Issue 687

Stress Reliever

I hear and read a lot these days about dealing with the stresses of the world, and there are many: COVID, politics, climate change, social unrest…to name just a few. And while I am not a hermit, I confess to not feeling stressed — hardly at all!

Does that make me an unfeeling person? Am I deluded and out of touch? Is there something wrong with me? Even though some may disagree, that is not the case. I try to stay very informed about the world. But with advancing years comes experience and a bit of wisdom. Having lived through difficult times before and made it through them has provided perspective.

And then there is woodworking. It’s a surefire stress reliever for me. (That is, unless I am making hidden dovetail joints…) Even if there is a challenge in my project, the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune — the annoying stuff — becomes less important. A friend of mine calls his shop time “therapy.” So here’s to all of us getting into the shop. We do it for our mental health!

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal

Turning a Tray

Ernie Conover explains the unique challenges of turning a tray as opposed to a bowl, then demonstrates the process that he uses to make an attractive, long-lasting tray.

Holder for Mitered Workpieces

Need help securing a workpiece when cutting biscuit slots? This reader has a simple trick that will give you an extra hand.

From Our Sponsor

Builder Michael Alm details the design and construction of a handy workshop storage cabinet with shelves in today’s Skill Builder. Watch it come together and keep ideas for your own shop in mind!