Issue 49
Issue 49
Finicky Finishers
As I’ve said before, I’m curious. And I must admit, it’s a characteristic not always appreciated. I’m the guy sitting next to you on the airplane that “likes to chat.” Sometimes, however, I get the feeling that my sense of wonder is not universally shared. Go figure.
My question to you this time is about finishing. Readers ask more questions about finishing than any other topic. But that’s not an indication of how much they like it. In fact, when I ask woodworkers if they enjoy applying a finish, I often get a response in the emphatic negative. So what is it about finishing that so many of you find distasteful? Is it the mess, poor results, lack of a proper place to do it or simply that you need to sand before you finish … What?
I love finishing. For me, completing a finish is like the feeling you get when you eat that first juicy homegrown tomato of the season: Finally, you get to experience the wood’s true beauty. Give it to me straight, don’t hold back. Tell me what you find the most annoying (or your most trying experience) with finishing … I’d really like to know. If you don’t tell me now, I’ll just end up next to you on a plane, and then you’ll have to spill the beans!
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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UGL and Zar: A Family Business that Leads the Stain Industry
What’s their secret? According to Joe McGraw, UGL Advertising Manager, it’s a combination of maintaining strict quality standards; steady, solid growth; and solid innovation.
Today's Woodworker
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Janel Jacobson: Bringing Netsuke into the 21st Century
Netsuke is a form of carving developed centuries ago in China and Japan.
What's In Store
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Metabo’s Power Grip
This German made beauty is not designed to replace the plethora of 12 to 24 volt cordless drill/driving workhorses on the market.
Q & A
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Best Way to Stain Maple?
Michael Dresdner and Rob Johnstone’s tips on adding some stain to maple drawers.
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Fix the Fence or Replace the Saw?
Should this woodworker replace the fence on his favorite old saw, or finally put it out to pasture?
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How to Eliminate Joiner Tear-out?
Our experts ponder what is causing so much tearout in this reader’s maple.
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How to Collect Dust from a Radial Arm Saw?
Is there a practical, somewhat efficient method of dust collection on a 10″ Radial Arm Saw?
Feedback
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Your Most Creative Use of a Router
Not having a lathe didn’t prevent Don G. from completing a turning required for a project.
