Issue 286
Issue 286
My Thinking is in the Tank
October. For most woodworkers, it is the beginning of what I call the “thinking hard about making some holiday gifts” season. Which is why I am in such a funk. After 30 years of woodworking, it would seem likely that I would have this phase down pat. But this year, I am drawing a blank … so many people, so few ideas.
You would think that it would be helpful that we just published our November / December issue, in which we created several nice gift projects. But sadly, my family has long ago let me know that I can’t make a widget for work and give it to them as a gift – something about “not personal” or some such concept … whatever.
So I am turning to you – with over a quarter of a million of you out there, you have got to have some great ideas for holiday gifts. This is your opportunity to save my bacon. I’m ready!
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
What's In Store
-
Rockler Telescoping Fork Hardware Kit
The Stainless Steel Telescoping Fork Hardware Kit from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware lets a woodworker extend a marshmallow roaster’s reach over two feet.
-
Dremel 3000
The Dremel 3000 makeover of the Dremel brand’s rotary tool features their first EZ Twist nose cap design.
-
Craftsman Updates Features in NEXTEC G2 Hammerhead™
This year the compact hammering tool is available with many new updates in its second generation (G2) configuration.
Tricks of the Trade
-
Your Own Mini-Clamps
For the occasional small clamping job regular clamps are often too heavy or cumbersome – or you may not have enough of them.
-
Removing Blue Stain
Whenever I work with oak, mahogany, or steel it turns the skin on my hands blue and is very hard to remove.
-
Clean Cuts on Rough Grain
If you’re having a problem getting a clean cut surface on a particularly difficult grain area on a turning project, take the lightest cut possible with the sharpest gouge you can hone.
Today's Woodworker
-
Don Suiter: Turner with a Fondness for Burl — and Stone
For over 20 years, Don Suiter worked in construction, building homes.
Q & A
-
Will Dried Glue Clog Up My Planer?
Is there a timeline that the glue should set before planing your wood? Will the glue clog up the planer?
-
How Can I Retrofit a Too-big Microwave?
Any suggestions on how to fit the unit without disassembling the cabinet frame?
-
Carpenter’s Glue or Epoxy … Which One is Better?
Am I right or wrong to be using two-part epoxy vs. carpenter’s glue?
Industry Interviews
-
CE: Looking Back Over First-year Highlights
Craftsman has built new bridges of social media engagement with tool users this past year, thanks to it’s Chicago-based Craftsman Experience interactive venue.
Feedback
-
Table Saw Talk; Eliminating Glue Squeeze-Out
A scant couple of weeks ago, we asked our Woodworker’s Journal survey team some questions about table saws.
Reader's Project Gallery
-
Train Set
The bridge is near 9′ in length, made of walnut and maple rails and oak ties. This bridge spans the Monongahela River, just below the 170 bridge.
-
Wood Toy Truck
Building wooden toys makes for great fun and you end up with quality gifts, this big truck can be made from scrap lumber. Very easy. Honest!
-
Porch Swing
My wife had a vision…She wanted to replace the old porch swing with something “prettier”. She sketched out a design, and I refined it in my CAD program, and here is the result.