The Woodrat thread

[MickCheese]

It seems my Woodrat question has whetted the appetite of some for further discussion on the Woodrat in general so thought I would kick off with a new general thread.

I have only just bought mine from eBay and ordered some genuine Woodrat cutters that are on way.

I have found some really good reference material on the net.

So

What do you know?

Mick

 

[Harbo]

Aldel's web page is a must

http://www.aldel.co.uk/Contents.htm

Rod

 

[marcros]

Have you got it home yet?

 

[MickCheese]

I have got it home and it's fixed to the wall of my workshop. Have fitted a straight half inch cutter and made loads of mess so far.

But intend to play with it in anger over the next few days as I am off work until the weekend.

I really need to get at it with a square to make sure all is right.

I found the PDF by Mike Humphrey very good and he does courses.

ftp://ftp.meekings.net/WoodRat/Mike_Humphreys_tutorial.pdf

Mick

 

[dm65]

Out of interest MickCheese, what will you primarily be using the rat for ?

If dovetailing, what is it replacing ?

 

[MickCheese]

I want to use it for dovetails and other joints.

It replaces hand cut joints.

Mick

 

[DonJohnson]

I looked at the excellent Woodrat videos and could see how well the system worked, but - unless I have misunderstood something basic - does it not depend upon a reference point being aligned with a pencil mark, with the ever-present possibility of not getting it quite 'spot-on'.

Other joint systems with metal or plastic guides have the accuracy built into the guides so it would appear to be impossible to go wrong.

I have not used a Woodrat so I may be totally mistaken, but as the OP seemed to be inviting discussion of the system, this is my two penn'orth :shock:

 

[marcros]

pencil lines have been used for generations!

 

[MickCheese]

As a novice user I am interested in all views. But my limited experience suggests the pencil method is in fact a bonus rather than a hindrance. It seems to give me more flexibility and the result does look like really good hand made joints.

Mick

 

[DonJohnson]

So, minor imperfections hide the fact that the joints are made using a jig ? :wink:

 

[Harbo]

The pencil marks enable you to get it spot on - we are talking about woodwork not metalworking to thous of an inch?

Rod

 

[MickCheese]

Don

I think what I was trying to say was that you can use a non symmetrical spacing for dovetails with much finer tails that cannot be achieved with other jigs.

The standard jigs have very fixed spacing that always look machine made.

Mick

 

[dm65]

What do you think of the woodrat so far then Mick ?

 

[custard]

The pencil line, especially as used on a Woodrat, is not a barrier to working to the highest levels of woodworking precision. Think of it as closer to a vernier than some half inch thick chippy's pencil!

 

[MickCheese]

What do you think of the woodrat so far then Mick ?

Well I have not really used it in anger yet just played with it but my intention is to get into the workshop today.

I have a small box in mind to hold all the bits and bobs so would be a good start.

Am going to try to use up some reclaimed oak from old kitchen doors.

Mick

 

[dm65]

Thanks Mick - love to know your thoughts as I was watching videos again last night and swung towards Leigh again (I know its limited to dovetails, but it does look ever so good)

 

[dm65]

Decision made, not the Leigh, nor the Woodrat - gonna get one of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyXFE_biEwc

 

[Eric The Viking]

Decision made, not the Leigh, nor the Woodrat - gonna get one of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyXFE_biEwc

This is still my favourite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjSjCtjnom8

 

[maltrout512]

Decision made, not the Leigh, nor the Woodrat - gonna get one of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyXFE_biEwc

This is still my favourite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjSjCtjnom8

Here's his elder brother splitting logs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bVAAx3mMKY&list=PLB5C316CF3C9DC21B

 

[marcros]

I didnt mention it before, but remembered last night one of the most common uses of my woodrat- shooting the ends of boards square and level. I did it on some table legs last night, but it is so quick and easy to setup that it rivals a shooting board!