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Edition #246.1

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Edition #246.1

Designer's Notebook

Charming Candle Centerpiece

Easy weekend projects — the name says it all. But ending up with a great-looking and fun-to-build project there requires a bunch of design work. Designer Dillon Baker explores his process while talking about a candle centerpiece.

Router Workshop

Intro to Shaper Origin

Woodsmith designed a shop-built CNC router with a bed size of 24" x 48". It's impressive, but does take up a lot of space. In this video, Logan Wittmer introduces you to another take on the CNC concept. It's a handheld router that autocorrects while you move it along a specific pathway.

Shop Tip

Shooting Plane Grip

Flip a hand plane on its side and you can use it to fine-tune the length of project parts or put a smooth surface on miter joints. This process is called shooting. The only issue is that holding a plane in this position can be awkward or even uncomfortable. But you can find relief in your clamp rack.

Edition #246.2

Router Workshop

Using the Shaper Origin

Editor Logan Wittmer wanted to make a lathe accessory. So he turned to the Origin from Shaper Tools. In this video, he shows how the CNC router works to create precision parts.

Shop Tip

Prevent Splitting

Hardware installed in the edge of plywood panels can lead to a split. To prevent this from happening, you can turn to this traditional clamp.

Edition #246.3

Mastering the Table Saw

Round & Spiral Cuts

While it may seem either like a trick question or a gimmick, you can make spiral and round cuts using a table saw. Editor Vince Ancona has a soft spot for vintage tool manuals. That's where he found the techniques and in this video walks you through the steps. We were just as surprised at how easy they are to accomplish.

Finishing Room

Options for Candle Centerpiece

This candle centerpiece looks great and makes a great gift. But a small project like this also gives you the chance to try something new. One of the finish options is to apply liming wax over the top of the stain and finish. Erich Lage shows just how easy it is to do.

Shop Tip

Table Saw Length Stop

A stop block simplifies cutting multiple parts to the same length. As the parts get longer, finding a stop block that works gets harder. Michael Behrmann's solution is to make a table saw extension.

Edition #246.4

Mastering the Table Saw

Cove Cutting

Crosscuts, rip cuts, dadoes — a table saw can do quite a bit during the course of building a project. But you can also use the table saw to make decorative cuts, too. For a candle holder project, we used the table saw to create a cove profile on the top edge. Designer Dillon Baker shows how to set up and make the cuts. You can also use this to make cove molding for cabinets or trim for your home.

Shop Tip

Sizing Peg Hooks

Inexpensive metal hooks make it easy to organize tools and supplies on a pegboard rack. The problem is the fit of the hooks can be a little too wobbly. Here's an easy way to get the hooks to stay put.

Edition #246.5

Designer's Notebook

Coaster Set

When Creative Director Chris Fitch set out to design a coaster set, he kept a few goals in mind: It should look good, it needs to be fun to make, and it should be unique. Check, check, and check. This video shows how he tackled each step along the way.

Woodworking Technique

Standing Mirror Details

The standing mirror with a built-in jewelry case presented a few challenges. One was to keep the mirror in position while opening and closing the case. Another was how to join curved parts with a seamless fit. Editor Erich Lage walks through each of those steps.

Shop Tip

Reusable Push Block

A push block that holds a workpiece down on a table saw as well as the guides it past the blade is the best type. But over time, this kind of push block can get a little beat up. Build this version to improve your safety at the table saw.

Edition #246.6

Designer's Notebook

Router Plane

A router plane is a little known hand tool for refining joinery details like dadoes and grooves. They also make creating hinge mortises a breeze. Designer Dillon Baker shares the details of a tool he designed.

Shop Tip

Pencil Access

Even though I have several pencils in the shop, knowing where they are at a given moment is a totally different story. Here's a clever pencil holder that can help your stay organized.

Edition #246.7

Designer's Notebook

Welsh Chairs

Making a chair can seem like an intimidating process for some woodworkers. Designer Dillon Baker wanted to break through that barrier. So, inspired by a folk design from Wales, he created a chair that just about anyone can make. Hear how the project came about.

Working With Tools

Cove Cutting with a Round Plane

One of the best aspects of using hand tools is that they give you flexibility to accomplish tasks. You also pick up a new skill along the way. Here Logan Wittmer demonstrates how to use a round plane to create a cove profile.

Shop Tip

Leather Jaw

Wood handscrew clamps can be easily modified to serve a special purpose. See how to turn one into a small carving vise.

Edition #246.8

Shop Project

Small Parts Sled: Constructing The Sled

As versatile as a table saw is, cutting small parts requires extra attention. One way to make cuts safely and accurately, is to build a sled that's sized for the job. Logan Wittmer takes the first step by making this pint-sized sled.

Shop Tip

Bench Vise

In order to work safely and accurately, you need a way to hold your workpiece steady. If you're without a workbench and a vise, try this approach using a handscrew clamp and an F-clamp. It turns any surface into a workbench.