From The Bench

I'm a bit of sucker for multi tools and have several. While I find them useful, I think some of them are a tad too big/heavy for myself to use as an EDC. I'm not much of one for carrying bags, or having my pockets full of items, so something small but still useful is very appealing to me. I recently came across the Roxon flex mini, which is small and light, but the great thing about it, is that it also allows you to build your own multi tool, via the quick release system and the extra bits you can buy. I haven't really explored the other tools extensively, as (at the time or writing) I'm happy with the set-up I have, but I also have the ability to change the tools for a specific job/trip, maybe a fishing trip as an example. This does give you some flexibility, providing you want to spend the money on the extra bits.

I thought to myself, the flex mini could be a very handy EDC, and was ticking a lot of boxes. I wanted it to be useful in and out of the shop, and my current setup seems pretty useful, although I may change it in the future. The mini comes with and extra tool bit, an all in one ruler, file, flat head screwdriver, and a mini pry bar, which I added immediately in place of the package opener. This will most likely (for myself) be used as a means, to open tins of paint/wax etc. while in the shop, and maybe a depth measure.

The screwdriver section that will accept the smaller size bits, I find really good for the simple fact that I can put in, and leave a 3mm hex key bit, that can be used to tighten the pins that join my track saw tracks together. I am forever losing and misplacing the more traditional 'L' shape hex keys, so this is a very welcome addition for this reason alone.

However I do see the importance of having a Philips bit to hand, so I used some wire shrink tube (doubled up), put the Philips bit in place on the pocket clip, and heated it with a lighter to create a pouch. I also used my nails to push the pouch in at the bottom, giving a nice snug fit. The bit stays in very firmly, and won't come out unless taken out.

The scissors are pretty good, as with my other Roxon multi tools, but admittedly the two other tools do have better scissors, because they have longer handles allowing more leverage.

The knife is a nice size which complies with UK law, however it also locks which doesn't comply. I personally think it is safer for it to lock, and I won't use a knife that doesn't lock, lessons learned when I was a kid using pen knifes, won't be learned a second time! The blade (reportedly) holds a good edge, which I can't confirm because of the lack of time I've owned the tool.

The last tool is a can open which I will use at times, and I did wrestle with leaving it in the body, but I wanted the tool to be useful in and out of the shop, and getting regular use with 4 out of 5 tools in the body is a win for me. However there could be a trade off for some people, because there is no pliers. Myself personally, I found I wasn't using the pliers very much at all on other multi tools, and I've damaged 3 in the past, and ended up getting a regular pair of pliers to do the job in the end. At some point I will inevitably wish I had some pliers on my person, I do however get a good trade off with a very small, light tool, and at times I forgot it's in my pants pocket (it's so light). Ive also got 4 of the 5 tools that will get used frequently, that are actually useful to me, all in one place, sometimes less is more! I did forgot to mention that the multi tool also has a lock, that may be desirable where young children are present, and how could I forget the toothpick and tweezers for those pesky splinters!

Anyone wishing to purchase the multi tool, you can do so here (affiliate link) that will help support the newsletter at NO cost to you. I'd also be interested in your set-up on your mini flex, which you can share by simply replying to this email, or leaving a comment if you're reading online.

Maker Spotlight

Today's highlighted piece is a beautiful hand cut dovetailed box with a piston fit, the shelf it sits on is pretty cool too both built by Luis G’ Morales. Click the image and head over to his Instagram to view his furniture.

Question Of The Week

Q. I'm planing to use some rose head nails in a large box build for the first time. Do you have any advice using this method?

Luke - France.

A. This is a good method if used correctly, and the items will last a long time. I've personally used this method several times, with the furniture still going strong. Everywhere you intend to install a nail, add a Pilot hole, use some scrap to test for a tight fit, but not so tight you split or crack the wood. When you add the nails, add them in such a way that when they are drove in making a 'V' shape very much resembling a dovetail. Much like a dovetail they work in a similar way, making a butt joint more difficult to come apart, the total opposite as if the nails were added straight. Stick with these couple of recommendations, and you won't go far wrong.

Do you have a woodworking related question? Reply to this email, or login and leave your question below. I read them all and will feature one in the next issue.

What Caught My Eye

This is a 'Christmas tree' miter joint by taku woodcraft. His videos often grab my attention because they're very well shot, and interesting. Click the image to see the video on Instagram, and I would encourage you to give him a follow, because there is some very interesting stuff on his feed.

Final Shavings

I'm currently deciding on my next project, which I think may be a foot stool, and not an Irish arm chair which I so want to make! But time restrictions are an issue at the moment.

In case you missed it, my last video (building modular drawes) can be watched here, and a podcast is available to those who are interested. You can listen on Spotify here, and Apple Podcasts  here, and watch on YouTube here.

If you’ve enjoyed this, feel free to share with someone who’d appreciate it. This will help to grow and support the newsletter.

Until next time

-David 

DW Woodworks