Precision Machining for the DIY Woodworker
There is much more of a crossover between disciplines than you would initially think as a maker. Woodworking has its own set of skills, but learning other ways of making can just simply make you better.
The journey of a maker is very personal one. Someone who has chosen to be a woodworker may only work with that material without ever having the temptation to stray. Another person may be a welder, a jewelry maker, ceramicist, glass blower, or even a machinist. Machining or the process of cutting, shaping, or removing material from a workpiece using a machine tool, is becoming a lost art mostly because it is an intimidating process. Not only does it seem really complicated, but there’s math involved with very explicit numbers to keep in mind at all times. It requires a presence of mind and forethought with the aim of precision for the final result. This means thinking in terms of measurements as small as the thickness of a human hair. It’s often difficult to integrate critical thinking into a creative process, but if you stay with me until the end, I’ll explain how you can implement machinist thinking into your woodworking to improve your craftsmanship, make working with your tooling easier, and help you understand the materials you want to work with.
For those interested in checking out my complete guide of how to read dial calipers:
• Full Guide to Dial Calipers and How to Use...
Chapters:
Intro 0:00
Materials, Feeds, and Speeds - 0:57
Accuracy and Deflection - 2:06
Tolerances 2:37
Depth of Cut 3:55
Machinist Tools for Woodworkers - 5:34
Uses for Calipers & Decimal Equivalents Charts - 5:39
Pre-Drilling Holes for Screws - 6:33
Scribing - 6:59
Reamers - 7:33
Machinist Squares for Cheap - 8:15
Summary - 8:47
Tools and Tooling Recommendations:
McMaster Carr may not tell you the brands they sell, but unless you want something specific they will provide you with some decent products:
Undersized Reamer 0.2495 - https://www.mcmaster.com/2995A215/
MSC Industrial Supply is also a good place to find measurement tooling for all levels. You don't have to buy Starrett to be accurate. A lot of these squares are made by SPI or even "Value Collection" and they would be accurate enough for your precise woodworking. Although it's an industrial supplier anyone can purchase.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn?r...
Other tooling used in the video:
Makita LC1230 carbide saw (intended for metal but can cut wood too), see my video:
• Best Chop Saw Ever? Full Length Makita LC1...
Makita LC1230 Amazon Listing -
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-LC1230-...
Starrett Series 120 Dial Calipers - The version that I have doesn't exist anymore and the lower tier Starret calipers are made of plastic so I recommend these, but they are pricy for the average hobbyist.
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/det...