Innehållsförteckning för February 2017 från Woodworker's Journal

YOUR OPINION IS VALUABLE. JUST ASK US! One thing I really like about our online newsletter (www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine) is that when I ask a question of our readers, I get responses right away. (And I do mean “right away”!) It is pretty awesome. When it comes to this print magazine, we love to hear from you as well. Clearly, as evidenced by the letters below, we think your opinions are important to your fellow readers, too. But there are a few places in the magazine where we really put our money (or maybe some tools or other woodworking products) where our mouth is. Our Trivia department, Tricks of the Trade, Questions & Answers and Stumpers all have tool giveaway opportunities for those who take the time to send in their thoughts.…

THIS ISSUE’S EXPERTS Ernie Conover is the Woodworker’s Journal woodturning columnist. He is the author of The Lathe Book and The Frugal Woodturner. Jim Frey is a product training specialist for Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. Michael Dresdner is a nationally known finishing expert and author of The New Wood Finishing Book. Contact us by writing to “Q&A,” Woodworker’s Journal, 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, MN 55340, by faxing us at (763) 478-8396 or by emailing us at: QandA@woodworkersjournal.com Please include your home address, phone number and email address (if you have one) with your question. QWhen handsaws came with wooden handles, they were sold in the store with the handles able to move in relation to the saw blade, even when the fasteners were tight. I always thought this was to…

Game-changing Tool Innovations Here are a few of the tools from 2016 that changed our options for the way we work: A new entry in skin-sensing table saw technology. Grinding wheels that alleviate concerns of overheating or worn-out abrasives. Circular saws with track saw technology. A battery charger that also acts as an AC power source for corded tools. A computerized drill press with a Digital Variable Reluctance magnetic motor that makes the mechanical drive system obsolete. Battery Technology Breakthroughs Thought the introduction of lithium-ion a few years ago was the last big thing in battery news? Think again. Just this past year, we’ve seen the introduction of batteries that beef up the categories to include 60-volts, plus are flexible enough to change voltage depending on the tool they’re attached…

Foamboard Pencil Corral I used to lose my pencils around the shop constantly, and I could never seem to find a sharp one. That all changed when I glued together a couple of small pieces of rigid foam insulation board left over from another project and stabbed my pencils into it. I’ve got this “corral” stuck to my workbench with carpet tape. Now, I always know where my pencils are, because I’m putting them back in just one place. And the foam protects the sharp tips. Father Chrysanthos Etna, California Grocery Bag Helps Keep Finish Fresh I hate it when finish dries out in the can, so here’s a way you can keep it from happening. First, clean wet or dried finish out of the rim of the can, then…

What’s This? Doug Clyde of Colorado Springs, Colorado, has an annual tradition of finding unique gifts for his brother. This one is so unique, he can’t figure out what it is. Do you know? Send your answer to stumpers@woodworkersjournal.com or write to “Stumpers,” Woodworker’s Journal, 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, MN 55340 for a chance to win a prize! Woodworker’s Journal editor Joanna Werch Takes compiles each issue’s Stumpers responses — and reads every one. In our October 2016 issue, Travis Glassner of Berlin, Pennsylvania, wondered if anyone could identify an object he found in a drawer of his parents’ home. Phil Brinkley of Clark, Colorado, noted that, “This device appears to be used to wrap something very tightly.” Well … sort of. And it’s most likely not what you think.…

This Arts & Crafts style bookcase is modest in size, yet large enough for functional storage. Unlike typical purchased bookcases, it’s made with more hardwood than plywood. I built this case from quartersawn white oak; however, cherry would look great as well. It features two inset doors, graced with a series of delicate inlays, plus a top with a slight overhang (13.4“ on the top and sides; 1“ on the back). The hardware includes hammered bail pulls classic to the Arts & Crafts style, and fully adjustable spring-closing hinges. Locking Miter Joints The side assemblies are a good place to get started, and I began by milling enough stock for the entire project. Pay particular attention to the long boards that will form the front legs. Make sure this stock…

Houses aren’t really scaled practically for small children; countertops, sinks and cabinets are just too high for them to use comfortably. Fortunately, you can remedy the problem in an afternoon. A simple, classic step stool like this one is just right for putting everything within reach of the little ones. It’s even sturdy enough for an adult needing a few more inches to reach those top cupboard shelves. If you’re a long-time subscriber to Woodworker’s Journal, you may recall an “8th grade Step Stool” project from our March/ April 2005 print issue that has inspired this new incarnation — some simple and classic designs deserve the occasional reprise. One Board is All You Need You can build this stool from a single 1x10, but if you’re using #2 pine from…

General Tools is the recognized leader in the design and development of precision specialty tools, committed to innovation and dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. We’re proud to provide Professional Tradesmen, Craftsmen and DIYers a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechani - cal hand tools and precision measuring and inspection tools. In addition to our standard payment (below), Erwin Nistler of Maple Plain, Minnesota, will also receive a General Tools ToolSmart Moisture Meter, Digital Angle Finder and Laser Distance Measurer for being selected as the “Pick of the Tricks” winner. We pay from $100 to $200 for all tricks used. To join in the fun, send us your original, unpublished trick. Please include a photo or drawing if necessary. For your chance to win, submit your Tricks to Woodworker’s Journal,…

A workbench is just as much of a shop tool as a table saw or hand plane, and a well-made bench makes the simplest of tasks (planing an edge, sanding a panel, sawing a part to length) easier and more comfortable. After living with a lightweight “economy” workbench in my shop for years, I decided that it was high time to build a well-designed, seriously heavy-duty bench that had all the features I’ve been sorely missing. The workbench I designed combines some elements of traditional workbenches, typically intended for use with hand tools, with features that better support the work style of most contemporary woodworkers, who work with a combination of hand and portable power tools. At the heart of my bench is a thick top laminated together from strips…

Contact Information BLACK + DECKER 800-544-6986 DAP 800-543-3840 Infinity Cutting Tools 877-872-2487 Nilfisk 800-645-3475 PORTER-CABLE 888-848-5175 Rockler 800-279-4441 RYOBI 800-525-2579 Wagner SprayTech 800-328-8251 Work Sharp 800-597-6170 DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive cures in just 30 minutes, when it is ready to plane, sand and stain without causing any damage to the cured bond. RapidFuse uses the adhesive technology formerly branded as Nexabond, which DAP purchased from the original chemical development company with the goal to expand distribution of the adhesive. RapidFuse works on all wood types and causes no water or swelling damage to joints. The glue is repositionable up to three minutes to allow for perfect alignment without a sacrifice in strength of the bond once cured. It does not require an activator. In addition to wood, it works on other…