Contents
A bench vise for holding workpieces vertically：Matsushima
Matsushima created a vise that holds wood in a vertical position on a workbench.
The vise visible in the background of the photo is a Moxon vise, used for securing materials horizontally. In contrast, the vise in the foreground is designed for vertical clamping.
The screw, as shown in the lower right photo, is commonly used in concrete formwork construction.
Its threads have a rounded cross-section, differing from the usual triangular shape. When a nut is attached, it rotates smoothly, moves quickly to the base, and tightens efficiently, making it ideal for fast-paced work.
Consequently, this vise allows for quick and secure clamping of materials.
Ideas for improving the straight ruler stopper：Ito
A YouTube video has been uploaded introducing an idea to prevent the stopper on a straight ruler from loosening and falling off.
After watching this video, Mr. Ito, a member of the Shinkiba Woodworking Club, came up with an improved method and shared it on his blog.
Here is an introduction to his idea.
A technique for creating an off-center hole in an elliptical object：SUGA56
At last month’s exchange meeting, SUGA56 asked about the best way to drill an off-center hole in an elliptical shape.
He has figured out his own answer to the question.
This is the method for drilling a hole at the yellow-marked position, offset from the center of the ellipsoid in the diagram. Various ideas, such as using wood drill bits and Forstner bits, were explored and tested.
Here is the result, as shown in the next image.
If the central pilot point on a woodworking drill bit were longer, it would help prevent the bit from drifting while drilling. However, no such bit exists.
The custom bit in the center is a short dowel with coarse sandpaper on its end and a thin drill bit in the middle. It flattens part of the ellipsoid (the yellow area in the diagram) to make drilling easier with the next bit.
However, heat from sanding weakens the adhesive, causing the sandpaper to peel off.
The sale of unneeded items and the introduction of premium utility products：Yazu
Yazu was selling unneeded items (a trimmer and a Yukiwa keyless chuck for a drill press) while also introducing high-end convenience products. The unwanted items quickly found buyers and were sold.
Description of High-End Utility Tools:
- ①–③: TOEI scale stoppers. Slightly heavy movement but smooth operation. Equipped with a vernier scale.
- ④: Single-edged cutter blade. Can be used as a marking knife.
- ⑤: Scribing gauge (Matsui-seimitsu).
- ⑥: Column gauge (Matsui-seimitsu).
- ⑦: Square without scale markings (Matsui-seimitsu).
- ⑧: Shapton “Kubo” for flattening sharpening stones.
Demonstrating how to make a cross lap joint：Sugita
Sugita demonstrated how to make a cross lap joint with his custom square guide for saw woodworking.
This method uses the U.S.-patented Accurate-guide, which automatically adjusts the kerf width when the material is clamped.
A similar explanation is provided on YouTube.
A method for arranging square rods to form a flat panel：Takeda
Takeda enjoys working with a wood lathe.
He was trying to figure out how to arrange and glue alternating colored square rods into a flat panel when making a cup from a parquet block. The glued-up rods are uneven, so He needs a way to flatten them while keeping the thickness even.
Members suggested various methods, including hand planing, drum sanding, a thickness planer, and using a trim router.
It was concluded that the best option might be to use the trim router obtained from Yazu.
