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Woodsmith #217

February 2015
Issue 217

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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques5

Working with Bamboo10

Northwest Bamboo Inc., Plyboo, and Woodworkers Source are a few online sources for purchasing bamboo lumber.

Creating a Custom Plane14

Scissor-Lift Workbench20

Built around a foor-operated lift cart, this workbench is easy to set to any height. Plus, great clamping options and a dust collection system make it the perfect solution for any shop.

  • Page 22: Text, third paragraph
    The scissor lift mentioned in the article is no longer available from Grizzly Industrial. The substitute scissor-lift table that has been chosen is also from Grizzly; SKU #H6240. The substitute table is longer and wider than the original table we used, so adjustments will need to be made to the dimensions for the benchtop, edging, and skirts to accommodate the larger size.

Online Extras

  • Grizzly Industrial
    Hydraulic Table … H8099
  • Rockler rockler.com 800-279-4441
    Magnetic Tool Holder … 81281
    Dust-Free Shop Tray … 43500
  • Amazon.com
    Bench Vise … B000JRDMK4

Note: The 7" bench vise listed in sources does not match the bench vise used on the project. A suitable replacement vise that more closely resembles the one used on the project is available from amazon.com: Bench Vise B000JRDMK4

The scissor lift mentioned in the article is no longer available from Grizzly Industrial. The substitute scissor-lift table that has been chosen is also from Grizzly, sku #H6240. The substitute table is longer and wider than the original table we used, so adjustments will need to be made to the dimensions for the benchtop, edging, and skirts to accommodate the larger size. Please see the online extra for an updated Materials, Supplies & Cutting Diagram.

Spice Carousel26

Keep your most-used spices close at hand with this rotating carousel. You’ll find a lot of woodworking packed into this project along with finishing options for creating a unique look.

To finish the maple carousel, Pecan water-based stain was used and the inside of the holes were painted black. For the painted carousel, Somerset Gold milk paint was followed by a coat of Basil Green milk paint. After sanding to simulate wear, a burnt umber glaze was applied. The stain, paint, and glaze are from General Finishes. A spray lacquer was used for the final two coats.

Router Mortising Machine30

You’ll be creating precision mortises with ease using your router’s motor and this shop-built machine. The secret to its smooth operation is ordinary metal drawer slides.

  • Page 36: Main Illustration, Part R
    Part R (Sliding Table Top) shows the dimension 1 1/4" radius for the end of the hand-hold. This should be 1 1/4" diameter, or 5/8" radius.
  • Page 39: Supplies list
    The drawing on page 33 calls out a 10" drawer slide to attach the router carriage to the post, while the Materials list calls for a 12" drawer slide. The drawing is correct. So the listing on page 39 should be changed from this: (2) 12" Full-Extension Drawer Slides w/Screws, to this: (2) 10" Full-Extension Drawer Slides w/Screws
  • Page 39: Cutting diagram
    The board in the cutting diagram doesn't account for the kerf when ripping parts to width. The solution is to change the label on the board to read: 3/4" x 6" – 72" Maple (3 Bd. Ft.)
  • Page 30: Main Photograph
    The photos of the mortising machine and the drawings show conflicting orientations of the drawer slides for the router carriage. While both arrangements work, the drawings are correct. The drawer slides on the carriage should be installed with the wide (cabinet) component attached to the post. The narrow (drawer) component is mounted to the inside face of the carriage side (G).
  • Page 33: Text, fourth paragraph
    The final paragraph in the first column on page 33 should be changed to read: "The post and base are joined with long screws driven from the bottom, as shown in detail 'a' and Top View drawing on the previous page."
  • Page 36: Main illustration
    This note should be added to the main drawing on page 36: "NOTE: Remove the post to fit drawer slide components together"
  • Page 36: Text, last paragraph
    The paragraph titled "Drawer Slides" that runs from page 36–37 should read as follows: DRAWER SLIDES. I mentioned earlier that the sliding table is attached with drawer slides. But there's a little more to it. In order to allow the table to slide both left and right, you need to attach the slide components to the machine base and sliding table so they’re offset. So when the table is centered, the mechanism is half-open, as shown in the drawing and details 'a' and 'b' on the previous page. As you install the slides, it’s important that the slides are installed parallel to each other and square to the face of the router carriage. To install the table, you need to remove the post and fit the drawer slides together. Then reattach the post.
  • Page 36: Text
    For those woodworkers who have already glued the post to the base, please note: In order to install the sliding table, you need to cut away the right "ear" on the back edge of the sliding table. You can do this at the table saw. This allows you to fit the drawer slide components together. But you can't simply reattach the ear. For the Stop Block to line up with the one on the other end of the table, you need to make a spacer that matches the width of the saw kerf. Glue the spacer to the ear, then attach the ear to the sliding table with long screws.
  • Page 35: Main illustration
    In the main drawing on page 35, the overall diameter of the Handle Shaft (P) is called out as 2". It should be 1".
  • Page 39: Supplies list
    The description of the nylon spacer should read: (2) 3/8" ID x 3/4" OD - 1" Nylon Spacers
  • Page 39: Materials List
    In the materials list, the quantity of part 'N' (Arm Spacers) is incorrectly listed as 2. The quantity should be 4. Likewise, the cutting diagram only shows 2 of part 'N'. There should be 4.
  • Page 37: Main Illustration
    The main drawing on the top of the page is missing callouts for a few hardware items. What's missing: 24" T-Track (main drawing and detail 'b'); 5/16"-18- 1 3/4" studded knob and washer; 1/4"-20 x 1 1/4" hex bolt — to attach stop block to fence (main drawing and detail 'b'); 1/4"-20 insert knob — to attach stop block to fence (main drawing and detail 'b'); 1/4" washer — to attach stop block to fence (main drawing and detail 'b'); 5/16"-18 T-nut (detail 'c')
  • Page 37: Bottom Illustration
    The location of the adjustment hole in the Clamp Base (W) isn't shown in the drawing at the bottom of the page. The hole is located 1 1/2" from the front edge of the base and 3/4" from the sides. These dimensions should appear in the drawing at the bottom of page 37 or in detail 'a'. In addition, there should be a callout identifying the 5/16"-18- 1 3/4" studded knob and washer that are used to attach the Clamp Base to the Fence Base.
  • Page 39: Supplies list
    The quantities of some of the woodscrews in the Materials & Supplies list were printed incorrectly. The correct quantities are: (8) #8 x 2" Fh Woodscrews (instead of 2); (2) #8 x 2 1/2" Fh Woodscrews (instead of 6).
  • Page 34: Detail 'b'
    Detail B calls for a nylon bushing; it should read "nylon spacer."
  • Page 34: Third paragraph under HANDLE BLOCKS
    The third paragraph mentions a nylon bushing; it should read "nylon spacer."

The specific finish we used on the machine is Rust-Oleum Hammered finish in Verde Green, product no. 7219830. This is available at most home centers and hardware stores.

Stylish Cherry Hutch40

With its elegant look, this tall hutch will add style and some much-needed storage to any dining room. And you’ll learn a lot of great techniques and tips as you build it.

  • Page 46: Main Illustration; Detail 'c'
    The main illustration and detail 'c' at the top of page 46 are mirrored. The long shelf and short shelf should be reversed, with the short shelf on the left. The position of the doors is also incorrect. The pair of doors on the left should actually be on the right of the cabinet. You should also be able to see the internal vertical divider inside the left door.

The hutch was stained with a mixture of three parts Zar cherry stain and one part Wood Kote Jel’d stain (cherry). Then it was sprayed with two coats of lacquer.

Tuning Up a Drill Press54

  • Page 57: Second photograph
    The second photo from the top of page 57 shows a C-clamp being used with wedges to remove a drill chuck. Some drill presses also have a locking screw or collar that must be loosened before using the wedges. Otherwise, damage to the drill chuck or drill press may occur. Please consult your owner's manual.

To remove the drill chuck, you’ll need to use wedges or a drift pin. You can find these and the drill rod at McMaster-Carr or Enco.

Shop Notes64

  • Page 67: LED Lighting
    The exact LED replacement tubes for fluorescent fixtures shown in the LED Lighting Retrofit article are item number B00IT1DVB2 on amazon.com. If these are unavailable, a number of alternatives can be found by searching Amazon for "LED fluorescent tube." Alternatively, tubes may be found at www.1000bulbs.com. Also, the LED replacement bulb for the halogen worklight shown in the lower right hand photo on page 58 is not listed in the sources. The bulb is a Meridian model number 13159 and is available from the Home Depot.
  • Page 67: Mortising Machine
    This should be added to the sources on page 67: (Under the McMaster-Carr heading): Nylon Spacers...94639A216 | Woodcraft: 10" Drawer Slides...27D11; 18" Drawer Slides...27D15
  • Page 67: Mortising Machine sources
    The specific finish used on the machine is Rust-Oleum Hammered finish in Verde Green, product no. 7219830. This is available at most home centers and hardware stores.
  • Page 67: Scissor-Lift Bench Sources
    The 7" bench vise listed in sources does not match the bench vise used on the project. A suitable replacement vise that more closely resembles the one used on the project is available from amazon.com: Bench Vise ... B000JRDMK4
  • Page 67: Scissor-Lift Bench Sources
    The scissor lift mentioned in the article is no longer available from Grizzly Industrial. The substitute scissor-lift table that has been chosen is also from Grizzly; SKU #H6240. The substitute table is longer and wider than the original table we used, so adjustments will need to be made to the dimensions for the benchtop, edging, and skirts to accommodate the larger size.
  • Page 67: SPICE CAROUSEL Sources
    The herb labels shown on the spice bottles were purchased from Needful Thing Shop: http://etsy.me/1LGESrf. The labels are sold as a downloadable file that can be printed on self-adhesive label paper. Instructions are given on the site.