The kerfmaker is a simple yet effective tool used by woodworkers to create accurate dados, grooves, and slots in wooden projects. While there are commercially available kerfmakers, it is also possible to make one yourself using scraps and minimal hardware.
The first step in making a kerfmaker is to gather the necessary materials. This includes a thin piece of wood, such as a scrap of plywood or hardwood, a few screws, a small piece of metal, and a drill. The metal can be anything from a paperclip to a small l-bracket or piece of angle iron.
Once these materials are gathered, the first step is to cut the wooden strip to size. This can be done with a saw or a knife, and should result in a piece of wood that is roughly 1/4″ thick and 1″ wide. Next, the metal piece is screwed onto the wooden strip roughly in the center, leaving enough room on both sides to make adjustments.
The next step is to drill a small hole in the center of the wooden strip, just before the metal piece. This hole should be just large enough to allow a pencil or small dowel to fit through it. Once the hole is drilled, the kerfmaker is basically complete.
To use the kerfmaker, the woodworker simply places the tool on the table saw, with the metal piece resting against the fence. The blade is then raised to the desired height, and the wooden strip is locked in place using the fence. The woodworker can then slide the piece of wood being cut along the kerfmaker, using the pencil or dowel to keep the wood from drifting away from the blade.
By making precise adjustments to the position of the kerfmaker on the table saw, the woodworker can create perfect, accurate kerfs every time. This allows for tight-fitting joinery, clean dadoes, and precise grooves, without the need for expensive tools or specialized jigs.
Overall, the kerfmaker is an excellent tool for woodworkers of all skill levels, and is particularly useful for those working on small or intricate projects. With just a few scraps of wood and some basic hardware, anyone can make a kerfmaker and achieve precise, accurate cuts every time.
Posted by L0bstrosity on 2013-06-18 20:54:57