Calculating Woodworkers
One question in the last issue dealt with calculating rail, stile and panel sizes for raised panel doors, and a reader responded with an enormously helpful solution. – Editor
“I had the same problems until I found a wonderful little program at Rockler called the Woodshop Calculator. I think it is still about $25. I have built several kitchens and many doors, picture frames and wainscoting using this great little program.” – Martin Frincke
Another reader had a completely different issue on the subject of calculation. – Editor
“I enjoy reading Woodworker’s Journal and have picked up quite a few tips. But being that I am an old woodworker and did not get into all the millimeter stuff, why can’t we also get inches in the articles as well as millimeters?” – Ned Woodard
Generally, we try to respect whatever the original writer or company used. For instance, in the last issue, the piece on the Bostitch nailer called out everything in inches, not millimeters, but other companies use millimeters. The same goes for the Web Surfer’s Review section and the Readers’ Project Gallery. We print those without undue modification whenever possible. Our plans, on the other hand, are typically offered in inches. For those times when you would prefer the opposite measuring system, here’s an easy to use online conversion chart. – Editor
Resisting Rust
Our piece on TOOLClad offered a surefire way to keep your table saw table clean and rust-free. It sounds as if this reader could have used one. – Editor
“I want to warn readers not to lay treated boards on your cast-iron tables. I laid a piece on my table saw, and forgot to take it off before quitting for the evening. The next day, when I lifted it off the saw table, there was this terrible brown residue on the table. Fortunately, I was able to clean it with WD40 and steel wool, without leaving much of a stain.” – Les Nuessen
Another reader who uses his table as a workbench suggested his rather unusual way of dealing with table saw maintenance. – Editor
“After seeing so many tips on ways to rustproof a table saw, I must toss in my two cents’ worth. Soon after getting my saw and using it for a finishing table, I spilled some stain on it. To fix the appearance, I finished staining it, letting the oils soak in and wiping off the excess. I have not had to repeat the treatment, and have had no rust after 20 years in an occasionally damp cellar environment.” – Rick Davis
Bostitch
Our segment on the new Bostitich nailer packages elicited this comment. – Editor
“I just wanted to say that recently I bought the Bostitch CPACK3. I was very much surprised and pleased with this system. I ended up getting a Bostitch framing nailer after a couple of weeks. This system will handle a lot of tools. The compressor is quick to charge and supply air faster than I anticipated, and I am very pleased with the nailers that came with it. This is my first air compressor that isn’t one of those small electric ones for inflating all your needs.” – Jerry Burton
The Soul of Wit
Finally, we come to this delightfully succinct compliment. – Editor
“This is good. Thanks. I love your work.” – Nicole Dugas
Typo Corner
Some typos don’t merely afford entertainment, but also tip us off to the existence of entirely new animal breeds. – Editor
“The finish can be used on both real wood floors and laminants.”
Perhaps “laminant” is a compound word describing a laminated ruminant, sort of like a Formica® cow. – Editor
