Issue 119
Issue 119
Fun with Woodworking
One of the goals I have for the eZine, in addition to our primary focus of delivering solid woodworking information, is to have a bit of fun. Hence, we have held, via the eZine, the messiest shop contest, a silliest project contest and, recently, our first annual woodworking poetry contest.
So, with that in mind, I’d like to hear about your best workshop goof ups. And to spur you on, I’ll give you an example of one of mine. As a young man, I was made foreman of my father and uncle’s woodshop . We had built 50 displays for Northwest Airlines and now needed to construct their shipping crates. I carefully calculated the lumber required , added the standard 30% waste factor and ordered the material. About three days later, the truck with the lumber arrived and backed up to our door. It was a big truck, and it was completely loaded, stem to stern, with dimension lumber. I asked the truck driver who the rest of the wood was being shipped to … and he said that it was all for me. “No really, who’s it going to?” was my nervous reply. He just gave me the “Don’t be stupid and don’t waste my time” look. Which was unfortunate, because I was actually about to do both. Apparently, in my lumber calculations, I had doubled the quantity of wood I needed. Even after strenuous argument peppered with shameful language, he would not split the load, so I was left with the task of explaining a monstrous pile of lumber to my father and uncle. It did not go well.
Sincerely,
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Q & A
-
Mixing Aniline Dyes
I’ve read when using aniline dyes that you should mix only what you need. What is the reason for this? I store the leftover dye in airtight jars and, so far, I haven’t noticed any problems.
-
Choosing Between Router Table vs. Shaper
What are the benefits of router tables as opposed to those of shapers? The experts compare router table and shapers to apples and oranges.
-
Eliminating “Old” Smell
What is the best way to eliminate the “old” smell from an antique dresser and its drawers?
-
Finger Joint vs. Scarf Joint
Will a finger joint stand up as well as a scarf joint in exterior marine use?
-
Matching Wood with Sawdust Putty
How can I make putty to match the wood by using the sawdust I’ve collected from cutting?
Today's Woodworker
-
Kim Kelzer: A Furniture (and Cake) Decorator Who Makes Colorful Waves
With fantastic carving, upholstery, and outrageous paint treatments, she makes whimsical furniture that can just as easily be called art.
What's In Store
-
Look Ma, One Hand! Bosch 1HP Palm Router on the Horizon
Yes, you really can use it with just one hand – the impressive new Bosch 1HP Palm Router.
Industry Interviews
-
Zinsser: The Sultan of Shellac helps Polish its Image
His official title is “Brand Manager of Clear Finishes,” but around the office at Zinsser, Gene Hoyas is called “The Sultan of Shellac.”
Feedback
-
Metric Mania, Misspellings
The heated debate concerning the metric system continues, and readers wonder about “Caucasian Walnut Dressers.”
