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Edition #252.1

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Edition #252.1

Woodworking Technique

Measuring & Marking Tips

Having clean, clear, and accurate marks help you during the building process. Your cuts are only as accurate as your marks are, after all. Here, Phil shares some of his measurings and marking tips.

Designer's Notebook

Deep-Reach Clamps

In a recent issue of Woodsmith magazine, we featured these shop-made deep-reach clamps. Here, Chris shares some of the features and benefits of them. They're a fun build, and useful as well.

Shop Tip

Can Crusher

This can crusher is a great project to get the kids in the shop. It has a few simple parts and goes together quickly. The best part of all? When you've completed it, you can put it to work by cleaning up your recycling bins.

Edition #252.2

Designer's Notebook

Sea Chest

Traditionally, a sea chest was used by a sailor to house their personal belongings while at sea. This sea chest may not be destined to spend its life on the open ocean, but you're sure to find the perfect spot for it in your home.

Shop Project

Bench Rug

Keeping your workpieces dent and ding free is easily done using a simple entry rug. Not only does it protect the parts and your bench, but it also keeps the workpieces from sliding around.

Edition #252.3

Designer's Notebook

Craftsman Night Stand

When we designed the Gentleman's dresser, we knew it would be a winner and boy, was it. We decided to make it a bedroom set by designing a Craftsman-style bed to match. And now the time has come to add a beautiful little nightstand to the family.

Woodworking Technique

Preparing a Bowl Blank: Part 1

One of the allures of woodturning is that the material is often free. But, turning a wet piece of wood into a bowl is follows some certain steps to ensure that you have a blank that will not crack. Here, Logan shares his steps for turning a wet piece of wood into a bowl.

Shop Tip

Sanding Station

Sanding small parts can be a pain. They're hard to hold while also managing a sander. Luckily, Phil shares a unique use for a handscrew — turning it into a sanding holder to help you bring the part to the sander.

Edition #252.4

Woodworking Technique

Roughing Out a Bowl Blank

After cutting a bowl blank, you have two options: store it for later or turn it now. Here, Logan shows his process for turning a fresh cut bowl blank into a rough turned bowl. Rough turning a bowl speeds up the drying process, but needs to be done correctly to avoid cracking.

Shop Tip

Carbide Coloring

A big upside of carbide tools is their ease of use. By simply turning a carbide cutter 90° you can have a fresh cutting edge. However, after a rotation or two, I always forget which edge I've already used. Here, Phil shares a quick and easy reader's tip on marking the edges for that next rotation.

Edition #252.5

Designer's Notebook

Kitchen Utensils

These kitchen utensils tick all the right boxes. They use little material, they're quick and easy to make, and they make the perfect gift. Chris shows you some of the features of each of them, and why you should make a couple of sets for gifts.

Shop Project

Drill Press Table: Dust Collection Plate Options

In a recent build, John added a drill press table to his new drill press. One of the great features of this design is the ability to replace the inserts after they get chewed up. An even better feature? Swapping an insert for a dust collection insert that allows dust to be collected through the table.

Shop Tip

Saw Blade Spacer

A wall-mounted storage rack for your table saw blades is a great space saver. But, the tooth-on-tooth grinding as you add and remove blades can dull the teeth over time. Here's a great reader's tip on how to keep your blades separated and razor sharp.

Edition #252.6

Shop Project

Drill Press Table: Add-Ons

To wrap up John's drill press table, he shares a couple of add-ons that can make your time at the drill press easier. These handful of accessories are useful on any drill press table that you have.

Shop Tip

Power Strip Trick

If you've ever tried to measure the t-slots on the back of a powerstrip or a charger, you know that it can be frustrating to get the screws in the perfect spot. Here, Logan shares a simple trick to get perfectly placed screws for hanging items - all without measuring.

Edition #252.7

Shop Project

Saw Blade Rack

Keeping your table saw blades organized can be a headache. Throwing them in a drawer tends to dull the teeth and can cause blades to quickly get buried. Here, John shares a simple storage solution in the form of a wall-rack.

Designer's Notebook

Prairie-Style Tall Clock

The clean, modern lines of this Prairie-style clock stem from the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built of cherry, it's a fun build that results in this great-looking clock. It's a great departure from traditional style grandfather clocks.

Shop Tip

Tool Manual Sleeve

Keep your machine manuals close at hand with this handy reader's tip. Logan shares how you can use a plastic document holder to keep your manuals with your machine and dust-free.

Edition #252.8

Woodworking Technique

Rope Splicing

On a recent project, the sea chest, designer Dillon Baker opted to use a rope handle. Creating the rope handle is easy to do with a little bit of know-how. Dillon shares how to take a section of rope and turn it into a continuous loop for a knot-free grip.

Shop Tip

Marker Your Tools

Seeing the markings on a hand tool, such as a wrench, can be hard, especially in low-light situations. But, by using a paint marker, you can brighten up those markings and make them easier to read.