Kerfmaker is a tool that helps woodworkers create consistent and precise kerfs, or slots, in their woodworking projects. This tool can be made using a few scraps and 50 cents worth of hardware, making it an inexpensive but highly effective addition to any woodworker’s toolkit.
To make a kerfmaker, you will need a few pieces of scrap wood, a few screws and washers, and a piece of metal (such as an old saw blade) to act as a guide. The process of making the kerfmaker begins by cutting a groove in a long piece of scrap wood that will act as the base of the tool. Using a router or saw, create a groove that is perfectly straight and the exact width of the saw blade you intend to use.
Next, cut two smaller pieces of scrap wood to act as the guides for the saw blade. These pieces should be cut to a specific thickness and width in order to fit snugly in the groove on the base piece. Once the guide pieces have been cut, drill a small hole in each of them and attach a screw and washer at the bottom of the holes. These screws will allow you to adjust the height of the guides so that they are perfectly aligned with the saw blade.
The next step involves cutting a piece of metal (an old saw blade works well) to the exact width of the kerf that you intend to make. Attach this piece of metal to the tops of the guide pieces using screws and washers, making sure that it is perfectly aligned with the saw blade in the base groove.
Finally, attach a grip to the top of the kerfmaker base to make it easier to hold and use. This grip can be made from another piece of scrap wood or from any other material that you have on hand.
Once the kerfmaker is assembled, it can be used to create precise and consistent kerfs in any woodworking project. Simply insert the saw blade into the guides and use your grip to guide the tool along the piece of wood that you are working on. The saw blade will be guided by the metal guide attached to the kerfmaker, creating a perfectly straight and accurate kerf every time.
Overall, the kerfmaker is an easy and inexpensive tool to create, but it can be a highly valuable addition to any woodworker’s toolkit. By allowing for precise and consistent cuts, the kerfmaker can help to reduce waste and improve the overall quality of your woodworking projects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this tool is definitely worth considering.
Posted by L0bstrosity on 2013-06-18 20:54:56