Issue 241
Issue 241
Woodworking Projects Galore
As I stated recently, there is no time like right now for getting into the shop and getting busy. Which brings you to the woodworker’s eternal question: “Which project should I start next?” Personally, I solve that question by starting a whole bunch of projects at once. Which leads me to the next question of: “Will I ever finish a project?” But of course, that’s just me…
Once you have determined which project is up next, you’re often faced with the prospect of where to get woodworking plans to work from. Even if you are like me and tend to design most of your projects to suit your specific needs — I often start from an existing plan to figure out reasonable dimensions, evaluate different styles, hardware options and other details. So where would a woodworker find such plans? (I think you might feel a plug coming on …)
Well, of course, there is your favorite electronic delight … the Woodworker’s Journal eZine! We have two free plans every issue, with a third as a monthly kicker thrown in. But if that is not enough … just take a look at our newest CD of Readers’ Favorites: Home Projects. It features 30 woodworking projects from the pages of Woodworker’s Journal (ready for your computer in PDF format). It is a great way to get projects to build and to develop project ideas.
Trust me, I should know … I’ve started a few of them!
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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Robert Brou: Antique Furniture to Organic Forms
Robert Brou’s first foray into woodworking came when he was hired to restore and reproduce antiques for a New Orleans gallery in the late 1990s.
What's In Store
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Sand Box Sandpaper Storage
The Sand Box sandpaper index file, a patented invention of Donald Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, stores new or partially used sandpaper sheets or discs by grit sizes in indexed dividers and keeps them flat.
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RIDGID Fuego Framing Saw
RIDGID’s R3203 Fuego 6-1/2” Compact Framing Saw incorporates a Plywood ID system that allows quick depth adjustments to common thicknesses of this material.
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EZ Grabbit Tarp Holder
he EZ Grabbit Premium Tarp Holder uses patented linear grappling technology to enable you to quickly and easily attach tarps to structures.
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Shop Fox W1741S 8” Jointer
Shop Fox’s W1741S 8” Jointer features a spiral cutterhead with 40 German-made carbide inserts that are automatically indexed.
Tricks of the Trade
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Outrigger Router Base
When I need to rout small narrow stock, I use the subbase shown here for added stability.
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Just Flip for a Better Grip
I like my Quick-Grip clamps except for one pesky problem: the rubber pads tend to creep off the jaws when I tighten them.
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Air Nailer Bumpers Eliminate Marring
Air-powered nailers are super handy tools, but sometimes their recoil can leave marring around the nail holes — an irritating problem when nailing workpieces that already have a finish applied to them.
Q & A
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When to Change Power Tool Brushes?
Is there any period that, with average use, they should be checked?
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Restoring Redwood’s Color
The wood is already dimensioned and I would prefer not to run the boards through the planer. Do you have any suggestions that I could try?
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Rails and Stiles: Which One Goes “Outside”?
I have a question about cabinet face frames. What is the proper way to construct/assemble them?
Industry Interviews
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Oneida Air Systems: A Better Spin on Dust Collection
If you have a cyclonic dust and chip collector in your shop, Robert Witter helped to make that innovation a…
Feedback
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ABC’s of CA Glue
Several readers wrote in response to last issue’s Q&A on the search for CA [cyanoacrylate] glue.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Recipe Boxes
These recipe boxes were gifts to my wife, son and daughter this Christmas. There is one each of African Mahogany, Lyptus and Cherry with Quilted Maple tops.
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Stickley Rocking Chairs
Here are my grandkids’ Christmas presents: 2/3 size replicas of Stickley rocking chairs. One is made from quartersawn white oak and the other from red oak.
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Oak China Cabinet
This is my china cabinet that I built for my wife. It is 86″ wide and 76″ tall. All solid oak raised panel construction.
