The Kerfmaker is a handy tool that allows woodworkers to make accurate and consistent cuts along the length of their workpiece. It consists of a solid base with a series of pins or guides that can be adjusted to match the thickness of the saw blade. Once the guides are set in place, the tool can be used to mark out the precise location of the cut, ensuring that each piece of wood is the same length and fits together perfectly.
The original Kerfmaker was developed by Matthias Wandel, a highly skilled woodworker and inventor who has created a wide range of innovative tools and machines. In a blog post from 2009, Wandel explains how he came up with the idea for the Kerfmaker and details the steps involved in making one from scratch.
According to Wandel, the Kerfmaker was inspired by a similar device created by a fellow woodworker named Lynn Sabin. Sabin’s tool consisted of a wooden block with slots cut on either side to accommodate the saw blade. However, Wandel felt that this design was not as accurate as it could be, especially when it came to making cuts at angles other than 90 degrees.
To solve this problem, Wandel began experimenting with different materials and configurations, eventually settling on a system of adjustable guides made from steel rods and brass tubing. By placing these guides at precise intervals along the base of the Kerfmaker, Wandel was able to create a tool that could accommodate saw blades of various thicknesses and make accurate cuts at any angle.
In his blog post, Wandel provides a detailed set of instructions for building your own Kerfmaker using nothing more than a few scraps of wood and some basic hardware. He recommends starting with a sturdy base made from hardwood, then attaching a strip of metal ruler to one edge to serve as a reference point for marking out the cuts.
Next, Wandel suggests drilling a series of holes along the base, spaced out evenly to accommodate the guides. These guides can be made from steel rods or wooden dowels, with brass tubing used to create the sliding mechanism that allows them to be adjusted to the thickness of the blade.
Once the guides are in place, Wandel recommends attaching a perpendicular strip of wood to the base to act as a stop for the saw blade. This stop can be adjusted up or down to accommodate different blade thicknesses, ensuring that the cut will always be made in the same place relative to the guides.
Finally, Wandel suggests adding a few finishing touches to the Kerfmaker, such as sanding down the edges and applying a coat of varnish or oil to protect the wood. With the tool complete, woodworkers can use it to make accurate and consistent cuts along the length of their workpiece, ensuring that every piece fits together perfectly.
In conclusion, the Kerfmaker is a simple but highly useful tool that can make a big difference in the precision and quality of a woodworking project. While there are many commercial versions available on the market, it is also possible to make your own using nothing more than a few scraps of wood and some basic hardware. With some careful planning and attention to detail, any woodworker can create a Kerfmaker that will serve them well for years to come.
Posted by L0bstrosity on 2013-06-18 20:55:00