Edition #249.1
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Edition #249.1
May 6, 2020
Woodworking Technique
Routing Keyhole Slots
Hanging projects on the wall can be done in a variety of ways. French cleats are usually my go-to. But with a smaller project, you can use a specialty bit to rout a keyhole. Then, hanging the project is as simple as driving a nail or screw into the wall and hanging up the project.
Shop Tip
Drilling In Dowels
Drilling the center of a dowel can be a head-scratcher. Not only is drilling in the center an obstacle but holding the round dowel can be tricky. John shows us a simple trick by combining a couple of clamps, a scrap board, and the drill press. Using this tip, you can easily hold the dowels and accurately drill your holes.
Edition #249.2
May 13, 2020
Designer's Notebook
Mantle Box
If you're looking for a great small project to build, take a good look at this mantle box! It packs a ton of subtle craftsman details into a beautiful little box that's quick to build. It looks great on the mantle, or on your favorite bookshelf.
Shop Tip
Shop-Made Hold-Down
You can never have too many helping hands in the shop. Hold downs are the perfect helper at a variety of workstations. And, if you're like me, you're more likely to use them if they're close at hand. So, load up each of your workstations with a pair of these shop-made hold-downs!
Edition #249.3
May 20, 2020
Woodworking Technique
Trimming Veneer
Trimming veneer can be tricky. The thin veneer can flex, crack, and chip away as you trim it to size. But, when veneering an intricate door, Phil tried a simple solution that worked like a charm. All it takes is your bench vise, and a handful of small files.
Shop Tip
Dowel Sizing
If you've ever tried to match up a dowel to a Forstner bit, you know it can be a challenge. It always seems the bit is either just a little small or a little large. Chris shows us an easy way to not only select the right sized dowel for the job but to also match up your dowel to the proper sized drill bit!
Edition #249.4
May 27, 2020
Designer's Notebook
Weather Vane
Talk about a different project! This fun, whimsical weathervane combines some out of the ordinary woodworking with some metalworking. Use our design as a jumping-off point and come up with your own design. It's the perfect addition to your garden (or barn if you have one!).
Shop Tip
Small Parts Organizer
Keeping your hardware organized is always a difficult task. John shares a reader's tip on storing your hardware in some inexpensive food containers. The real gem here is the container rack, however. It keeps all of your loaded containers close and hand.
Edition #249.5
June 3, 2020
Designer's Notebook
Workbench Details
Workbenches area always a hot topic. What features should you incorporate to yours? What style should you build? Here, Phil shares some of the features of his personal bench in his shop, and some of the things he decided to incorporate as he built it.
Shop Tip
Hose Holder
We all do that song and dance. You coil your shop-vac hose up around the canister of the vacuum, but as soon as you go to move it, it springs loose and ends up like a pile of spaghetti on the floor. Here, Phil shares his custom-built shop-vac hose holder. It takes just a handful of scraps and a little time to put it together!
Edition #249.6
June 10, 2020
Designer's Notebook
Waterfall Bookcase
Project designer Dillon Baker shares some information on this waterfall bookcase. Its solid mahogany construction is a fun and unique building challenge. Dillon talks about some of the design details that set the Georgian style of furniture apart from others, and some of the details on our waterfall bookcase.
Shop Tip
Pegboard Turntable
If you're like me, you hoard scraps in the shop. One piece of scrap that doesn't ever seem to get used are pieces of pegboard. Here, Logan shares a tip on using up those small pieces of pegboard. The best thing of all, is you end up with the perfect accessory for finishing those small projects!
Edition #249.7
June 17, 2020
Designer's Notebook
Workbench Companion
This workbench companion is the perfect workshop accessory that you didn't know you needed. It combines a mobile worksurface, a shop cart, and storage all in one. Its roots are Shaker, but we've changed the construction to a plywood case with some interesting casters.
Woodworking Technique
Turned Chisel Handle
A few months back, we joined Phil as he tackled his first turning project: a turned chisel handle. While he turned that handle with carbide tools, Logan prefers traditional cutting edge tools. Here, Logan will show how he approaches this handle with a slightly different angle.
Edition #249.8
June 24, 2020
Woodworking Technique
Burned Chisel Handle
Last week, Logan shared how he turned a chisel handle using traditional turning tools. This week, he shows how to attach the tang of the chisel into the handle. All it takes is a little guidance from a drill bit and a propane torch.
Shop Tip
Koozie Corral
We all are familiar with that struggle. When you get done loading up at the lumberyard and reach for a strap to secure your cargo, you pull out a large rats-nest of straps. The solution for organized tow straps comes in an unexpected package: A can koozie.