If you’re stuck with an old, dull-looking laminate countertop, you can “reface” it yourself by applying new laminate over the old. (Illustration, above). Note: This technique only works for flat rather than post-formed counters.

First, you’ll need to remove the sink. Then clean the old laminate thoroughly to get rid of grease. Next, rough up the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Then lay the new laminate using contact cement, trim it to fit, and cut the sink opening.

Have a nice weekend,
Wyatt Myers
Online Editor
Workbench Magazine

A few passes over a diamond sharpening stone will maintain a sharp cutting edge on most types of router bits. Hold the bit flat against the stone for a consistent edge.

As long as your router bits aren’t extremely dull, you can save money and avoid shop downtime by honing them yourself to maintain a sharp edge.

Carbide cutters on router bits are very hard, so you’ll need a diamond sharpening stone. A “super-fine,” or 1200-grit bench stone (about $20) is aggressive enough for honing but leaves a smooth edge (Photo, right). “Pocket” stones are also available (less than $10) that work well for bits with small cutters. The stones shown here are made by Eze-Lap (Eze-Lap.com).

Clean First – Before you begin honing, remove the guide bearing if the bit has one, and then clean the bit with pitch remover. Scrape gently with a knife to remove stubborn buildup.

Keep It Flat – Now you can begin honing by placing one cutter on the diamond stone. Hone only the faces, not the edges.

Grip the bit firmly to keep the cutter flat against the stone, and stroke it back and forth. Count your strokes as you go — 12 to 20 should be enough. Then flip the bit over, and hone the other cutter. Use the same number of strokes to ensure that the bit will stay balanced.

Pitch buildup and dull edges kept this core box bit from cutting smoothly.	After cleaning and a dozen passes over a 1200-grit diamond stone, the bit was ready for action.

Have a nice weekend,
Wyatt Myers
Online Editor
Workbench Magazine

To achieve square corners when gluing up a cabinet, I use these L-shaped corner blocks. The plywood blocks have 90° corners, so when clamped between two parts, they ensure a square joint.

To create a 90° corner on the block, start by cutting out a square on the table saw. Then, use a band saw or jig saw to complete the “L” shape of the blocks. Also cut a notch for glue relief.

Then, after clamping two case sides together for the glue-up, clamp the corner block in place between them (see Illustration, top right). Clamping two blocks into opposite corners is all it takes to square up a case.

Have a nice weekend,
Wyatt Myers
Online Editor
Workbench Magazine