Issue 771

Issue 771

Woodworking Favorites

Rob Johnstone staff photo

Last week, I asked you which projects you have made over the years that you would consider your favorite. Many of you responded, and perhaps unsurprisingly, many of your favorites are connected to people you have loved and cared for.

I also said I would share my favorite, so here it is. Forty-five years ago, I enrolled in a technical school program that taught stringed instrument repair and construction. At the end of the year-long class, I built this guitar. The top is cedar, which has a perfectly straight grain and is very tight. The rest of the guitar is made of mahogany with rosewood accents. I used recycled piano key ivory for the headstock inlay and mother of pearl and banding for the sound hole inlay. The truly fortunate part was that from the moment I strung it up, it sang like a bird and still does. It has rich harmonics and a big voice.

Rob's cedar and mahogany guitar

Head of Rob's guitar

Body of Rob's Guitar

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal

Sjobergs Elite 2000 Workbench Overview

Rob Johnstone takes a look at the Sjobergs Elite 2000 Workbench, showing off some of the features that make this bench the gold standard for a woodworking shop.

Restoring Forests for the Future

Freshly planted tree
U.S. to answer wildfire losses with massive tree-planting initiative set to take place over the next decade.

Premium Project: Ultimate Sanding Station

Using a shop-made sanding cart with butcher block tabletop
Our art director builds an over-the-top sanding station. From casters to worktop to dust connectors, he really goes all in!

Premium Project: Small Shop Bar Stool

Small stool with dovetailed joints
Sturdy dovetails and long, flowing curves give this counter height ash bar stool an organic appeal, while highlighting your hand tool skills.

From Our Sponsor

Free Shipping on Orders of $49 or More

These six innovative router jigs make your router or router table even more versatile!

Must-have workshop routing jigs

Click here for Free Plans!