Issue 564
Issue 564
Valentine’s Day: A Woodworker’s Gift-giving Occasion?
This week sees the celebration of Valentine’s Day. (And Galentine’s Day. In case you, like Rob, are not hip to this new-ish holiday created through an episode of the TV series Parks and Recreation, it’s a day when women celebrate friendship with their gal friends. Kind of like “book group,” but with a catchier name and a specific, once-a-year date.)
Anyway, Valentine’s Day is traditionally a celebration of love. And it happens to come not quite two short months after Christmas, another time when people traditionally show their appreciation for their loved ones. For woodworkers, that often means making gifts in the shop. It seems, however, that shop-made gifts with a specific deadline can be a bit of an issue, if everything you’ve told us over the years about your challenges in getting things done in time for Christmas is any indication.
Which leads me to wonder: do you give your loved ones gifts from the shop for Valentine’s Day? And are they specifically made with that in mind or, just maybe, are these “Valentine’s Day” gifts something that was originally intended to be gifted in December?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Joanna Werch Takes, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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John Murphy: Working Wooden Vehicle Models
John Murphy, a woodworker in Ireland, builds realistic models of vehicles and construction equipment, with moving parts.
Tricks of the Trade
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VIDEO: Finishing Walnut with Dye Stain
One of the best ways to warm up the color of walnut wood that looks a little too grey is to apply orange dye stain.
What's In Store
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Rockler Clamp-it® Clips
Two sizes of plastic clips, used in tandem with other Rockler Clamp-It® products, hold cabinet, box and drawer components in position for clamping or assembling square corners.
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Big Foot Tools Head Cutters
Two sizes of aluminum base plates clamp to chainsaw bars and enable stable, accurate angle cutting up to 75 degrees. Made in America.
Q & A
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Removing Mineral Spirits from Varnish?
A recent “Finishing Thoughts” article suggested filling varnish cans with mineral spirits to prevent crusting. But, how do you remove the spirits later?
Reader's Project Gallery
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Old Table, New Desk
This reader was tasked with building an industrial-style desk for his nephew’s home office. A few reclaimed pieces (including an oak library table) later and he has a rather impressive piece.
Feedback
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Interactions with Other Woodworkers, and with Spiders
Reactions to interacting with other woodworkers – and with spiders.
