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Woodsmith #155

October 2004
Issue 155

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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques4

Routing Flawless Rabbets8

Learn the techniques and choose the best bit to get crisp rabbets every time.

Why You Need a Doweling Jig12

Find out how a doweling jig can add accuracy to your hand-drilling tasks.

Installing Brass Screws14

Take a look at a few secrets we've found for drilling and driving brass screws.

Low Bookcase16

Take a sheet of plywood, add a few frames, and you'll end up with one great-looking project.

  • Page 76: Online Extra - Optional Change of Face
    The caption for the third piece of art on the bottom of the first page ("How to make a bullnose and cove moldings") is incorrect. The caption states that the 1/2" cove bit should be raised 5/8" above the router table. But this is impossible since the workpiece is only 5/8"-thick. The caption should say that a 1/2" cove is routed along both edges of the workpiece, leaving a 1/8"-wide shoulder.

Online Extras

  • Low Bookcase
    When you think of a plywood bookcase one of the first things that usually comes to mind is something you bring home in a cardboard box and slap together -- cheaply built, not very sturdy, and barely functional. Well, this design changes all that.
  • Low Cherry Bookcase: Optional Change of Face
    With a different base and a few molding profile changes you can give your low cherry bookcase an entirely new appearance. It won't take any additional work but you'll notice a more traditional look.

Two-Tone Night Stand22

This easy-to-build cabinet combines traditional and contemporary styles.

Online Extras

  • Two-Tone Night Stand
    Who couldn't use some more storage space in their bedroom? This little night stand keeps books, reading glasses, and maybe a glass of water close at hand (or out of sight) in a small drawer and on a shelf behind the door. Borrowing from Shaker, Craftsman, and contemporary styles, this night stand is both good looking and easy to build. You'll find some basic tongue and dado joinery along with traditional mortise and tenons. And a contrasting dye makes the top, base, and knobs stand out.
  • A Classic Base and Top
    Giving the two-tone night stand a different look isn't very hard to do. Because the design borrows from both traditional and contemporary styles, you can simply add a new top, some cove molding, and a simple mitered base to change up the look. Here, you'll build a classic pedestal base with arches on the front and sides. Then, instead of the contrasting dye stain, I finished the base and top (as well as the knobs) the same as the rest of the case.

Shop Notebook28

Morris Chair30

We've taken the difficulty out of building this classic Craftsman-style chair without taking away its great looks and comfort.

Online Extras

Finish information: The stain was a Sherwin Williams custom blend, reference number S64XXN5256-4340. If your local Sherwin Williams store can't do it, contact the Des Moines store at 515-280-3365 and ask if they can ship it out.

Craftsman Ottoman40

Build the perfect companion to the Morris chair.

Online Extras

  • Craftsman Ottoman
    Once you take a relaxing sit in the Morris chair, I can almost guarantee that you'll want to add this matching ottoman. But the best thing about this project is that it can easily stand on its own. With or without the chair, it's a great piece to build and also one to enjoy afterward.

Working With Plywood42

These simple tips make working with plywood a breeze -- no matter what size shop you have.

Top Layout Tool -- Pencils44

A look at the first tool you reach for in your shop.

Old-Fashioned Finishes46

A look at a few, traditional methods for getting an authentic, Craftsman-style color.

Q & A48

Secrets to a Perfect Mortises50

A mallet, a chisel, and a few simple steps are all it takes to create a top-notch mortise.

Final Details52