Replies

1. 
   ToolDoc | Sep 23, 2002 08:07pm | #1

   Don : I use polyureathane to finsh my jigs...

   HappyWoodworking...    ToolDoc

   Those Who Die With The Most tools Win...

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 23, 2002 09:12pm | #2

   Doc,

   Thanks for the reply. Any idea on how something like Watco would work? Ever have any problems with miter slots or anything with the poly mil thickness. I guess not if your using it huh? ;^)

   Don

1. 
   RSRose | Sep 23, 2002 10:08pm | #3

   I use polyurethane varnish. One thin coat.

   Rich

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 23, 2002 11:42pm | #5

   Don,

   Watco doesn't provide very good protection against moisture (in fact, almost none at all) so it won't guard against any humidity changes.

   Jeff

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 24, 2002 12:42am | #6

   Rich, Jeff & Lee,

   Thanks for the responses. The carnuba sounds like a good option, but Rich, with the poly being a permanant finish, do you ever have any problems with it collecting and not releasing gunk, for lack of a better work, buildup?

   I did have doubts about the watco, but I like it! haha

   Don

1. 
   RSRose | Sep 24, 2002 12:58am | #7

   "do you ever have any problems with it collecting and not releasing gunk"

   No. Not at all. Just the opposite. Raw wood collects and holds gunk. Not a sealed surface. I also use spray lacquer when I'm in the mood.

   Jigs meant to move or slide, like a crosscut sled always get paste wax on the moving parts.

2. 
   riverr1 | Sep 24, 2002 01:36am | #8

   Thanks Rich. I've got a lot to learn.

   Don

3. 
   RSRose | Sep 24, 2002 02:28am | #9

   Don,

   Did you follow the cross cut sled video on the Fine Woodworking site?

   Rich

   Edited 9/23/2002 7:34:11 PM ET by Rich Rose

4. 
   riverr1 | Sep 24, 2002 03:43am | #10

   Rich,

   How'd you know? ;^) Yep, that's exaclty what I did, works great too.

   Don

5. 
   RSRose | Sep 24, 2002 03:56am | #11

   Ha, ha. I can read your mind.

   Nah, just a shot in the dark. I was wondering how many people had seen that video and if anyone was making a sled based on it. There are a few points that get a little confusing. I've made a lot of sleds and I have a few tips. But if yours is working well, no need!

   Rich

6. 
   riverr1 | Sep 24, 2002 04:06am | #12

   Rich,

   Well thanks. I didn't even have to clamp after gluing. It was right on with a 10" piece of birch plywood. It's the first I've ever used one and that was dumb because it works great. I'm considering putting some kind of stop in it.

   Don

7. 
   RSRose | Sep 24, 2002 04:40am | #13

   Well,

   It was his method of "proving" the right angle that bothered me. He did not explain that the method he shows requires that the reference edge of the cut piece (the edge held against the back fence of the sled) and the edge opposite must be exactly parallel. Exact parallelism is very hard to ensure and introduces 2 variables instead of 1 (the cut).

   There is a much better, easier method. Cut two pieces. Hold their references edges on a flat surface with their cut edges together (which requires flipping one piece end for end, not top for bottom like he shows). This method uses the same reference edges. The only variable is the cut edges.

   Rich

8. 
   riverr1 | Sep 24, 2002 04:43am | #14

   Rich,

   Thanks. I won't be in the shop tomorrow, but your method will be testing the sled on Wed. Thanks again.

   Don

3. 
   ToolDoc | Sep 24, 2002 07:03am | #15

   Don: Never had any problems using the poy on any jigs i have made, and I have a couple diffrent ones I made over the years.. you know always looking for a new improved one.. the wax idea works good too..Seems like someone always comes up with a good idea on here..

   Happy woodworking...   ToolDoc

2. 
   LeeEschen | Sep 23, 2002 10:55pm | #4

   Don, I just apply a well rubbed coat of plain carnuba paste wax. My power tool tables receive the same and the wood glides beautifully accross my tablesaw and jointer.