Old Growth Timber
Rick Choate sent in an addendum to Michael Dresdner’s comments on tree growth in milder climates. According to Rick, in regions having long growing seasons, more than one annual ring can be added to both fast- and slow-growing trees. Harsh or long winters shorten the growth period in northern climes, but it’s the lack of rain that determines growth in the southwestern United States.
Bob Wiggins and Bud Franco liked the article on Repairing Chips in Dresser or Table Tops, and Bob also complimented our experts’ response on Old Growth Timber. At 74 years young, Bob tells us he’s still interested in learning interesting facts on wood and wood-related items. Noting Jesus’s close relationship to woodworking, he prays there’ll be woodworking in heaven!
Dentil Molding
The information provided by our experts seemed more like a book promotion than an answer to John Wright. He’d prefer a brief description or sketch of the method requested.
Long-term Tool Storage
Though WD-40 is often used as a lubricant, Rocky Del Mar saw on a TV documentary that it was originally developed as a water dispersant for preserving metal parts on Navy planes. To Rocky, this makes it an obvious choice for long-term tool storage.
While oil is a good protector, noted George Lathbury, it may evaporate in spots and leave rust. So he suggested paraffin, which can be heated and applied with a throwaway brush. Later it can be scraped off with a Teflon spatula (to keep from scratching), a straight and not rusted 4″ or 6″ broad knife/sheetrock mud knife, or a razor-sharp scraper.
Ian Kirby: Keeping the Ideals of Arts and Crafts Alive
Looking forward to the appearance of Ian Kirby’s web site this year, Chris Haberland wanted to voice his commendation and appreciation of Ian’s expertise, art, and dedication to the history and professionalism of woodworking.
Reducing Shop Noise
A reader described his own concern for fuel-air explosions. He noted that almost any fine powder in the air such as flour, metal, or wood would ignite almost instantly given an ignition point. That’s why he turns off his electric heater and lets the coil cool before he begins any woodworking.
