Issue 35
Issue 35
Be Active…Do Good
World events continue to dominate the news and our lives. To a news junkie like myself (I know all the names of NPR reporters by heart), it is only an adjustment of degree as I keep an ear to the radio and my fingers on my keyboard. In these unsettling days, many people have found themselves plastered to their favorite form of media, and that’s understandable. But let me offer some advice. (I know, I’m always offering advice…but this time it will be good!)
Don’t ignore the events of the day, but do give yourself some time away from them. Be active. If you want to woodwork, go ahead and do it. But I’m also talking about acts of service. If there is anything positive to take away from the attacks and the following distress, it is the renewed desire of everyday folks to make a difference for good. Giving blood or donating to relief funds and charities are great things to do. But don’t stop there. Many opportunities abound in your community: literacy programs, Meals on Wheels, food pantries, etc. Volunteer at your church, synagogue or mosque. Just look around. This very morning I got an e-mail from a fellow who is taking the free plans from our last issue and organizing his woodworking guild to build toys for kids living at nine different local women’s centers. All I can say is: great idea.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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Clark & Williams: A Sole in the Past and One in the Future
Talking with Larry Williams and Bill Clark is like time travel, because these two know more about the history of hand planes than anyone I have yet encountered.
Today's Woodworker
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Reid Leonard: The Tables of October
Reid Leonard had some rosewood plywood he was interested in, but when he got there, it was all out.
What's In Store
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Diablo: Freud’s Newest Saw Blades
Freud has introduced a new line of saw blades that I’m sure will be moving into woodshops soon. The star of the new Diablo line is the 7 1/4″ 24-tooth framing blade, created with an ultra thin aspect (1.5mm).
Q & A
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Which Finish Has the Shortest Shelf Life?
Michael Dresdner offers his advice on which finishes will keep in your workshop.
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Truing a Table Saw?
How close is close enough when truing your blade with the fence?
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Sanding Sleeve Problems
Does the sanding sleeve shrink or does the drum get fatter?
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Is Soap the Best Lubricant for Screws?
There may never be a cleaner lubricant than soap, but is there a better one?
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Fitting a Bookshelf along a Curved Wall?
A reader looks for a design that will work around the curvature of his house.
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Can You Tell if a Finish Is too Old by Looking at It?
Michael Dresdner offers advice on whether or not you can “eye” the age of the finish.
