Scale for Bandsaw Fence

As much as I love the 16in Startrite 401e bandsaw that I’ve had for over a year now, I’m continually frustrated by the lack of a a built-in scale when it comes to setting the fence for a width of cut. Many cheaper bandsaws have them as standard, even if they’re not all that accurate. I’ve never understood why Startrite don’t include one… This has meant that, instead, I’ve either had to set the fence using a ruler before I start the saw or, for multiple cuts of varying widths, it’s often meant marking each board with a pencil line, so I do not have to switch the saw off. With its electronic brake, you can lose a lot of time in between stopping and starting a machine of this size. On the other hand, you don’t want to be putting a steel tape measure of ruler anywhere within the proximity of a continuous blade running at full speed!

In order to remedy this problem, I purchased a length of self-adhesive tape or rule, which is produced by Kreg.

Can I Play with Magnets?

Rare earth magnets are kind of the things that can have a million and one different uses in a woodworking ‘shop. You’ve probably seen them available from places like Axminster, generally sold in quantities no greater than ten. Once you’ve started using a few of them, you soon begin to realise just how beneficial they can be and that initial pack of ten doesn’t go very far at all. That’s why I’d advise you to take a look at some of the listings on eBay, where bulk packs of fifty or even one-hundred magnets can be purchased for a very reasonable sum of money. I recently stocked up on a quantity of 8mm and 10mm diameter magnets (5mm and 7mm thick, respectively) and I thought I take the time to show you what I’ve been using them for so far. Perhaps this will give you some ideas for your own workshop.