Edition #256.1

Great Gear

Vintage Woodsmith Dovetail Jig

Phil takes a spin in the "way-back machine" to look at a reader's build of the Dovetail Jig from a Woodsmith Magazine issue from August 1988. This throwback jig is still a great way to add some classic joinery to your drawers.

Woodworking Technique

Turning a Spindle Gouge Into a Beading Tool

Logan, shows how to convert a common spindle gouge into a specialized beading tool for turning fine details on your projects.

Shop Tip

Surgical Tube Clamp

Common clamps don't always work to put the squeeze on odd-shaped parts, so here is an easy solution for awkward glue ups.

Designer's Notebook

Monterey Bar

During Prohibition, discrete bars for the home were one of the more popular items that came out of their furniture shops. This fold-out, tile topped Monterey-style version is tricked out with all the appropriate accents needed for a well-stocked bar. So pull up a stool and drink up the tour of this cabinet brought to you by project designer, Dillon Baker.

Woodworking Technique

Turning a Live Edge Bowl

Watch as Logan saves a piece of Apple wood from the burn pile and turns it into a beautiful, live edge bowl, and maybe you'll pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

Shop Project

Shaker Workbench

Part 3: Shaker Workbench: Constructing the Drawers

The cabinet-base workbench construction continues with the making of the drawers. Phil gives instruction on how to make hand-cut dovetailed drawers that will stand up to a lifetime of use.

Finishing Room

Sanding and Finishing a Tool Cart

Phil shares some tips and tricks for creating a great-looking and durable finish for your shop projects as he completes his tool cart.

Shop Tip

Plug Cutter Clamp Assist

Here is a quick tip that can save you all the trouble of unscrewing and screwing your clamps down by hand.

Shop Project

Setup Gauge

The beef I have with using a ruler to set up a router bit is that it’s nearly impossible to align sharp, curved edges with thin marks. This shop-made setup gauge solves those issues.

Designer's Notebook

Scissor Lamp

This lamp imbues the spirit of its predecessors by combining materials, both organic and manmade — the results are illuminating.

Designer's Notebook

Moxon Vise

If you’re unfamiliar with a Moxon vise, it’s a benchtop vise designed for doing handwork. Our shop-made vise is secured to a workbench with clamps or holdfasts and features a small benchtop with dog holes for extra accessories. For tasks such as chopping the waste out of dovetails or for carving, you’ll really appreciate the extra height.

Woodworking Technique

Lamp Shade

Put away the woodworking tools for now because Dillon has all the tips and tricks to making a custom lamp shade for our scissor-mechanism wall lamp that you can use for this project or scale to a lamp of your choice.

Shop Project

Shaker Workbench

Part 4: Shaker Workbench: Constructing the Top

Phil wraps up his workbench build by constructing a solid wood top and adding a few accessories. Now that this bench is complete, it's ready to move into the shop and put it to work.

Shop Tip

Circular Saw Guide

It’s not always easy to get a straight cut with a circular saw, but with this shop-made guide you’ll get consistent rips and crosscuts.

Woodworking Technique

Resurfacing a Bench Top

Over time, a solid wood workbench top can become dished or worn out. Logan has some great tips and techniques on how to flatten and resurface your benchtop to get it looking like new again.

Shop Project

Sliding Cutoff Grinder: Constructing the Base & Rail

Phil gets started on a new project - a sliding cutoff grinder. This unique shop-made project transforms an ordinary angle grinder into a benchtop tool for cutting metal parts accurately and easily.

Designer's Notebook

Remote-Controlled Boat

Check out this toy for all ages from Project Designer, Chris Fitch! You can build this classically styled boat in your own shop, then head out for an afternoon cruise.

Designer's Notebook

Casual Coffee Table

The laid-back vibe of this casual coffee table invites you to put your feet up and relax. Whether hosting a small get together or just an evening of quiet solitude, this table is ready for anything.

Shop Project

Sliding Cutoff Grinder: Constructing the Sliding Carriage

Phil Huber continues the build of his shop-made, sliding cutoff tool by adding a smooth sliding carriage to guide the angle grinder.