Issue 498
Issue 498
Slap a Little Oil On It
I am curious about woodworkers and their finishing habits. One reason is that I get more questions about finishing than any other topic. And yet, when I tell people you should check out this book or watch that DVD to learn how to really do a good job finishing — there is really no interest. (Eye contact is lost, their voice gets quieter, and the discussion soon ends.) “I just want to know how to fix this problem …” A problem which may have been prevented with a little bit more knowledge in the first place.
But I should not really judge … I’ve developed a few “go-to” finishing processes, and it takes quite a lot to get me out of my rut. This is the case even though I have some skills in the finishing field.
So what about you? Do you do the same finish on every project you make? Are you interested in learning more and different finishing techniques? Or is finishing just the thing you have to do after you’ve completed the fun part?
Let me know, and I will share the results.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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Roger Myers: Woodworking as a Second Career
Post-corporate retirement, Roger Myers went back to school — for woodworking — and expanded his repertoire beyond period furniture.
Tricks of the Trade
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VIDEO: How to Cut Half-Lap Joints
Chris Marshall explains the process of creating half-lap joints for frame joinery.
What's In Store
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Milwaukee M18 FUEL™ 7-1/4-in. Sliding Miter Saw
Cordless miter saw with dual-bevel capability and LED cut indicator weighs just 28 lbs., for easy transport and set up.
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Black+Decker™ LIGHTDRIVER™ Screwdriver
Articulating cordless screwdriver with built-in LED light for better visibility in low-light workspaces.
Q & A
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Best Coffee Table Finish?
I’ve seen olive oil used as a wood finish on YouTube. Is that a good option for my coffee table project, or are there better choices?
Reader's Project Gallery
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Chess Board
Reader William Harmsen sent in some great pictures of a chess board he built using a Woodworker’s Journal plan!
Feedback
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Readers’ Project Drawing and Design Methods
Readers share their methods for project drawing and design, whether that’s SketchUp, paper and pencil, or other software options.
