Issue 127
Issue 127
Woodworkers Are Frugal
There are many common bonds between woodworkers: the familial connection of those who understand the essence of creativity and hard work; the knowledge of wood characteristics and the application of that knowledge; the desire to share techniques learned through years of experience. But perhaps the single most common characteristic that is shared by brothers and sisters of the woodworking fold is frugality … we are basically – cheap.
Personally, coming from a Scottish heritage, I consider this a virtue rather than a character flaw, but not everyone agrees with this assessment. I think that, say, finding a broken-down butcher’s band saw in an alley and deciding to “patch it back together” is good stewardship, not a moronic affliction of “cheap-itus.”
So, this is a call to hear from all of you: are you, as I suspect – thrifty? Have you ever decided that several hundred hours of your labor were a good exchange for “a really good deal”? Let me know. I need some support here, and I am looking to the eZine faithful to buck me up. I have faith.
Sincerely,
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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Spirit Ayastigi: That Sinking Feeling
Spirit Ayastigi’s creation of unique, impressive wooden sinks is just one part of his life as an artist.
Industry Interviews
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Timbermate: The Strange History of a Putty and Pore Filler
The strange story begins with a British woodworker in the 1930s who was upset that the newly popular lacquer finishes did not work well with existing pore fillers.
Q & A
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Applying and Trimming Wood Veneer Edging?
How do the experts apply and trim wood veneer edging to the edges of cabinets and doors? When I try using a utility knife, the blade runs with the grain and cuts into the edge, or it doesn’t cut enough off to allow me to finish with fine sandpaper.
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How Can I Finish Cocobolo?
I’ve been working with cocobolo and have a problem with different finishes not drying properly. Do you have any idea what can be causing this or what kind of finish I should be using?
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Using Potassium Dichromate to Stain Cherry?
Can anyone tell me about using potassium dichromate to stain cherry? I am not concerned about the hazards of using this chemical.
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Why Does Framing Lumber Have Rounded Edges?
I’ve often wondered about the slight roundover used on all four edges on the length of framing lumber. Is it only to make it look good, more comfortable, or create fewer splinters?
What's In Store
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EasyCoper: Another Way to Cope with Crown Molding
We had quite a bit in the last issue of the eZine about cutting crown molding, but never let it be said that we here at WJ aren’t willing to revisit a topic.
Feedback
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Helping Each Other Out
A question on where to find cheap CAD programs elicited a lot of helpful suggestions.
