Subscribe Today
Subscribe Today
Subscribe to Woodsmith magazine
A new generation of rip blades delivers smooth, swirl-free cuts -- without sacrificing speed.
When ripping solid wood on the table saw, a glue line rip blade can make a big difference. The Freud glue line rip blade (LM74R010) is available from the Woodsmith Store. Most other blade manufacturers also offer glue line rip blades. See below for sources.
Learn how to make a variety of profiles using nothing more than a couple of roundover bits.
With a roundover bit in your router, you can make a variety of edge profiles, as shown on page 10 of Woodsmith No. 170. The Ultra-Glide bearing on the Amana corner rounding bit makes smooth, half-round profiles. The bit shown on page 11 (Amana 57190) includes the radius bearing. You'll also need to use a regular bearing (47718) to make the first pass (see below for sources).
Here are some shop-tested strategies for handling large sheets of plywood on your table saw.
This inexpensive vacuum bag system will give you perfect veneering results every time.
Nothing beats a vacuum press for veneering and laminating. It's a great way to apply consistent pressure across the surface of a workpiece during a glueup. A Thin Air Press kit, like that shown on page 14 of Woodsmith No. 170, is available from Woodcraft (145951), Rockler (28777 and 20691), and Roarockit Skateboard Company (01300 and 01301). You can also order replacement bags and accessories from these sources.
Create uniquely shaped bowls with your router? You bet. And you'll be surprised at just how fast and easy the technique is.
With a router, templates, and the right bit, you can make a variety of bowls (page 16 of Woodsmith No. 170). I used a 1/2" shank, 1-1/4"-dia. bowl and tray bit with top bearing made by CMT. I ordered mine from Woodcraft (823066). You can also purchase this bit from Mike's Tools using the CMT part number (851.502.11B).
You'll also need a collet extension for your router. You can get this from Mike's Tools as well (CMT part number 796.001.00).
For a smooth surface on the inside of the bowls, I used the 3"-dia. Tim Skilton Premium Sanding Pad (68Z25.32) from Lee Valley. You'll also need 180 and 220-grit New Wave sanding disks (68Z63.31), also from Lee Valley. Their unique, wavy edge conforms to the inside of the bowls without gouging.
Start with a basic case. Then expand the design by building additional units and customize them with options to suit your storage needs.
The bookcases on page 22 of Woodsmith No. 170 are a great way to add a lot of storage space to any room. For the open bookshelf units, I used 1/4" walnut shelf supports from Rockler (33902). And I purchased the cabinet leveler brackets (01S04.01), leveler feet (01S06.02), 1/4"-20 x 13mm threaded inserts (00N11.13), 1/4"-20 x 30mm quick-connect bolts (00N16.30), and 1/4"-20 x 50mm quick-connect bolts (00N16.50) from Lee Valley.
If you're adding drawers and doors, you'll need some additional hardware. The stem bumper glides for the drawers are from Rockler (28373). The rest of the hardware came from Lee Valley. This includes the bin pulls (02W30.28), mushroom knobs (02W30.24), antique brass no-mortise hinges (00H51.02), plastic retainer clips (00S07.02), magnetic catches (01L05.20), #4 x 1/2" Fh antique brass screws (01Z10.41), and #4 x 1/2" Ph antique brass screws (01Z20.41).
Finish information: We used 2 parts Cherry, 1 part dark oak. Note about Woodkote Jeld Stains - Be sure to allow stain to dry at least 24 hours or an applied finish may pull the pigment back out and cause finish problems.
Sure, this elegant-looking desk stands out from the crowd. But you'll appreciate its straightforward construction and skill-building details.
The hardware for the writing desk on page 34 of Woodsmith No. 170 can be purchased at any hardware store. The cherry, Shaker-style pegs I used for the drawer knobs came from Rockler (78469). And the figured cherry veneer for the top was ordered from Certainly Wood.
Pick up a few handy ways to keep small tools, bits, and accessories within easy reach.
You don't need expensive equipment to get top-notch spray finishes -- just the right techniques.
Table and desk legs are always on display. Here's how to make them look their best.
