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With a little know-how you can build a great looking project with this inexpensive wood.
Find out why these unique bits are the perfect choice for many routing tasks.
Spiral flute router bits are a must-have in any woodworker's shop. Fortunately, they're pretty easy to find. Most router bit manufacturers offer a variety of spiral flute bits, and you can order them through a number of woodworking supply companies, such as those shown below.
This innovative, easy-to-use jig offers multiple options for strong, accurate joinery.
The BeadLOCK Pro Joinery Kit, featured in the article on page 12, is available exclusively through Rockler. The kit (37801) includes the jig, drill bit, stop collar, 3⁄8" drill guide, and 3⁄8" paring guide. It sells for approximately $120. The 1⁄4" (39882) and 1⁄2" (36546) accessory kits can be purchased separately for around $40 each.
Rockler also carries all three sizes of the BeadLOCK tenon stock, as well as the special router bits for making your own tenons.
Learn how to glue up great-looking panels without the hard work and stress.
For a small project, this coaster set offers a nice list of features. The contrasting materials and a unique design combine for an eye-catching appearance and some interesting woodworking.
Aside from the wood, the only other item you'll need to build the coaster centerpiece on page 16 is some 1⁄8"-thick cork sheet. Many craft and fabric stores sell cork sheet. But if you're unable to find it locally, you can order it online from Joann Fabrics (1091651)
I finished the centerpiece with a couple coats of sprayed lacquer. The only thing to point out here is that you'll want to glue the cork to the coasters after finishing.
It's hard not to like this project with its casual look, practical design, and straightforward construction. And to top all this, it's built from easy-to-find, low-cost pine.
Other than some screws, there isn't any hardware required to build the coffee table on page 20. But you will need a few turned wood parts. I purchased the wood knobs from Lee Valley (02G10.35). And the bun feet are available from Classic Designs by Matthew Burak (465-BFX.PI).
To give the coffee table an aged look, I used a multi-step finishing process. To start with, I lightly sanded the corners and edges of the table, particularly at those spots where you would expect to find the most wear.
Next, I applied a wood conditioner to prevent the pine from blotching. This was immediately followed up with a coat of stain made from equal parts of General Finishes' oil stain in Pecan and Light Oak.
After the stain was dry, I sprayed the table with a sealer coat of lacquer. Then I wiped on a coat of General Finishes’ Gel Stain (Java) as a glaze. Simply wipe the stain on and then wipe it off again, allowing some to remain in the recesses and corners.
Once the glaze had dried, the last step was to spray on a couple finish coats of lacquer.
Like the enduring reference book it's designed to hold, this attractive project is built to stand the test of time. And it's guaranteed to put your joinery skills through their paces.
You’ll need just a handful of hardware to build the Craftsman-style library stand on page 32. The no-mortise hinges (00H51.22), hinge screws (01Z10.41) and cup pull (02W36.85) were purchased from Lee Valley. The stem bumpers are from Rockler (28373)
When it came time for finishing, I stained the library stand with a mix of one part General Finishes’ Light Oak and one part General Finishes' Honey Maple. Then I sprayed on a couple coats of lacquer.
When it comes to cutting snug-fitting tenons, a dado blade in the table saw can't be beat.
A router and a simple jig will help you turn rough or warped stock into straight, flat boards.
A quality brush is the start to a great finish. We'll show you how to keep yours in tip-top shape.
Aside from the appropriate solvent (and some self-discipline), the only tool you may need to keep your finishing brushes in good order is a brush comb. You can find these at most paint stores.
Incorporating hiding places in a project can be fun as well as useful. Take a look at a few ideas.
