Issue 204
Issue 204
Woodworking Af-Fair
Our State Fair is a great State Fair, it’s the greatest State Fair in the land….” I’m no Oscar Hammerstein, but I know a good song when I hear it, (and some might say, will perform it endlessly …) even if I’m not as keen on the whole State Fair experience as some other members of our staff. (Fellow Minnesotans, please leave your rotten tomatoes at home.)
I do find it great that I get a sneak preview of the fair’s entries in the category most important to me: woodworking. Not just any woodworking, but kids’ woodworking. (I won’t sing again, but you know, “children are the future…”) Each year I spend a day as a judge of woodworking projects submitted by kids to the fair. It is a long day — but satisfying.
I am so happy there are still kids doing woodworking out there, and they are doing some great stuff. Precise, hand-cut dovetails by high schoolers, clocks and tables by middle schoolers, and even some great stuff from elementary kids. Spending an August day looking at these projects, hanging out with 30-year veteran shop teachers, talking about woodworking and the future of our craft: that’s one of the greatest things about the State Fair to me.
OK, and the mini donuts.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
P.S. (“State Fair” is actually about the Iowa State Fair. I know that. Remember I mentioned fellow staff? She won’t let me forget. Iowans, you can keep your tomatoes, too.)
Q & A
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Which Side for Wood Removal
If you want to take a one-inch board down to three-quarters, from which side should you remove the wood, the hidden side or the one that will show?
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Removing Stubborn Arbor Nut
I have an arbor nut that is on so well that I cannot remove it. Do you have any tips on removing a stubborn arbor nut?
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Exterior Paint Recommendation
What kind of paint would you recommend for an exterior carved sign? I want it to protect the wood and not fade.
Industry Interviews
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Baker Hardwoods: Slab Happy
Jim Baker is a retired biology teacher, and that may explain in part why he was drawn to the unusual and rather limited business he currently runs.
Feedback
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Kudos, Advice and Comments
We’re guessing that the negative comment about our free plans in the last issue was what inspired this writer to share his view.
Contributing Bloggers
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Grade School Helper
My daughter called the other day and asked if I would help at Sammy’s grade school Arts and Sciences Day the following week.
What's In Store
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Rapid Resizer v. 2.6
Rapid Resizer v. 2.6 is a Windows software application that makes it easy to reduce or enlarge the size of patterns, such as those for woodworking plans.
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Mixol
Mixol is a pigment-based tinting paste added to almost any type of paint or coating material to create the color wanted.
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Down Under Router Table Dust Port
The Rockler-exclusive Down Under Router Table Dust Port solves the problem of dust control when your workpiece coves the entire bit.
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Sand Flee Portable Drum Sander: No More Fleeing from Sanding
t’s an open secret that sanding is a job that most woodworkers would like to, well, flee. So, anything that makes it easier – like the Sand-Flee Portable Drum Sander – is of interest.
Tricks of the Trade
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Shop-made Knobs
A new jig or clamping device often needs adjustment and locking screws, and here’s how to make your own.
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Just Follow the Band Saw Kerf
I do a lot of spindle turning on the lathe and prepare the stock by cutting both ends square.
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Instant Vise Jaw Relief
When you clamp work in your bench vise that doesn’t match the width of the jaws, or uses one side only, you risk racking the jaws because of the uneven pressure.
Today's Woodworker
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Matthias Pliessnig: Around the Bend
“As far as comfort level goes, chairs are the hardest thing to make,” insists Matthias Pliessnig.
