The Handy Shop Reference: Useful Facts and Figures for Every Woodworker

by Tom Begnal

Overview

Find fast answers to woodworking questions! From fasteners to finishing, angles to adhesives, this portable guide is packed with helpful charts, lists and illustrations to move your woodworking projects along. Need to compute an odd joint angle, select appropriate hardware, or pick the right finish for a project? You can consult this book for solutions to those dilemmas and many more. It's the ideal size to stash in a toolbox or bench top, where you will refer to it again and again.

FEATURES

 • Dozens of charts and lists providing key woodworking facts, figures and formulas at a glance
 • Clear, quick-reference illustrations of angles, joints, mouldings, fasteners and more
 • Demystifies woodworking math, including conversions and geometry
 • Portable, durable format perfect for hands-on use in the shop

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440354809
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/11/2018
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	201,173
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.70(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

WOODWORKING MATH

BASIC GEOMETRY FOR WOODWORKERS

An understanding of basic geometry is useful to woodworkers. Indeed, when you consider that every woodworking project is made from parts that form straight lines, curved lines or a combination of the two, it is clear that geometry is very much a part of the workshop.

Angles

The space between two lines that meet is called an angle. An angle is usually measured in degrees.

Polygons

A polygon is a closed plane figure that has three or more sides and angles. A polygon with all angles equal and all equal-length sides is called a regular polygon. Some of the common polygons are:

Triangles

A triangle is a polygon with three sides and three angles. The sum of the three angles is always 180°.

Quadrilaterals

A quadrilateral is a polygon that has four sides and four angles. The sum of the four angles is always 360°.

Circles

A circle is a closed curve, with all points on the curve equally distant from the center.

Area Formulas

Area is a measure of the amount of surface of an object. Square units of measurement (square inches, square feet, square millimeters, square meters, etc.) are used to describe area.

Perimeter Formulas

Perimeter is the distance around the outside of a geometric figure.

Circumference Formula

The circumference is the distance around a circle.

Solving Right Triangles

Right triangles (triangles with one angle at 90°) are found in many woodworking designs, so the ability to solve these triangles is very helpful when designing or building many types of projects. Solving a right triangle enables you to determine the angles and the lengths of the sides.

Using the formulas that follow, you can determine the unknown sides of a right triangle if you know one of the angles (other than the 90° angle) and the length of one side. You can also determine the unknown angles of a right triangle if you know the length of at least two of the sides.

In some cases it might be necessary to use two of the formulas to get the answer you need. The first formula solves for an unknown side or angle. Then the new information is applied to a second formula that can provide the final answer.

Keep in mind that when the location of the unknown angle (A) changes, the locations of sides B and C also change as shown below.

Finally, remember that the three angles in a triangle always equal 180°. If you know one of the angles (other than the 90° angle), you can get the unknown angle using the formula: 180 - (90 + known angle).

Solving Right Triangles When Two Sides Are Known

Once the angle function (A) is determined, convert the number to the corresponding angle.

How to Draw an Ellipse

Various methods are used to create an ellipse. The method shown here, often called the trammel method, is relatively simple and you can use it to make an ellipse of just about any size.

U.S. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Length

1 mil = .001 inch

1000 mils = 1 inch = .08333 foot

12 inches = 1 foot = .33333 yard

3 feet = 1 yard = 36 inches

5 ½ yards = 1 rod = 16 ½ feet

Square Measure (Area)

1 square inch = .00694 square foot = .00077 square yard

144 square inches = 1 square foot = .11111 square yard

9 square feet = 1 square yard = 1296 square inches

30 ¼ square yards = 1 square rod = .00625 acre

Cubic Measure (Volume)

1 cubic inch = .00058 cubic foot = .00002 cubic yard

1728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot = .0370 cubic yard

27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard = 46,656 cubic inches

128 cubic feet = 1 cord = 4.736 cubic yards

Capacity — Liquid Measure

60 minims = 1 fluidram = .22559 cubic inch

8 fluidrams = 1 fluid ounce = 1.80469 cubic inches

4 fluid ounces = 1 gill = 7.21875 cubic inches

4 gills = 1 pint = 28.875 cubic inches

2 pints = 1 quart = 57.75 cubic inches

4 quarts = 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches

31 ½ gallons = 1 barrel = 7277 cubic inches

Capacity — Dry Measure

1 pint = ½ quart = 33.6 cubic inches

2 pints = 1 quart = 67.2 cubic inches

8 quarts = 1 peck = 537.6 cubic inches

4 pecks = 1 bushel = 2150 cubic inches

Weight (Avoirdupois)

27.344 grains = 1 dram = .0625 ounce

16 drams = 1 ounce = 437.5 grains

16 ounces = 1 pound = 7000 grains

25 pounds = 1 quarter = 400 ounces

100 pounds = 1 short hundredweight = .05 short ton

112 pounds = 1 long hundredweight = .05 long ton

20 short hundredweight = 1 short ton = 2000 pounds

20 long hundredweight = 1 long ton = 2240 pounds

METRIC WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Length

1 millimeter = .001 meter

10 millimeters = 1 centimeter = .01 meter

10 centimeters = 1 decimeter = .10 meter

10 decimeters = 1 meter

10 meters = 1 decameter

10 dekameters = 1 hectometer = 100 meters

10 hectometers = 1 kilometer = 1000 meters

Square Measure (Area)

100 square millimeters = 1 square centimeter = .0001 square meter

100 square centimeters = 1 square decimeter = .01 square meter

100 square decimeters = 1 square meter

100 square meters = 1 square decameter

100 square decameters = 1 square hectometer = 10,000 square meters

Cubic Measure (Volume)

1000 cubic millimeters = 1 cubic centimeter = .000001 cubic meter

1000 cubic centimeters = 1 cubic decimeter = .001 cubic meter

1000 cubic decimeters = 1 cubic meter

Capacity

10 milliliters = 1 centiliter = .01 liter

10 centiliters = 1 deciliter = .10 liter

10 deciliters = 1 liter

10 liters = 1 dekaliter

10 dekaliters = 1 hectoliter = 100 liters

10 hectoliters = 1 kiloliter = 1000 liters

Weight

10 milligrams = 1 centigram = .01 gram

10 centigrams = 1 decigram = .10 gram

10 decigrams = 1 gram

10 grams = 1 dekagram

10 dekagrams = 1 hectogram = 100 grams

10 hectograms = 1 kilogram = 1000 grams

100 kilograms = 1 quintal = 100,000 grams

10 quintals = 1 ton = 1,000,000 grams

U.S. EQUIVALENTS AND METRICS

Length

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters = 2.54 centimeters = .0254 meter

1 foot = 304.80 millimeters = 30.48 centimeters = .3048 meter

1 yard = 914.40 millimeters = 91.44 centimeters = .9144 meter

1 millimeter = .03937 inch = .00328083 foot = .00109361 yard

1 centimeter = .39370 inch = .03280830 foot = .01093610 yard

1 meter = 39.37 inches = 3.28083 feet = 1.093611 yards

Square Measure (Area)

1 square inch = 645.16 square millimeters = 6.4516 square centimeters = .00064516 square meter

1 square foot = 92,903 square millimeters = 929.03 square centimeters = .092903 square meter

1 square yard = 836,127 square millimeters = 8361.27 square centimeters = .836127 square meter

1 square millimeter = .0015499 square inch

1 square centimeter = .154999 square inch = .001076 square foot

1 square meter = 1549.99 square inches = 10.7638 square feet = 1.19599 square yards

Cubic Measure (Volume)

1 cubic inch = 16,387 cubic millimeters = 16.3871 cubic centimeters

1 cubic foot = 28,317 cubic centimeters = .0283168 cubic meter

1 cubic yard = .7645548 cubic meter

1 cubic millimeter = .000061 cubic inch

1 cubic centimeter = .06102 cubic inch

1 cubic meter = 35.314 cubic feet = 1.3079 cubic yards

Capacity

1 minim = .061610 milliliter = .0000616 liter

1 fluidram = 3.6967 milliliters = .0036967 liter

1 fluid ounce = 29.5729 milliliters = .0295729 liter

1 gill = 118.294 milliliters = .118294 liter

1 pint (liquid) = 473.176 milliliters = .473176 liter

1 quart (liquid) = 946.35 milliliters = .94635 liter

1 gallon (liquid) = 3785.4 milliliters = 3.7854 liters

1 milliliter = .27 fluidram = .06102 cubic inch

1 centiliter = .338 fluid ounce = .61020 cubic inch

1 deciliter = .21 pint (liquid) = 6.1020 cubic inches

1 liter = .057 quarts (liquid) = 61.020 cubic inches

1 dekaliter = 2.64 gallons (liquid) = 610.24 cubic inches

Weight

1 grain = .0648 gram

1 dram (avoirdupois) = 1.77185 grams

1 ounce (avoirdupois) = 28.3495 grams

1 pound (avoirdupois) = .4536 kilogram

1 short hundredweight = 45.359 kilograms

1 long hundredweight = 50.848 kilograms

1 short ton = .90718 metric ton

1 long ton = 1.0161 metric tons

CONVERSION TABLE

Note: British Imperial System measure (liquid and dry measure) is not shown. The British Imperial System gallon equals 1.2009 U.S. gallons.

MITER ANGLES FOR POLYGONS

(When All Sides Are Equal Length)

For polygons not shown, use the Miter Angle Formula on page 42 to calculate the angle

DETERMINING SIDE LENGTHS FOR POLYGONS

For any figure with sides of equal length, use the following formula to calculate the lengths of the sides:

A = R × C

where: A = length of side

C = constant (from Constant Chart below)

R = radius

Example: You are making an octagonal wall clock that must be 16" wide. What length do you cut each of the sides? A 16"-wide clock has a radius of 8".

A = R × C = 8 × .828 = 6.624" (use 6 5/8")

COMPOUND ANGLES

A compound angle is created by cutting a workpiece at an angle using a saw blade that is also tilted at an angle. The compound angle is commonly used to create tapered-sided boxes and containers. The tilt angle (A) of the box side is measured from a vertical line. Compound angles can be cut on the table saw or the radial-arm saw. Keep in mind, however, that saw gauges are notoriously inaccurate, so it's always best to make test-cuts on scrap stock.

The saw blade angle (B) is measured from a vertical line for both the table saw and radial-arm saw. The angle of the table saw miter gauge (C) is measured from a line perpendicular to the saw blade. The angle of the radial-arm saw (C) is measured from a line perpendicular to the fence.

Not all manufacturers use the same points of reference when establishing the blade tilt and cutting angles shown on their saw gauges. Therefore, the angles marked on your saw gauge might not correspond with the angles shown in the table. To avoid confusion, always set the saw based on Angles B and C shown below.

ENLARGING GRID PATTERNS USING A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE

A photocopy machine can be a real time-saver when enlarging a grid pattern. The table on the next page requires the use of a photocopy machine that can enlarge at least 150 percent. If you don't have easy access to such a machine, your local copy center is likely to have one.

You'll need to determine the percentage of enlargement before you can use the table. To determine the percentage of enlargement:

1. Determine the desired full-size length of the pattern.

2. Measure the length of the pattern on the grid.

3. Divide the desired full-size length by the measured length of pattern on the grid, then multiply by 100.

Example: Plans for a hutch cupboard show a grid pattern for a curved bracket foot. The full-size curve must measure 6" long. On the pattern, the curve measures 1 7/8" long. How much must the curve be enlarged to produce a full-size pattern?

Percentage of enlargement = desired full-size length/measured length of pattern on grid × 100

= 6/1 7/8 × 100 = 3.2 × 100 = 320 percent

Once the percentage of enlargement is known, the table on the next two pages details how to enlarge the pattern using a photocopier.

CIRCLE TEMPLATES AROUND THE HOUSE

Looking for a circle template? As shown here, the template you need might be in your kitchen cupboard, workshop cabinet or even your pants pocket. Note: These products may no longer be available or may be different sizes.

CHAPTER 2

FURNITURE DESIGN

GENERAL RULES FOR JOINERY DESIGN

A number of general rules, or rules of thumb, apply to the design of woodworking joints. Although they work just fine for most applications, keep in mind that these rules are not absolute, so there will be occasional exceptions.

Mortise-and-Tenon Joints

• When the mating parts are the same thickness, make the tenon about one-third the stock thickness.

• When cutting a blind mortise and tenon, make the mortise 1/16" to 1/8" deeper than the tenon length. The added space provides room for any excess glue to collect, allowing the joint to fully close when clamp pressure is applied.

Dovetails

• The dovetail angle affects both strength and appearance. Avoid a dovetail angle of less than 7° because the resulting joint offers minimal locking strength. Also, avoid a dovetail angle that's more than 14° as the resulting short-grain edges are more likely to shear off if the joint is heavily stressed. Any angle between 9° and 11° offers good strength and appearance. A 7° angle produces an attractive dovetail, but is a good choice only when a joint is subjected to little stress. Since dovetail angles are often specified as slopes, the chart below lists common dovetail angles and their approximate slopes.

Dowel Joints

• Use a dowel diameter that's between one-third and one-half the stock thickness (for example use a ¼", 5/16" or 3/8"-diameter dowel for ¾"-thick stock).

• When boring dowel holes, add 1/16" clearance at each end to allow for excess glue.

• When using dowels to help align edge-to-edge joints, space the dowels 8" to 12" apart.

Lap Joints

• When the mating parts are the same thickness, the lap should be one-half the stock thickness.

Nail Joints

• When nailing a thinner piece to a thicker piece, the nail length should be about three times the thickness of the thinner piece. Example: Use a 2 ¼"-long nail to attach a piece of ¾"-thick stock to a piece of 3 ½"-thick stock.

• When both parts are about the same thickness, the nail length should be 1/8" to ¼" less than the combined thicknesses of the parts. Example: Use a 2 ¾"-long nail to join two pieces of 1 ½"-thick stock.

• When nailing near the end of a board, drill pilot holes to prevent the stock from splitting. The pilot hole diameter should be about 75 percent of the nail diameter and bored to a depth of about two-thirds the nail length.

Screw Joints

• About two-thirds of the screw (or the entire thread length) should enter the mating piece.

• When both parts are about the same thickness, the screw length should be 1/8" to ¼" less than the combined thicknesses of the parts. Example: Use a 1 5/8"-long screw when joining a ¾"-thick piece to a 1"-thick piece.

STANDARD FURNITURE DIMENSIONS

Most chairs, dining tables and desktops are designed for average-size adults.

The illustrations that follow show the standard sizes for a variety of furniture pieces.

Chairs

Chairs can vary considerably in size, shape, style and utility. Chair seats can be square or rectangular, but just as often they are wider in the front than in the back.

Dining Tables

The standard dimensions shown here apply to square, rectangular and round dining tables.

Other Tables

Many tables are designed for a specific use in the home. Dimensions for some of the more common ones are shown here.

Desks

The dimensions of desktops can vary widely, so use the length and width figures shown only as a general guide. However, the desk height dimension is based on what is considered a comfortable working height for most people, so you should adhere to it pretty closely.

Beds

The length and width dimensions represent the distances measured to the inside of the frame. The figures are based on the standard dimensions for twin, double, queen- and king-size beds.

Shelves

When determining shelf heights, keep in mind that you should be able to reach items on a shelf without having to use a stepstool or standing on your toes. The range of heights shown here takes into account the fact that all people are not the same height. If the shelves are to be regularly used by someone under 5'6" tall, use the lower figures.

Workbenches

Workbench widths and lengths are not standardized. That's because individual needs and the available space in the workshop are likely to determine the best benchtop size. Commercial bench manufacturers understand this. Indeed, you'll find that commercial benches range from a compact 16" × 36" to a substantial 24" × 90", with a range of sizes in between. My bench, which I find to be a useful size for my shop, measures 30" × 60".

While benchtop sizes are widely variable, workbench heights are another matter. A workbench should be at a height that you'll find comfortable for planing, sawing, sanding and other woodworking operations. Commercial benches range in height from 33" to 35". However, if you plan to make a bench for your own use, you'll have the luxury of building it to a height that's best suited for your size.

You can pretty closely determine the workbench height that's best suited for your size by standing straight with your arms hanging down at your sides. Turn the palms of your hands so they are parallel to the floor, then measure the distance from the floor to your palms. For most woodworkers, this method results in a comfortable bench height for most operations.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinet dimensions have been standardized to ensure maximum convenience. Most kitchen appliances are designed for use with these standard sizes.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The Handy Shop Reference"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Tom Begnal.
Excerpted by permission of F+W Media, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Introduction, 8,
Chapter One WOODWORKING MATH, 10,
Chapter Two FURNITURE DESIGN, 50,
Chapter Three WOOD, 80,
Chapter Four MANUFACTURED WOODS, 120,
Chapter Five ADHESIVES, 140,
Chapter Six TOOLS, 148,
Chapter Seven SHARPENING, 166,
Chapter Eight FASTENERS, 172,
Chapter Nine FINISHING, 190,
Chapter Ten SAFETY, 200,
Index, 216,
About the Author, 222,
Acknowledgements, 223,