Woodworking & Tools
Projects, tutorials, tool reviews, hand tools, machinery, furniture making, woodturning and workshop ideas.
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Simple Router Trick for Perfect Shop Made T Tracks
When routing your own shop-made T-tracks, setting the exact cutter depth doesn't require complicated measurements or guessing. In this video, I share a quick, foolproof shop tip for dialing in your router bit height. By keeping a 5mm lip on top, you leave plenty of meat on the bottom floor for strength while preventing tear-out under heavy clamping pressure. Using a simple 5mm setup block right against the router bit shaft, you can dial in your fence and cutter height in seconds, lock in a permanent setup gauge, and get repeatable, rock-solid tracks every single time. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php "Setting the cutter height with a simple 5mm gauge block takes all the guesswork out of routing shop-made T-tracks. Do you make your own wood T-tracks or stick with aluminum extrusions in your shop? Let me know in the comments below!"
The Simple Trick for Leak-Free Air Hose Connections
With a cordless air compressor, hauling around a bulky 50-foot air hose doesn't make sense anymore. In this video, I take an existing 50-foot polyurethane air hose, cut it right down the middle, and make two compact 25-foot hoses perfectly suited for mobile shop and punch-list work. I walk through installing male-threaded barbed fittings and securing them with a double wrap of stainless steel safety wire using a simple wire clamp tool. It clamps down rock-solid, won't leak under pressure, and sits completely flush so it never snags or catches when pulled across the shop floor. Clamptite https://amzn.to/4A2Fe8k Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Double wrapping stainless wire with this tool creates a connection that simply won't leak or snag on anything. Do you build your own custom length air hoses, or do you just buy standard lengths off the shelf? Let me know down in the comments!
Kevin’s 3D Printed Knobs Beat Cam Levers on Router TablesMF
Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin found a simple, rock-solid solution to replace finicky cam levers on his router table fence. By printing custom knobs on his Bambu 3D printer, Kevin eliminated the struggle of dialling in cam tension and gained massive clamping leverage. These threaded knobs spin on fast, tighten down hard, and lock the fence rock-solid. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php "Huge shoutout to Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin for showing off this quick shop upgrade! Replacing those tricky cam levers with custom 3D printed knobs gives you serious clamping leverage. Are you printing knobs or hardware upgrades for your shop tools? Let us know down in the comments!"
Double Decker Trailer Storage Paul's Sliding Upper Cabinets
Check out this brilliant storage solution from Smart Woodshop FAM member Paul! In this video, Paul gives an in-depth look at the custom sliding upper cabinets built into his mobile Smart Trailer. Mounted on top nylon rollers that glide smoothly inside a routed dado track—with bottom spline guides keeping everything tracking straight—these cabinets slide effortlessly side to side to reveal a second layer of wall- and ceiling-mounted organizer bins hidden behind. Heavy-duty barrel slide bolts and door latches keep the entire setup locked down tight for travel down the road. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Double-stacking storage with sliding upper cabinets is an incredible way to maximize space in a mobile trailer! Huge thanks to Smart Woodshop FAM member Paul for sharing how he built the rollers and tracks. How do you maximize wall space in your shop or trailer? Let us know in the comments below!
Paul's Sliding Blade Storage Upgrade Clever Saw Blade Storage in the Smart Trailer MF
Check out this clever upgrade from Smart Woodshop FAM member Paul! In this Short, Paul shows off the sliding saw blade storage racks he built right into his mobile Smart Woodshop trailer. By taking advantage of the dead space on either side of his recessed miter chop saw station under the bench top, Paul created smooth pull-out organizers that keep all his 10" and 12" saw blades organized, safely separated, and within arm's reach without cluttering drawers or wall space. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php "Huge shoutout to Smart Woodshop FAM member Paul for showing off this build! Utilizing that dead space flanking the recessed chop saw for sliding blade racks is pure genius. How do you store and protect your extra saw blades in your shop or trailer? Let us know in the comments below!"
Paul’s Smart Dust Collection Setup Clean Air in a Small Shop
Keeping dust under control in a compact workspace is critical for both your health and keeping your shop running efficiently. In this video, we take a look at Paul's smart dust collection setup. From hose routing and blast gates to efficient CFM airflow at the tool, see how a thoughtful, compact system captures chips and fine dust right at the source without taking up valuable floor space. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Managing fine dust in a small shop is always a challenge, but dialing in your airflow and tool ports makes a massive difference. What kind of dust collection system are you running in your shop? Let me know down in the comments!
Can AC Douglas Fir Replace High End Plywood?
Now that Ultralight and Premcore Plus aren't currently available, finding a practical, accessible plywood replacement is a real challenge. In this Short, I browse the lumber racks to look at practical options, zeroing in on a 23/32" 4x8 sheet of AC Douglas Fir for around $60. With a clean A face, a solid C back, thick wood laminations, and a reasonable weight, it could be a great contender for cabinets, bench tops, and shop fixtures. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php "Finding good, accessible plywood without breaking the bank is getting tougher. What type of plywood are you finding in your local lumber yards or big box stores right now? Let me know in the comments below!"
The SmartFam Origin Story Behind TSO Power-Loc
When I redesigned The Smart Woodshop tools around 20mm dog holes on 96mm centers, I needed a rock-solid, flush way to lock router tables, miters, and cradles to the bench. Originally, I collaborated with Hans at TSO to create custom connector bolts secured with a bottom knob. Then SmartFam member David Reisnigner engineered a top-access design that TSO refined into all-stainless steel Power-Loc Bench Dog Connector. In this video, I walk through the story behind both fasteners, demonstrate how they drop in and lock tight from the top using a 5mm hex driver, and share why they are a staple in my shop setup—plus details on the TSO Back to the Shop sale! TSO Affiliate 👉 https://tsoproducts.com/?ref=3 Get Smart Plans here👉 : https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Being able to drop a connector into a 20mm hole and cinch it down tight completely from the top saves so much time over reaching underneath for a knob. How do you fasten jigs, extensions, or tool cradles to your workbench? Let me know down in the comments!
The Paulk Smart Bench — The Workbench That Changed Everything!
This is where the Paulk Smart Bench started. I designed it to be portable, sturdy, and practical—something you could actually use in a real shop or take to the jobsite. In this video, I walk through the design, the optional extensions and spreader shelf, and what makes this simple workbench so useful. Watch the full video👀 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4juX_mYF1A&t=136s Want to build one? Get the plans here: 👉 https://stores.modularmarket.com/paul... Visit us at 👉 https://thesmartwoodshop.com
Kevin's Simple Table Saw Earphone Hanger Upgrade 3D Printed
Check out this clever shop upgrade from Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin! He uses a 1/4" bolt sticking out of his table saw to hang his hearing protection, but that exposed threaded rod was a constant skin scraper. In just 14 minutes on the 3D printer, Kevin knocked out a small protective knob with a threaded brass insert that caps off the bolt perfectly. It is amazing what simple, practical problems you can solve around the shop with 3D printing! Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Huge shoutout to Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin for sharing this simple, practical fix! A 14-minute print and a brass insert completely eliminated that skin scraper on the table saw bolt. Are you 3D printing small solutions or accessories for your own shop tools? Let us know down in the comments!
The Paulk Smart Bench Flat Pack Is Back in Stock!
Great news—the knockdown flat-pack version of the Paulk Smart Bench is officially back in stock! Fully CNC cut with all hardware and fasteners included, this flat-packed kit ships directly to your door ready for fast, simple assembly. In this video, I compare the two available models—the classic Ultralight and the grippy Ultralight Hex—and explain how the Smart Bench serves as the core foundation for the entire Smart Woodshop ecosystem, including router tables, cradles, carts, and guides. Paulk Smart Bench: https://ultralightply.com/products/paulk-smart-bench Smart Plans: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php https://youtu.be/2-gEjSzl1HE?si=D3x2EG12pIt80j03 Having the Paulk Smart Bench back in a ready-to-assemble flat pack makes getting into the Smart Woodshop system faster than ever. Which finish do you prefer—the classic Ultralight or the textured Ultralight Hex? Let me know down in the comments!
Smart Woodshop Fam Build: Kevin’s Motorized Mini 3D Print Farm!
Check out this build from Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin Criswell! He managed to fit an entire double-decker mini 3D print farm into a narrow 50-square-foot hallway space. Using an electric motorized lift table on heavy-duty casters, the workstation raises up to give him comfortable standing access to the lower Bambu printers and AMS units, and lowers down flush to the floor for solid printing stability and easy access to the top machines. Paired with compact side shelving and Gridfinity organization, Kevin shows how to maximize serious production out of a tiny footprint. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Huge shoutout to Smart Woodshop FAM member Kevin for showing off his compact setup! Putting a double-decker printer rack on an electric lift table solves the footprint issue in tight spaces. How are you organizing your 3D printers or small-footprint workspaces? Let us know down below!
Motorized Lift Table for 3D Printers Double Decker Shop Setup
With five 3D printers now running in the shop, floor space was getting tight. In this video, I take a 4-leg motorized standing desk frame and build a custom double-decker mobile printing station. To fit printers on both levels and still be able to open the AMS units and access the build plates, I crafted custom solid beech leg extensions to give the frame the extra vertical travel it needed. Mounted on Bennington R8 smart casters, this setup rolls effortlessly down the shop hallway and lifts up at the push of a button so I can service the lower printers comfortably. Get your Smart Plans here: https://stores.modularmarket.com/paulk_homes/index.php Stacking the printers on a motorized lift frame saved a huge amount of floor space, and those beech leg extensions gave me the exact clearance needed to open up the AMS units. How do you manage footprint and tool storage in your shop? Let me know down in the comments!
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