Aff Wood

Handy Woodworking Tip Time

Here is the first in what I hope will be an ongoing feature. I often have viewers ask me how to make certain jigs or perform certain techniques. Frequently, I have covered these topics in my videos but its difficult to sift through them to find a certain tip. So I decided to start compiling these tips into their own short videos on my Mere Minutes channel.

I was inspired to do this because viewer Per Almered took the time to create a brilliant little jingle for me. I thought it was funny, clever and decidedly quaint, so why not build a series out of it?

Per is quite talented. Please listen more of his music here.

Box Joints

I thought I would start out this series with a simple box joint jig I used in my Knitting Box video back in February. I doubt many of my viewers are into knitting and may have missed this technique.

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Heres a really easy project anyone can build in a weekend. I was inspired to build something that required very few tools and would be a nice summer project. To build this bench, you will just need a saw (any kind), a drill, and some screws. I built mine with four 2x4s and six 1x3 boards. Total cost: $30. I can imagine all sorts of ways to enhance this bench too!


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Update: here are cutting sizes for the boards:



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I also wanted to showcase a few tools from Kreg that can make the project even easier. I have a video contest this week and Kreg was kind enough to offer up some prizes.

Here are some pictures of a bench Ive made over the past two days. Ive made similar benchs of this type, which are typically called Carpenters Benches, but are sometimes used for everyday use in mudrooms, etc. The design is simple, yet very effective, and makes for a sturdy and rigid bench. This one measures 48" wide. It will be painted and used in a common area of the customers home.