

I've wanted to join Woodworkers Guild for years. Thanks so much for the discount and congratulations on the sponsorship!

[@daganael]

your scrollsaw projects are amazing ! we need videos on that !

[@johnlcallaway]

Thanks for the information about the clamps and sanding sticks, never knew they existed. Never really thought about the jointer tip, but it makes sense. I'll pay more attention to that in the future.

[@chrisb1029384]

I love your videos! Always informative and to the point, giving me just what I need. Thanks for the tips!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video Billy full of great tips Thanks for sharing. Definitely going to check out the clamps and sanding sticks

[@dougggiereid]

Thank you for a really great video showing a bunch of items I've never seen or heard of before. Really brilliant!

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks for taking time to watch it!

[@toddwilliams254]

Great points. Great video. Anyone who's spent time in Japan will have noticed that a lot of things we that just "assumed" need to be a particular size are simply not! Look at a urinal valve. Best regards, Todd

[@dian3145]

I make small boxes…need those clamps! Nice to see you again!

[@NewtonMakes]

Had to prep for a bunch of videos about to drop. These clamps are great!

[@scottbyrd2157]

Awesome video! Finally someone thinking outside the box.

[@mrtedfella]

Another great video! The Japanese clamps seem like a great idea for small projects and glue-ups. However, they are out of stock at Amazon and they may restock the clamps. Any idea (s) where else to look for the clamps? I looked around but did not spot any other sellers.

[@justinbanks2380]

Some great tips! Thanks

[@markduggan3451]

I really like the look of those clamps.

[@alexpizio]

Thank You for your videos !

[@anthonyseiver7000]

Love the Japanese brass box making clamps (hategane). The only issue is to keep them clean. Mine gum up with PVA glue.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Love those clamps !

[@ImLeeBee]

Great video, I'd heard of, but then forgotten about those little Japanese clamps. This time I'm gonna save some to my wish list! Also, what's the purpose of the granite slab on your sharpening box if you're not using it with the scary sharp (sandpaper) method? Since you're using diamond stones anyway, it seems a bit overkill in the expense department.

[@stevecocchetto]

Great idea! Did you make a video about your sanding box setup?

[@travelwell8098]

Never saw those Japanese bar clamps before.... very nifty!

[@michaelwillson6847]

Dam Billys back 💥💥💥 awesome video m8. Love them little clamps. Also just fyi i bought similar sanding sticks from temu and granted there disposable but they was like 3 quid for a hundred worked well. Can't wait see Deadpool btw looks fricking amazing 😀👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@paulwood6659]

great, now I will buy more clamps and make a rack for them.

[@thedeano65]

Mr Newton I like all your tips but reality is I don't have a table saw and make boxes I cut all my rebates with a Stanley no 50 and joints with a shooting board splines are cut by hand please do a video with this in mind I would appreciate some more tips to make life easier thanks Dean

[@pff7852]

where did you find those small clamps ?

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks a bunch for all the tips, Billy! 😃 Which software do you use for drawing the templates? Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@NewtonMakes]

I almost always use Inkscape. I find it way more user friendly than Illustrator, but I believe I'm in the minority.

[@MCsCreations]

@@NewtonMakes Oh, I like it very much as well! Thanks! 😊

[@Kosh42EFG]

First. Awesome as ever. Now to find those clamps in the UK....

[@ga5743]

Amazon has them but I don’t know if they ship to UK

[@rexseven93]

A simple mind set change will help a person reduce the amount of money they waste on tools. Don't see a tool and think it looks cool, buy it, and then try to figure out how you will use it. Turn the process around. When there are processes or actions you do that are tedious or don't work well, look for tools to help that activity. It's a simple little perspective change, but it helps... not that I still don't buy tools I have no idea how I will ever use the thing.

[@markoogle]

Most underrated comment

[@rexseven93]

@@markoogle Thanks. I keep this idea in the drawer with all the tools I don't use.

[@richardwilson1702]

WHAT BRAND IS YOUR LASER ENGRAVER THANKS

[@NewtonMakes]

I have a Glowforge laser

[@MarcBridie]

I have no idea what you were talking about with your first tip. I don't see how you wound up with different sizes.

[@Goalsplus]

Clamp manufacturers take note of the advantages of clamping one clamp onto the arm of another.

[@tremolobar]

Thanks for the guild info, I joined. Had no idea that existed as I’m pretty new to the craft.

[@NewtonMakes]

There's a BUNCH of info there. 👍

[@brendo1000]

Hi Billy - Stupid question - what do you put under the diamond stone to stop it sliding on the granite? Great vid!

[@NewtonMakes]

Good question. I have a non-skid pad that came with one of them. It looks like this: amzn.to/3w2NngR

[@brendo1000]

@@NewtonMakes brilliant thank you!

[@johnbesharian9965]

My DiaSharp diamond plates come with a set of 4 rubber[like] feet that work fairly well. However, having clampable or wedgable end stops at each end, lower than the plate height, does come in handy during certain difficult sharpenings. A rubber mesh router or kitchen mat would serve the same purpose as the rubber feet. Just be certain you're able to dry off the steel diamond plates before putting them away if you wet them when using them, as rust is not your friend.

[@user-um6vp8th4f]

i love you

[@d.bishop1034]

But its just so satisfying to honk down with 300lbs of clamping pressure. So what if 3lbs is enough. 😂

[@johnbesharian9965]

Maybe 6/8 years ago some male friend of my then room mate, Carrie, looked at my collection of Pittsburg F-clamps that I'd bought back in the mid '90's (a dozen in each size) and, I guess to impress her, chided me about how they weren't as strong as the one's he had. I just looked at him and said (smilingly, of course), "If your joinery's good you don't need much pressure". He wasn't very happy.

[@patbird9694]

Haven’t watched woodworking guild of America since George shaved his moustache.

[@johnbesharian9965]

He did what?

[@JohnColgan.]

Hategane clamps

[@johnisley1285]

Just another advertisement.

[@akgoldbear7669]

The video is about nothing. Just marketing. I wasted my time... 🤨

[@dumbarsechippy]

That leprechaun has a five legged horse!