Woodturner and artisan, Mark Damron, explains how he uses CA (cyanoacrylate) glue to repair cracks, inclusions, voids, and knots during the turning process. CA glue is marketed under a variety of names including Krazy Glue and Super Glue. But don’t let this common household status convince you this glue isn’t for serious work. It is.

Mark explains how and when he turns to super-fast drying CA glue to solve problems before they become disasters. He uses CA to stabilize knots and loose bark and natural edges on his work. Mark specializes in lathe turning large and difficult pieces with lots of figure, exactly the kind of wood challenge that demands the use of CA. Mark’s technique includes the use of a CA aerosol spray accelerator, which minimizes drying time and down-time. (2 Minute Video)

Learn how to get peak performance out of your hand plane. This video overview will show you how to dismantle a typical metal bodied woodworker’s plane and then clean it, hone (fettle) the sole to optimal flatness, and then reassemble all the parts accurately and confidently. Even old or damaged planes can be repaired, adjusted, and made like new again. It’s easier than you think.

In this quick video, I discuss the parts of the handplane including the sole, mouth (or throat), handle, knob, cap iron, cap lever, cap-iron (or chip-breaker), blade, frog, and various adjustments screws. I’ll then demonstrate the easily mastered techniques that will bring new life into old planes – the same process I used to revive a once rusty and neglected, 1907 Bailey (Stanley Tool Works) #5 Jack Plane I found in a junk bin for $25. Come along for the ride, fix what’s wrong, and you’ll be planing like the pros in no time. (10 Minute Video)

Occasionally it is necessary to sharpen very badly worn and/or out of square plane irons, chisel blades or other tool edges. You could hand sharpen the edge using traditional water or oil stones, but you’ll save time doing the heavy prep work with a power grinder. The key is to make sure you do it right. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a grinding machine. Even a budget model will give you good results. In this short video clip, I’ll take a beat-up, 50 year old plane blade/iron my dad had stored on his shelf and restore a course, but accurate, approximate 25 degree hollow ground bevel in preparation for hand sharpening with japanese waterstones. Learn this time saving method. (5 Minute Video)