Tonight’s meeting was on making the frame for drawers.

Ron demonstrated the Gifkins dovetail jig for making drawers. A little help from Brian’s sledge hammer and we had a nice tight fit!

Check out another demonstration of the jig below.

 

John gave an overview slide presentation on drawer lock router bits and demonstrated the Torquata drawer lock router bit from Timbecon. Click on the first page below for John’s slide presentation.

As John says –
‘Every mistake provides a learning opportunity with the audience getting a good understanding of the concepts involved and where things can go wrong!  We also the learnt the importance of connecting a dust extractor to the router.  Everyone attending the demonstration will have memories of the demonstrator being covered in dust.’

If you are looking at drawer lock bits, the small diameter upright bits (the blue type in John’s slide presentation) may be safer and easier to use. The gap between the fences on the router table are narrower.  There is less opportunity for the wood pieces to slip into the gap between the fences. The downside is that there is limited scope for integrated fascia boards with the smaller diameter bits.

The smaller diameter bits can also be operated at higher speeds.  Many routers only have a single high speed. The Triton router was one of the first to bring in variable speeds.

We also learned the importance of doing lots of test cuts – not just to make sure the depth of the cut is right but also to develop a safe reliable technique for these awkward cuts.  A high temporary fence is recommended by John  to provide stability, especially with larger drawers.

Click on the Torquata drawer lock bit below for more information by Timbecon.  John found their video demonstration particularly useful as the bit did not come with any instructions.  John has written instructions for his future reference on test cut pieces which he keeps with his high fence.  It is worth searching out U-Tube videos demonstrating other drawer lock router bits.

And these are the Timbecon demonstrations.

Members might also find the following site useful.

Happy woodworking everyone!

Rules Relating to the 2021 Photographic Competition

1. Projects submitted for the competition should have been constructed by members entering the competition, within the last 3 years and not previously entered in a Club competition.
2. Projects should be of a nature whereby they cannot be entered into the Club’s annual woodworking competition, for example, they are too large/ fixed in place, etc.
3. Judging of projects will be undertaken by all members present at the meeting at which the competition is held.
4. As projects will be judged based on photographs and related descriptions, entrants should ensure they submit sufficient photographs to enable a full assessment of the merits of their entry or entries.
5. Photographs of the project during construction phase would be welcome.
6. Photographs should, if possible, be taken from different angles and include close ups of any notable woodworking features or joints.
7. Entrants should submit for each project a brief fact sheet detailing materials and techniques used and any notable features of the project.
8. There will be three categories of projects – indoor projects, outdoor projects and workshop projects.
9. Entries should be submitted via email to Ron* to allow circulation to members.
10. Entrants will be requested to make a brief presentation to members prior to judging.

The judging criteria and points allocations for the competition were as follows:

1. Finish (appropriate for conditions and well applied) 20 pts
2. Construction (techniques, joints, etc) 25 pts
3. Design 25 pts (more points for original or modified designs)
4. Use of recycled material 10 pts
5. Fit for use (how useful is it?) 20 pts

A couple of great items from members for our first meeting back.

Mick shared his experience how his dust control project grew after talking to fellow Tritoners. Mick’s next presentation aims to share his further experience in progressing this project referencing ‘Dust Control Made Simple’ by Sandor Nagyszalanczy.

Click on the book cover below for a bit more information.

John W then presented the results of his investigative work on building a Biesemyer style rip fence for the Triton 2000. He believes it can also apply to an MK3.

Click on the picture below to obtain the plans and instructions.

And a few videos on the same topic for your viewing pleasure.

 
Happy woodworking!