Issue 117
Issue 117
Chilly Reception Down in Dixie
Last week I took a quick business trip below the Mason-Dixon Line. One way that I know I am “down south” is when the woman behind the McDonald’s counter asks me “Hey sugar, whad y’all like this mornin’?” and then follows it up with “How about some grits with that breakfast burrito?” (No thanks … just coffee.)
One way I could not tell was by the temperature. When I left Minnesota, it was 40°, a truly balmy February temperature in the North Star State. When I landed in Atlanta-gol-durn-GEORGIA … it was 36°, and even a math-impaired editor could figure out that it was four degrees colder than where I’d come from. Some things just aren’t right.
Now I hate to sound like a whiner (OK, too late for that), but when we solar-deprived Yankees head south, we really don’t expect it to be colder. Thankfully, Southern hospitality provided all the warmth I needed … although I do need to look into the vernacular of “Bless your face” … which seemed like a compliment at the time; but anyway… I do love the South and Southern culture, but next time I’ll bring my jacket.
Sincerely,
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Today's Woodworker
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American Sycamore Retreat: Where Woodworkers Become Guests
While it may sound like a luxury vacation spa, American Sycamore Retreat is actually an outstanding woodworking school, whose teachers include such luminaries as Frank Klausz, Andy Rae, Darryl Peart, Don Weber, and Dale Barnard, to name just a few.
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Jeff Hunt: Function Meets Form as East Meets West
Look through some of the stunning work in his online gallery and you will see a wide range of style influences, all expertly blended and executed into furniture that makes you say,”I wish I’d made that.”
Q & A
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Coke Rust Remover
I have a new saw that is beginning to rust, as I don’t heat my garage. I remember reading somewhere that Coke is good for removing rust stains. Would that be just straight Coca-Cola, or diluted Coke? Or is there a better way without an abrasive?
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Edge Routing by Hand
When I use my router in its table, I do fine, but when I use it by hand for edge routing, it skips and jumps around. Can you help?
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Fraction Plan Measurements
I’m wondering why all plans to build wood furniture all have measurements ending in fractions such as 5/16, 3/8, 15/16ths etc. Why not round off to even numbers?
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Glue Top Workbenches
Nearly all the plans for workbenches that I’ve seen use a top which is laminated by gluing strips of timber together, even to the extent of ripping wider boards and then re-gluing them together. Why is that?
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Scary Sharp System
Michael Dresdner answers a reader’s question on what is referred to as a “Scary Sharp” sharpening system.
What's In Store
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Bulls Eye French Polish: Rubbing out Finishing Problems
Those of us who have applied a traditional French Polish know of the technique’s benefits and its drawbacks. Its most important benefit is the remarkable finish it delivers.
Feedback
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Opinions. Suggestions. Thoughts.
Readers share their opinions on Awlgrip, post a few links to exciting CAD and cut list programs, and discuss avoiding snipe.
