TipsNews & &Tricks Views A different spin on Dicey vise tip? the circle-cutting jig Bill Schneider’s bandsaw circle-cutting jig (Oct/Nov 2019) inspired me to make my own version (see photos below). The pivot bar sits flush with the base’s surface on my modified sled. On the underside of the bar, I attached a 1" × 1/4"-20 threaded rod that passes through a slot in the base. A fixture knob threads onto the rod to hold the position. Pivot holes every two inches along the bar allow cutting diameters from 1" to 48". An epoxied rare earth magnet in the travel stop helps to hold the base steady while the jig is in use. And a 1" hole where the blade cuts allows better dust collection, especially when I remember to remove the bandsaw’s throat plate before using the jig. —Edward Koizumi, Oak Park, IL Nothing could convince me to put my router in a vise (Dec/Jan 2020) and turn it on. Isn’t that unsafe? —Tila Talu, via email Senior editor Paul Anthony replies: Tila, if you’re concerned that the tool might jump from the vise, you can safely assure yourself that it won’t by testing the setup first with an unarmed router. Then exercise the same safety precautions that you do when using a table-mounted router. The small work surface is obviously not meant to support large work nor, of course, would you use this setup to make heavy cuts with big bits. This is really an impromptu configuration meant for small cuts on small pieces. That said, you are being sensible in avoiding any woodworking procedure that makes you nervous. There is almost always an alternative approach to something. And, as every woodworking publication points out somewhere: “Woodworking is inherently dangerous. Please exercise caution... etc. etc.” I applaud you for being someone who understands and appreciates that. Supporting woodworking education Woodcraft joins the ranks of woodworking advocates who provide financial support for The Krenov Foundation’s Scholarship Program, which benefits The Krenov School. Visit woodcraft.com for more information. 10 Tips News& Tricks & Views Missing the mark Sweepstakes winner My system was missing from the Maker’s Mark story in attends Brigham the Dec/Jan 2020 issue. Since the 1970s, I’ve marked my work by signing and dating freehand with a wood-burn- Design Workshop ing tool. I recommend the Wall Lenk Woodburning Pen. —Wes Demmon, DeWitt, IA Bruce Kuveke of Boulder City, Nevada was the grand-prize winner of the “Build it! with Jory & John Sweepstakes”. Bruce and a guest attended an 1 all-expenses-paid 2 ⁄2- day furniture-building class at Brigham Design Workshop in Paso Robles, California, where he built a custom bench. Here, Bruce stands behind his work and his instructor, I stamp the Jory Brigham. n back of my work after the final sanding and How to reach us before apply- ing a finish. A stamp can be easily made from a black and white draw- ing; the trick is to find a thicker Email ink that doesn’t run with the grain. I order from The [email protected] Stampin’ Place (stampin.com) and use Versacraft ink. —Chris Gilbertson, Houghton, MI For signing your work, consider a self-contained Direct Mail ink stamp. Pur- Woodcraft Magazine, 4420 Emerson Ave., Suite A, chased at a local Box 7020, Parkersburg, WV, 26102-7020. office supply store, you can Please include your full name, address, and phone number. Published letters are edited for length and clarity. design a graphic and pick a font style for under $25. The stamps work well directly on the project, but I sometimes use pre-cut self-adhesive labels. —Dwayne Smyth, West Springfield, MA 12 SUBSCRIBE! 2 YEARS for $29.99! go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE -or- Complete the form below and mail in an envelope addressed to: WOODCRAFT MAGAZINE PO BOX 7020 PARKERSBURG WV 26102-9916 □ Payment Enclosed □ Bill Me Name Address City State Zip Country E-mail Best-ever DECORATIVE FINISHES Build Better Send in now to get LUMBER RACK Done Right with a CUT LIST Projects, Techniques and Products Build this 2 Years for $29.99! classic SPICE BOX And learn how to… Dovetail a case Divide a cabinet into compartments or go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE Create a cornice By providing my e-mail address, I am indicating I’d like to receive information about my subscription and other offers from Woodcraft Magazine via e-mail. Outside of the U.S and Canada add $30 for postage. Plus… Foreign orders must be prepaid. Payment in U.S. Funds only. 4 more projects Famous furniture.