{"id":8876,"date":"2025-01-23T05:49:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T10:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/clever-10-second-woodworking-trick-dewalt-tools\/"},"modified":"2025-01-23T06:03:26","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T11:03:26","slug":"clever-10-second-woodworking-trick-dewalt-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/life\/crafts\/woodworking\/clever-10-second-woodworking-trick-dewalt-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"The Clever 10-Second Woodworking Trick I Use to Impress People with DeWalt Tools"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>About Stumpy Nubs<\/h2>\n<p>Stumpy Nubs (aka James Hamilton) is a woodworker, tool designer, and YouTube personality who\u2019s on a mission to make woodworking accessible to everyone. His channel is packed with tips, tricks, and tutorials that are both practical and entertaining. From making your own lumber to building heirloom-quality furniture, Stumpy\u2019s got you covered.<\/p>\n<h2>Not a Member? Apply to become a Permanent Resident of the Shining City on the Web<\/h2>\n<p>Join the iNthacity community and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for woodworking, innovation, and creativity. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Apply Now\">Apply now<\/a> to become a permanent resident of the Shining City on the Web!<\/p>\n<h2>Popular on iNthacity<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Woodworking Secrets\">Woodworking Secrets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Top Tools for Woodworkers\">Top Tools for Woodworkers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Creative Workshop Ideas\">Creative Workshop Ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now, who\u2019s ready to get back in the shop and make some magic happen?<\/p>\n<footer>\n<p>This article may contain affiliate links. Read about our affiliate policy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Affiliate Policy\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<h2>About the Author<\/h2>\n<p>This article was written by <strong>The iNthacity Team<\/strong>. We\u2019re a community of creators, innovators, and woodworking enthusiasts who believe in the power of sharing knowledge. Join us in celebrating the art of woodworking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"Become a Permanent Resident\">become a permanent resident of the Shining City on the Web<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Related Articles<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"How to Sharpen Your Tools Like a Pro\">How to Sharpen Your Tools Like a Pro<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"The Ultimate Guide to Wood Finishes\">The Ultimate Guide to Wood Finishes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\" title=\"5 Woodworking Projects for Beginners\">5 Woodworking Projects for Beginners<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s create something amazing together!<\/p>\n<p>```<\/p>\n<p>Ever wanted to make two pieces of wood fit together so perfectly it feels like magic? Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) has the ultimate hack for you. In his latest video, he breaks down a method so simple yet so satisfying that you\u2019ll be hunting for scraps in your shop just to try it out. I\u2019m talking about <strong>lap joints<\/strong>\u2014the unsung heroes of woodworking that make your projects look and feel professional. Whether you\u2019re building a dining table, a bench, or just tinkering with scraps, this technique will elevate your game and make you feel like a woodworking wizard. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n<h2>Why Lap Joints Matter<\/h2>\n<p>First, why should you care about lap joints? They\u2019re strong, they\u2019re clean, and they\u2019re versatile. Unlike just nailing two pieces of wood together (which, let\u2019s be honest, can look amateur), lap joints distribute the stress evenly across the joint, making your project sturdier and more polished. But here\u2019s the catch: lap joints can be tricky, especially if you\u2019re trying to make them look seamless. That\u2019s where Stumpy Nubs\u2019 method comes in. Follow along, and you\u2019ll never stress over lap joints again.<\/p>\n<h3>Setting Up Your Table Saw<\/h3>\n<p>Stumpy starts with a table saw, but don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t have one\u2014this method works just as well with a router table and a straight bit. If you\u2019re using a table saw, a dado stack can make the job easier, but it\u2019s not essential. A flat grind rip blade will do the trick, as long as it cuts a reasonably flat-bottomed kerf. The real secret sauce here? A little scrap of wood. This scrap must be exactly as thick as your saw blade so it fits inside the kerf perfectly. Stumpy calls this the \u201cshim,\u201d and it\u2019s your new best friend. Take the time to get this right, and you\u2019ll save it for every lap joint project in the future.<\/p>\n<h4>Measuring Blade Height the Smart Way<\/h4>\n<p>Here\u2019s where Stumpy Nubs\u2019 brilliance shines. Instead of measuring the thickness of your wood, he suggests setting the blade height by eye\u2014just below the center point of your workpiece. Make a cut on one face, flip it over, and cut the opposite face. Repeat this process, slowly raising the blade until the final pass just skims off the remaining fibers. Boom! You\u2019ve set your blade height to exactly half the thickness of your workpiece. No math, no stress, just pure woodworking intuition.<\/p>\n<h3>The Magic of the Shim<\/h3>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s talk about that shim again. It\u2019s not just a scrap of wood\u2014it\u2019s the key to precision. When you\u2019re making an end lap joint, you\u2019ll place your workpiece against the miter fence and clamp a stop block in place. But here\u2019s the trick: if you put the end of your workpiece right against the stop block, your first cut will be too far to the right because the thickness of the blade needs to be accounted for. That\u2019s where the shim comes in. Place it between the end of your workpiece and the stop block, and you\u2019re golden. Simple, right?<\/p>\n<h3>End Laps: The Basics<\/h3>\n<p>Stumpy walks us through making end lap joints first. It\u2019s as straightforward as it gets. Use one workpiece to set your stop block, then use the shim to offset the blade. Make your cuts, flip the workpiece, and repeat. The wider your blade or router bit, the fewer passes it\u2019ll take to remove the waste. Once you\u2019ve done this on both ends of your workpieces, you\u2019ll have a joint that fits like a glove. Flush edges, perfect alignment, and a whole lot of satisfaction. Who knew woodworking could feel this good?<\/p>\n<h3>Crosslaps: Leveling Up<\/h3>\n<p>Crosslaps might look intimidating, but Stumpy\u2019s method makes them a breeze. Start by marking where you want the cutout to be on your workpiece. Align the blade to the left of that line and set your stop block there. Use the shim to compensate for the blade\u2019s thickness, make your first cut, then use the mating workpiece (or a scrap of the same width) as a second shim for the second cut. Remove the waste in between, and voil\u00e0! You\u2019ve got a crosslap joint that\u2019s so precise, you\u2019ll want to show it off to everyone you know.<\/p>\n<h3>Angled Lap Joints: The Ultimate Challenge<\/h3>\n<p>Ready to take it up a notch? Stumpy shows us how to make angled lap joints, like the ones used in his dining table project. The angle he\u2019s working with is 10 degrees, so the end of the workpiece, the miter gauge, and even the stop block and shim are all set to that angle. The process is same as before, but with a slight twist\u2014literally. The angled setup ensures everything fits together seamlessly, even if you\u2019re cutting at a wonky angle. If you\u2019re using a dado stack, the process is even faster. But remember, the shim is still the star of the show. Match it to your dado stack or router bit, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n<h3>Why This Method Works Every Time<\/h3>\n<p>What makes Stumpy Nubs\u2019 method so foolproof? It\u2019s all about precision and simplicity. The shim ensures your blade or bit is always in the right place, and the stop block guarantees consistent cuts. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this technique takes the guesswork out of lap joints and leaves you with a joint that\u2019s as strong as it is beautiful. And let\u2019s be honest, who doesn\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/headlines\/lifestyle\/love-news.php\" title=\"love\">love<\/a> the feeling of a perfectly fitting joint? It\u2019s like solving a puzzle and getting that final piece to click into place. Pure magic.<\/p>\n<h2>Tools and Gear You\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n<p>Before you run off to your shop, let\u2019s talk tools. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to get started:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Table Saw or Router Table:<\/strong> Either will work, but a table saw is Stumpy\u2019s tool of choice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flat Grind Rip Blade or Dado Stack:<\/strong> A dado stack makes the job faster, but a flat grind rip blade will do the trick.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miter Gauge with Sacrificial Fence:<\/strong> Stumpy extends his fence past the blade for added stability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shim:<\/strong> This little scrap of wood is the secret to perfect lap joints.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clamps:<\/strong> To secure your stop block and workpiece in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for any of these tools, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/TedsBestWoodWorkingPlans\" title=\"Teds Woodworking Plans offer\">Teds Woodworking Plans<\/a> for some great deals. And don\u2019t forget to protect your ears! Stumpy recommends <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z4o9Jg\" title=\"ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection\">ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection<\/a>, which you can snag at a 30% discount using his promo code.<\/p>\n<h2>The Bigger Picture: Why Woodworking Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Woodworking isn\u2019t just about making stuff\u2014it\u2019s about creating something tangible, something that lasts. In a world of disposable everything, there\u2019s something deeply satisfying about crafting a piece of furniture that\u2019ll stand the test of time. Lap joints are more than just a technique; they\u2019s strong, they\u2019re clean, and they\u2019re versatile. Unlike just nailing two pieces of wood together (which, let\u2019s be honest, can look amateur), lap joints distribute the stress evenly across the joint, making your project sturdier and more polished. But here\u2019s the catch: lap joints can be tricky, especially if you\u2019re trying to make them look seamless. That\u2019s where Stumpy Nubs\u2019 method comes in. Follow along, and you\u2019ll never stress over lap joints again.<\/p>\n<h3>Setting Up Your Table Saw<\/h3>\n<p>Stumpy starts with a table saw, but don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t have one\u2014this method works just as well with a router table and a straight bit. If you\u2019re using a table saw, a dado stack can make the job easier, but it\u2019s not essential. A flat grind rip blade will do the trick, as long as it cuts a reasonably flat-bottomed kerf. The real secret sauce here? A little scrap of wood. This scrap must be exactly as thick as your saw blade so it fits inside the kerf perfectly. Stumpy calls this the \u201cshim,\u201d and it\u2019s your new best friend. Take the time to get this right, and you\u2019ll save it for every lap joint project in the future.<\/p>\n<h4>Measuring Blade Height the Smart Way<\/h4>\n<p>Here\u2019s where Stumpy Nubs\u2019 brilliance shines. Instead of measuring the thickness of your wood, he suggests setting the blade height by eye\u2014just below the center point of your workpiece. Make a cut on one face, flip it over, and cut the opposite face. Repeat this process, slowly raising the blade until the final pass just skims off the remaining fibers. Boom! You\u2019ve set your blade height to exactly half the thickness of your workpiece. No math, no stress, just pure woodworking intuition.<\/p>\n<h3>The Magic of the Shim<\/h3>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s talk about that shim again. It\u2019s not just a scrap of wood\u2014it\u2019s the key to precision. When you\u2019re making an end lap joint, you\u2019ll place your workpiece against the miter fence and clamp a stop block in place. But here\u2019s the trick: if you put the end of your workpiece right against the stop block, your first cut will be too far to the right because the thickness of the blade needs to be accounted for. That\u2019s where the shim comes in. Place it between the end of your workpiece and the stop block, and you\u2019re golden. Simple, right?<\/p>\n<h3>End Laps: The Basics<\/h3>\n<p>Stumpy walks us through making end lap joints first. It\u2019s as straightforward as it gets. Use one workpiece to set your stop block, then use the shim to offset the blade. Make your cuts, flip the workpiece, and repeat. The wider your blade or router bit, the fewer passes it\u2019ll take to remove the waste. Once you\u2019ve done this on both ends of your workpieces, you\u2019ll have a joint that fits like a glove. Flush edges, perfect alignment, and a whole lot of satisfaction. Who knew woodworking could feel this good?<\/p>\n<h3>Crosslaps: Leveling Up<\/h3>\n<p>Crosslaps might look intimidating, but Stumpy\u2019s method makes them a breeze. Start by marking where you want the cutout to be on your workpiece. Align the blade to the left of that line and set your stop block there. Use the shim to compensation for the blade\u2019s thickness, make your first cut, then use the mating workpiece (or a scrap of the same width) as a second shim for the second cut. Remove the waste in between, and voil\u00e0! You\u2019ve got a crosslap joint that\u2019s so precise, you\u2019ll want to show it off to everyone you know.<\/p>\n<h3>Angled Lap Joints: The Ultimate Challenge<\/h3>\n<p>Ready to take it up a notch? Stumpy shows us how to make angled lap joints, like the ones used in his dining table project. The angle he\u2019s working with is 10 degrees, so the end of the workpiece, the miter gauge, and even the stop block and shim are all set to that angle. The process is same as before, but with a slight twist\u2014literally. The angled setup ensures everything fits together seamlessly, even if you\u2019re cutting at a wonky angle. If you\u2019re using a dado stack, the process is even faster. But remember, the shim is still the star of the show. Match it to your dado stack or router bit, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n<h3>Why This Method Works Every Time<\/h3>\n<p>What makes Stumpy Nubs\u2019 method so foolproof? It\u2019s all about precision and simplicity. The shim ensures your blade or bit is always in the right place, and the stop block guarantees consistent cuts. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this technique takes the guesswork out of lap joints and leaves you with a joint that\u2019s as strong as it is beautiful. And let\u2019s be honest, who doesn\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/headlines\/lifestyle\/love-news.php\" title=\"love\">love<\/a> the feeling of a perfectly fitting joint? It\u2019s like solving a puzzle and getting that final piece to click into place. Pure magic.<\/p>\n<h2>Tools and Gear You\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n<p>Before you run off to your shop, let\u2019s talk tools. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to get started:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Table Saw or Router Table:<\/strong> Either will work, but a table saw is Stumpy\u2019s tool of choice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flat Grind Rip Blade or Dado Stack:<\/strong> A dado stack makes the job faster, but a flat grind rip blade will do the trick.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miter Gauge with Sacrificial Fence:<\/strong> Stumpy extends his fence past the blade for added stability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shim:<\/strong> This little scrap of wood is the secret to perfect lap joints.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clamps:<\/strong> To secure your stop block and workpiece in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re in the market for any of these tools, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/TedsBestWoodWorkingPlans\" title=\"Teds Woodworking Plans offer\">Teds Woodworking Plans<\/a> for some great deals. And don\u2019t forget to protect your ears! Stumpy recommends <strong>Wait!<\/strong> There's more...check out our gripping short story that continues the journey:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/fiction\/archibald-stumpy-nubs-shimmer-frame-innovation-woodworking\/\" title=\"Read the source article: \"Shimmer Frame\">Shimmer Frame<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/fiction\/archibald-stumpy-nubs-shimmer-frame-innovation-woodworking\/\" title=\"Shimmer Frame Backdrop\"><img  title=\"\"  alt=\"story_1737630169_file The Clever 10-Second Woodworking Trick I Use to Impress People with DeWalt Tools\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/story_1737630169_file.jpeg\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n<p>Stumpy Nubs teaches a simple yet satisfying method for mastering lap joints, the unsung heroes of woodworking. Using a table saw, a dado stack, and a cleverly crafted shim, you can create strong, precise joints for projects like dining tables and benches. No measuring stress\u2014just intelligent setups to ensure flush edges and perfect alignment. This technique elevates your woodworking game, making even angled joints a breeze. Start crafting with confidence and precision.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8875,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1686],"tags":[1687,1688],"class_list":["post-8876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-woodworking","tag-crafts","tag-woodworking"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/feature_image_1737629390.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}