Woodworker's Journal eZine - From America's Leading Woodworking Authority

Saved by My Lathe

Rob Portrait Some folks seem to think that the winter holiday season is the hardest on their budget. Not so with me -- it's the graduation/wedding season that makes my wallet look as bare as last year's Christmas tree. Now, let me cushion that mean-sounding statement with this: few things make me happier than young people moving successfully and hopefully forward with their lives. (But why does it have to be so expensive?) I was cogitating on this very subject a short while ago when I was suddenly struck by an epiphany (don't worry, it only hurt for a minute).

In a nutshell, my thinking came to this: I love to turn small projects, people love to get one of a kind personal gifts, and I can get lots of turning wood for next to nothing. It's truly sweet and simple. So this week I am putting my new program to work with a couple of large salad bowls for two different sets of newlyweds. I love them dearly, and it is my hope that they will love the gifts.

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker's Journal

P.S. Speaking of being thrifty: be sure to check out the ads and the Industry Interview and Tool Preview for this issue of the eZine. Gorilla Glue is our sponsor this time out, and their support means that we can continue to send the eZine out to you free of charge.

New from the Blog

Interesting Woodwork is Wherever You Find It

On a recent visit to Northern Italy, I found myself strolling along the narrow lanes of Venice, surrounded by flocks of international tourists.

Tree Planting Goal Met

You may remember that, about a month ago, Chris Marshall brought you news of Rockler's goal to support the planting of 20,000 hardwood trees leading up to Earth Day.

Click Here to Read More!

Downloadable Plans

ONLY $1.00!

Two Deck Railing Planters

We've seen variations of these clever railing-mounted planter boxes in the garden shops, but if you've got a table saw, it's cheaper to make them yourself. We show two types of planters: a straight version and a corner version.

Hanging Bird Feeders

Not all birds eat fruit, but orioles, cardinals, tanagers and woodpeckers are among those that love, especially apples and oranges. These colorful feeders are easy to make and are a great way to attract the fruit-eating feathered friends around your neighborhood.

Cabinet with Punched Tin Doors

The punched-tin panels, black iron hinges and simple casework make this little pine cabinet a country gem you'll want to put in a prominent spot.

Gun, Bookcase, and Curio Cabinet

We've called this piece a gun cabinet and bookcase, but that's just for starters. Whether your cabinet is destined for display and storage of a firearms collection, or for housing first editions of Tolstoy and Thoreau behind its glass-paneled doors, building the piece will be about the same.

Tissue Box Cover

Dressed-up tissue boxes are hardly a novel idea, but our cover goes the standard color-printed cardboard box one. In addition to providing an attractive sleeve for a standard 4-1/2 inch square by 5-1/4 inch high tissue box, it lends the box a little added weight. No longer will you need two hands to extricate a stubborn tissue.

Shop-Built Sanding Blocks

These sanding blocks are a low-cost alternative to the store-bought variety. The step-by-step technique shown yields three separate blocks - one each for coarse, medium and fine sandpaper.

Click Here for More Plans!

In This Issue of the eZine . . .

Today's Woodworker

Maryellen Burdwood-Porter: Hitting the Target in Woodworking

Maryellen watched him make the bow, and watched apprentices come and go in the shop. When her order was finished, "The moment he finished making the bow, I put it in my truck and took it home; when I got to my house, I called him from home and said, 'I want to be your apprentice.'"