Cutting Shims for Precise Work

Check out the simple sled I use to cut 100's of 'feather-end shims' so I can "Say No to Stubby Shims" when I do precise work like setting cabinets.
The fixture I use is not OSHA approved but works well for me. Using it is well within my comfort zone for doing the potentially dangerous task of cutting hundreds of shims. I give step by step details of how I make the fixture I've used for years and use it to cut over 400 feather-end shims for this video. If you choose to make your own shims with a fixture like mine, or anyone else's for that matter, you do so at your own risk. Pay attention, use PPE you're comfortable with and work safely... NO shim in the world is worth risk of injury or a trip to the Emergency Room, right?

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Need any of the tools or supplies I use in the video? Looking for the low online prices you expect? Great! You can get both from the following list of all the tools and supplies I use in the video and my 'ol buddy Jeff Bezos will help support video production here at Next Level Carpentry by paying small ad fees so I really appreciate it!

C.S. Osborne magnetic tack hammer:

Clic-Reader's glasses... my favorite!

General 12" shop rule:

Machinist's square set:

Irwin 7 ¼” dovetail pull saw

Record 52ED Quick Release Woodworker’s Vises with ‘Dog’ and 7” Jaw Width

Makita 18v Li-Ion Cordless Brushless Drill Kit:

Snappy 3pc carbide countersink set

Snappy 5pc High Speed Steel countersink set:

Stanley 57-594 8 oz Soft Face Hammer

SC Johnson Paste Wax- 16 oz (1lb)

Starbond CA Glue Accelerator:

Starbond Medium CA Glue 2oz:

Whiteside 1” Round Nose Core Box Router Bit

Stanley 25' tape measure:

OK ¼” to 2 1/8” by 1/8” Forstner Bits Set

Sharpie 30174 Permanent Marker Set of 4 (Red, Blue, Green, Black)

Bosch 7-1/4 In. 24 Tooth Daredevil Portable Saw Blade

Freud thin kerf 10" crosscut blade:

Marshalltown 1 ½” Putty Knife

Stanley Wire Nails 1/2" x 18ga Bright Steel

#6 x 1/2" Coarse Thread Phillips Flat Head Wood Screws

#7 x 3/4" Standard Thread Phillips Flat Head MDF Wood Screws

[chrismiller]

They make mine out of a 1 by 6 way smaller than that easier to use

[Yeoman]

The best part: your attention to safety. Thanks.

[DessieTots]

I’m at ‘Beginner Level’ carpentry but enjoyed your very clear and slightly humorous shim cutting video.

[MrPAHearn]

My nephew A.J. came up with the same idea on a jobsite 20 years ago when he was my full time helper, although without all the safety features. His was a 2x6 with the shim angle and a stop screwed to the end and I still use the same fixture. Thanks for another excellent video Matt! I'm sending this to A.J. 😂

[frankherring]

The finger clamp is fantastic! I have been too three world fairs and a pig pulling contest; and have never seen anything like that! Thanks Matt!

[QuadDoc]

Matt! Wow, That was a lot of work putting this video together! Thank you so very much for taking the time and putting WAY more effort into the details than anyone else we've see on this platform in your genre! We see the effort you selflessly put in editing your videos so well, in amazon affiliate links, in design work, in camera angles, split screen, time-lapse, color grading and in so many other ways that a lot of people don't even know, but can tell something is very special and different with your videos. I'm sure it took quite a bit of your time and effort to put these and MERCH are the least we can do If anyone else sees the production value like we do! Thanks again Matt! Keep up the great work!!

[cesaruballe]

Hahaha! @12:47 " Keep my hand away from that spinning, finger amputation device." I couldn't resist laughing. 
I enjoy your videos and the commentary. Thank you for making these videos, and constantly emphasizing safety. Way to take it to the next level.

[CCCfeinman]

We used to buy shims like these at our local lumber yard. They made them. Tgey eventually stopped and the big boxes took over the markets many of these family owned yards served.
The places that make the shim sets available at the big boxes don’t feather taper, because it hampers packaging and handling.
They only work in about half of the applications I need them for. I loath them!!

How great it is that you have, yet again, shown how to make what we need from stock, so we can again fit casework as we should be able to do.
Please! Don’t ever change!

[namelesswarrior]

The Master strikes again! I love your work sir!

[pkweisel]

Always enjoy seeing smart people "do their thing." As a Custom Home, Finish Carpenter from "97-2011, I also made my own shims in similar fashion. It only took ~ 1 hour for enough shims to trim 1 house, ~ 2200 SF. I made them on-site from scrap material too. Just having the consistency in the shims made my installs go much faster and smoother. Another great installment Matt. Thanx.

[jimsilva]

A few years ago I made your push sticks. Now I have to make this shim jig. As a professional carpenter, it is humbling to learn so much from you and your videos.

[shopnwoods]

They say we learn something new every day. With your channel I'm getting stuck learning too many things. This was a really good one. Thanks

[thetheo]

Great. Just great. Keep me coming. The dry humor is spot on.

[AndreGomes]

Gotta be a special kind of smart and hardworking to make these types of videos. So many skills involved, and very, very different types of skills. There is filming, editing, planning, humor, woodworking, etc... kinda of genius :)

[r.mercado]

I am genuinely blown away with your woodworking techniques. More important, the safety parameters considered and applied! Semper Fi

[swzb]

Excellent teaching ...show ...tell....do...you would make a great shop teacher. Excellent video

[johnstockwellmajorsmedleyb]

Shabbat Candles are far less stinky compared to paste wax. Shabbat Candles are also Kosher making them free of contaminants and I have never had trouble with residue to remove when prepping for finishes.
You are the shim man Sir!
Nice jig and exacting method for cutting angles on the Table Saw! I have always struggle with that task.
I am forever in your debt for the wisdom and working knowledge freely shared.
It is the past that makes up our foundation. For without a foundation both in physical objects, and intrinsically, man and his creations are destined to collapse. Your knowledge is priceless and provides many with a foundation they can surely use for any and every task.
With the countless hours you dedicate to the filming, and the exemplary knowledge you share we are all the more wealthy, Thank You.

[clintford]

What a great jig. The push down piece on top is so simple and so perfect. Thanks for this.

[Realism]

At first I thought you were full of shims, now I know your full of shims. Nice simple safe jig inspired me.

[alyoung]

I’ve watched many videos on how to make a jig to cut shims and this is the only one so far that considered safely. Awesome video and thanks for sharing!! 👍