5 Woodworking Tools We’ve Ditched - Should You?

[@jennieanddavis]

Big thanks to NorthOne for partnering with us on this video. Use our link to apply for NorthOne and get a $10 credit when you open and fund your account: apply.northone.com/JennieandDavis

[@secretwoodproject]

I just used the link you provided and setup my business account. That bank is the same bank that backs Chime.

[@mrscience1409]

When did cutting boards become "fine furniture"?

[@FPL-LARD]

WRONG WRONG WRONG. That rafter/roofing square is WAAAAAAAAYYYYY more accurate than that combination sqaure you held up, it doesn't even come close. Also if you know how to use one it has many many uses. From a carpenter/joiner/cabinet maker with over 30 years experience over here in England.

[@secretwoodproject]

What I do is make my cutting board glue ups in a sheet that is 48x48 and then use the CNC to cutout all of the boards. The cuts are so precise and clean there is no sanding really to speak of and I know each board is precise.. Using that jig to make each board seems to be a much slower process than the CNC machine. Just a thought.

[@dougboyko6005]

I don't own a CNC yet. But I bought the Glowforge Pro ($6,000) and it's not as accurate as they say. The Glowforge Pro came broken. I had to wait a month after receiving it to get a new laser head to use my Glowforge. Just after two years now the inner glass tube broke on the laser cracked and now it's a giant paper wait. Glowforge will replace my Glowforge Pro for $1,651. So do your research.

[@surlycanadian]

Build a negative of each of your items, a piece of ply or Mdf which your items fit into a cutout and put the whole rig into the laser engraver. So a piece of ply with your handled board cut out of it goes onto the bed, then you put the fresh board into the cutout and this puts the engraving section where you want it on the engraver bed. Do this with each of your items in their various sizes and keep the negative panels next to the laser engraver. It’ll last forever and you’d never need tape again to mark the center. It’s a classic example of spend an hour doing this to save you 10 seconds on thousands of repeated operations, like your handle routing jig.

[@steveh8724]

They said their boards aren't all the same size, so they don't have a single size, or even a few standard sizes, they apparently vary randomly. I don't know why this is the case, but if it is, then solutions like the one you propose won't work.

[@davedonohue9329]

The laser simpliciy you speak of is simply the GlowForge, b/c it's aimed at the same folks a Cricut is aimed at. But saying that with Lightburn and a decent sized laser, it will make the glowforge look like a toy. I have a onefinity journeyman and I use it for doing my charcuterie boards and cutting boards.

[@scottcountryman6090]

They got the glow forge for free only reason they use it

[@isakwatz11]

Actually, the rafter square is way more accurate than the combination square. Since the rafter square is machined at 90 degrees and not adjustable it needs to be accurate from the factory.

[@WoodenLegWoodworking]

Well put 👍

[@michaelsummer7082]

Plastic rafter squares are way more accurate than aluminum combination squares. I have found issues with cast rafter squares and cast-iron combination squares can be ridiculously accurate.

[@wdtaut5650]

@@michaelsummer7082 Too correct. Plastic are generally good, check first. I checked my rafter squares in the store before I bought them. It's amazing how bad some are.

[@lanceyohe6026]

That aluminum or plastic rafter square will never compare to a Starrette Combination Square that is machined to much higher tolerances.

[@barge7619]

@@lanceyohe6026 This is true. However, the combo square they showed was not a Starrett or a PEC brand. It was an Empire brand. They would have been better off sticking with the Empire speed squares.

[@ehisey]

Showing an Empire combo square as accurate is very amusing

[@prrk47002]

I use my 12" speed square frequently as a crosscut guide when cutting rough boards with my circular (or jig) saw.

[@IoanSorinSanta]

To find the center every single time you can use a cross laser and align the diagonals.

[@stanwiggins3423]

Have you considered using the 2" x 2" or 3" x 3" sticky notes instead of the blue tape for marking the center on your boards? Cheap when you buy the bundles of hundreds, easy to put down and throw away, and you can find them in almost every store if you ever find yourself running short for one reason or another.

[@stelsteller5636]

Great idea! I'll be using this one for sure!

[@justwatchingyoutube3285]

Boom!! What a great idea, thanks. I will most def be doing this..

[@thenext9537]

I use my jig saw everyday. I just use it to rough my walnut boards , because some are like 12 foot and easier to just quick cut them leaving a inch or two oversized for later when I use the track saw. The CNC, I get it. It's a pain in my butt personally. I really think anything that's like cutting out certain shapes on a repeatable basis, yes. Also, I have to start another LLC, so North One sounds cool, I was about to go to the bank next week, but an ACTUAL SPONSOR I WILL USE? LETSSS GOOOOOO

[@daylen577]

A proper, solid speed square gets you much more accurate angles than a combination square. Just need one that's the right size and it would save you time in the end, looks like the ones you have are just way too big.

[@WoodenLegWoodworking]

Yep

[@AlexanderEnzoLawn]

You tricked us into a commercial! Haha

[@danielt9358]

I bought a biscuit joiner early on in my journey. Used it for about a month, at most, now it just takes up space.

[@Techreux]

Umm.. I didn't SEE one in the video anywhere.. but! Add a tape dispenser for the blue tape at each station you have blue tape (I made my own from scratch), and now I don't have to fight picking, peeling and ripping off a piece.. I just pull and cut the tape same as a scotch tape dispenser.. but FAST!! Turned a arduous task into a joy!

[@malonecustomdesigns]

Ok, hear me out: Buy a Thunder Laser and fly me to Houston and I will show you how to engrave that board in seconds without ever having to measure again! lol

[@CrazyManwich]

I don’t use a square when maki g cutting boards nor do I use a separate tape measure. That is why I have my table saw measure zeroed in and a square cross cut sled.

[@Goalsplus]

I did not miss the point of moving up to making higher quantities of the same item. Yes you can make a lot with a jigsaw and sander but a template and router is faster. I'm in the middle of learning how to shift from single items to batches of a dozen. Any method I can use to speed up the process is great.

[@gregghernandez2714]

You make some excellent points, however some tools that you have ditched are absolutely invaluable to other builders. Take for example people like me who make Bartop arcade builds. If you use a really nice Jigsaw like a DeWalt and a really nice sharp blade, and go slow, you will get a super clean cut with minimal tear out, and very little sanding necessary. Also many consider that particular belt sander an absolute must in their shop. Nice to see you have found your space in woodworking and it is working out beautifully for you two. Oh yeah as others have mentioned, a really nicely machined square are dead accurate each and every time as long as you don't drop it or abuse it.

[@saltydawg5489]

yea my jigsaw has saved my butt a couple of times.. it really depends on what you build as to what tools you need.. i build displayers for a small chain of stores so i need some of those tools. it is wise to limit your product line, custom stuff is way too expensive in many cases and you dont want to buy a tool that youre going to use once.

[@bigdogmn73]

For measuring a board to find the half the company Fastcap makes a tape measure that helps find it. It's called the fastcap easy half tape measure

[@amberhowell8445]

I use my GF to engrave boards too. I eyeball the center (by standing over the camera after closing the lid) and set focus on the approx. center of the area where I want to engrave. Haven't had any issues yet! I learned from someone in the GF owner's forum :)

[@timhalleran3514]

What a cool process😎! Figuring out what product you want to specialize in and acquiring the tools needed specifically for that product. Great job guys!!

[@landreywoodworks4957]

Hi guys! Seems to me that you have only two sizes of board (cutting and charcuterie) so creating a permanent positioning jig for each board in opposite corners of the Glowforge bed would allow you to use a standardized engraving file. Just push the board into the corner, load up the appropriate file and engrave away! No guessing where center is because you always know based on where the corner is. Of course if you have many more board sizes then this may not work. Hope you guys are doing well. Miss the Morning Show. Take care.

[@PikkaBird]

Good suggestion. For different sizes you should be able to still find center if you know the measurements by plotting in a/2 and b/2. But starting in the corners to begin with is a great suggestion that should be endlessly adaptable.

[@dwightbauer6705]

I remember all the trouble you had with your CNC, I also have a couple of lasers like you. I don't like the Glowforge's because they are so slow and expensive for what you get....having said that I do recognize that the speed of the software helps people laser objects quicker. With Lightburn software and a 100 watt laser I normally can laser the name you had in under 3 minutes at a depth of 1/8 inch, with the ivy pattern I can do that in about 6.5 Minutes. then I would hit it with windex or if I were doing a lot one product Dawn dish soap and water rinse. Then a quick sand and it's ready for Mineral oil.I do enjoy your videos and I think you are always helpful and thoughtful about your content. (this is only My opinion but I feel like the 1/8 depth shows better and reflects better on the creator, I really hope that did not come off wrong or disrespectful ...I am not wanting to offend anyone, thank you so much for what you do.)

[@daylen577]

Don't forget that these aren't highly skilled woodworkers looking to expand their high-end furniture business. These are two people that started a business on the side, and things grew from there. What Glowforge has going for it is that as long as what you're engraving is simple and your material lines up with what works well in it, the user experience is great. Getting a better laser is great when you know how to troubleshoot it and have the time and experience to make upgrades and perform maintenance, but there are other channels for that.

[@rebeccaledford8202]

Button hole spacer and tailor's chalk. Color the middle point in the button hole spacer to make it intuitive to quickly find the center. Wash off the tailor's chalk with the burn marks.

[@troyridder2472]

Hey kids, I only use that being 50+ so don't take offense, please. Love the channel and vids! You two are doing so much with desire and tenacity. I do have to admit though, as much as I enjoy the two of you sharing your journey, seeing Bruce makes every video you put out "Top Notch"!! Keep up the great work!

[@bradymiguel]

Now we have to see that old jigsaw video. 🙏🏼

[@billysmether6237]

Well everybody is different I guess. I do 80% of my work on a cnc. And have no use for a laser. But here is the best advice when it comes to tools and I have proven it many a time. "If you need a machine (tool) and don't buy it, then you will ultimately find that you have paid for it and don't have it." Henry Ford. That sign hangs on the wall in my shop as a reminder.

[@caloosacustomcabinetsmarco6361]

I have a phased out router tables because a CNC router so much faster and better. It’s a shame you guys don’t/didn’t look more into that. I could literally set up a jig (just like you have for your router table) for the CNC clamp down a board and cut it the same way you guys are cutting it in about 60 seconds it would take longer to turn the machine on every day and it wouldn’t make a board. Also, I mean this in the nicest way, a laser is a CNC. CNC stands for commuter numerical control You would simply say CNC laser, CNC router, CNC plasma, CNC water jet etc. CNC is kind of the best of both worlds it’s cheap labor in the end that doesn’t require a lot of skill once you have it set up properly I’ve let my eight year old run my $50k CNC Good luck!!! Think big!!!

[@curtisthorn13]

What about equaly pressured spring clamps that hold the boards on a plate or board. That will hold it on center every time you load it. See tmwhat your local machine chop can make or help to design.

[@jatcher]

Not sure what program you use to run your laser. In lightburn there is a center finder tool that after setting up the work piece, you jog the laser head to one corner of the surface click, jog to a second corner, click, jog to third corner and click and the program treats those as points on a circle around it and finds center from there. It is designed for finding centers of circular work pieces but I've used it for squares and rectangles as well. It will then use those three points to draw a circular "tool layer" guideline on the layout screen. Using the alignment tools (align center, align top, etc) you can align to the guideline and let it run. Even if you're not using lightburn, there may be a similar feature for finding center on your program.

[@michaelmathiesen2710]

I love my Glowforge, make no mistake, but when it comes to speed or detail work my Xtool F1 knocks it out of the park for engraving. A 4"x 4" high detail engrave on the Forge could take upwards of an hour with the F1 it was less than 5 minutes.

[@JLRWoodCreations]

As for tools to ditch, I have two jig saws, one corded and one cordless. The cordless has been used twice, and I had the same conclusion both times: It doesn't have enough power to get out of its own way. The corded one is the first pro quality tool I ever bought, and it still gets dragged out once in awhile, and rarely has the "ruff-cut" problem you describe. But, I just use the bandsaw now for flawless cuts much faster every time.

[@ZCCool4718]

You really have to get away from glowforges. Once you do and move into a big boy laser, (I would in your case get a Fiber laser that uses lightburn). Once you get light burn, you use the lightburn camera and it will find the center. The fiber laser also takes your engraving from 20 to 30+ mins down to seconds. In your case it will pay for it self in the first few months with time saved while engraving.

[@malonecustomdesigns]

You are right about the fact that they should move away from the Glowfoge...I've told them several times lol. However, a fiber laser isn't what they need. A fiber laser is mostly for metal marking, not that great for wood. A more commercial CO2 laser is what they need. It will engrave it in seconds...I know this because we do it. There are some galvo CO2 lasers that are even faster, but not really needed for what they do. We have a Thunder Laser that does an amazing job and would benefit them so much!! I could teach them a way to throw a board in there with perfect placement every time and never have to measure again!

[@ZCCool4718]

@@malonecustomdesigns A fiber laser isn't just for metal, in fact you can see many many people using fibers for fast repeatable jobs on wood, medal, and plasic. I have a Aeon Fiber, and a Aeon Mira 9 on the way. I currently have other lasers. Not an expert, but The reason I said something about the Fiber is because of the small foot print. A more commerical C02 might take up more space then there looking for.

[@malonecustomdesigns]

@@ZCCool4718 congrats on the Aeon lasers. They are great machines. And while wood is possible to engrave on a fiber, it’s not the best. The fiber wavelength just isn’t appropriate for wood. That’s why I said a fiber is mostly used for metal. Trust me, CO2 is the preferred for wood.

[@bryanknitter8858]

That jigsaw is still very useful for breaking down rough boards. Use it for that and you'll avoid binding the blade on your miter saw again.

[@tonylarochelle2811]

Drum sander has replaced over 500 tools in my shop… ok maybe not that many… but whoa!!! He is great.

[@michnavv]

lovely work. What laser engraver do you use?

[@justin_ray]

A tomato based fruit salad is....Salsa 😉God bless you both and your business.

[@keithcorey5535]

I can't wait to try the alcohol and wipe tip! I have been sanding that ring off

[@kenerickson4923]

Wondering what you use for mailing your boards.

[@southernjoes8372]

There’s no such thing as a wrong technique as long as it’s safe and gets the job done.

[@troysgt]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing your learning process.

[@glenncallahan9037]

Hi You guys, I have a 4' x 8' Laguna CNC, please let me know if you need any parts cut. I'm kind of retired, so I work cheap.

[@rickchichester9327]

On the finding center buy a center finding ruler. Woodcraft and Rockler sell them

[@anotherpieceofwood]

I just saw my sticker going on the wall 🙌

[@blaster-zy7xx]

I predicted the jig saw because it was one of my first tools and I hardly ever use it too. BUT, you guys are In production and not DIY projects, so your needs are different. My second most used tool after cordless drills is my vertical belt sander. I even use it to sharpen pencils. And blue tape is a must!

[@keithberry366]

Great and informative video as usual. Keep up the good work. You guys are inspiring.

[@skipwilson7044]

Do you guys have a recommendation for a sticker company? I need custom stickers made for my business packaging

[@digiital]

MAGIC ERASER to clear out the smoke. It's like a SUPER fine sandpaper

[@brentfowler2317]

$20,000.00 isn't that bad at all really. The CNC in the cabinet shop I'm in now, cost $125,000.00 for one CNC machine. And the new one that we just ordered for the new shop, that were moving into. It cost just over the $100,000.00 mark. So 20k isn't as bad as it could be. Anymore thanks for the great content as usual Jennie and Davis!

[@capnmark4]

Good video! Stumbled on your channel and you guys are informative and entertaining. Like you, my first 'project' was a bed frame (made out of 2x12s and plywood) and was made with a circular saw, drill, and ratchet (the drill died but I still have the others). Looking forward to what I may be able to make/sell as a side hustle/post retirement gig. Love the fact you guys still fly with USAF during the summer!

[@ShaunGud]

Have you done a video on the jig you made and use on your cutting boards?

[@chrisoliver3851]

Please tell which engraver you have in this video. Love your channel. Chris

[@eleventwelve4578]

That is a great tip for the laser and blue tape! Thanks a bunch! I wonder which Embry Riddle did you attend AZ or FL?

[@EricCrofut]

What laser machine do you use?

[@ponyboyc]

Ehh sounds all fine and well when thats all your making. Ideally if your only making a few items you don't need a bund of tools just enough to get the job done.

[@peeceejay]

This was pretty much my take. They make two things - if I only made two things, I’d have far fewer tools 🤣

[@ChrisSluder2010]

Where is the best place to sell your cutting boards

[@gilfernandez9122]

Love your adventure in entrepreneurship and salute your goal of specialized woodworking however staying versatile with your tooling is very important, "ditching" tools that are not in use on a daily basis will keep you in a box.

[@scottcountryman6090]

This is very true

[@daleparker9801]

Calling present and future employees unskilled 🤔🤔

[@danielt9358]

Where's Waldo???? (Jennie & Davis)

[@yellowhammerwoodcrafts]

Hey! I recognized one of those stickers! ❤😊

[@lucimoto2922]

If you build anything other than cutting bords you will need those tools😂

[@RonMarshallrone]

I'd rather have bamboo grown through me than use a jigsaw. I don't use it in my business hardly ever. I hate it. The only reason I don't sell the one I haven't sold is because the minute I do is the time i'll need it! I use my CNC and lasers for anything curvy...or the bandsaw.

[@neilredway1573]

Fast forwarded through most of this. You guys are loosing your mojo. Can’t wait till you get back into building stuff again and showcasing some of the work.

[@bradcofo2009]

They don't have any work to showcase, that's why they're not showing it. They make cutting boards and are scraping the barrel for content.

[@dusbus2384]

​@@bradcofo2009 just like most of the other "woodworking" channels out there. For every build video they have sponsored infomercials and videos like this one.

[@RUM123]

Go watch Steve Ramsey. He's big enough where he can do that.

[@tippy7194]

They started going downhill for me when Davis kept roasting and making fun of peoples names!

[@Sharkdog11b]

Speak for yourself I loved every minute.

[@robertlivingstone3947]

Good video thanks

[@oldguy1030]

No real disagreement since you are talking about the tools which YOU no longer find very helpful. It is a smart approach to your tooling. I hope that folk don't get the idea that these were suggestions that no one should have these. That's clearly not your intent and it would be a mistake if it were. The speed square is a wonderful example. You may have little use or need but for most of us the speed square can be used with a circular saw as a short saw guide for cross-cuts as well as many other uses. For most of us it is a tool we should always keep on hand as darned important. That doesn't mean it is at all useful for your purposes. Good video and I hope you keep making them!

[@kevindoyle4521]

Boy am I relieved. I thought I was going to have to sell some of my tools.😅

[@AC-lj4jp]

Belly up......

[@jedirobfrost]

Use a pencil to mark the center of the board, then wipe it away with the same 99% ISO spray as the smoke marks.

[@Willieswoodcraftusa]

My scroll saw is the only tool I really don't use anymore. It's because I changed my product line. That's about it.

[@robstrawn9170]

Just because you may find that you aren't using some tools now, doesn't mean you won't find yourself in a future situation where you will absolutely need that said tool, and if you got rid of it you may really kick yourself

[@robstrawn9170]

My recommendation is instead of getting rid of tools if you need the space is store them away somewhere out of the way, so then if you do need it later down the road you won't have to buy again when it could be more expensive. I have been in the position of needing a tool that I either lost somehow or got rid of and kicking myself for it

[@drkline69]

Looking to sell your CNC?

[@matthewmiller6979]

I'm still at the hobbist level, blue tape makes for a great jig for a couple maybe a dozen items made in just one batch. But if you are going into production, a purpose built jig is needed.

[@irakopilow9223]

When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

[@ehresendez]

I'm using corded power tools less and less

[@JeffDenig]

Hurricane Hunters? Are y'all based out of Biloxi?

[@MrZeedine]

A ruler is a person who rules over other human's... A RULE.. is a piece of material that can give you a given distance. Please say. THIS IS A RULE...

[@jonlanier_]

Well, this will co and end and you'll need to develop something else to sell. me... well I'm into for the craftsmanship and artistry.

[@Mapleviewdesignsco]

I just bought an xcarve... 🤣🤣

[@MeteorologistJohnDawson]

I'm really just here for the transitions. Glad this video had a least one that was cool.

[@CrashTestPrivate]

There’s no such thing as unskilled labor.

[@Kansastreetop]

Point made is we all like new tools, just because we don't have one. But is it necessary, questionable?

[@kenjonwoodworking7277]

So when are you going to get an up it saw for cutting you hardwoods to rough lengths? 😂

[@Kloran27]

I don't think you are making an accurate comparison between a laser and a cnc. You are comparing a $7k tool to a $2500 tool that do very different tasks. One of those also locks you into having to use the vendors software and be internet connected. Is the laser a better fit for what you do? yes. Are lasers and CNCs comparable in this way? No -- they do different things.

[@canedobrazil3209]

Likeeeeee from Brazil 👍 🇧🇷

[@dottyjyoung]

North one took over 6 Mos to return money that was stolen from my account. 💔 I had to threaten to take them to small claims court to get my money back. I was sick w/long Covid, & couldn't work as much, & since I couldn't trust my funds would be available, their negligence led to my business losing it's Good Standing status w/the state. Please don't promote them. They've led to over a year of setbacks in my journey.

[@ronj8000]

Im gonna be so glad when the "cant even say the word " board fad is over because "the word" board is so fing pretentious

[@robertsmith3518]

Ok , I was expecting to see what tools you no longer use and you start in on a junk bed frame you built in the yard. Looks like you forgot your mission . I quit looking and say Next

[@johnlewis787]

Can you really grow a business if you are spending your time making KZbin videos. Hell I wish I had 5 minutes of spare time with my woodworking business to make even a 2 minute video.

[@Ryan-mn6on]

This is the first video I have watched and one hopefully constructive criticism I have is I have is your delivery seems fake almost like a used car sales person. The delivery just does not seem natural to me. Sure you are speaking from your experience but who is your audience? Is it yourself? Or is it the woodworking community at large? Or is it people who are just starting out trying to figure out what tools to start with? Also what is the purpose? You caught me with the title but you never really demonstrated to me on why I should ditch those same tools and I think if you look at the other comments, others thought the same thing. Is this video really intended or aimed at someone who is brand new to your channel? Granted you cant control what videos are served up through the algorithm but wouldn't it be better to tailor more videos to the first timers slightly to help build an audience or entice them to watch some of your other videos? Like I said just some criticisms and I wish you success. I mean you are doing something right if you got me to take the time to type out this rant lol

[@greedo-diedforusall]

7:26 yikes. Way to generalize and stereotype males making their own decisions.

[@foxeagle1]

You could always use the jigsaw to cut down rough boards to manageable lengths before actual lengths. Also, Jenny, after seeing some older footage of you, you should go back to being a blonde.