I like the suggestion for using various sizes of keyway keys for standard measurements as posted on the recent video FWW. Does anyone have a supply/source for these keys?
Thanks,
George
I like the suggestion for using various sizes of keyway keys for standard measurements as posted on the recent video FWW. Does anyone have a supply/source for these keys?
Thanks,
George
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialGet instant access to over 100 digital plans available only to UNLIMITED members. Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building!
Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.
Get complete site access to video workshops, digital plans library, online archive, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
I get key stock from McMaster-Carr and Grainger. I get stainless steel oversize stock and cut to proper length. I do not usually have to file the width to fit tightly in the slot.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.
When your ship comes in... make sure you are not at the airport.
Most hardware stores stock foot long lengths of keystock, in various sizes, and will often have a parts drawer with short lengths. The long bars are easily cut with a hacksaw.
They may not be all that precisely dimensioned, most of it is imported from low quality manufacturers.
John White
Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007
Geo, believe it or not the popular size keys can be found in the specialty fastener and hardware drawers at Lowe's. If you need the odd sizes you need the real hardware suppliers mentioned above. Paddy
You could try these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95843
George,
I haven't seen the FWW article, but am asking why key stock ? This stuff is hardly consistent in dimension and doesn't have a great range.
Why not use twist drill bits?
I really like the idea presented in FWW video https://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=32939
I think finding a source for some keyway keys that are machined accurately will make for very good use.
Thanks for the advice from several of you.
Geo, I've been using brass tubing (square or rectangular, depending) for a long time now. Started when I didn't know what keyway keys were, LOL. The come in quite a variety of sizes.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Keyway stock will sit in place a lot better than a ROUND drill bit, plus, it is a lot easier to use for a gauge. That nice SQUARE corner leaves no doubt about where you are at with regards to the depth of the cut. You can also use this stock to gauge the width AND depth of a mortise. " Although I have the right to remain stupid, I try not to abuse that right"
Bingo
That's what I use. Lots of drill bits around the shop and they work just as well. Maybe the feel of a flat surface makes a man feel a "warm fuzzy" assurance. I don't know?
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled