Issue 214
Issue 214
Video Dreaming
“As the days start to lengthen, the cold starts to strengthen” is a quote from the Farmer’s Almanac, which here in Minnesota is proving to be uncomfortably true. In the woodworking business, maybe there should be a saying like: “As the days get a bit longer, new tools we like to ponder!” which is also true, but is much more comfortable from my point of view.
And even in these challenging economic times, the good news is that there are some great new tools that are really making a splash. Delta has introduced an entirely new Unisaw made 100% in America, and there are new band saw options on the market from JET and a host of other new tools that will do very nicely to keep me occupied until the deep freeze departs from these climes. (Thank goodness!) But the good news is that you will be able to get in on these new tool daydreams, um • I mean tool research.
Starting next week, the Woodworker’s Journal will be attending the International Builder’s Show, and we will be doing video updates right from the show floor. You’ll be able to see Chris Marshall checking out the latest and greatest that the show has to offer. (I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!)
Rob Johnstone
Q & A
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Spraying Lacquer Over Oil-based Polyurethane?
I would like to spray a lacquer finish over an oil-based polyurethane, but have been told that the two finishes are not compatible.
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Adding Polyurethane Finish over a Filler?
Can polyurethane be used over waterbased fillers such as Wunderfil?
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Is Polyurethane Earth-friendly?
Perhaps “friendly” is too strong a word, but the earth did accept polyurethane’s “friend request” on Facebook.
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Reusing ‘Disposable’ Planer Blades
Is there a way to safely hone 13-inch throwaway planer blades for reuse?
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Making New Pine Match Old
How can I make new very white pine match the rich, almost amber-orange color of our old pine walls?
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Identifying Bevel Angle
How do I identify the bevel angle on blades in order to sharpen them correctly?
What's In Store
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Wood Magnet from Swanson Company
The Wood Magnet from Swanson Company attaches to 2x material, turning the workpiece into a custom long level.
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Wide Blade Attachment from Work Sharp
The Work Sharp Wide Blade Attachment for the Work Sharp 3000 allows the system to sharpen three-inch-wide flat plane irons and chisels.
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Handmade Toy Alliance: Keeping Wooden Toys Legal
The Handmade Toy Alliance is made up members with a mission: to keep wooden (and other handmade) toys legal in the U.S.
Tricks of the Trade
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Saving the Fence
I share a woodworking shop with other military personnel and too often find the metal fence scarred by a close encounter with the moving saw blade.
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Overhead Storage
The cardboard cylinders called Sonotubes provide ideal storage for moldings, long dowels, fairing battens and other odds and ends.
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Getting a Grip on Chucks
The small chuck keys that come with corded drills and drill presses are too small to apply enough torque and…
Today's Woodworker
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William LaBerge: Santa Fe meets Japan
If you look at the bulk of William LaBerge’s work, you’d probably call it Greene and Greene, though by his own admission…
Industry Interviews
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Vermont Natural Coatings: Say Cheese for a New ‘Whey’ to Finish
Life gave Andrew Meyer whey, a waste byproduct of the cheesemaking process, and he uses it to make waterbased wood finishes at a company called Vermont Natural Coatings.
Editor's Blogs
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What Is It Worth?
It has happened to all of us at one time or another. If you work wood long enough, someone; maybe a relative, possibly a friend, or even a coworker will admire your work and ask what you would charge them to make a . . . (fill in the blank)
Reader's Project Gallery
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Lap Steel Guitar
Simple Lap Steel Guitar I have made several stringed instruments including a Mandolin and several Mountain Dulcimers, this is my…
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Replica of Thomas Jefferson’s Bookstand
Years ago I visited Monticello and was impressed by the bookstand that Thomas Jefferson had designed for his library. It…
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Tack Trunk
Number one Son’s Fiance’ has been riding in horseback competition since a very young girl. I do a bit of…
