Issue 319
Issue 319
An Orderly World
It’s not exactly a revelation that life is messy. It can be frustrating and confusing and sometimes it’s just not satisfying. But that is not usually true in my workshop. One of the ways that my shop provides, in the words of songwriter Bob Dylan, a shelter from the storm, is the illusion of order and control it provides.
And while if you were to come into my shop, your first impression might not be “what a neat and orderly place this is,” you would likely not be surprised that I can walk across the shop, move a pile of wood scraps and pull out a piece of curly maple that will be perfect for the task at hand. (In my shop, if something is out of place — I’m the one who put it there.) Not only is there satisfaction in knowing my shop, but the process of woodworking in and of itself is a comforting experience. Working from point A to point Z and arriving at an acceptable conclusion is such a great experience.
And I think that I am not alone in using my shop as both a refuge and a place of recharging my batteries. I think that is one reason that woodworking remains popular and folks like you are passionate about the craft.
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Q & A
-
Best Way to Replace Stair Treads?
I’m remodeling the steps in my basement. What is the best way to attach the new treads over the old 2×12 pine treads?
-
What’s the Trick for Loosening Planer Inserts?
I need a tip on loosening helical planer inserts.
-
How to Apply a Gloss Black Finish?
Would you please offer some suggestions & pointers to accomplish a black, high-gloss finish on wood?
What's In Store
-
Rockler Gallon-Sized Mixing Mate Paint Lid
Rockler has introduced a larger, gallon-sized version of its original (quart-sized) Mixing Mate™Paint Lid.
-
Reinventing the Chicken Coop
Reinventing the Chicken Coop by Kevin McElroy and Matthew Wolpe contains plans for 14 modernized chicken shelters, suitable both for housing chickens and for contemporary urban and suburban yards.
-
Porter Cable PCCK600LB 20 Volt MAX* Drill/Driver
Porter-Cable’s new 20 Volt MAX*Lithium Ion Compact Drill/Driver, the PCCK600LB, is designed to be the cornerstone of their new 20 Volt MAX* system.
-
Rockwell 16-volt MaxLithium Drill/Driver, Impact Driver
Rockwell Tools recently launched two new MaxLithium models: a Drill/Driver and Impact Driver. Both are rated at 16 volts, which sets them apart from the rest of the professional tool marketplace for voltage these days.
-
Shopsmith Abrasives: Industrial Quality for Everyone
Maybe you’ve done the same double take as me if you’ve bought sandpaper from Lowe’s® in the past six months…
Tricks of the Trade
-
Turning Tool Storage
I mounted PVC pipes into my lathe and grinder workbench.
-
Scroll Saw Dust Clearance
A reader tip for cleaning out your dust clearances with something you might have around your house.
-
Preventing Tube Dryout
Could never find a devise to properly seal the open end of my caulking, construction adheasive, etc. tubes to prevent dryout until I needed it again.
Today's Woodworker
-
Gerald Curry: Furniture Old And New (Plus Repairs, Too)
A few decades ago, Gerald “Jerry” Curry was working as a carpenter. The quality of work on older houses made him gravitate to older things — like furniture — as better made.
Feedback
-
Dog Doors and Other Challenging Projects
In last issue’s eZine, Rob announced that he is building a better dog door, and asked if other woodworkers had some off-the-beaten-path projects on their horizons.
Reader's Project Gallery
-
Ash Keepsake Box
This is another keepsake box. The wood is white ash. The dovetails are hand cut. These are the first dovetails that I cut using my Japanese dovetail saw.
-
Carpenter’s Tool Chest
My Great Grandfather was a finish carpenter for a company that made huge riverboats. He specialty was doing the fine trim work in the Captain’s quarters.
