Issue 526
Issue 526
Odd American Woods
One thing many of us woodworkers are drawn to is beautiful, natural wood. The lovely hue of the wood interacting with the grain’s pattern and the project’s design are infinitely variable and, for that reason, fascinating.
Walnut, black cherry, maple of all sorts, red and white oak, pine and Douglas fir — these are some of our go-to species.
But what I am curious about is what some people call “domestic exotics.” Woods that might be more regional, are great to use, but out of the mainstream. For example, two hardwoods that I really like are butternut and persimmon. They are both great to look at. Butternut is easy to work. Persimmon is really dense, but beautiful.
So what about you — do you have a favorite wood species that is out of the mainstream but still a North American native? Let me know!
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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Free Mother’s Day Project Class
Learn how to make a simple jewelry tree for mom on Saturday, May 5, by joining a free class at Rockler stores.
Tricks of the Trade
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Installing a Router Lift in a Table Saw Extension
Rob Robillard walks you through the process of creating a router plate template and installing a router lift in your table saw extension.
What's In Store
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M18™ Random Orbit Sander
Milwaukee’s M18 Random Orbit Sander delivers cordless power on par with a corded tool, while providing hook-and-loop convenience and other features you expect from a random-orbit sander.
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Rockler Router Bit Storage Inserts
Mount and organize 1/4- or 1/2-in.-shank router bits wherever convenient by drilling a hole and installing these ribbed inserts.
Q & A
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What’s the Purpose of Straight, Curved Draw Knives?
Are my curved- and flat-edged drawknives intended for different tasks?
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How Do I Prevent Gouging with a Belt Sander?
Is there a way to help me prevent gouging wood when using a belt sander?
Feedback
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Desert Island Tool Choices
Readers tell what tool they would bring to a desert island.
