An old machinist's tool that woodworkers are snatching up! 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR IMPORTANT INFO▼ *Links promised in this video:* -1-2-3 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -1-2-3 Block hardware kit: lddy.no/1c7cq -Video about 1-2-3 Blocks: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-91XuX8hqfY0.html ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Taylor Tools (A great small, family owned woodworking retailer): lddy.no/134wc *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Some other useful links:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

Amen, support small family businesses, and reward their innovation.

I am always glad to see people supporting smaller entrepreneurs. We need more of that in our world and less corporate junk. Well done.

I could not agree more about helping out others with really useful products. I just ordered the hardware kit. Thanks for the video.

Tay Tools has been the best retailer for woodworkers. Good products, good prices, and good ideas.

Back in 1972 I started as an apprentice machinist. The first job you got was to make 1-2-3 blocks, Then a matching 45deg angle block. Once you milled drilled and tapped the stock, did a pre-grind to a few thousands over, you had to heat treat the block, then grind them into size. You were tested on , square , flat and parallel precision. It was always best to make the angle block first then inspect your precision. The angle block doesn't need to be ground exact sizes, though many of us tried to do that because that's what toolmakers do. Make everything precision. Once you ground the 1-2-3 blocks you were stuck with your precision ( or not so precise) dimensions, or grind them undersize and then they lost some of their usefulness. Of course 50 years later they had been dusted off more than a few times and were undersize anyway. But I still have all my tools and used them everyday for 53 years. You can't beat these tools for more kinds of jigs, fixtures and inspection work then you ever thought possible.

I caught up with an old workmate today, who I had not seen for over twenty years. We both started as toolmakers at Ford UK Apprentice Training School in Harrold Hill, and worked at the Ford Research and Engineering Centre at Dunton in Essex. It was interesting that my friend also now has a keen interest in working with wood and has a nice workshop. It's that joy of making things that stays with you forever, although we both agreed that wood is frustrating in that it does not stay the same size and shape two days running when using the tolerances we were used to applying to metal. I have been using much the same trick James demonstrated today using a combination of shop built parts and flat-pack cabinet hardware. Look for 'cross dowel' or 'barrel nut'. A new way I used my 1-2-3 blocks recently was aligning my router cabinet to my table saw. I levelled the router cabinet (because it is the more awkward one to adjust). Place two 1-2-3 blocks on the router cabinet and two 1-2-3 blocks on the table saw, and stretched an aluminium straight edge across all four blocks. It was much easier to adjust the saw with what amounted to four contact points rather than the full tables, and a work light made it easier still to see the tiniest of gaps between straight edge and 1-2-3. I also align jointer blades the same way we saw James rocking the 1-2-3 block on the blade, except I use a DTI on top of the block. In actual fact the block movement is so obvious and apparent, you hardly need the DTI, but it is nice to have numbers to compare rather than eyecrometre guestimates. Something else that made me smile when talking to my old workmate was when he asked me show him something I've made, after a moments thought I had to admit to making more things for the workshop than with the workshop, and he agreed he is exactly the same.

I've been machining for 38 years, retiring end of Sept. This widget of $10 worth of part, is the best thing I've seen over the years. I don't use 1,2,3's anymore, but could of used this 20 years ago! My hats off to the maker! So simple!

SOLD!!! Ordered as soon as the video ended. At that price the aggravation of going out and looking to put it together yourself is a no brainer... Thanks!!!

Thanks for the new video. I got these blocks for Christmas and I use em all the time.

This is a product I would want if I was still working. 40+ years working as machinist, graduating to toolmaker and I would find these very useful. I am always looking for new ideas. You don't always need the most expensive tools if you know how to use them right. As the old saying goes, "A poor workman blames his tools." This video made me subscribe to this channel. Thanks, Stumpy!

I was a machinist for 15 before opening my wood shop. 15 years well spent from my experience.

One more palm mark to add to the growing collection on my forehead... Ingenious! Thank you, guys.

As a machinist.....I have been using these since the dawn of time but I only have a single "proper" set that has pass-thru holes. That set is very precise and only used for very high-precision work. I also have a dozen sets of the cheap-o 1-2-3 blocks that that bolts cannot pass through. This is a great solution to use them as intended! I love it.....and like you wish it was my idea, lol.

Taylor Tools is all you say it is. Great stuff at decent prices.

Omg! So clever! These problems are exactly why I got frustrated with my 123 blocks and don't use them as much as I'd like to! As I was watching this I was thinking "if this hardware set is ten bucks or less, I'm buying it today! " 😄 Headed over to order it now!

Thank you, just purchased a set for myself and another for my dad!

Many thanks for the video and the link for the 1-2-3 block hardware. I'm in the UK but have ordered this through your link and am really happy that Taylor toolsworks ships outside the US as many companies can't due to various restrictions. Anyway thanks again to you and Taylor Toolworks.

First t I would like to thank you for your videos. I look forward to them. Secondly, I want to thank you for recommending the TayTools Band saw fence. I purchased one and did an unboxing video. I'm getting ready to do a video on using it and setting it up. I know you already did one, but I believe the more people that do videos on the Magnetic Bandsaw fence from TayTools, the more exposure it will get . 👍🏼

My father was a woodworker that used these and loved them. He had a set that was drilled all the way through. I need to get to my moms house to pick up all his tools

Machinists have some pretty dang good stuff for workholding / jigs&fixtures, not to mention precise measuring tools. Their toolboxes are fascinating. Lots of stuff that you'd look at and have no clue what it's for, but when they demonstrate it, BOOM! Mind blown. All kinds of neat tricks for extremely precise workholding.

Just ordered a set, thanks for the heads-up! Note that the Taylor Tools site has a white on red banner front and center that says "123 BLOCK HARDWARE KIT: Due to the influx of orders, our shipments are running a couple days behind. Thank you for your patience, we're working hard to catch up." Looks like you've done a real nice thing here.

Simply brilliant, or brilliantly simple! Can’t decide…

Ordered!! Great idea! Thanks

Mind officially BLOWN! Such a basic common sense idea simply done yet very rewarding. 🙌🏻

I use these so often. Great tip to get even more use. Thanks!

That is a great solution! I was a machinist in my former life so when I started doing more in wood working all my tools came with me including 3 sets of 1-2-3 blocks..

Aaaaaaaaaand they’re sold out. I’ll keep checking back though because it’s a great idea and I want to support the maker!

123 blocks. Building these was my first task as an apprentice tool & die maker . Accurate within .ooo3" Still using them now after 40 years.

Thanks! This was an instant buy. Love simple solutions like this and am equally happy to support a small business.

Taylor Tools is my favorite tool vendor. I own a number of tools from then.

Just another example of brilliance in simplicity. Somebody was using their noggin. Thank you for this video tip!

I love my 1-2-3 blocks and use them almost daily. I especially use them for random things that I never would have thought of beforehand.

And it's sold out already, well done James. I agree with the "support a local business" mentality.

Taylor Tools and the folks there are some of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to do business with. James, it is great that you help the public find these small family run businesses. God Bless.

I nearly hurt myself facepalming🤦 this is one of best ideas for the shop! And I even have the hardware already laying around, salvaged from some old furniture. Unfortunately Mike doesn't ship those small items to europe. I would've even jumped over my shadow. Having this imperial hardware in my metric shop would've been totally worth it.

As a cnc machinist of over 15 years, ya get my 2 thumbs up approval 👍 👍

i was a machinist for many years. A lot of my machinist tools I use for my woodworking. I made a lot of my precision tools in 1969, 1-2-3 blocks , many different angle blocks, sine bars and sine plates and some precision measuring tools.

I found some of these in both my dad’s and grandfather’s machinist tools. I’m going to have to pull them out and use them! If only I had a clue what the rest of the stuff is!

Never considered using them like that. Thanks for the tip and link. I will be ordering the hardware kit and a spare set of blocks. Maybe 2.

Hey Stumpy - Thx. I have ordered from them before. However it was for machinist stuff, now I have more sets for wood working. In the future, you might want to mention their fence clamp adaptor for the 123 block. They are nice ($7 too) & worth having. Stay safe & thank you!

Machinist work and Wood work have a lot more in common than just 1,2,3 blocks. I made two sets of 1,2,3 blocks while in machinist school. I also made a step block, and bench block that I use frequently in my wood shop. What is really amazing is you can make your own machinist inspired tools our of wood. Good hard wood and a steady hand can produce a fine set of 1,2,3 blocks as well as vee blocks, and step blocks, parallels, and a host of other tools. Like you I do appreciate the fine people at Taylor Tool Works, and they do good work. Thanks for what you do, and keep the good stuff coming.

It's a brilliant idea, and very affordable!

That. Is. Excellent. Such a great way to avoid the problem and make 1-2-3's even more useful !

Great idea and I love that Taylor tools are available in Canada. Thanks for sharing the useful tips/tools with us.

Snatched some up the day this was posted. They work great.

Thank you for sharing the pitfalls of those cheaper blocks.

I had a machinist turn down some threaded studs that I had bought to allow me to join my 1-2-3 blocks, and it wasn't this cheap or easy, and they were still not completely what I wanted, so I added magnets to help resolve some of the problem, but I have just ordered the kits and can't wait till they arrive. Thank you for the heads up on where to get them.

I always share the love especially to small businesses thanks for that amazing idea

Ordered a pair of blocks and two of the screw sets. I just play at constructing things so I will likely never use them as much as you or someone like you. But what _did_ catch my attention was the 1,2,3 aspect. Those are small enough and sturdy enough to drop into my "go-bag" for a bug-out situation.

I am a hobby machinist and love your channel. I bought some 1-2-3 blocks and kit from Taylor. Thanks

I have been using a 123 block for years as a spacer on my tablesaw fence. It is easy to clamp the block to the fence using a Rockler universal fence clamp. You then add an extra inch to the table saw setting and make mitered cross cuts using the table saw fence. You set the workpiece against fence/123 block to start and then pass beyond the 123 block to make the cut. No trapped offcut piece.

I use 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 thread adapters used for cameras and tripods. They are cheap and come in bulk. Then I use 1/4-20 flat head/countersink screws to attach everything.

Thanks for sharing with us James, gonna have to order some of the blocks and hardware too now that I have their address. Stay safe. Fred.

I did this years ago as an idea that span out of putting together too much IKEA furniture. It really makes a huge difference in the versatility of the blocks. Good on Mike for commercializing it. It didn’t even occur to me, it’s such a simple idea.

I started my apprenticeship as a fitter n turner back in 1982, by my 3rd year i had made very similar joining plugs, an old tradesperson showed me this trick. Except mine were made the to suit the length of the blocks, so a short, medium and long rod, the longer rods had multiple holes thru them. I am now a toolmaker in the plastic mould industry and use my blocks every other day.

Oh man, now that's really brilliant. Super cool product.

I got the hardware kit when they were first introduced. They have been extremely useful.

Stumpy, thanks for the informative video. When I placed the order for the blocks and hardware kit I found that Taylor Tools is located just outside my home town. I decided to save the $7.99 shipping charge and pick up the order at their location, then I remembered how much gas cost now!! I get 22 mpg and it's a 36 mile roundtrip, so I should have selected shipping. Oh well, at least I get to see their facility.

put all that hardware kit in a 3d printed 1x2x3 box that can be stacked perfectly with the other blocks! Maybe with some lego-style bumps so the stack interlocks for even better storage!

Good idea. As a full time machinist, I've never understood the concept behind the pattern of mostly useless holes in a 123 block. Rarely can they be used 'as is'. And they are always getting filled with chips, so they have to be blown out every time you reuse them in a setup because they are full of crap. I found a set with a single 1/2" clearance hole in the largest face, and use these the most. Since the main use of rectangular blocks is spacers between the part and the table, it makes sense to have your most common stud bolt size (for your machine table T slots) to be able to pass through one hole. Hint: don't try drilling the holes out with a 'cobalt' bit. Cobalt isn't appreciably harder than regular HSS, not that you'd notice if it lasted an extra turn when drilling something that you shouldn't be drilling. A carbide tipped masonry bit may work, but often these do not have the right sharpening geometry to penetrate metal. And drilling fully hardened predrilled holes is very hard on the corners of the bit because you've got nothing to push against, so then they overfeed and get chipped or broken right away. Carbide endmills can be nursed through the hole, but they should be used on a real milling machine, not a drill press. However, its not very cost effective to sacrifice a few carbide endmills on a single 10 dollar 123 block ;) If you've got a source of slightly used carbide endmills you can sacrifice, then it makes more sense.

I ordered a pair, one for myself and one for my machinist son as a birthday present. Cool idea and as you stated whenever possible I like to support small businesses. BTW when I first tried to order them the web site indicated they were out of stock, so I assume your video caused a flood of orders. Mine just arrived today, with the ubiquitous cause cancer sticker for California. I'm in NH so I guess that is not a problem for me.

These are a good idea. Thank you for sharing this with us! :)

Another great work-around... Another option, search online auction sites or marketplaces for machinist's tools. You can easily find affordable used sets of 1-2-3 ratio blocks made by Starrett, Lufkin, or Brown & Sharpe in all different sizes. They can be picked up for a fraction of new, and similarly priced to the less expensive non-brand versions because machining businesses have been steadily closing for the last 10 years or more now that CNC and other automated tools have taken over the industry. There are also a ton of machinist's fixtures (jigs), calipers, squares, rulers, thickness gauges, blocks, pins, and so on, that are very useful in woodworking.

That's absolutely genius! I knew you were talking about Mike from Taylor Tools. I love that company. Taytools is awesome. Love the company and what they do. THANKS MIKE!

I use 1 2 3 blocks as a bump jig in my leather crafting and encourage anyone that does leather work to do so. Have a wonderful day.

Brilliant solution. I hope Mr. Mike does well with this.

As a small business owner myself, thank you!

Yep, I have used them for 50 years. Very handy.

i remember i bought a set of the blocks without holes, plus a set of the blocks with holes on your recommendations, i feel like i recall that you didn't even explain much what the ones with holes were for but I didn't care lol,, now I'm glad I bought them and I will be sure to purchase this upgrade kit... it's this brilliant simplicity that makes it so gratifying... thanks, RD

Thank you for the video I have had nothing but good experiences with Taylor Tools, here’s another opportunity

I ordered a set of these from Taytools last week, and I am actually using them to attach dial indicators to adjust my planer and joiner. I was going to purchase two Rotocators, which would have cost me about $300, but using these blocks and a dial, I was able to precisely set my blades for under $70... Great tools.

This is some serious big brain level thinking here! I'm ordering a set right now...

As a machinist ...that is brilliant

I bought these from TayTools on your advice and got them with both the hardware kit and a pair of fence clamps that fit in the blocks’ holes. Even more problems solved.

Always interesting and useful

Great idea, great hardware pack; great video. Always valuable information. Keep 'em coming!

Love it!! Been using 123 blocks for years. I first learned about them when I worked with machinists and thought it was a great tool with a lot of value for the money. Thanks for putting up the video.

Agree. I grabbed a few copies of the hardware kit from Taylor a while back and they are invaluable for use with the 1-2-3 blocks. I wish they made a large set for my 2-3-4 blocks.

Machinist here - that’s a pretty good idea. Normally our work around is to make our own 123 blocks in the Robin Renzetti pattern. Or buy some premade.

Thanks

As a measurement tool I never found much use for these blocks, just because I don't do a lot of super precision anything... But as a right angle jig they are indispensable! This setup looks even better than the 1/4-20 nonsense I hooked up lol. Thanks for the info, I'm going to go check out Taylor Tools!

You good man.

SOLD! Thanks Stumpy.

Thanks. I am no professional woodcrafter, nor machinist. However, from what I have seen on RU-vid videos (you judge that as you wish), when it comes to issues like accuracy, repeatability, and to a lesser degree safety, woodcrafters could learn much from machinists' tools. Of course, not all machinist tools do so well. For example, machinists often seek precision to 1/1000 or 1/10,000 inches, far more precise than any woodcrafter should seek. Still, graduated calipers were used in metal crafts before wood crafts, the older woodworking lathe has seen many improvements in adaptation to metalworking. One day, I may try to make a list. Thanks

I first learned about Taylor Tools through the Inspire Woodcraft channel, and they’ve quickly become an important asset! It’s a statement about the kind of people they are, that they put all the dimensions for every piece of that kit in the product description! A couple years ago, I entered the subversive underworld of home/hobby machine shop (a sickness with no known cure), and I’m fairly well armed , having a mini lathe and milling machine. Although it would be a simple matter to machine the pieces, I can’t bring myself to machine any because I believe TT should profit, however small, from their excellent idea! Being a hoarder of hobbies, I do woodworking and model building also. Having never owned a set of 1-2-3 blocks before, I didn’t realize their usefulness until I got a pair for machine work. Now, I think I have 6 sets, half of which are of the “hole-less” variety - I find them very handy building model railroad structures! Thanks for another great video! Cheers!

I have 1-2-3 blocks AND 2-4-6 blocks. There are SO many uses for them.

Been using the 1-2-3 blocks in woodworking for years. So many uses, inexpensive and pretty much indestructible.

Thank you for the links to Taylor Tool works! Just got a set of 1-2-3 blocks and the hardware kit.

Great explanation and a cool solution. I ordered a set of their basic blocks and the hardware kit. Will put them to use as soon as they arrive. Keep up the great content!

I remember using these when I worked in my Dad's machine shop in the 70s

I bought some of these earlier this year from one of your must have videos I thought. Either way, they’re great. Oily …. Really oily. But so cool

Great idea! I got 1,2,3 blocks because of a previous video. I love them in conjunction with brass spacer bars for various setups. Super useful. Will get some more blocks for use with the barrel nuts.

Thank you! Love my 1-2-3 blocks😎

Great hint mate 👍🇦🇺

There is a lot of machinist' stuff that woodworkers should learn about. Getting used to working to mere "thous" will do wonders for your woodworking.

Beautiful. Just ordered the block set with connectors

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

Looks like an old end mill sleeve. Very useful!

Great idea! Just ordered a set of blocks and the hardware, plus a few other things too :) They've got a lot of cool stuff on their website.