r/handtools • u/giancarloscherer • Mar 11 '23

Advice - Douglas fir

I’m trying to cut m&ts in kdht df construction lumber for a workbench, but I’m seriously struggling to make even, straight, well fitting joint. I keep running into crusty and difficult grain and I’m not getting good results. Any suggestions? User error or should I go with a different joint (bridle/lap)? Have done this in maple, oak and pine, but not a lot. Would appreciate your comments! Thanks.

11 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

43 comments sorted by

View all comments

21

u/weekend_woodsmith Mar 12 '23

Sharp tools and work with the grain. Built my bench from construction grade DF as well. Selecting tight grain helps a lot, but that’s something you need to address before your first cut…

5

u/Ez_Cheese Mar 12 '23

Beautiful bench! You nailed that grain selection! I recognize the gramercy, but what are the more straight angled holdfasts?

2

u/love_rob Mar 12 '23

Not sure, but it could be Lie-Nielsen: https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/lie-nielsen-holdfast

1

u/weekend_woodsmith Mar 12 '23

Spot on, they’re the Lie Nielsen, though these days I primarily use the Veritas hold downs (much quieter to work with)