Matt, I remember when you first started making videos, you were timid, scared and kind of stumbling through, but there was just something about you that made me want to keep watching them - Now, it's like watching a completely different person - you've definitely became a Professional and I am SO happy I kept watching!!! Great job my man!!!
Love the DowellMax. It is well engineered and accurate. I can set up and drill holes without needing to measure and it is dead on. Example. I was making some built in cabinets and needed to join two pieces of plywood 57" in length. I flushed up against the end of ply wood, did a step and repeat along the entire length with about 12-15 holes in each piece of ply. Put the dowels in and the two pieces fit together perfectly. I never even measured or marked the pieces!
Another tip for the Deadman switch. Use a 3 way adapter and get an analog plug in clock, set it on 12 or whatever and plug a tool in the other side. Now each time you hit the gas the clock starts and stops with the tool and you know exactly how much time you have on the project.
When you're talking about "the tape measure trying to roll up on you" in the edge rule segment, take an old tape measure and break off something like an 18" or 24" segment. Now you've effectively just got a ruler with the beak that aligns it to the end of the board. It's also a lot lighter and easier to manipulate than it ever was before. You can break off more segments, like another starting just before the 30" mark and use 30" as your new zero.
I'm sure the kreg set up blocks are great. That being said a much cheaper way of doing it is to get a set of square dowls from a Home Depot, Lowes, ect. They come in multiple sizes and then cut them down to whatever length you want. You make a few sets for less than 5 bucks. If you loose or break them, cut up another set. Of course you can use drill bits also but they roll and the square dowls don't.
Matt I have a 4,6,starette combination squares plus a 12 inch starette combination square plus an 18 inch blade for it . I use all of these all the time . I take very good care of them because they are very precise.
Using the dowelmax I was able to make cedar outdoor furniture out of 4x4 and dowel the arms at a 45 degree angle. This is the only thing I could find that would do it. I love it and now use it for everything.
Please do some more videos using the Dowel Max. I've used pocket holes for the last 4 years in my woodworking projects. Love them, but I'm ready to up my game and this is the first video where a dowel tool appears to be user friendly and relatively fast. I've been dying to get better at making stronger joints, but thought it would take longer and be more difficult than pocket hole joints. Thank you! Oh yeah, my husband is LEO family too - 27 years. We are from Georgia. Thank you and I look forward to your next video. May the Lord continue to do a work in you and your wife.
Pocket holes require less upfront planning IMHO so they are easier. But of course they need to be hidden and are not as strong. Dowels require more planning but result is clean from every side. Dowelmax is definitely easiest jig that I am aware off and I did try few different ones.
Matt, you are one of the most blessed men I know. Looks like people bless you just to see if they can out-bless the last guy that blessed you. All jokes aside, the most blessed gift is to realize and ACT upon the desire to do what you love. (do something you love and you’ll never work another day in your life). I don’t think most of us can say that.
Bro the foot pedal has been a godsend I hook it up to my router table to my homemade band saw with my upside down jigsaw but also I knew my own wood from trees on my property and it is amazing to use with the fixed base router and a jig to plane each side of my board love it man best best money I've ever spent recently bought four more of those they're just awesome for everything it saves you from I'm going to get your finger in by something or when something goes wrong you just let your foot off and everything quits just amazing
One of the handy features of the setup blocks when used to set the height of your table saw, is it spans the insert plate across the actual saw table top. Most inserts tend to be just a tad lower than the table itself (as to not cause work pieces to catch) and measuring from the plate to the saw blade top may cause inaccurate cut depths. I use mine all the time for this exact reason, along with 1-2-3 & 2-3-4 blocks and brass sticks to set cut widths precisely.
Good stuff Matt , I loved the Starette square , I actually inherited 2 of them from my grandfather about 45 years ago and they were over 60 years or so old when I got them and they still look like they have very little ware because my Grandfather and I always take very good care of our tools.
the DowelMax was one of the items I bought early when I started woodworking over a year ago shortly after the Kreg pocket hole jig......no more pocket holes for me on the pieces I sell. Still use pocket holes for a few things every now and then......there's just something about hidden joinery I don't like and have found a lot of customers don't either. Glad to see the "pocket hole king" onboard with the dowelmax
The Woodpecker edge rule was my first Woodpecker purchase. I got the 6" because it's all I could afford. It has got to be one of the most used measuring tools in my little shop. I have since purchased the 6" Paolini rule and the 3" Delve square. Incredibly versatile and useful measuring tools. Those Kreg set up blocks look to be a great tool to have as well. I bought the I-Gaging Snap Check digital height gauge and the first time I used it to make some half laps, I was floored. Dead on. Those set up blocks would be perfect for that type of work as well. And they're a great price. The DowelMax has to be the bee's knees of all the tools in this video. I gotta get me one, no doubt.
I live in the UK and I purchased the edge rule. Quality product, But I bought it on Amazon and when it arrived it was all metric scale. Check carefully if you prefer inches.
Stop blocks are probably plastic to not scratch or mar the surface of the aluminum. When you tighten down or slide the plastic can’t scratch the harder aluminum. But aluminum on aluminum will scratch easily
I had the same question about the Woodpeckers edge rules when I bought them. I later found out that the stops are plastic so they won’t ruin the finish on your very expensive rules. Made sense to me!
Stop Block for the Woodpeckers Edge Rule is probably plastic to keep from scratching the surface of the edge rule. An aluminum stop block would probably scratch the surface of the edge rule.
Try as I might, I just can’t seem to make myself pull the trigger on woodpecker stuff. I know they’re great but I just can’t for some reason. I do love those setup bars though. Great vid.
Amazon has the framing square fence for $19.99 with free shipping (from the same company). If you order from the link straight from the manufacturers website in this description, you have to pay for shipping there which makes $27. Just trying to help save a few buck.
Taytools offers discount codes and free items at certain price thresholds direct through their site though. They also sell scratch and dent and cosmetic defect tools for decent discounts.
If its only a couple of bucks I prefer to support the little guy over Amazon. Please don't get me wrong - if I need it fast or its a lot cheaper on Amazon its the way I will go.
These are all something I would have to save for. Those rulers are nice would love to have them. But that dowelmax would be heavenly! Wish it was like 50 bucks cheaper 😭
On the Woodpecker edge-rules, I like the stops. I don't use it often, but it is handy for repeat measurements, cutting multiple pieces of a project to the same length.
I'm going to show this (and some of Titans of CNC) in my Bible study class. Too often, I find that teachers don't know how to reach the kids. Teachers need to know how to frame the teachings and show that it still matters in the modern world. And stories like yours is how we can reach the disenfranchised kids. God Bless!
The only thing I don’t like is that I’ve been trying to watch a review video on a HF router I just got but I keep seeing more and more of your videos to watch 🤣🤣 I’m just starting woodworking and your videos are perfect. You really do a good job of showing both the sort of get by cheaper method and showing the higher end more efficient way to do things.
FWIW: Pretty sure that the stops on the Woodpecker Edgle Rules are plastic so you don't shred the anodization. Woodpecker doesn't tend to cheap out on stuff. Pretty sure this was a conscious decision. If they went with metal stops they would have had to have done something line HDPE liners.
That thing is a Square Guide. Its really useful to hold your carp. square tight to your table without it falling off or you always holding on to it while checking for square. Its a good add-on to any woodworker!
5:51, ya because you don't have the tape pulled tight. The end of the tape measure has pins that will adjust whether you're measuring inside a piece or outside. That's why that end hook moves.
Your view on the tape measures are true... I just witnessed a major difference between a Freeman's tape and a Caltex tape .....Your videos are awesome...
Sweet video Matt. I bought one of those $15 Harbor Freight dowel jigs and I definitely regret it.. it's fine for drilling straight but there's no way to adjust it so that it properly centers. Actually am on the lookout for a dowel jig like the Dowel Max but at a lower price point
My advice, from experience. You don't want self centering jig, you want the one that references edge/face of the board. Self centering ones have limited usage, mostly building frames.
EDIT: I didn't finish watching before I commented. Since I finished and looked it up, I see that it's a momentary switch. You have to keep your foot on it to keep it working. This would cause me to consider a slightly different strategy for the table saw, but it will work like you show on other tools I might like to use it with. I probably move my feet too much to use it with the table saw. Original reply: My table saw has a switch that has a stop lever. If I happen to be well balanced and I happen to be standing where I can actually reach it with my knee, assuming I can find the switch hidden under the table and all the controls, I can turn it off while holding my work on the table with both hands. The dead man's switch can be centered under the front of the table saw where I can always reach it with my foot. My table saw has a non-reset switch. If the power fails, it will not come back on when the power goes off. I cannot accidentally turn the table saw on without pressing the table saw switch. Here is a tip your viewers might consider. I add a drop cord to my tools with a dual outlet. One outlet goes to the power tool, the other to an LED light above the tool. If I unplug the tool, I unplug the extension cord. If power is going to the tool, the light is lit. If it is unplugged, the light is off.
I bought thr zKreg depth gauge set when they first came out, they were expensive and I was younger znz broke. Stilll the best thing I have bought since.Don't tighten that square too tight on a cheap square because it will bend the square.
Matt my skill set level has gone from a 2 to a 10 because of your videos Just wanted to say thank you. You Da-Man Love your shirt & you virtual fist bumps. Been watching you since you started. Thanks again
Matt, on the DowelMax, make sure that all the screws are tight on every drilling. Sometimes the screws come loose which messes up your alignment. Also, let's say you want a blind dowel in a shelf. This is somewhat difficult and I could never get it to work. That's when I pulled out my Festool Domino, which is much easier to set up for that. The Domino is very expensive, but for what I used it for and after a couple of thousand mortices, it is by far the most versatile joining tool I own. But it is definitely a tool designed and made for professionals who are using it every day. One big advantage of pocket hole joinery is that you do not have to use glue. This saves a huge amount of time when building carcasses. I have all three systems and they all have their place. My favorite is the Domino, followed by Kreg Pocket Holes, and lastly the DowelMax. Thanks for the video, take care and stay safe.
That little tab on the end of all them tape measures is made to be bent when I was a superintendent for a construction company I always had a spot on the wall that you could hook your tape and made sure that was always one for it and always a plum line so everybody was the same everybody set their tools by my tape measure but yes that little tab on the end can be bent
Late to the game but I'd say the plastic stops on the Woodpecker edge tools is because they want you to keep the tools pretty. A scratched up tool will remove the signature red look.
Love all the tools Wished i had all. Good video. Don't let your tape measure close by its own spring finish the last 6" with your hand, it stretches' the hook on the end and results in a inaccurate measurement. JMHO.
The woodpecker rules are very interesting. I think I will have to invest in a set. Also like the foot pedal. Always enjoy your content. Keep moving forward with Christ and your wood work. You're awesome brother.
It's so encouraging to see another Christian woodworker! I love that you are so unashamed (Romans 1:16) Thanks for living it out and encouraging others! Praying for your ministry and work!
The Mastercraft dowel set is awesome I'm not sure exactly how a professional woodworker would have an issue with it but mabey it was a bad unit. The accuracy and quality are incredible for the price compared to others for such a simple tool there easily made in the shop and can also be dead accurate. Thanks for sharing
Great video Matt. I bought the Kreg gages a long time ago when I built my router table. I have since used them on about all the machines in my shop. They are awesome. I just now ordered the Woodpecker edge rules from your link. I have wanted something like this for a while and I love woodpecker measuring tools. Being left handed can also add an extra pain to using a tape that flops around.
Excellent information and knowledge of equipment. In past years dowels were so difficult to line up even with a doweling jig. I use a tremendous amount of screws with hundreds of pocket holes. I use biscuits in melamine panels and see where some applications the dominoes or dowels are stronger and having their place where needed at least now are simplified for ease of doing. A definite tool that needs to be an option for woodworkers.
When you buy a tape measure it has to be tuned...to a framing square. Before using any tape check it against the a known length...a framing square always works...provided the square has been verified \ tuned... If a tape is short or long of the mark, the End Tab is designed (meaning it is soft metal to allow for movement.) to be adjusted, it's also the reason so many are out of adjustment. Did you drop your tape today, better check it. I've had so many helpers question why I make them test their tapes, if he\she is measuring and I'm cutting or such, we need the same standard.
Get a foot switch from Harbor Freight for $13.99. I have one on my drill press and scroll saw. Also like to use one with a hand held router and with a router table. It is much safer to turn power on / off with a router when you don't have to use only one hand to hold the spinning tool while the other hand tries to find the toggle switch.
Iv used a little plastic dowel jig for yrs never had any problem and festool domino I use my router and make it longer you soon get used to how big it needs to be lol
Some good tips. The Kreg set up blocks look nice, but for ~1/3 the price you can get a digital height gauge that gives any height you want up to around 3" instead of 7 fixed heights topping out at 1/2"..
Anodized aluminum scratches fairly easy so I would imagine the stop on the edge rulers is made from plastic to keep from scratching the anodizing and the markings off.
@@731Woodworks There not tho, You can clearly see the gap in the closest tape, and the second two are Tight. Not knocking the product you are selling, it is a great product, a d someone will make a take that is convex, but for now, we use what we have
Suffered the issues of inaccurate tape measures in the past. Found that German made tapes that are sold to the German market seem to be the most accurate I’ve come across. They have minim standards that they need to adhere too when selling in Germany. Just a thought for anyone that wants an accurate tape measure.
The foot switch will also save you one more aggravation. Used wisely, it will keep you from tripping a breaker. I have one 15 amp circuit in my garage. If I have both my table saw and shop vac plugged in, or my bench sander and shop vac, and I run them continuously, I trip the breaker. If I plug my shop vac into the footswitch, and only run the vac when I am cutting or sanding, I don't trip the breaker. Breakers prevent wires from getting hot, so when it senses the wires are hot, it trips. By shutting the overload off intermittently, the shop vac, I prevent that.
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for sharing these tools. I am a complete beginner and have only done a couple SMALL projects for myself and was frustrated by every single one of the issues these tools solve. Amazing. I'm going to buy every one of them and will probably end up blowing this new hobby of mine into a full fledge money maker due to the lack of frustration and increase of enjoyment 👊🙏🏻
I noticed something, in description the link for the foot switch is for Taylor tools. The box for the switch shown in the video is actually a harbor freight item. Just saw that, your video's are awesome and fill up most of my saved videos in my woodworking file.😁
Hey Matt, I think the plastic stop block on the woodpecker edge ruler is to to prevent scratching and taking the finish off the rule while moving it up and down the ruler.
