Woodworking Quick Tip #24: Push block modification for better jointing

[jeffharmed]

Thanks for sharing. Nice tip thanks.

Here is one for you - tap the push block from the bottom then use your standard wrench

[motrebal]

Thanks, you came up with a great idea, you just made it harder than it had to be, tap from the bottom and screw the other way.
Keep them coming we all learn from your ideas.
Cheers Tom

[tomdoe]

I attached a stop to the back of my push block but I did not think to use a tap for the screw hopes. That a good idea. You still could have used the normal tap handle if the hole is tapped up from the bottom instead of down from the top.

[tompritch]

I have the very same push blocks. I will do the same thing. Thanks for the tip.

[tooljunkie]

that's a good tip!!- I did something similar to a wooden push block that I made a while back. i pre drilled and added a couple 1.25" screws in from the bottom so the screw head was sticking out like a 1/8" basically the same thing you've done but my push block is made out of wood and that used numbers 6 x1.25" wood screws so once again ill say thats a good tip😆

[SSSL]

Brilliant idea.
You can use a drill to turn the tap, since it's very soft material, and won't bind the tap even if you cut the threads in a single pass (the reason for backing is to clear chips). Don't go full-speed, of course.
Plus, it's easier to keep the tap straight, since the drill gives a longer sight line.

[hafree]

just for safety: replace the steel bolts with nylon ones. Then you don't have to worry as much about hitting the jointer.

[donjohnson]

Hey Mike - tap using a conventional wrench - FROM THE OTHER SIDE!

[martinoamello]

I was thinking of just gluing a piece or two of dowel rod in place into a nice clean drilled hole.. If it wears out just knock it out and put in a new one..

[QuestForTheOpenRoad]

could you have tapped that hole from the bottom? holding the block in a clamp, allowing you to use the intended handle

[krisfreyermuth]

Maybe use a tap follower on the drill press?

[frankingram]

Hi Mike, why not fasten the handle of the push pad in the vise and tap it from the bottom?

God Bless my friend.

[TaylerMade]

hmmm now that is a good modification. maybe if i did that they wouldn't just be ornamental for when health and safety visited the shop lol

[monteglover]

2 things
1 tap from the under side
2 use nylon bolts, if you hit a cutting-edge no damage

[jsburklow]

what about just using some dowel rod? then no need to tap at all. If it comes into contact with the blade no big deal just drive the old piece out when you add the new one in. Just a thought...

[roylucas]

A suggestion. Ue nylon bolts instead of steel. No harm if one contacts cutter head.

[WhitentonMike]

A better choice is to use a thread die on a piece of dowel. Essentially, you would be making a wooden all-thread. Just replace the steel bolt with an easily replaceable wooden one. If it ever hits a blade, no harm to the blade and the damaged dowel is easily replaced.

[thomastieffenbacherdocsava]

Hey I miss Mike's corner! Got some pads at a Big Box store with first initial M . Stumpy use to say he shopped there. The pads are coming off and the rubber does not adequately grabb the surface of smooth hardwoods. any thoughts?

[jimbooth]

I'm surprised you don't have a ratcheting tap wrench.

[jim_no_rulers]

2:07 This addition seems to be for applying force in the wrong place for using a jointer, in my experience anyways. I apply pressure down on the out-feed and away from the blade once enough of the board has cleared the cutterhead. This seems safest and gives the best results for me anyways.