Tips for Restocking Shop Consumables

Skill Builder Video

Tips for Restocking Shop Consumables - Video Transcript

Chris Marshall: Every task in woodworking goes more smoothly if you're prepared, that's why it's a good idea to take a break from building every now and then to stock up on those supplies that you're going to need for almost every project. Whether you're sanding, doing a glue up, applying finish or even cleaning your bits and blades, there are supplies here that you're going to need for almost everything you build and Rockler can help.

Hi folks I'm Chris Marshall with Woodworker's Journal Magazine and today I'd like to share with you some of those consumable supplies that I like to have on hand to help me get jobs done right in the shop and to help me prevent having to stop and make a shopping trip in the middle of my project. I've been using Rockler silicon glue applicators for years, particularly these glue brushes. Silicon makes these accessories easy to clean because glue won't stick to it. When you're through just wash them out or wait for the glue to dry and peel it off. These spreaders, various shaped paddles, and silicon glue trays will help too, whether you're spreading glue over a broad surface, a tenon or into the tightest spot.

I tend to buy my glue in gallon size jugs to save money and trips to the home center. These 8 and 16-ounce refillable glue bottles allow me to pour off a smaller amount from the big jug that's easier to manage.

Now sandpaper, even the good stuff is always going to be expendable but to me, even the mid-priced paperback sandpaper often seems to wear out faster than it should. Well, 3M's pro-grade precision Ultraflex sandpaper is truly different. It's covered with a high-quality synthetic grit that you can use wet or dry and the sheets are perforated so you don't have to cut it. Here's the unique thing, the abrasive isn't paper backed. Instead, it has this flexible rubbery film backing that stretches so you can wrap it around a sanding block, a dowel or even your finger without it tearing and that according to 3M is what should help it last up to 15 times longer than regular paperback sandpaper. It comes in 100, 150 and 220 grits for general surface prep and 320 grit for sanding between coats of finish.

While we're on the subject of sanding, be sure to wear a good dust respirator like the soft seal respirators from Rockler. They have two straps to fit around your head securely plus a silicon seal that goes all the way around the inside of the mask for better comfort. NIOSH rated at N95, these masks will protect your lungs from the dust you can see as well as the invisible dust that's floating in the air. It's a hassle cleaning sticky finish off of your fingers after applying every coat, so save yourself some cleanup time and wear some disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves like these come in medium, large and extra-large sizes to fit most everyone's hands. They're surprisingly economical and if I'm careful I can often finish an entire project using just one pair of gloves.

If you want your bits and blades to cut more cleanly and last longer, sooner or later you're going to stop and clean off the burned on resin deposits.

Rockler sells a bit and blade cleaning kit that comes with two leaded containers, a quarter of this citrus-based reusable pitch and resin remover that works really well and a brass cleaning brush. Eventually, your bits and blades are going chip and dull and cleaning won't be enough and at that point, you'll have to replace them. When that time comes, be sure to remember Rockler for top-quality carbide cutters. For example, here's a set of three router bits no woodworker should be without. It comes with a half inch diameter straight bit, a piloted half inch radius Cove bit and a piloted half inch radius round over beading bit.

Consumables like these are necessary and helpful part of woodworking, so be sure to keep a supply on hand to help you get ready for each new project. I'm Chris Marshall with Woodworker's Journal Magazine and thanks for watching.