Issue 210
Issue 210
Woodworking: Both Frugal and Fun
Times are tough out there. Unless you have been living under a rock (and if you are, where do you plug in your power tools?), you’ve probably heard the drumbeat of the current economic woes.
As a woodworker, an almost knee-jerk response is to laugh in the face of this kind of adversity: after all, our woodworking skills are money savers in the best of times; won’t they stand us in even better stead when we’re all searching for ways to be frugal? I know personally, that I have started (but not quite completed) several money saving projects.
While using our skills to save money is totally legit, what we need to guard against is letting our hobby become only about the budget, and turning it into a drudgery. Remember, hard times will pass, but woodworking is forever! In the words of Woodworker’s Journal turning columnist Betty Scarpino, “Don’t forget to have fun!”
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
P.S. Speaking of fun, for all of you Facebook users out there, we’ve started a Woodworker’s Journal Facebook page. Click here to check it out, and don’t forget to add yourself as a Fan!
Q & A
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Why Do I Need a Band Saw?
Why would I need a band saw if I have a top of the line saber saw?
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Table Saw Burning Wood
I’m getting burning of the wood on my 10-inch table saw with both a low price 40-tooth blade and a higher priced 80-tooth blade.
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Solvent Took Off Tool Coating
I got some solvent on a DeWalt portable table saw and some of the coating came off. Is there a way to repair this?
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Do You Need Spark Detection?
Is a spark detection system inside the dust collection system needed for a home-based shop?
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Preventing Rust in a Basement?
The basement is dry, but can get humid on occasion. Should I be concerned about my woodworking equipment rusting?
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Best Ways to Light a Workshop?
Are there any guidelines about what kind and how many lights to put in your workshop?
What's In Store
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LevelBest2 from SLK Development Group
The LevelBest2 (from SLK Development Group) uses two opposing level bubbles, a 90 degree angle and a ruler in conjunction.
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Boeshield T-9 from Boeing
Developed by the Boeing Company, Boeshield T-9 is a solvent and paraffin wax that combine to offer long-term protection to metal surfaces, like tools.
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Bit Flip Sets from Wiha Tools
Wiha Tools has new “BitFlip” powered screwdrivers: the one-quarter-inch magnetic driver contains storage for eight bits in the flip-out handle.
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Rockler Lid-Stay Torsion Hinge: No More Slamming Lids
If you have little kids, you know that whenever they close a door or a lid, they do it slowly, carefully and deliberately, with no chance whatsoever of little fingers getting pinched. Right?
Today's Woodworker
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Andy Chidwick: Sitting Pretty
I have a picture of me in a little shop apron when I was about five years old, Andy Chidwick told me when I asked just how far back his woodworking experience actually went.
Industry Interviews
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GI Woodshop: For Want of a Nail
Richard Ireland, or Reeko to his friends, runs what must certainly be the most unusual woodworking supply company in the country.
Feedback
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Tools and Plans: Pricey to Free
Our answer experts told a reader that there were no drawbacks to an aftermarket laser for saws, provided it was properly installed, but this writer disagreed.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Chair
Just pulled up your site today and saw you were looking for people to share their recent projects. This is…
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Black Walnut Cedar Chest
This is a black walnut cedar chest I made my daughter-in-law from a walnut tree I cut down. – M….
