Issue 468
Issue 468
Cherry Tree, Cherry Wood
George Washington and the cherry tree. You’ve all heard the story. It’s a pretty popular motif this time of year, in all of those Presidents Day ads.
My interest as a woodworker, of course, is in the wood. I cannot tell a lie: cherry is one of my favorite woods. It has its faults, of course, or at least what some might perceive as such: cherry wood has a tendency toward burning while you’re machining it; and as a completed piece ages, it turns darker over time rather than retaining all of its redness.
But still, there’s a great beauty to this hardwood.
I have to say, I understand the temptation to cut down a cherry tree.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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Jeffrey S. Roberts: 18th Century Designs “Can’t Be Beat”
Recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his work with furniture inspired by 18th century designs, Jeffrey S. Roberts got into woodworking through lucky happenstance.
Tricks of the Trade
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Use a Bar Clamp as a Planing Backstop
Holding a box or drawer for final planing can be a challenge if your bench doesn’t have a vise or bench dog holes. This reader has a solution.
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DIY Wood Stain
An antique furniture restorer shares an old recipe for making a rich nut-brown wood stain.
What's In Store
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RIDGID® Brushless 18-volt Cordless Air Compressor
Industry-first, cordless air compressor with brushless motor and one-gallon capacity tank. Runs on one or two RIDGID 18-volt batteries.
Q & A
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Best Finish for Exotic Wood Salad Bowls?
I make salad bowls using domestic and exotic woods. I like putting on a wipe-on poly finish, but with the exotic woods the finish will not dry.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Narrow Hall Table
A reader combines padauk and yellowheart to create a narrow, “floating” hall table with legs that require special construction for his daughter’s entryway.
