Issue 349
Issue 349
Spring Cleaning
Up here on the tundra, the last snowbanks are melting away in my backyard. Temperatures are such that shorts have become a possible item of apparel (while wearing a parka at times, of course), and windows long frozen shut are now able to be cranked open. And you know what that means: it’s time for shop spring cleaning.
Last Thursday was my day: I had some help, and at the end of the afternoon I was just amazed at how nice the place looked. And with the tools, jigs, drill bits, articles of clothing, cans of finish and pieces of wood that I found, it was almost like Christmas.
The downside? It is almost too clean. Last night I was going to turn some stuff on the lathe, and the thought of all the chips and sawdust stopped me in my tracks. But fear not, few folks can embrace clutter like yours truly. This evening will see the sawdust flying and my pristine shop will become a fond memory. But I will have some cool turned bowls, so that’s a good tradeoff.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Feedback
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April Fool’s Reactions; Pet Shop Safety Tips; Removing Rust
We began April, of course, with the annual April Fool’s Day edition of the Woodworker’s Journal eZine.
Q & A
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Why Is Kiln-dried Better than Air-dried?
Why is wood that has been kiln dried so much more stable than wood that has been air dried?
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White Finish for Oak?
I’m building some coffee tables and I’m using quartersawn white oak and I was wondering if you could recommend a…
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Refinishing an Old Hutch?
The finish is worn in spots and cracked, so I want to refinish it.
Industry Interviews
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Affinity Tool Works: Quality Brands for Tool Users
If you’re considering buying a miter saw stand, or a rolling base for one of your woodworking machines, Affinity Tool Works may have your needs covered with a variety of product options.
What's In Store
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FastCap Remote Control Vacuum Switch
With FastCap’s new Remote Control Vacuum Switch, you can effectively move the power switch of your shop vac to the end of the hose nozzle, with no wiring required.
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Wagner Flooring Installer Package
The WFP400 Professional Flooring Installer Package from Wagner Meters is a complete flooring kit for installers.
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Shenandoah Birdcage Awl
The Shenandoah Awl, from Shenandoah Toolworks, is a birdcage awl with a shaft hand-forged and twisted from 01 steel with a Rockwell hardness of 62.
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Rockler Shutter System
The Rockler Shutter System is an all-inclusive line of specialized jigs, hardware, stock, and an online design wizard that creates custom step-by-step plans.
Today's Woodworker
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Patrick Dougherty: Working with Wood for Stick Sculptures
While Patrick Dougherty says he “works with wood constantly, I usually think of it as a sapling, or as a line with which to draw.”
Tricks of the Trade
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Epoxy Hole Fillers
Often times I have wood with a crack, knot or hole (worm wood) and I fill it using 5 minute epoxy.
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Clean Surface for Glue-Ups
I glue every day in my shop, the best way I have found is to use Melamine counter tops and flat stock PVC for setting your glue-ups on.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Yellow Wood Jewelry Case
I built this Jewelry case for my daughter on her 21st birthday, it is made from a combination of a Yellow Wood frame with Rhodesian Teak inlays.
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Chippendale Stool
This is a reproduction Chippendale stool, in solid cherry with upholstered seat. It took me roughly 20 hours per leg to shape by hand.
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Maple Bedroom Set
These are my first attempts at building any furniture. My priority was skill building, and both of these projects have brought me a long way.
