In case you’re taking the week off between Christmas and New Year’s, you’re in luck! The February print issue of Woodworker’s Journal is on its way and should arrive while you’re enjoying the holiday respite. We’ll help fill that free time with some fresh woodworking goodness! Here’s the inside scoop on what we think is a great new issue.
Four Solid Projects: Ian Kirby presents a stylish Dinette Set that should fit neatly into a smaller kitchen or breakfast nook. He’s keeping the lumber budget affordable here, using longleaf pine instead of more costly hardwood alternatives. Butt joints, glue and screws will keep this project straightforward to build, as well. Or, you can work off some of those holiday calories building Frank Grant’s Sharpening Cart—a clever unit for sharpening all of your turning tools. It features a three-drawer cabinet, metal worksurface and two tip-out racks for keeping those gouges and chisels within easy reach. And, Kenneth Minnaert builds a handsome Weekend Tambour Gift Box from contrasting wood scraps. It presents itself as well as any gift you’ll hide inside it! All three projects include measured drawings and step-by-steps to help you along.
Tools Aplenty: I’m rolling out the heavy metal this time (at least two ton’s worth!) with our first full-blown cabinet saw review in seven years. I’ll show you the latest safety features and other goodies on ten of today’s leading 3hp saws and pick a “Best Bet” winner—sorry, you’ll have to wait for your issue to see who wins! Rob Johnstone also managed to nab a brand new router coming to market from Bosch, and he’ll show it to you before you’ll see it anywhere else. It looks very promising indeed.
Building Skills, Reducing Shop Stress: Want to learn why staining plywood seems to ruin its curb appeal sometimes? Rob will explain why stain might not actually be the problem in this issue’s “Finishing Thoughts.” He’ll also explain the virtues (and velocity!) of applying friction finishes to your turnings in our “Woodturning” department. If you’re tired of losing your cool in the shop about those little pesky problems that need better answers, Sandor Nagyszalanczy offers his advise in “Taming Shop Annoyances.” Our “Skill Builder” series for 2010 focuses on hand tool use, and this issue addresses the venerable hand plane—a tool with many and varied talents. Read about them in the print issue, then follow our “More On The Web” link online to learn even more.
Other Great Content: Of course, you’ll find the regular departments you’ve come to expect from us, including “Letters,” “Tricks of the Trade,” “Stumpers,” “What’s In Store,” “Q&A,” “Shop Talk” and more. All hot off the press and ready to please for the new year.
We hope you enjoy your holiday time with family and friends. And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the new issue!
Catch you in the shop,
Chris Marshall, Field Editor
