Issue 95
Issue 95
Someday I’m Gonna Build It!
In addition to wood, glue and shellac, dreams are the stuff that woodworking projects are made of. One aspect of woodworking that I really find satisfying is that there actually is something substantial at the end of my efforts. Something to hold, something – important or not – that did not exist before my inspiration, skill and sweat created it. To me, that is one of the truly common threads that connect this diverse craft we call woodworking. While I may never be inspired to build a tall clock with several thousand scroll sawn decorative parts … I can understand how another person would be. They may never want to build a guitar … something that fires my imagination.
The question that I am coming to is this: what is it that you really want to build? Maybe not now (maybe not ever), but in your mind you have already started the joinery. And what is it that makes it so interesting to you? The choice of wood, the complexity – its beauty or its utility? Send me your inspiration and we’ll share it; maybe it will inspire others.
Sincerely,
— Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Q & A
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Reinforcing Stub Tenon Joints
I know that gluing a solid wood panel would interfere with wood movement, but what if I used 1/4″ plywood panel and glued along the entire inside edge to reinforce the joint?
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Salvaging Old Doors
Should we use a chemical stripper or sand off the old finish? Should I refinish it with shellac or modern polyurethane?
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Is Chipping Just a Fact of Life?
My local woodworkers’ supply store tells me the amount of chipping is normal with oak grain, but I never see this problem with pieces made at large cabinet shops. Is their equipment that much better?
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Questioning Conventional Wisdom on Table Saws
Since there are guides for making straight cuts with a portable handsaw and you can do many things with a bandsaw and a router, do I really need a table saw?
What's In Store
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One-Two-Three – PRESTO! Instant Hardware Installation!
With the 18-piece Insty-Drive® 1-2-3 Drill & Drive Set from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, installing hardware and hinges really is…
Feedback
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A Woodworker Describes His Unique Challenges
Rhode Islander David Albrektson has been a woodworker for 30 years, he’s now legally blind (with light perception only), but hasn’t let that slow down his interest.
Today's Woodworker
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Steve Blenk: A Teacher Who Never Stops Learning
Woodturners are a unique breed of woodworker. They usually have a background in more general woodworking and can still take on the related tasks when needed.
Industry Interviews
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JET Tools: Reorganized for Success
It’s been a little over two years since we last talked to JET. To get an update, we caught up with vice president and general manager of JET’s retail division, Lou Signorelli.