Thread: Winding Sticks - news from LV, plus my tip for the day

Lee Valley have a set of Winding Sticks in the wings:

<div><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Woodworking/LVWindingStick.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <br />

Try here for greater detail: http://www.leevalley.com/home/temprl/JanPg40.jpg

With this in mind, I thought that I would post a little winding stick strategy that I find helps me. I'm sure that there is nothing new under the sun, but I'd rather post here than to FWW.

Firstly, below, are pictures of my winding sticks. The long ones are 2 feet. The short ones are 1 foot. They are made from Jarrah and Blue Gum.

<div><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Woodworking/WSinuseWC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <br />

TIP #1: better visibility

Place a contrasting colour (cloth, board, etc) at the other side of the winding stick that is furthest from you. This will make the details clearer to perceive. In the picture below I have placed a Jarrah board on the assembly table behind my bench.

TIP #2: qualifying the wind

The first picture shows the winding sticks being used to determine whether a board is in wind. It is obvious that it is not.

The next picture shows the use of a feeler gauge to level the sticks. The result is depicted in Picture 3.

I was using a metric feeler gauge here, but I am more familiar with Imperial. It required a shim of 0.40mm (or 0.016”) to level the winding sticks. In other words, there is a highpoint of .016” at the other side of the board.

Now measure the shavings you are taking with your plane. Let us say that you are taking an average thickness of .002”, then the board will require the removal of 8 shavings to bring it in wind with the shimmed side.

While you must also account for wind at different points on the board, this method gives you a better understanding of the “dynamics” of the board.

<div><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Woodworking/WindingStickscomboWC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <br />

Do I do this with all my boards? No – but I do find it useful when it is essential for dimensions to be exact (such as the dovetailed drawer I am currently working on.

Regards from Perth

Derek