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How to Cut a Blind Mortice with a Chisel | Step 7 of 55 - Beginners Woodworking

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How to Cut a Blind Mortice with a Chisel | Step 7 of 55 Part of the 55 Cuts & Joints for Beginners series. In this lesson, we’re introducing the blind mortice — a key step towards one of the most important joints in carpentry: the mortise and tenon. This is a practical skill you’ll use in real-world work, from fitting locks to building strong timber joints. 🎯 Aim of the Lesson To learn how to mark out and cut a blind mortice accurately using a chisel. 📚 What You’ll Learn What a blind mortice is and where it’s used How to mark out using a combination marking gauge How to control depth safely and accurately The difference between a bevel edge chisel and a mortise chisel How to avoid splitting and damaging the timber 🧰 Tools & Resources 🔧 Tools, PPE, and materials used in this lesson: Combination marking gauge Bevel edge chisel Mortise chisel (optional) Mallet Vice or clamps Measuring tools (rule / square) Timber (practice piece) 👉 Vie...

Silence That Squeaky Door! A Barnet Handyman's Tip

Posted by Conrad - BlueWood Handyman on

Right, so you've got a door in your Barnet home that sounds like a rusty old gate? Don't worry, I’ve dealt with plenty of those as a local handyman and qualified professional carpenter. Let me share a quick and easy fix that'll have your door gliding smoothly in no time.

Now, you might be tempted to grab a can of WD-40, but trust me, that’s a bad idea. It's great for loosening things up, but it's also a magnet for dirt and can drip everywhere, leaving a mess on your lovely carpets.

Instead, let's talk about Vaseline. Yep, the same stuff you use to keep your lips soft. Crazy, right? But hear me out. Vaseline is a fantastic lubricant for hinges. It doesn't drip, it lasts, and it’s probably already in your bathroom cabinet.

I've put together a quick video showing you exactly how to do it. Check it out:

Here's what you'll need:

  • Vaseline

  • An old cloth or paper towel

How to do it:

  1. Give it a wipe down: First, give the hinge a quick wipe with a cloth to remove any dirt or grime.

  2. Apply the Vaseline: Scoop out a small amount of Vaseline and apply it to the hinge pins.

  3. Work it in: Open and close the door a few times to work the Vaseline into the hinge.

  4. Wipe up any excess: Use the cloth to clean up any excess Vaseline.

And that's it! Your door should now be as quiet as a mouse. If you need any more help, feel free to make an enquiry with BlueWood Handyman or check out our other handy tips on this blog.

Happy fixing!

Conrad | BlueWood Handyman.
Location: Barnet, UK