Issue 557
Issue 557
Time for Reflection (And Happy Birthday!)
There are certain days on the calendar which, when they come around, provide a natural time for reflection. Some are dates with widespread meaning – like the fast-approaching New Year’s Eve – while other milestones are more personal in nature. Things like, for example, birthdays.
Today, for instance, December 11, the date this Woodworker’s Journal Weekly email goes out, is Rob’s birthday. (Have you ever had a friend or coworker who is so humble about their personal celebrations that you realize you’ve worked through their birthday for years without ever knowing when it was? Yeah, Rob is not that person.)
Such personal milestones have been on my mind this year as I celebrated one of those big decade birthdays last month, and also in 2018 commemorate 20 years of working at Woodworker’s Journal. Yes, it has been 20 years worth of hearing constant reminders about December 11 — but also opportunities like meeting Sam Maloof (he bought me ice cream) and, on the whole, working with a great cast of characters.
I’m still in the process of envisioning and refining my personal goals from last month’s birthday reflections (hey, I’ve got until at least New Year’s Eve …), but I’m wondering: what has 2018 meant to you as a woodworker – and what’s in store for you next year?
Joanna Werch Takes, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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Soft Starter for Power Tools
Innovative, affordable new plug-and-play accessory for universal-motor power tools eliminates jackrabbit starts and extends their service life.
Q & A
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Fixing Cracked Screw Holes?
The screws on the table locks of an old walnut drop leaf table have cracked the wood. How can I glue the hinge hardware in place to fix the damage?
What's In Store
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DeWALT 20V MAX* Brushless Duo
Expanding the 20V MAX* woodworking options, DeWALT’s new random-orbit sander and jigsaw feature brushless motors, ergonomic designs and soft overmolds.
Tricks of the Trade
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Floor Tile Provides Dead-flat Sharpening Surface
I sharpen my hand tools with sandpaper, but instead of using an expensive plate glass base, I’ve found a thriftier substitute.
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Mortiser Chisel Spacer
This user found a perfect spacer for his mortiser chisel, and unlike his typical solution, it was one that he could keep handy between applications.
Feedback
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Holiday Gifts: Still in the Concept Stage
Readers share their own stories of how this year’s holiday gifts (still) exist more as concepts than realities.
Gift Project Plans
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Band Saw Box Basics
Bandsawn boxes are fun to build and make unique and interesting gifts. We have a video, step-by-step instructions and a downloadable pattern to help you make your own.
