Wobbly Legs and All
“I’m fairly new to the finer points of woodworking so please be kind! I have tried to make a few pieces of furniture with four legs. I have double checked the measurements, cut carefully and followed instructions fairly to the letter, but when I put the project together, one of the legs always seems to come up short! Is it the wood?” – Fred Abejero
No, it is not the wood, but if it is any consolation, Fred, that happens to the best of us. Doing the glue-up on a true flat surface often helps, but to be honest, sometimes you just have to do a bit of hand work after assembly. Don’t give up, and keep reading. As Michelangelo was reported to have said, “ancora imparo” (“I am still learning.”) We’re betting a few fellow readers will write in with some helpful hints. – Editor
Asia
Rob’s trip to Asia continues to inspire commentary on the commentary. Here’s a small sampling. – Editor
“I find it very interesting that we want to blame the Chinese for building tools in their country. I think that the blame is misplaced. The people of China did not decide to build tools in their country; the tool manufacturers decided to move the manufacturing to China. If you are looking for someone to blame we must place it where it belongs.” – Ron Dearking
To take it a step further, Ron, one could look even closer to home. Tool makers, like all manufacturers, do what their customers tell them to do. Ultimately, it is the customers who demand cheaper products, and enforce that demand by “voting” with their dollars. Fortunately, we are not looking for anyone to blame. If there is a problem, we ascribe to the Japanese adage “fix the problem, not the blame.”– Editor
“It is not my concern if there are unemployed Chinese workers. If you think that is cold, it is no more so than your own response to your American readers.” – Paul Queen
We love our American readers, but also our readers from other countries. Perhaps this is a good time to point out that this is an internationally distributed eZine, and goes to at least 10 countries. If you are a woodworker, we are happy to hear from you, wherever you are. – Editor
“Your response that ‘…we are all part of the human race’ is right on.” – Ed Yellin
“Does the Korean conflict not count as a war?” – Dennis Eslinger
Technically, it was called a police action by the military, and was undertaken by the United Nations. Our troops were part of the UN force. Of course, whether or not it was called a war does not minimize the horror of the loss of life on all sides. Killing is awful no matter when, where and why it happens, but none of that has any bearing on the issue. What we were saying is that it ill behooves any of us to create ongoing vendettas between countries. That sort of thinking merely results in another round of killing. Let us quote one wiser than we. Albert Schweitzer, the famed philosopher, physician, musician and Nobel Peace Prize winner said: “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” – Editor
“I appreciate your balanced and humane response to some rather rabid comments as well as your willingness to post their comments.” – Frank Burns
“Thank you so very much for the responses to the letters written about your recent trip to China. I truly appreciate the wisdom with which you responded. No harsh replies, just facts presented with a twist of humor. Everything you said is very true. I will continue to be a faithful reader of the eZine publication. I love the wit, wisdom and all the other things you present with it. I continue to get an education in various areas through your articles. Keep up the great work!” – Sid Ackler
Thank you. And with that, we will officially lay this topic to rest. After all, we have a lot of woodworking to talk about (and do) and time’s a’wastin’. Read on, and you will see what we mean. – Editor
Cat Litter
“Although quite true about using cat litter to draw out the oil, I find it rare to get such a good laugh out of a comment made in these replies to questions. However, Kevin Hancocks’ suggestion of using FRESH cat litter was quite amusing to me. Just an absolute hoot.” – Captain Doug Kipp
We’re delighted we could be so entertaining, and we are certain Kevin feels the same way. – Editor
JET Model Number
“In the Oct. 24 eZine Rob Johnstone reviews the JET 10″ Pro-Shop Contractor Style Tablesaw. Will you please give me the model number so I can be more precise in my search? JET has several saws but none that I find have the Pro-Shop name in the description. Thanks.” – Gary Welch
“What is the model number of the JET 10″ Pro-Shop Contractor Style Tablesaw featured in your Woodworkers Journal eZine no. 160? I am interested in learning more about this saw.” – Ray Robertson
John Otto of JET answers: “Any saw that starts with JPS-10” – Editor
Plans
“I just want to say thank you so much for providing these wonderful woodworking plans. They are always for such neat projects. A huge thanks!” – Kay Rodriguez
Quick and Dirty Boat Building
“I just have one word to say after reading Michael’s account of your boating day in Tacoma. Lunacy. What else is there to say? That is one heck of an adventure you had, men. Keep up the noble and maniacal work. And Michael, that is one fine piece of writing. I really enjoyed the picture you painted. I feel proud to know a few erudite lunatics.” – Andy Rae
As we are proud to know you. Andy Rae is an outstanding woodworker, writer and editor, author of several outstanding books on the subject of woodworking, and one of the experts from our Q&A section. – Editor
Red Oak, White Oak
“Andy Rae wrote ‘Split a small piece of the wood, stick one end in a bowl of water, and blow through the opposite end. If the stick makes bubbles in the bowl, it’s red oak.’ You gotta be pullin’ my leg.” – Doug Hulen
No, Doug, that actually works. Try it and you will see. – Editor
“I thought it was the other way around.” – Carl Schaller
Nope, but don’t believe us. Try it. There is no better educator than direct experience. – Editor
“I’m still chuckling about your answer to white oak versus red oak. Thanks. I enjoy the e-magazine.” – David E. Taylor
“Another way to tell is to shave the end grain and look at it in direct light with a magnifying glass. White oak pores are full of crystals.” – Sean McLaughlin
Steel City
“A few issues back, you had an article on a new line of tools from Steel City. I was at the Surrey Woodworking Show last weekend, and those tools looked super. My friend was intrigued with the finish on the table saws. Most tops show mill marks from the machining. The rep said they polish the tops at the factory, thus the beautiful finish. They are in a class by themselves.” – Redmond Blair.
Typo Corner
One common form of typo that can always slip by a spell checking program is the homophone: a word that sounds the same as another word, but means something different. – Editor
“This exodus is fueled holy and solely for increased profit.”
At first we were sure the writer meant “wholly and solely” but the fact that exodus is also mentioned gave us pause (or should that be “gave us paws?”) – Editor
