December 2009 #180
In the December 2009 issue of Popular Woodworking, we test six compact 12-volt drill-drivers to see which one bores and screws the best. Will any of them make our list of 2009′s best new tools?
The large, Shaker-inspired bibliophile’s bookcase provides plenty of storage.
Mario Rodriguez shows a clever way to do seamless curved panel glue-ups.
Toolmakers John Economaki and Ron Hock share special tributes to the seminal woodworkers Sam Maloof and James Krenov.
Let your project take flight as you build a boomerang.
Learn how to safely size your small work on well-made shooting boards.
Bob Flexner explains why gel varnish is an (almost) perfect compromise.
Adam Cherubini shows how examining a period spice chest reveals many woodworking lessons.
Our I Can Do That project is a recycling station.
This issue’s Tool Test features the SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw.
Marc Spagnulolo shows you how to get the most from your router.
Jig Journal features coping at the router table.
Detailed article previews are below.
Out of the Woodwork: But Aren’t You a Woodworker?
It’s not a hobby if it isn’t fun. By Ethan Sincox Page: 80 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now Last year, my wife and I bought our first house together. Right after closing, with the help of friends, we pulled carpet, painted, moved walls and relocated plumbing. Rooms took on different Continue reading»
Flexner on Finishing: Gel Varnish
The (almost) perfect compromise. By Bob Flexner Pages: 74-76 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now Most woodworkers do their finishing with one of two wipe-on/wipe-off finishes: oil/varnish blend or wiping varnish. Oil/varnish blend is a thinned mixture of boiled linseed oil or tung oil with alkyd or polyurethane varnish. You can Continue reading»
Jig Journal: Coping at the Router Table
Work smart across the grain with a simple push block. By Robert W. Lang Pages: 70-71 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now One of the first vehicles I owned was a 1964 Ford Econoline van. I bought it cheap at a police auction then proceeded to over-accessorize it with all manner Continue reading»
Seamless Curved Panel Glue-ups
Work with the grain when gluing panels, even when the grain throws you a curve. By Mario Rodriguez Pages: 66-69 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now When I look at a piece of furniture, aside from its design and craftsmanship, I examine how the wood was used. How was it employed Continue reading»
Shooting Boards
Small work is safer – and easier – to size with a handplane and shooting board. By Michael Dunbar Pages: 62-65 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now I have been a woodworker for 38 years and I still have all my fingers on both hands. My fingers all run out to Continue reading»
Best New Tools: 2009
By Christopher Schwarz Pages: 57-61 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now With the world’s economy taking a nose dive in 2009, we saw a lot of things happen to the tool-making community. Many of the major manufacturers, which were pummeled by the housing market, played it safe this year. Either they Continue reading»
Build a Boomerang
Making a boomerang is simple, fast and will set your head spinning. By Trevor Smith Pages: 52-56 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now If you like a challenge, enjoy having an excuse to be outside and are looking for ideas for practical projects, you’ll find that building a boomerang is great Continue reading»
