February 2017 #230

The February 2017 issue features a Tage Frid-inspired workbench by Bill Rainford – it’s a mid-century design updated with modern hardware and contemporary tooling techniques. This iconic Scandinavian design is an attractive and sturdy addition to any shop.   Ever wonder what the best glue for furniture is? Christopher Schwarz says the answer is almost always liquid hide glue. Made from animal protein, liquid hide glue sets up slow and reverses with water and heat – obvious pluses for those of us who make the occasional mistake in the shop. And, no, it doesn’t stink (too much).   Engage your inner artist with a marquetry panel build. Craig Thibodeau, an award-winning maker, teaches you how to create almost any picture in wood. Marquetry panels can add an elegant and eye-catching touch to your furniture build, and they look great hanging on a wall too!   Build a knock-down shaving horse that’s as handsome as it is useful. Featuring an antique tractor seat, built-in storage and turned Windsor legs, this stylish steed is ready to hit the trail.   Short on clamps? Staunch traditionalist? Try the spring joint for your next panel glue-up – faster than clamping and cost-effective, this historic method is an efficient addition to your skill set.   This issue’s “Tool Test” takes a look at David Charlesworth’s new “Drawer Making and Fitting” video, a small double square from Lee Valley, Benchcrafted’s toothed planning stop and a crowned CBN grinding wheel from Woodturners Wonders. “Design Matters” introduces you to New Hampshire furniture maker Jim Zink, and Peter Follansbee confronts a penchant for pilfering logs from the firewood stack. “Flexner on Finishing” teaches you how to get a darker color with your staining techniques. And Grant Burger, young maker from the North Bennet Street School, draws parallels between woodworking training and his time in the Marines in this month’s “End Grain.”