5 Woodworking Tools You Should Know About! (MatchFit dado stop, ISO tunes, and more!)

[@GuardedLegacy]

Spent the last hour trying to find this video. Knew I had seen a video with some kind of magnetic square, but couldn't remember who had done the video and couldn't find it in my history. Thanks!

[@bobmcnair7075]

How refreshing to have a video that doesn't start with "HEY, GUYS, HOW'S IT GOING?" (Upper case denoting nearly shouting). I already follow Steve Ramsay and I have now subscribed to your site. Some great ideas here. Thank you from Scotland.

[@SecretUncleDaddy]

The earbuds are a great hearing protection recommendation. I'd be much more likely to use them than muffs or plugs. I was wondering if you had ever heard of custom in-ear monitors? It's what professional musicians usually use on stage. The biggest benefit would be the ability to turn up and down the ambient noise instead of having to remove an earpiece to hear something. They are also custom made for you ear so, very comfortable and easy to use. Obviously, they are not cheap. It would be the ultimate setup IMO though. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@ryanmeloney3421]

after watching this video, I went to the Atlanta woodworking show today. I would have most likely past the booth with the noise canceling headphones. Well I decided to stop by and test them out. WOW the noise canceling is amazing. I tried them out today in the yard and had to take them out to make sure my leaf blower was working, I couldnt hear a think but my tunes and the best part is I couldn't hear a word my wife was saying. Only serious.

[@marcderiveau9307]

I’ve a combination square. I don’t use it anymore. Once I had iron “dust” attracted by the magnet. I didn’t notice it and I was drawing 87 degrees angle for a while 🥺

[@faceup5]

Regarding the square, if you look at minute 7 of your video, you see the common problem with all squares. They can tend to wobble when running it across the length of wood because the base is so narrow. I really wish they made the bases wider to make them more stable when used in this way.

[@danielfrankel5933]

The ISOtunes Audio headhpones shown at 7:53 in the video are AMAZING. Life changer for me in my shop. Recommend to anyone in loud environments, wood workers, and travelers!

[@RussGeneres]

I too have had the Bora square for several years and love it. I do have a spot in a drawer for it but it never gets much time in 'bed'. The only downside is that the magnets are notorious for collecting metal scraps, shavings and even other tools that get too close. I never stopped at the IsoTunes booth at the show, hopefully I didn't miss out on a better price than on Amazon. Keep up the good work!

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, if you use it in a place where you've been working with metal, you will have to make sure no filings are in the slot that holds the rule, or it may affect it's accuracy.

[@ManCrafting]

I picked up a pair of the ISO tunes at the Atlanta Woodworking show. I got the Pro version. They seem to be working very well.

[@goodgoat6019]

Great video of some nice products. I would like to see micro adjusting router jigs covered, especially an affordable one.

[@Woodgate425]

Hi Stumpy. I have one of those magnetic squares too and yes, they are just fantastic. I was initially concerned about how powerful the magnet was but after first use there were no worries about it being strong enough. Anyway just wanted to let your UK watchers know (that's where I'm from) that the square is sold by Draper Tools in their Expert range in is available mail order via eBay and Amazon etc. Again great tool and certainly accurate enough out of the box. Oh yes, it comes with a nice pouch too. Great videos, keep up the good work, Mike.

[@stevegambino9226]

Hi, saw your review of the Micro Jig Grripper and bought it. I can't find that show now, but wanted you to add the following problem with using it. I own a PM66 table saw, vintage 2000 and have been safely using it with a removable splitter for years. Come to find that the Micro Jig will not work with my splitter AND, there are no riving knives for the PM66. So, which is safer? using the splitter with any other push block, or using the GRRiPPER without the splitter?? You should most definitely tell your viewers that if their saw only has a splitter, the GRRIPPER won't work,

[@joewrosenthal00]

Mr. Nubs, I bought (via the Internet) the Kapro version of the 12” Magnetic Combination Square two months ago, and it has replaced my ancient standard version. Yesterday I was at my local Rockler store, and noticed that they now carry the Kapro version. This tool was just too good to “die”! Since Rockler is one of your sponsors, you might consider a reprise featuring the Kapro version. PS: COOL TOOLS is an excellent feature. Every COOL TOOL I’ve bought has been a useful addition to my shop. THANKS!

[@trunyan5080]

Tool question; I've been thinking of purchasing machinist squares. What do you recommend; manufacture and sizes?

[@RoscoeZB]

Really great selection. I bought all. Nicely done.

[@mypony891]

@stumpy nubs Do you use this combo square or the I gaging combo square you reviewed more? I was looking to buy one and saw both. This one seems nice since it doesn't have any of the mechanical parts that wear out

[@johnslaughter5475]

George Vondriska also uses the ISOtune and he loves them. While I think the idea of talking while mowing the lawn is fine, I think you need to keep your mind on what you're doing when working with power tools, especially table saws and routers.

[@charmedparticle]

7:22 Should say protection. Love the videos!

[@JesseWorkshop]

Great tips, like the ear buds

[@halfsonswoodworking4270]

That dado jig is awesome! I'll be picking one up. I was also at the Detroit show and saw you during one of the SawStop demos but did't get a chance to say hi. Hope to see ya at the next one. Great video and thanks for the tips! -Tim

[@toysoldier46552]

Actually, you could make a sled that just rides on the left side of your table so only uses 1 miter slot which then you can support your stock much easier and make those cuts safely. Just food for thought that I thought I would share.

[@Furbolg123]

Really like the combination square. The other day i came across square hole drills, they use some sort of shape called a "Reuleaux triangle" within a square housing. Really interesting drill bit, maybe you could check those out. cheers

[@StumpyNubs]

If you have a link, please post it so I can check it out for a future episode.

[@scotlandwoodwork2553]

The Reuleaux Triangle has applications in rotary engines and metal work. I've seen it conceptualized in wood drilling, but have never seen proof of concept in a functional wood drill. Not saying that there isn't one out there...Mortising bits actually cut and clear corners, couldn't imagine how a Reuleaux Triangle bit could do that with respect to grain direction.

[@1701spacecadet]

As we know, lower-end squares are notorious for not being square. Have you tested how square the Bora square is?

[@alfredomarquez9777]

ESPECIALLY if the square has the name "EMPIRE" on it... That name guarantees it is NOT square at all!!!

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi James,I really liked the router collet wrenches but when I tried to buy them they were "out of stock". I then tried to get on the list for when they are back in stock, only to be told that because I live in the UK I cannot reserve these items. I have searched the internet but no joy there, it looks as if I will have to make my own somehow, I do not like pinching other peoples ideas but I am not being left with any other option.

[@billcoley8520]

Hey I have a question for you. I recently purchased a central machinery table saw for $50. The saw is very old but in very good shape. It is a really nice saw and I only plan on using it with a sled. It didn’t have a fence and the miter gauge slot is smaller than today’s normal 3/4. I can’t seem to locate any information on the slot size can you help? Thanks in advance

[@dicksundin6297]

Hi. I'm interested in your magnetic combination square but you only have it in inches what I could see. Europe, excluding the UK, only use the metric system. Is that something you can consider to add? Best regards Dick

[@watermain48]

Thanks for sharing these tools...

[@DBYNOE]

that dado making thing does essentially what Bridge City's Kerfmaster did in a somewhat different form. They had another one for tennons that worked slightly differently (i.e. the trick was to compensate for the width of the blade, adding or subtracting it from the series of cuts). Btw the Lumberjocks forum has a bunch of diy versions for these tools, I made a set (i.e. they are pictured as my icon) and they work great.

[@guiddo56]

do you know if the Bora combination square will be available again - realize the video is 3 years old - if not any recommendations on a substitute of equal quality

[@StumpyNubs]

Unfortunately, I don't think so.

[@larrypotts6223]

great tool ideas. now to buy them

[@offcutsworkshop6618]

Micro jig, maker of the gripper.

[@alexclark2126]

Work safer; work smarter!

[@bobmcnair7075]

@@alexclark2126 Where's Steve Ramsey when you need him?

[@trongod2000]

Loved this post. Hope you do more.

[@deweygravesjr.122]

Great ideas.Thanks James

[@terryk3118]

Nice videos. Watching them very often these days. What happened to the link for the collet wrenches?

[@boxsterman77]

The link to the Router Collet Wrenches is broken.

[@mellowrebel4618]

I had a BORA a while back but someone liked it more than I did and 5 finger discounted it .

[@stevenzawalick49]

Great job, as usual.

[@horseblinderson4747]

@Stumpy Nubs Could you use a stair pitch gauge to lock the magnetic up?

[@jeffjones5257]

Damn you James Hamilton! Now I have more on my wish list.

[@joselimon8093]

O

[@JerInCrik]

Just got the Bora and love it! Another big plus is that the ruler doesn't have a groove running the length. That groove left a cutout in the end of ruler that always caught on my pencil lead. Was very annoying! Thanks Stumpy!

[@chrisgraham2904]

i realize this video is now 2 yrs old, but I liked a few of the items you showcased. The magnetic combination square is no longer available at Amazon. The collet Wrenches site is no longer active and the $6 LED tweezers are now $13 dollars. I'll have to revise my Christmas wish list.

[@adamonline45]

I'm sold on the square! But personally I'm not comfortable wearing headphones and working on the table saw. I just feel like my awareness that the saw is running is greatly affected.

[@StumpyNubs]

You don't wear hearing protection?

[@adamonline45]

No, no, I do wear hearing protection. I just can't listen to music on headphones/earbuds because it makes me less aware that the machine is running when its sound is actively drowned out. Attenuated, like with ear muffs, it's fine.

[@johnrobinson1020]

Adam Richards I totally agree with you and have stated so in another message on this video. It is totally irresponsible to encourage woodworkers to use earbuds that play audio music etc while you are working with dangerous machinery such as you have mentioned. It is essential to hear what is going on around you when working in the interest of safety, you need to hear any noise the machine might be making due to a fault with the machine and you need to hear warning devices that may sound in the shop and you also need to hear oral warning or instruction in the event of an emergency in the shop. Obviously no thought of safety has gone into producing this particular video; dollar signs seems to have dimmed the mentality of those wwho produced it.

[@Kevlux86]

Very good point raised! Know thyself and err on the side of caution! The tunes can wait :)

[@abbedo]

Good Show. I like seeing these new products. Keep it u p.

[@robhillstrom3283]

Personally I like the KM-1 Kerfmaker from bridge city tools for the dado. It also will work with your sled whereas the other requires a fence to clamp to. Tried that one before?

[@donaldfritch6805]

Rob Hillstrom I

[@BlakeHaskins]

I cant believe that the magnetic square works so good. But by looking at the video, it seems pretty solid.

[@TheEndlessVariables]

The earbuds would be awesome, i usually just use regular ear buds on with safety ear muffs over top

[@lourias]

That is what I do.... eatbuds with earmuffs.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks James!

[@stewartbaringer3543]

Love the wings cozy..

[@jameslatimer3600]

I like the look of the ear/hearing protectors in this video. However, I wear hearing aids (well one aid and the other is only a microphone - can't hear at all on the left side). I have yet to see a set of ear buds that take hearing aids into account. Have you ever seen anything like that?

[@a89proof]

I'd think you'll have to remove hearing aids to accommodate ear buds, but there are some pretty interesting bluetooth enabled hearing aids out now that can pair with a phone for calls or streaming audio. As a bonus, you can change volume and program settings easily from a phone app, and it looks like you can tailor the profiles to help filter out select frequencies like tool noise or the like.

[@michaelkolozsvari3575]

There's now an ISO tunes Pro 2.0 model. It would be great to know if it's worth the extra $10.

[@FranksDIY]

Thanks for the tool talk. lone that first one the daddo stop

[@cncwoodworxroc6881]

Just for fair comparison, how "square " is the magnetic square? I understand that both a standard square and the magnetic square have moving components therefore neither are inherently as accurate as an engineers square, but the repeatability of that accuracy matters..... a lot. Mind doing a comparison between 2 or 3? Magnetic square VS inexpensive square VS Starrett or Brown and Sharpe?

[@StumpyNubs]

It's square. I've used it for years of some very complex projects with great success, which is the best standard for "square"

[@brianermelin5658]

Am I crazy or did you do a short demonstration of new ultra aggressive rotary rasps ?? In carbide ?? I checked through many of your blogs but could not find it. Any help you could give would be appreciated greatly thanx

[@StumpyNubs]

I use Saburrtooth carbide rasps. Love 'em.

[@erritwilson9927]

I love my ISO pros and the wrenches. I purchased the square it will be put to use. The tweezers are on order as well. Thanks for the information!

[@jaxplane]

how easy is it to tweak the bora square to near perfect 90 deg. ?

[@StumpyNubs]

It was a perfect 90 out of the box.

[@jaxplane]

thanks, ive ordered the ear bud pro already so bora is next, i have a starett but it can be a pain to adjust.

[@wakelywanderer12]

Excellent, interesting video. My new earbuds are on the way. Thank you.

[@joewrosenthal00]

Excellent video, but I am not in favor of listening to music whilst working with tools, especially power tools. I even set my iPhone on silent in my shop: I don’t want to be distracted by it ringing, BUT I like to keep it handy if I need it in an emergency.

[@K31swiss]

Those collet wrenches are on sale FYI

[@Kevlux86]

Agreed on Gary’s comment - 26 to 27db is NOT “slightly” it’s significant.

[@AlexH151]

Good Stuff!FWIW: The collet wrench link doesn't seem to work.

[@StumpyNubs]

That's strange. It works when I click on it.

[@AlexH151]

Thanks for looking into this. It may be that my browser (MS Edge) sees it as an ad and is trying to "protect" me.

[@legion2k988]

Another woodworking Redwings fan.. booo!! ;) GO SHARKS! Like your vids.

[@QqJcrsStbt]

Rare earth magnet combi square--keep away from your grinder and don't put it on your laptop. I cannot imagine the mayhem when I put it in the Metrology draw. Keep the Neodidliums away from the the Starrett, M&W or Mitutuyo. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

My wife got me the ISOTunes Pro 2.0 (listen only, meaning no mic) and I now wear my hearing protection all the time. This unit is also sound limiting, so you won’t play music or podcasts too loudly. I paired my set to my iPhone 12 and it was so easy. The only downside is that the iOS will decrease the sound level “for me” if I use the headphones for a long time. And Apple engineers won’t let me turn this “feature” off. Too bad Apple engineers can’t figure out that ISOTunes headsets are already sound limiting and disable the iOS nanny.

[@Gunhound507]

Upvote for the "quick links" and amazon links. Thanks!

[@the1bulldurham]

Dang you nubby! More stuff on my Amazon wish list!

[@boxsterman77]

Exactly!

[@davesimpson8021]

Do the earbuds work under a pair of over the ear noise reducers? Or do they work well enough that they are all the protection needed?

[@StumpyNubs]

They are all the protection needed.

[@voxellab4339]

Nice video. On the MatchFit dado, I would never concider a tool made for measurement made out of plastic

[@StumpyNubs]

Why? Modern high impact plastics are not the cheap junk of a couple decades ago. They can be precisely molded and remain stable. Besides, the results speak for themselves, the jig works. Maybe this tool isn't for you, I get that. But it's a mistake to dismiss things just because they are plastic. Not all plastics are created equal.

[@voxellab4339]

WHY? well this is why plastic is not a good material for measurement and durability. Most plastics are double the linear temperature expansion coefficient of metal. If your shop is not climate controlled you will have inconsistent tolerances. Also the MatchFit dado is mixing metal and plastic that will make for uneven ware over time. I want my tools to last and plastic just doesn't cut it.

[@StumpyNubs]

It's a dado jig. We aren't making pistons here. I love you guys who apply metal working tolerances to woodworking. You act like the thing is going to grow 1/16 inch on a humid day... Whatever, dude. I don't have a stake in Micro Jig. I just live and work in the real world rather that in a world of theory. In the real world, a dado is sized to a friction fit. There's room for a ten thousandth or two of error.

[@voxellab4339]

It's about the ware and durability.

[@StumpyNubs]

Fair enough. Thanks for the comments.

[@vladg5216]

Etymotic is also a really excellent option for in-ear hearing protection earphones

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

IMPORTANT1 😅Question for you. I have been buying Bridge City Tools getting set up for my future. The Joint Master Pro. Have you used this machine? Where can I get one and try it out to see if my arms are strong enough to use the machine? I am quickly approaching the terminus of my woodworking career. I have been in a wheelchair for 13 years now. I have a new Laguna 1216 lathe that I love. I have had (3) very close calls with my lathe and using my saw. I am taking these as a major wake up call. I want to return to my roots as a hand tool only woodworker. I hold my Masters in Technical Woodcraft. I just ordered a nice set of chisels from Blue Spruce with a couple of other goodies. I have two sets of Ulmia chisels and two sets of Narex. Last March I was in a crosswalk in my powerchair and was run over by a drunk driver. I got hurt wicked bad. I just don’t know if my arms would be strong enough for the “push pull” requirements of the Joint Master Pro? It just looks so cool just sitting there. I sure would value your input. You are smart, quick and totally PRO. Your thoughts count HUGE! Thank You much. Additionally this will allow me to bring my woodworking inside my home after I convince my wife that we also need a Festool dust collector right next to my chair. What are your thoughts PLEASE? TS Portland Oregon.

[@StumpyNubs]

I don't know where you could try one, other than at a major woodworking show like AWFS in Las Vegas, or perhaps IWF in Atlanta. But as an owner of one myself I can saw that it takes a little bit more effort than sawing alone because you are pushing the carriage and workpiece slightly uphill as it passes over the blade. The bearings are incredibly smooth, and I do not consider it to be much effort at all, but I can't know what you are able to do. Sorry I can't be much more help.

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I am now planning on attending the show in Las Vegas. Or maybe go to the company headquarters in Monrovia Calif. It’s not about the money. Its can I do it? My future is bleak and short. I want to be my best as long as possible. Tools and my skills are my carrot. You planted a seed. I am grateful. My best to you and yours….

[@robramsey5120]

It's a shame that amazon doesn't ship to Australia, those pro iso tunes look great.

[@chrisford6858]

Rob . ebay. just brought a pair cost about 150 aus 😀

[@robramsey5120]

Chris gee, I've looked a few times on ebay and can't find any, could you post a link to them if possible, thanks.

[@chrisford6858]

Rob search. isotunes pro in ebay including international sellers.

[@isaacmaxwell302]

You can just get a cheap magnifying glass with a led light in it to see better to get splitters out

[@johnbauer3801]

Stump, use sandpaper to remove splinters, sand the opposite direction....

[@doveoo5]

I get a LOT of tiny metal splinters in my fingers at work. So I use the best method of removing them. (Before they get buried.) Soap, gentle massage, warm water. ... and if that doesn't work, the area is clean and makes it easier to find the splinter under the microscope.

[@garyhome7101]

Apparently Bora has discontinued the Magnetic Combo Square. :-(

[@tommc49]

fyi - magnetic combo square no longer available on Amazon 7/19

[@bcwrangler]

Look under the name "Kapro 325-M" it's the exact same square

[@charlieg9559]

Spelling error on the Hearing Protection title slide. "Hearing Protenction". Otherwise very good video.

[@johnbiswanger4292]

BORA 531120 12-Inch Magnetic Combination Square with Etched Stainless Steel Blade Inch Graduations, High Visibility Vial by Bora 3.7 out of 5 stars 38 ratings | 5 answered questions Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.

[@StumpyNubs]

This video is 3 years old.

[@TomKaren94]

7:20 - "Protenction?"

[@BernhardHofmann]

Yeah, it's a lot easier for us Metric people to add things up. Fractions are a PITA :)

[@BernhardHofmann]

Yowser! I think I hit a nerve there. Sorry bud. I still think metric rules - it's just simpler. It doesn't mean we have to dumb down our education for it though - which I agree is a sad reality of the times we live in.

[@phildcrow]

And to further muddy the waters, let's throw in machinist-ese. Quick, how many thousandths of an inch is 11/32? I can't lie. I had to look it up. It's .344 (.34375 to be precise). Now see there? Wasn't that easy? And fun?

[@joewrosenthal00]

Bora has used this message about the magnetic square for two months: “Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.”

[@StumpyNubs]

It's a 4-year old video. Some products are bound to become unavailable.

[@joewrosenthal00]

@@StumpyNubs Thanks for the note. It looked like such a great idea that I wanted to give it a try. Maybe you could ask Bora if they ever plan to market that square again.

[@billcoley8520]

When you draw a line on a project do you leave the line or just take the line away

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

That must be about a hundred different planes on the wall behind you!

[@BlueStarDrumBum]

My matchfit dado stop came with a clamp.

[@MrCubflyer]

I think you need another hand plane.

[@DangitBobby1990]

It just occurred to me that you have an incredible fleet of planes behind you.

[@ewythrgwil9213]

The square isn't available.

[@theClosetgrower420]

Protenction

[@donfinch862]

cool

[@Dudefragen]

I still wonder how we talk about evolution - and keep inch miles and pound...

[@stovex0r]

"It's a lot easier for me to add three inches than use fractions" That's a uniquely American problem that the rest of the world left behind when they moved on to the metric system :-)

[@zaknefain100]

Americans love their fractions... except the machinists, they at least convert things to decimal.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

The decimal system is an utterly retarded joke! When you halve 10 you immediately get an odd number, 5, which cannot be halved to get a whole number. Keep on halving and it becomes more an more irrational. Since halving is a basic and fundamental premise, then an octal system is far more rational. With an octal system (or duodecimal) you can halve all the way down to unity. 16/2=8. 8/2=4. 4/2=2. 2/2=1. A human evolution that embraced the decimal system was always doomed to failure.

[@jameslatimer3600]

I don't completely disagree with you but, as an 86 year old Canadian, not raised on metric, I still find fractions easier.

[@jamesmcneill392]

Work in the uk use both metric and imperial as an Engineer whatever the customer requires my tool kit is huge as i have two of nearly everything thankfully my hamer is both metric and imperial😂

[@stevenauldridge2679]

Whos flag is on the moon? Exactly

[@gregeastman6662]

wow...89.99 for the pro !!!!

[@David_K_pi]

Good quality hearing aids: $1,000+. Batteries: $5 - $10 a month for the rest of your life. The batteries alone will cost way more than a set of ISOtunes. After my father had to get hearing aids following 35 years of factory work, my mother recommended that I invest in the companies that make hearing aid batteries. It's a growing, lucrative market. Ninety bucks for hearing protection sounds cheap by comparison.

[@dennisoshea4906]

I know you are in mourning Your Red Wings 25 year playoff run is over Bring back Scoty Bowman

[@brianwallis8504]

3

[@PurdueJHanna]

I bought the ISOTunes Pro earbuds based on this KZbin video. They're junk. Even with my phone in my shirt pocket, less than 1' away from my ear these earbuds exhibit constant audio cutouts. They can't hold a decent Bluetooth connection at all. I've had better working earbuds at 1/3 the price. $90 for glorified foam ear plugs and low-end earbuds is too much. I'm returning them.

[@StumpyNubs]

Nice of you to publicly bash them before giving the makers a chance to fix the problem. Isn't the internet fun!