Tips & Techniques4
Updates
- Page 5: Main drawing and Detail a
Main drawing: The stop should be 1 3/16" wide, not 1 1/8" as indicated in the callout. Detail a: The 1/8" dimension at the bottom of the drawing should be 1/16".
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Tackling difficult clamping situations is simply a matter of having the right clamp for the job.
Most of the specialty clamps (or similar versions) on page 8 can be found through many of thesources shown in the margin at right. The wooden cam clamps are a little harder to find. They're available from Japan Woodworker (26.100.850) and The Best Things.
Clear the air with one of these simple dust collection strategies for your router table.
We compare the features of ten different honing guides to see what each has to offer.
Any of the honing guides shown on page 12 will make sharpening a lot easier. The General and Stanley guides are available from Amazon. The Kell, Veritas, Veritas Mk. II, Oar, and Eclipse-style guides are available from several of the woodworking sources shown in the margin at right.
A few of the guides aren’t as readily available. The Alisam Sharpening Sled can be purchased from Alisam Engineering. Woodcraft carries the Pinnacle. And the Sharp Skate 2 is available through HMS Enterprises.
Learn a new technique for creating coved raised panels using only a table saw.
Here's a simple organizer that can be built in a day, doesn't require much in the way of materials, and can be put to use right away.
Aside from a few wire brads, the only other item required to build the mail organizer is a standard keyhole hanger. We purchased this from Rockler (28837).
To even out the color of the cherry, we stained the project with a combination of three parts Zar cherry stain and one part WoodKote Jel'd Stain (Cherry). Then the project was sprayed with a couple coats of lacquer.
Contrasting woods, a stylish design, and fine craftsmanship combine to make this trivet centerpiece as attractive as it is practical.
There's no hardware or special items used to build the trivet on page 20. But when it comes to finishing this project, you'll want to select a finish that can stand up to the heat from hot dishes placed upon it. I simply applied a couple coats of an oil finish — General Finishes' Seal-a-Cell.
This unique bench offers convenient storage as well as a place to sit down. Straightforward construction makes it a snap to build.
The two-tier storage bench requires a handful of hardware items. Rockler carries the hinges (55902), knob (22735), and drawer pull (38677). The bun feet (465-BF) and the dowel screws (ADDS) were purchased from Classic Designs by Matthew Burak.
To finish the bench, we painted it with a couple of coats of Benjamin Moore paint (Montgomery White). Then to give the bench an aged look, we applied a coat of Behlen's Glazing Stain (VanDyke Brown).
Your favorite hand tools deserve a home that's equally special. The tambour door really makes this tool cabinet stand out from the pack.
There are only a few hardware items in the tool cabinet on page 32. The small ring pulls (00S30.21), large ring pulls (00S30.22), and chest handle (00S30.23) are all available from Lee Valley.
You'll also need some plastic stem bumpers (28373) and a pair of keyhole hangers (28837). We purchased these from Rockler.
The tambour door requires some canvas for the backing. We purchased a piece of artist's canvas from a local art store.
To maintain the natural color of the wood, we didn’t stain the tool cabinet. Instead, we wiped on a coat of General Finishes' Seal-a-Cell to give the oak a warmer color and then sprayed on a couple coats of lacquer.
Making a tambour door isn't as complicated as it may seem. Here's a step-by-step approach.
The secret to routing accurate curved grooves is a guide bushing and a shop-made template.
This easy-to-use finishing method is quick, looks great, and protects your projects.
Figured woods can make your projects stand out. Here are some tips for top-notch results.