So have you ever come across something called a "jeu de forets et de mèches"? Well, it may sound familiar like part of some random space movie or science fiction novel but this is actually a pretty useful tool that people use for woodworking since the very early days. Here, in this article, we are going to learn what is a brace and bit tool, how does it work and in what kind of woodworking projects you could use them to create some amazing holds.
The brace handle turns in such a way that it causes the bit to spin around. As soon as the sharp tip of the bit comes in contact with the wood, it begins to penetrate. So, there we go — this is how you drill holes in wood! You control with the speed you turn the handle how quickly and how deeply your bit cuts into the surface. It may take a little muscle and concentration, but when used based on all of its power the brace and bit is an effective tool.
Step 1 — Choose the Correct Bit for Your Task There are countless varieties of bits, and each is designed to cut or drill in a specific manner. Some bits work for making small holes and others are used for creating large holes-take a dowel screw,for instance. Check the bit is appropriate before performing your work.
And with that, let's begin to drill! Grab the brace like you would hold a doorknob. You need a good grip on it. After that, turn the handle gently to get the bit spinning. After getting the bit seated nicely in the wood, you can start to turn the handle faster so that it cuts more quickly. Continue to crank the handle until the bit has sliced as deep as you'd like. Just take your time and be careful!
You can do some creative stuff with the jeu de forets et de forets in terms of designs and patterns out on your woodworking project. You could, for instance, drill a row of perforations very close to one another and cover an entire cutting board in this texture. Or use a succession of bigger bits to create a gorgeous collection of nesting dishes. There are infinite possibilities and you can go wild with your imagination!
The brace and bit is nearly a few hundred years old, and yet it remains an endearing tool that many contemporary woodworking enthusiasts enjoy using. What can also be satisfying is how it slices through wood. We are reminded of the love and art put into beautiful, artisanal goods.
Though shorter, it is far from dead; the brace and bit remains among the most prized of tools. It is a glimpse of generations that have come before and the traditions and skills that have been repeated through time. The brace and bit is more than just a tool to create things, it is also a way of reaching into the past and birthing woodworking as an art form.