In “City Sideboard,” the cover story for the April 2013 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine, Mario Rodriguez builds a versatile sideboard suitable for the cramped urban apartment. The spare design is a little bit updated Shaker, and a little bit James Krenov. In “Quarter Columns,” Charles Bender teaches you an alternative technique to manufacture this elegant decorative addition – instead of using a lathe, you’ll use a router. Tom Calisto teaches you how to join oblique sides with through dovetails in “Compound-angle Dovetails,” which he uses in a small, handled tote. Christopher Schwarz discusses the resurgent industry in woodworking vises and holdfasts, along with reviews of the tools, in “A Workholding Renaissance.” In “Greene & Greene Inlay,” David Mathias explores the intricacies of inlays unique to each and every piece of custom-made Greene & Greene furniture. Learn how to cut perfect coves with a novel use of the table saw in “Cove Cuts on the Table Saw,” by Gary Rogowski. In “Design a Trestle Table,” famed woodworker Graham Blackburn discusses the elements of this classic style of table, and shows you how to build both a basic version and an advanced model.
In this month’s tool test, we take a look at the “Powermatic PM1500 Band Saw,” the “Hock Tools Scratch Stock,” and the “Bosch Trim Router Plunge Base.”
In this month’s Design Matters, the Windsor form survives trial by fire in “A Chairmaker’s Design Lessons.” Woodworking Essentials asks you to double-check your methods in “Measure, Mark & Layout.” Flexner of Finishing demonstrates “5 Tricks for a Silk-smooth Finish.” And finally Peter Franks talks about his pathological habits in “A Woodworking Disorder.”
Most of us share this pathological habit that’s hard to break. By Peter Franks Page 64 I have a problem. A compulsion, really. It’s not as serious as, say, alcoholism, a food addiction or an unhealthy fascination with Megan Fox. But it’s a problem. Fortunately, most people are too polite to point it out. Or … Read more
The Windsor form survives trial by fire.
By George R. Walker
Pages 16-18
The blaze started sometime after midnight. A weak spot in the chimney broke and glowing embers spilled out onto dry timbers. By the time the fire crew arrived and strung hoses from a nearby stream, it was all they could do to keep the adjoining barns and outbuildings from burning. A complete loss. The late Nancy Kalin’s circa 1810 farmhouse, stuffed with splendid antiques and Americana, was now a pile of charred rubble.
Blog: Read more from George R. Walker.
Web Site: See more of Richard Grell’s work, and find out about his chairmaking and finishing classes.
In Our Store: George R. Walker’s DVDs: “Unlocking the Secrets of Traditional Design,” and “Unlocking the Secrets of Traditional Design: Mouldings.” Read more
By Robert W. Lang Page 14 In 2005, Bosch introduced a new laminate trimmer that eventually became know as the Colt. Powerful and user-friendly, it quickly became a favorite in our shop and in shops across the country. At the time, I suggested to Bosch that they needed to make a plunge base for it. … Read more
By Megan Fitzpatrick Page 14 A scratch stock is a simple tool – sort of a combination of a scraper and a moulding plane – for scratching in a profile (typically a bead or other simple shape). And while it’s fairly easy to make a scratch stock out of scrap wood and a piece of … Read more
Double-check your tools, your technique and your thinking.
By Robert W. Lang
Pages 58-60
One of the most important skills in woodworking is rarely discussed or considered as a thing that needs to be learned or practiced. The basic skills of measuring and its close cousin, layout, are essential to produce quality work. As a bonus, mastery of these basics reduces frustration during the building process.
But things aren’t always what they appear to be – measuring is a risky business. To be successful, you need to know what can be trusted and what is likely to lead you astray. Any measurement is only an approximation; no matter how precise you think you are, someone can come along with a better device and a finer unit.
Blog: Read the author’s post about techniques for accurate marking and layout.
Blog: Read the author’s post about measuring angles precisely.
In Our Store: “Measure Twice, Cut Once,” by Jim Tolpin. Read more
Just about every feature of this 15″ band saw is impressive. By Steve Shanesy Page 12 Powermatic’s new 15″ band saw is quite a package: good looking, heavy-duty in every way and packed with features. The fit and finish make a strong first impression. The paintwork is excellent, parts fits well and the chromed handwheels … Read more
Achieve great results with the least amount of work.
By Bob Flexner
Pages 62-63
Think about it: What’s the first thing you do when judging someone else’s woodwork? You run your hand over it, of course. If it feels really smooth, you admire the work. If it feels rough, you aren’t as impressed – even though the woodworking may be spectacular.
The way to get the smoothest and best-feeling finish is to “rub out” the last coat using sandpaper and abrasive compounds. Methods of doing this are written about often. It’s a mechanical procedure that doesn’t differ all that much from sanding the wood.
Articles: You’ll find many free finishing articles on our web site.
In Our Store: “Flexner on Finishing” – 12 years of columns illustrated with beautiful full-color images and updated, and “Wood Finishing 101.” Read more
