My backing press gave out right in the middle of a big job yesterday

The wooden screw just split after I'd already rounded the spines on a set of six. Had to finish the last two by hand with a hammer and a piece of scrap leather. Anyone have a good fix for a stripped screw, or is it time to just build a new one?

3 comments

3 Comments

claire_grant3411d ago

Is there a special law of the universe that says tools only break when you're halfway through something you can't stop? Sounds like that scrap leather hammer method was the real test. If the wood is split, you might be able to glue and clamp it and then drill out for a metal insert, but honestly, after rounding six spines by hand, you've probably earned a new press.

jamieb8011d ago

Murphy's law for sure. My drill press quit right when I was making a jig last month, and the only thing open was an hour away. Glue and clamps are a good save, but after all that hand work, a new press sounds like the right move. You've put in the time.

cole54911d agoTop Commenter

Yeah, that glue and clamp trick is a lifesaver, like claire_grant34 said. I had a split in a table leg once and just flooded it with wood glue, clamped it for a full day, and it's still solid. Honestly, after all that hand work, buying a new press is just saving your future sanity.