Officially Fall

Despite what the calendar might say, Labor Day marks the beginning of fall in Johnstone Land. Sartorially, I’ve put away my white shoes and pulled my flannels out of the cedar closet. My mind turns to fall activities as soon as I get the back-to-school pictures of my grandkids. (Here in Minnesota the first day of school is traditionally the Tuesday after Labor Day.)

Some of those activities are not my favorite. Raking up millions of bags worth of leaves and preparing the house for cold weather are just two. Others — like trips afield with my dogs and traveling across the Midwest — are things I love.

And the best thing of all in the fall is woodworking. Low humidity and cool temperatures make it pleasant to be in the shop. I can open the doors to the outside and not let in mosquitos but have tons of fresh air. Fall is my go-to woodworking season by far.

So, with that in mind, see you in the shop!

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal

Spinning Turned Tops

Ernie Conover explores two different styles of spinning top toy that you can make on your lathe, including one that’s super powered!

Low-cost Floor Joist Light Bracket

Here’s a reader’s tip that gives you an easy (and inexpensive) way to hang your workshop lights from the ceiling.

Premium Project: Lathe Tool Sharpening Station

Roll your sharpener and a full collection of turning tools closer to where the action is! This project is free for magazine subscribers!

Premium Project: Downdraft Sanding Cart

This downdraft table is designed around specialty panels that hold your wood steady and protect it while sanding.This project is free for magazine subscribers!

From Our Sponsor

Every woodworker would like to have more workshop space. A large space is nice for many reasons, but you actually don’t need a large space to set up an effective shop.