Issue 315
Issue 315
The Way of All Woodworkers
It happens every year … as the days begin to get shorter here on the tundra, and we begin to don sweaters, fleece, wool sox — and to huddle together for warmth — that singular and vitally important annual celebration begins to loom large on the calendar. No, it is not St Andrew’s Day (important to us who celebrate the clans and haggis), nor is it the winter solstice. No, the anniversary that I am referring to is the 11th of December, 1955.
Curiously, I am still sensing that some of you have not circled this date on your calendar, and are confused as to its importance. The answer is simple … that is the birthday of your humble editor in chief. Let me be clear: I am not looking for gifts of any kind. But for some reason, turning 57 feels uncomfortably close to turning 60, which for a long time seemed old to me. (Of late, I have begun to hope it is the “new 40.”) With that said, I am looking for some advice from those of you who may have crossed that line with grace. If I can trust anyone for this task … it is you all.
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
What's In Store
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RYOBI® 18V ONE+™ Upgrade Kit (P128)
The RYOBI® 18VONE+™ Upgrade Kit (P128) is an upgrade kit for users of either Ni-Cd or lithium-ion batteries for their Ryobi ONE+ tools.
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Rockler Redesigned Router Tables
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware’s newly redesigned Router Tables include bright white tables to reflect more light and maximize visibility.
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Makita LXRM03B Jobsite Radio
Makita’s 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Jobsite Radio is compatible with iPhone® and iPod® MP3s through two auxiliary ports and delivers stereo sound through two 3″ side-firing speakers.
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Wixey’s Updated Digital Angle Gauge
Several new features enhance Wixey’s latest iteration of its Digital Angle Gauge.
Tricks of the Trade
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Never Lose a Pencil in the Shop Again!
Keep em off the workbench or lost in the sawdust!
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Make Your Own Push Block by Repurposing an Old Plane
Old wooden jack planes (with iron and chip breaker removed) make great table saw and jointer push blocks.
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Low-Cost Dust Collection Control System
In trying to have my dust collector outside the workshop I looked at remote control systems.
Today's Woodworker
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John Eric Byers: On the Surface
By the time John Eric Byers graduated from college, he realized he didn’t want to be the teacher he’d studied to become. Instead, he preferred to work with his hands.
Q & A
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What’s the Best Way to Strip Off Old Cabinet Paint?
What would you recommend to get down to bare wood and if we don’t want to do it can they be dipped in a vat somewhere, by some company?
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What Comes First, Stain or Shellac?
Would it be advisable to use a shellac over Minwax?, or should I have used the shellac first, then Minwax?
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Do You Mean Three Quarters for Real?
When using plans form your magazine and you call for a 3/4″ board, are you talking a true 3/4″ or what you get when purchasing a 3/4″ board?
Industry Interviews
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Venditto’s Infinity Continues Family Cutting Tool Heritage
Following in the footsteps of his father, David Venditto continues to bring innovative cutting tools to the woodworking marketplace.
Feedback
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Shop Heat, Gluing Ipe, Setting a Miter Lock
In the last eZine, Rob wrote in his editorial about his conflicting desires to have a comfortably heated shop and to save on the heating bill. Several readers sympathized.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Maple Hall Table
I scrounged up some small pieces of this maple, not sure whether to call it quilted or curly. The best word to describe it is psychedelic.
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Rifle & Shotgun Cleaning Box
This rifle/shotgun cleaning box is made to hold a variety of rifles and shotguns while they are being cleaned. This particular box is made of highly figured Walnut for the case, supports, and removable tote.
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Louisiana Sinker Cypress Box
This is a Louisiana Sinker Cypress Box I sculpted and carved recently. The wood was retrieved from the Louisiana Swamp after being submerged since sometime in the 1800’s.
