A useful block of timber

**MartinCH** · 31st July 2023, 10:43 PM

Here's a block of timber that see's regular use. It is handy for a number of things:

setting depth stops (the tool/router can sit of to and one can push quite hard without slipping- easier than messing some of the 101 jigs/measurement devices out there
directly transferring dimensions
aligning chisels vertically
aligning saws
setting cut widths
keeping a tracksaw guide level in angled cuts ( whoops sorry, hand tools only)

And no doubt it can be jammed into quite a few spots I haven't thought of.

One of the main thing I like about it is it sits stability of the bench top and wide enough so tools are also stable. It is loosely based on a planer gauge but can referenced to itself and an external surface,(hope that makes sense).
Vaguely thought about making a commercial version but bit of tough sell, too unfamiliar.

**Cklett** · 1st August 2023, 07:11 PM

Hi, looks interesting. Could you add some more info how you use it for the different tasks? I would also be interested in some dimensions and how it's made.

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

**MartinCH** · 1st August 2023, 10:09 PM

Would be this question... I will be writing longer responses than Davids soon. Escaping that fate this time.
by presenting a photostudy, (there are others, but this should give an idea of the use of the "useful block", as I have actually used it for 3 sub tasks)\

Photostudy- creating a Tenon
Photo 1 - align the "useful block" with the edge of the mortise. In this step , the "useful block" was in a vise
IMG_5605.jpg

Photo 2 - Use the block as chisel guide to check the walls
IMG_5606.jpg

Photo 3 - Flip the block around and check the other side -chisel if needed
IMG_5607.jpg
Photo 4 Place the "useful block" on a bench and use to set the the depth stop for cutting the tenon shouder
IMG_5609.jpg

Photo 5 Set the stop of the bench hook at the depth required
IMG_5610.jpg
Photo 6 Cut the shoulder
IMG_5612.jpg
Photo 7 Chisel off the waste
IMG_5615.jpg

Photo 8 Fit the tenon (I added a planer gauge at the top)
IMG_5616.jpg

One small step done.

**MartinCH** · 2nd August 2023, 09:52 PM

Comments
The low Angie is easier for accuracy (the two surfaces are parallel) and better resistance for slipping.
All angles are congruent.
The fit on the thread is tight
There is magnet on the top go the moving part. It is useful for holding a steel plate to extend range
.IMG_5617.jpg IMG_5618.jpg

**MartinCH** · 2nd August 2023, 11:23 PM

Should add, this was likely 3 or 4th variation of this tool. They don't get get much love on aesthetics and when they become users they show the rough and ready approach, cause I have no idea that they evolved the problem and are not longer bin food.

At that time, not usually keen to make a pretty one- that will have to wait.

The pictures show my super crude bench hooks as well. They are due to remade as when using the current version I saw off the arm that holds the stop. Next one will have a small rebate to protect the stop. That seems the best solution as using steel to brass arm will damage the saw teeth.
Yet too be made.

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