Springtime offers the perfect “fresh start” frame of mind for woodworking. And in the spirit of trying something new, our April issue gives you chances to dabble in routing, segmented bowl turning and basic veneering techniques. We’ll also help you get back outside with an outdoor table project that looks great while it keeps you cool. Enjoy!
Waterfall Veneered Office Desk: This contemporary desk project is sized and wired for the way we live today. We appoint ours with pressure-sensitive walnut veneer and outfit it with the latest in Qi-technology phone chargers.
Segmented Bowl: You don’t need chunks of logs to turn eye-catching bowls. Our senior editor will show you how to make them from board lumber using a table saw and clamps first, followed by a lathe and basic bowl-turning skills.
DIY Wall Shelf: Every home can benefit from a convenient spot to hang coats. Our coat rack design is simple to make with a jigsaw, router and drill/driver. Here’s a great way to gain some experience cutting grooves with a router.
Bar Height Adirondack Table: If you built a pair of our tall outdoor chairs that were featured in the April 2018 issue, this table was designed to complement them. It’ll provide a place to set a cool drink and a home base for a patio umbrella.
Woodturning: Ernie Conover traces the history of bowl gouges and overviews several distinct ways they are sharpened. It’s time for a woodturning history lesson!
Tool Tutorial: Accurate measuring and marking are fundamental woodworking skills you’ll apply to every project. Our expert suggests 20 key tools to tackle both of these important tasks.
Tool Preview: Powermatic’s newest iteration of floor-standing drill press — the PM2820EVS — features a gear-drive transmission and a host of other smart woodworking features.
Hardworking Woods: Soft and easy to work, African mahogany is well suited for both fine interior furniture and weather-tough outdoor projects. It just might be the all-around hero for woodworking.
Shop Talk: Social media influencer Paul Mayer shares how his VetsTurn program is helping combat veterans with PTSD heal through woodturning.
Getting Started: There’s no escaping woodworking terminology if you want to get serious about this craft. We share a short list of terms to build your vocabulary and knowledge base.
Buying Lumber: A home center isn’t the only place to find the wood you need. Here are four more shopping alternatives that can save you money and expand your range of species options in a big way.
