Cutting Shims for Precise Work

Check out the simple sled I use to cut 100's of 'feather-end shims' so I can "Say No to Stubby Shims" when I do precise work like setting cabinets.
The fixture I use is not OSHA approved but works well for me. Using it is well within my comfort zone for doing the potentially dangerous task of cutting hundreds of shims. I give step by step details of how I make the fixture I've used for years and use it to cut over 400 feather-end shims for this video. If you choose to make your own shims with a fixture like mine, or anyone else's for that matter, you do so at your own risk. Pay attention, use PPE you're comfortable with and work safely... NO shim in the world is worth risk of injury or a trip to the Emergency Room, right?
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Need any of the tools or supplies I use in the video? Looking for the low online prices you expect? Great! You can get both from the following list of all the tools and supplies I use in the video and my 'ol buddy Jeff Bezos will help support video production here at Next Level Carpentry by paying small ad fees so I really appreciate it!
C.S. Osborne magnetic tack hammer:
www.amazon.com...
Clic-Reader's glasses... my favorite!
www.amazon.com...
General 12" shop rule:
www.amazon.com...
Machinist's square set:
www.amazon.com...
Irwin 7 ¼” dovetail pull saw
www.amazon.com...
Record 52ED Quick Release Woodworker’s Vises with ‘Dog’ and 7” Jaw Width
www.amazon.com...
Makita 18v Li-Ion Cordless Brushless Drill Kit:
www.amazon.com...
Snappy 3pc carbide countersink set
www.amazon.com...
Snappy 5pc High Speed Steel countersink set:
www.amazon.com...
Stanley 57-594 8 oz Soft Face Hammer
www.amazon.com...
SC Johnson Paste Wax- 16 oz (1lb)
www.amazon.com...
Starbond CA Glue Accelerator:
www.amazon.com...
Starbond Medium CA Glue 2oz:
www.amazon.com...
Whiteside 1” Round Nose Core Box Router Bit
www.amazon.com...
Stanley 25' tape measure:
www.amazon.com...
OK ¼” to 2 1/8” by 1/8” Forstner Bits Set
www.amazon.com...
Sharpie 30174 Permanent Marker Set of 4 (Red, Blue, Green, Black)
www.amazon.com...
Bosch 7-1/4 In. 24 Tooth Daredevil Portable Saw Blade
www.amazon.com...
Freud thin kerf 10" crosscut blade:
www.amazon.com...
Marshalltown 1 ½” Putty Knife
www.amazon.com...
Stanley Wire Nails 1/2" x 18ga Bright Steel
www.amazon.com...
#6 x 1/2" Coarse Thread Phillips Flat Head Wood Screws
www.amazon.com...
#7 x 3/4" Standard Thread Phillips Flat Head MDF Wood Screws
www.amazon.com...

[@chrismiller6095]

They make mine out of a 1 by 6 way smaller than that easier to use

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I make smaller shims using the same cutting jig too... not 'easier to use' in all applications but definitely better in some...

[@47Yeoman]

The best part: your attention to safety. Thanks.

[@123kkambiz]

Always any work safety FIRST

[@DessieTots]

I’m at ‘Beginner Level’ carpentry but enjoyed your very clear and slightly humorous shim cutting video.

[@MrPAHearn]

My nephew A.J. came up with the same idea on a jobsite 20 years ago when he was my full time helper, although without all the safety features. His was a 2x6 with the shim angle and a stop screwed to the end and I still use the same fixture. Thanks for another excellent video Matt! I'm sending this to A.J. 😂

[@cesaruballe9338]

Hahaha! @12:47 " Keep my hand away from that spinning, finger amputation device." I couldn't resist laughing. I enjoy your videos and the commentary. Thank you for making these videos, and constantly emphasizing safety. Way to take it to the next level.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Ceasar... Much appreciated!

[@smileyhomeimprovementsjohn6165]

Outstanding workmanship

[@QuadDoc]

Matt! Wow, That was a lot of work putting this video together! Thank you so very much for taking the time and putting WAY more effort into the details than anyone else we've see on this platform in your genre! We see the effort you selflessly put in editing your videos so well, in amazon affiliate links, in design work, in camera angles, split screen, time-lapse, color grading and in so many other ways that a lot of people don't even know, but can tell something is very special and different with your videos. I'm sure it took quite a bit of your time and effort to put these together! PATREON and MERCH are the least we can do If anyone else sees the production value like we do! Thanks again Matt! Keep up the great work!!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for such an observant and gracious comment here Levi. Video production is definitely the hardest thing I've undertaken in decades so I really appreciate the details you noticed and point out. Giving a shout-out for the various income sources here tells me you really 'get it' where 'free' video content production is concerned. It's the part of the whole KZbin thing I dislike most so when viewers understand the reality of online 'show business' it helps me feel a little less 'sleasy' for the necessity of self-promotion. Thanks again! Best, Matt

[@namelesswarrior4760]

The Master strikes again! I love your work sir!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Hey S.O.D... I've enjoyed reading comments from you recently on a number of videos here and appreciate it. Engaged viewers that find content here worth their time to watch are helping Next Level Carpentry grow by leaps and bounds so thanks for watching and commenting! Anything you do to share this Channel with friends is appreciated too! Best, Matt

[@frankherring6253]

The finger clamp is fantastic! I have been too three world fairs and a pig pulling contest; and have never seen anything like that! Thanks Matt!

[@CCCfeinman55]

We used to buy shims like these at our local lumber yard. They made them. Tgey eventually stopped and the big boxes took over the markets many of these family owned yards served. The places that make the shim sets available at the big boxes don’t feather taper, because it hampers packaging and handling. They only work in about half of the applications I need them for. I loath them!! How great it is that you have, yet again, shown how to make what we need from stock, so we can again fit casework as we should be able to do. Please! Don’t ever change!

[@r.mercado9737]

I am genuinely blown away with your woodworking techniques. More important, the safety parameters considered and applied! Semper Fi

[@pkweisel]

Always enjoy seeing smart people "do their thing." As a Custom Home, Finish Carpenter from "97-2011, I also made my own shims in similar fashion. It only took ~ 1 hour for enough shims to trim 1 house, ~ 2200 SF. I made them on-site from scrap material too. Just having the consistency in the shims made my installs go much faster and smoother. Another great installment Matt. Thanx.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Consistency is key, right KoolMan?! Best, Matt

[@jimsilva5344]

A few years ago I made your push sticks. Now I have to make this shim jig. As a professional carpenter, it is humbling to learn so much from you and your videos.

[@thetheo2002]

Great. Just great. Keep me coming. The dry humor is spot on.

[@gregorylondos534]

Hello Matt, Another Fine Video... I make a very similar shim but shorter and narrower... I use both Sugar Pine and old scraps of Red Wood... My Jigs are much simpler to make. I too use a zero clearance insert on my shop Table saw. But out in the field when I am forced to use my job site table saw I don't have a zero clearance for it so I just clamp a thin piece of 1/8" Hard board to the saw over the blade and it runs against the fence... Instant Safety measure... Since My shims are only 6" long by 3/4" wide my sled is much smaller and can actually fit into one of my nail bag pouches for transport so one less this to carry around... We do think alot alike... I Always seem to enjoy your videos reminiscent of old days of myself and present day projects. Greg

[@jimsjacob]

Very efficient design and execution!

[@Realism91]

At first I thought you were full of shims, now I know your full of shims. Nice simple safe jig inspired me.

[@nathansilver9190]

Nothing beats a lazy Sunday morning than Matt Jackson and NLC. You've got great ideas Matt, well done.

[@AndreGomes1987]

Gotta be a special kind of smart and hardworking to make these types of videos. So many skills involved, and very, very different types of skills. There is filming, editing, planning, humor, woodworking, etc... kinda of genius :)

[@mrerikstephens]

Yeah, but I bet he outsourced most of that to Chip as well.

[@tetsudo1111]

Hey portagee! Where are you at?

[@oldmanpottering]

As a tradesman mechanic I really enjoy watching a true tradesman in a different field, your production efforts and knowledge really shine through and the efforts you go to and heads and shoulders above the home handyman videos that are so common in the YT world, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thank you for such a nice comment here... the world of nail-bending has changed over time like the world of knuckle-bustin', hasn't it? Fasteners alone are almost unrecognizable from what was mainstream back in the late 70's right? Best, Matt

[@ThekiBoran]

I'm a journeyman finish carpenter/installer. There are only a handful of channels I subscribe to, this is one of them.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@ThekiBoran that means a lot to me... thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! 😎 Best, Matt

[@104Tomcat]

WOW! Great idea. Love your videos, especially your detail to safety. You helped me out a while back (I'm the stroke survivor with only one usable hand) and you have helped me out again today! Thanks again.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Sorry to hear about your infirmity David but glad to know you've found help here. I admire you for keeping on keeping on... Best, Matt

[@anthonyromano8565]

Just the time saved not having to go to the store and buy them makes it worth it. All that scrap redwood that goes to the dump all the time, it just makes sense to have shim maker.

[@marcsmith7037]

I just wanted to thank you. I just cut a half-dozen maple shims, 2.5" wide, 23" long...trying to hit 1/4" @ the 18.5" point. I hit .250" at 14.5", so just a little thick...but my friend wanted room to work them down to exact taper/thickness. He's a luthier and needed a couple long maple shims for repairing an old Doghouse Bass. I used your ideas for the jig and it worked flawlessly. They came out clean and straight (nice having a 5hp saw). Thanks again!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You are certainly welcome Marc. That kind of precision and specification is tough to achieve so kudos to you for extrapolating ideas from this video for the task at hand... Best, Matt

[@shopnwoods9901]

They say we learn something new every day. With your channel I'm getting stuck learning too many things. This was a really good one. Thanks

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You know to take a break if you feel a lump growing on your head Shopnwoods... packing in to much too fast can do that, you know? 😂😂😎 Thanks for watching and commenting here... Best, Matt

[@alyoung8910]

I’ve watched many videos on how to make a jig to cut shims and this is the only one so far that considered safely. Awesome video and thanks for sharing!! 👍

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You betcha Al... Glad you like the video! Best, Matt

[@zaneh6224]

Thanks for showing this jig, I made one and worked exactly like yours made perfect shims for wedging slabs when flattening 👍👍🦘🦔

[@chipshot442]

Well done Matt, you are so right about box store shims not being up to snuff. In the good old days the lumber yards would make them in house and they were great. Now if you want great shims you have to make them. I love your method and the beautiful template guide you built. Especially like the safety block on the left hand. As usual my brother job well done. All the best!!! Al from Maryland.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It's inspiring to find there are other 'shim aficionados' out there Al... people who know and appreciate the difference something as mundane as a shim can make! Best, Matt

[@rockymanify]

Love to watch the master at work. Time well spent every single time. Thank you!!

[@johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb1214]

Shabbat Candles are far less stinky compared to paste wax. Shabbat Candles are also Kosher making them free of contaminants and I have never had trouble with residue to remove when prepping for finishes. You are the shim man Sir! Nice jig and exacting method for cutting angles on the Table Saw! I have always struggle with that task. I am forever in your debt for the wisdom and working knowledge freely shared. It is the past that makes up our foundation. For without a foundation both in physical objects, and intrinsically, man and his creations are destined to collapse. Your knowledge is priceless and provides many with a foundation they can surely use for any and every task. With the countless hours you dedicate to the filming, and the exemplary knowledge you share we are all the more wealthy, Thank You.

[@davidgagnon2849]

It's always amazing how something can become so simple when someone else thinks of it and how to build it. A great, safe jig. While I won't ever need to make one, there are parts of it tha can be used to make other types of jigs, Thanks Matt!

[@cdouglas1942]

Your precision and attention to detail are greatly appreciated

[@clintford5315]

What a great jig. The push down piece on top is so simple and so perfect. Thanks for this.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Clint... FYI you'll see me using these very shims in the upcoming Master Carpeter's Footstool video on the Channel 😉😎

[@clintford5315]

@@NextLevelCarpentry good to hear, was just wondering when we were gonna get a new episode. Stay warm over there

[@jbb5470]

Matt and Chip make a great team. Thank you very much for demonstrating how to make a safe and productive jig. Well thought out and one I am going to make for use in my garage shop.

[@robinmarwick1982]

I've watched numerous KZbin videos looking for a reliable and safe jig for cutting Kumiko strips the width of my table saw blade kerf. Your design is spot on. Excellent video; content and production. Thanks.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin'! You might have seen this video already but a zero clearance insert is key to success when cutting small parts like your kumiko pieces: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYfFaol6itBpi5Y

[@robinmarwick1982]

Thanks, that's really helpful.

[@4swzb]

Excellent teaching ...show ...tell....do...you would make a great shop teacher. Excellent video

[@DEG1985]

Excellent video you are one of the best teachers on the internet. Please I encourage you to continue making these tremendous videos. Many people want to learn more about woodworking in these difficult times ...

[@johnschuster9192]

Always great to see a seasoned carpenter go at it..! Thanks.. Very nice jig that is simple.The glue dab is the best trick..

[@adrianhillary7300]

Hi Matt. I don't use shims like this often but I have had a project just pop up that required a bundle of super thin shims. So thanks for another excellent video/tutorial, really helped me out. Regards, Adrian

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Glad to hear it Adrian... the batch I made in the video will probably last a few years but it's great to have feather shims on hand when you need 'em, right? Best, Matt BTW thanks for being a patron sir!

[@lougjolaj7839]

You’re a good carpenter and also good man.

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Your safety protocols are great! Semper Fi

[@sethwarner2540]

Masterminded!! Only one more thing will make this superior design complete! A way to keep the shims in order of cut, instead of in a pile on the floor!!

[@homesformeremortals5935]

Great jig. I Especially love the hold down safety piece. More for the the fact that you can cut all the way to zero. Thanks

[@timthomas9105]

I've never considered making my own shims. I have 5 doors to replace. So now I can make a bunch of shims with confidence and safety. Thanks for the tip.

[@RichardMerrill3Hawk]

This was really logical and nicely thought through, but the top hold-down with finger indents was genius! Simple and so effective!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for noticing and commenting that Richard... there's no shim on the planet worth an injury of any kind so making this fixture as safe-to-use as possible is most important! 😎

[@owenhobbs3827]

I wish I'd found this video a couple of years ago (before I almost lost my finger cutting shims). I like this design. Thanks for making this video!

[@coryrichardson6286]

This jig is incredible. Thank you so much for the great video.

[@jamestignor4520]

I love learning from the older generation they know how it used to be done. Never stop teaching us.

[@callindrill]

I love your videos, Matt. I have spent most of my life doing some form of woodworking, and am starting to get more serious about it as a hobby. Your videos are helpful, fun, and very entertaining. Thanks!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You're welcome Jon... it's my goal to provide videos worth watching to viewers like you! Best, Matt

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Those Snappy drill bits are WELL worth their cost, I had bought many sets of cheaper brands, and they all were crap. The Snappy pilots are amazing by comparison and last! Thank you!

[@stevemacaskill612]

I watched what turned out to be several scary shim jigs videos and they could all learn a lot from you. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and your safe work ethic.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Live to work another day, right? 😎

[@stevemacaskill612]

I made your jig this morning and made a hundred shims in just a few minutes. The jig is simple to make and I felt very comfortable using it. Thank you for what you do.@@NextLevelCarpentry

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Glad to hear it Steve... FWIW I've still got a couple bundles of the shims I made in this video that I'm using on the current remodeling project I'm doing... and I thought clear cedar for making shims was expensive back then! 🤯

[@gregorypaulino8842]

This is what I call a Master Carpenter. Brilliant work my friend! 🙌🏽👍🏻😀

[@michaelbradford4444]

It's been a couple yrs. since my critical comment after watching the Straightening a Crooked Board video . At that time I was in my 34th year of framing in SE Texas. After an exchange of comments we both agreed it would be fun getting together and swapping some of our past on the job experience's we've been through. LOL ! Wanted to pat you on the back for the work you do making your videos . You could tell in the past it was hard to explain some of the details as to what , how , and why you were doing things and you appear to be comfortable now days . Might start calling you Hollywood !! Be good and always be safe.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for circling back Michael... a quick search refreshed my memory of your comment(s) from 3 years ago (ya, I can't believe it either). Hope you're still able to do what you need to and appreciate the ability to do it? Framing's tough work that not everyone is willing or able to keep at it at 60. Thanks for kudos on the videos. FWIW the main reason I might 'appear to be comfortable now days.' is that I spend a LOT more time editing video clips with faster software that makes that appearance possible. It's still a bit of drudgery but the rewards of building the Channel are only, finally, starting to become worth it... so hold off on the nickname Hollywood for awhile yet, OK? When you see me doing glitzy videos sponsoring Triton Tools or Festool or some ridiculous contour-gauge gadget, THEN you'll know I've gone Hollywood and have earned the title. 🤣😎 Best, Matt

[@michaelbradford4444]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Great hearing you and know that I respect the knowledge you have and have acquired over the many years of wood pecking and....I'm out here rooting for you , Be good and always be safe ! I recently saw you build the small set of stairs that replaced the nail bin that you had to dismantle....impressive job ! I'm referring to your work , not the previous. GL

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@michaelbradford4444 LOL!! I was calling it a hardware store I walked on but your 'nail bin that you had to dismantle' line made me laugh out loud🤣🤣 glad to be part of any team you're on👊👊👍

[@rogerk2049]

Fantastic! Framing subdivision housing had to make shins on the fly at the jobsite. 71/4 saw with thin kerf blade using 2by 8 on up by hand. Mine were not as fine but thanks for the lesson!

[@Riidher]

Once again I thank you, Matt. I had my own system for cutting shims but now I am going to use yours.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You're welcome Riidher... funny thing is that this is the best shim-cutting fixture I've ever made and used. The design and concept are the same as older ones but I end up making a much more respectable version for the sake of the video and viewers. I really do like it though for every day off-camera use and I think you will too. Best, Matt

[@tetsudo1111]

Exactly what this carpenter needed before the snow here in alpine Oregon winters. Thank you, I will be making this jig.

[@jefferyhaws7565]

Excellent jig! I love the repeatability possible from this.

[@PaulWoodJatobaFilms]

Thanks, Matt for a great instructional video, time well spent in helping people to use tools safely and productively. Thanks to Chip too!

[@thaitichi]

I remember looking for a video on how to make shims safely. Didn't find anything good enough so I had to go buy the ones from the big box store. Great video! Always look forward to seeing you work.

[@AdolfoRuiz]

When you don't have the time to make them, I think is better to buy, bundle is only $6.00 at Home Depot. Plus is very dangerous.

[@mymido4322]

Wow, it’s a good ideas to make roof shingles for the bird houses 👌👍👏👏

[@jerrypatterson6918]

Thanks!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for this, Jerry... much appreciated! Best, Matt

[@pathdoc60]

Thanks Matt. I really appreciate your emphasis on safety in all of your projects. Fingers do not grow back and need to be protected at all costs. Same is true for our eyes and using safety glasses. Safety is not slower either, just smarter. Great shim jig, got to make one now. Cheers, Michael O. Alabama, USA

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Great comment Mike... thanks! Best, Matt

[@tomandalbert]

Every video is first rate. Thanks! No more basswood forest headed to China to return as c__p shim packs leaving carving wood for guys like me in retirement. One can only dream.

[@steveroufas1938]

that's great. i'll crunch some numbers later, but i'd wager, before calculating, that buying rough stock, then milling them down to shims, is much cheaper than grabbing a pack of shims each time from the box store. that's great, loved the vid, glad i found it, will build my jig exactly the same way

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I accept the fact that even if these cost twice or three times as much as the manufactured stubby ended shims it's still a great value for the performance I get out of them. Frustration from junk shims has a high 'stress cost' for me so I avoid it... life's just too short for that sort of aggravation 😉😎 Thanks for your comment Steve... work safely and do good work with your precision shims! Best, Matt

[@woodlandparadise6002]

I think Chip needs a raise

[@rogerk2049]

Nope, pay by the shim😄

[@bejardani]

HI, amazing jig, probably the best I have seen so far throughout the years !!

[@massshah]

i live in uk and i was looking to buy some shims but here is so expensive i mean very expensive 3 for almost 7 pounds but after watching this video i managed to make a lot of them and save lots of money thanks for that

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You are quite welcome Masoud... Best, Matt

[@markforrestsm]

Yip Matt, the "master" at work again! Awesome video and a great build! Respect as always. Regards, Mark

[@jameslamm9315]

I love the way you make everything so simple

[@theThinkerator]

attention to detail, and prep work makes for efficient shim cutting Love it! Love the videos!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for binging and commenting on a few videos here at Next Level Carpentry Thinkerator... much appreciated. Keep in mind that I've spent a lifetime accumulating the tools and equipment I have but in the early years I did a whole bunch with a lot less and encourage you to apply yourself with what you have available rather than wait for 'someday'... with your enthusiasm you'll accomplish far more than you think! Best, Matt

[@mikecurtin9831]

I like both the shim cutting jig and the insert you use for zero-clearance. Thanks very much. Subscribed and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You're welcome Mike, and thanks... I need all the troll crushers I can get! Best, Matt

[@TheBozz2005]

regardless your "camera angle" you must be a great guy, and also make great things.

[@JusBidniss]

Great jig. Looks like it's easily adaptable for cutting thin strips also.

[@paulandersen9386]

Another great and worthwhile video. Your videos are an inspiration for other things I do. Thanks again.

[@wanpengqian]

A very well design jig! thanks always.

[@quirtdrozario9983]

Beautiful work as always. I'll save this video for future reference. Thank you.

[@frankrodriguez1977]

This is awesome. Going to have to make one because I too hate the store bought shims. Thanks for sharing.

[@joaquinverdugo6096]

excellent video Matt, Carpentry to the next level no doubt

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@CHenry1951]

Thanks for sharing your sled design .................................

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Another great video, as always. Very well explained, and great tips. I have a box of shims my wife bought me years ago, and they look just like what you made in this video. I have no idea where she got them from. But if I used a lot of shims, I would absolutely use your jig. And guess what? I decided to give those Snappy bits a try, even though they're not tapered. I'll let you know what I think. Thanks again for the video. 😄

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

Or maybe not. You're Amazon link says they're currently unavailable. I'll check again next week.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I'll look forward to your evaluation of Snappy's Dan... a fresh perspective is always welcome. Not sure if they're out of regular Snappys or the 'cardboard tipped' (carbide tipped) 😂 ones but if it IS the regular ones sold out it just might be a divine sign to dig deep and spring for the carbide ones... they're easily twice as good at drilling/cutting as the 'ol standbys. Juss sayin! Best, Matt

[@TheNewbieWoodworker]

@@NextLevelCarpentry They're out of the carbide ones, which I what I was going to get. I'm sure they'll get them back in stock. I'll let you know, assuming I don't forget about them entirely!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@TheNewbieWoodworker I need to call those Snappy people... first they don't return my call about sponsoring a video and now that they're selling like hotcakes they're out of stock! Go figure... Best, Matt

[@arboristo4407]

Great jig..the shims are superb…love it❤️✅👍 oh yeah, nice edit on the video, had me fooled🤠😲🤣

[@lisaalbrecht7900]

Thanks! I was just thinking that I needed some shims, so this is very timely.

[@petemiller519]

The tack hammer is impressive!! Looks like another tool I have to get....lol. I usually place the CA glue before the activator so the activator has less time to evaporate. Awesome video...Subscribed!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You NEED a magnetic tack hammer, I can tell! 😎 FYI CA glue activator remains active long after the acetone 'carrier' evaporates so it's irrelevant which you apply first. It's actually beneficial to let the accelerator 'flash off' until it's all or mostly dry before contacting the CA glue itself. It's a bit counterintuitive but hopefully this fact reduces any anxiety you might have about application and curing. If it's hard to believe, just do a few tests with and without 'dried' accelerator because seeing is believing. Oh, and thanks for the sub!

[@petemiller519]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks for the info. I thought it was active only when wet, but I guess I was wrong. Now I won't be rushing as much when using CA. Cheers.

[@mattjackson3996]

​@petemiller519 I see it more as a matter of going through the learning process more than an issue of being right or wrong. The recent Next Level Carpentry video I did about making templates for round Corner hinges is a perfect example of what my process for using CA glue looks like in real time.

[@chevive7]

Bloody hell, this is seriously NEXT LEVEL

[@MB-ye4el]

Excellent jig, made the jig (mine is way uglier but very effective) and made some custom cedar shims. Thanks for the video.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Safety and efficiency is much more important than Aesthetics... FWIW I still have shims I made for this video on hand meeting a good-sized batch can last quite a long time...

[@dzee9481]

Excellent video, you can not beat, a true wood engineer I say that cause carpenters don't bother to make their own shims. Especially quality shims. I have to say Matt you carpentry here a made in the GREAT USA thing. I gotten shims from the box stores and they say made in china.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Big Box shims work for a lot of things but custom shims often make my job better and easier. IMHO anyone who thinks it's a waste of time is, truth be told, actually wasting the little time it actually takes to make a batch of feather shims on other stuff like social media that truly IS a waste of time. Best, Matt

[@theojimwoodart]

Wow this is not carpentry, this is woodworking science.

[@Creator_Nater]

I've been missing this channel, you are a GREAT TEACHER!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Welcome back? Thanks for watching. Best, Matt

[@jordancropper3149]

Wow this looks like your way over doing a simple thing. When i'm fitting out a house and need shims I'll grab a chunk of clear whatever wood that is over 8" wide and cut it in my miter saw and set the angle to 2 flipping it each cut. makes perfect shims.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Ain't the same but if it works for you, go for it... but 'my perfect' is better than 'your perfect' and worth the extra setup time for safety, precision and repeatability. If you want to produce a video showing how quickly you can make a hundred shims your way I'll race you... 😎

[@jerrystark3587]

Terrific design and a very useful jig. Thanks!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin' Jerry... crazy how something as simple as a 'sharp shim' can make such a difference sometimes, isn't it?

[@jerrystark3587]

@@NextLevelCarpentry I think a sharp carpenter makes the real difference.✔

[@jackattack4851]

a lot more work then expected, but the results was great! awesome video

[@kreech68]

there are some clever tricks in here - thank you

[@markgoode4109]

Thanks for posting the video. Always a pleasure to watch and learn. An excellent jig. Best wishes.

[@tekviper9]

Great jig great video !!! Thank you for sharing your skills!!

[@wilbertolugo8700]

thanks for the video. enjoyed watching all your videos. in the past i have made the same jig for making door stops.

[@drelamad]

Detailed informative and well done video, thanx a million

[@danhelfgott5225]

EXACTLY what I was looking for. Great information, thanks very much. Gonna make this tomorrow. 👍

[@zozopepe]

Great video with a lot of attention to detail and safety. Inspiring!

[@christianratcliffe9584]

A true master carpenter. Great video as always!

[@DiggaDiggaDug]

Clever lever clamping system!

[@Marcoosianism]

Brilliant jig design.