Wood - Magazine - 259 - Mar 2019
Wood - Magazine - 259 - Mar 2019
Wood - Magazine - 259 - Mar 2019
38
OOD
ISSUE 259 MARCH 2019
Great
Plans
Arts & Crafts
Display Cabinet p.24
Mil-spec
Apache
Helicopter p.44
Gardener’s
Seed Starter p.34
The Secrets
of Sandpaper
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TAKING MEASURE Better Homes & Gardens®
WOOD
®
March 2019
W
henever I build a project for someone else, I try to include some- ART DIRECTOR KARL EHLERS
thing that gives the completed piece a story; some interesting SENIOR DESIGN EDITOR KEVIN BOYLE
tidbit the recipient can share with those who might ask about it. DESIGN EDITOR JOHN OLSON
For example, when building a new conference table for my church, I went TOOLS EDITOR BOB HUNTER
searching for some solid-wood banding to hide the plywood edges. My
DIGITAL PRODUCT MANAGER LUCAS PETERS
hardwood dealer had a whole rack of old-growth oak harvested from
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SHERYL MUNYON
sunken ships at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Bingo! A merely functional
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER ANNA GLEASON
table now had a story. Last Christmas, I made “pegs
CONTRIBUTING CRAFTSMEN JIM HEAVEY, BRIAN SIMMONS,
and jokers” games for both kids from a Philippine BOB BAKER, BRIAN BERGSTROM
mahogany shelf I’d salvaged while remodeling our PHOTOGRAPHERS JASON DONNELLY, SCOTT MORGAN, BRIE PASSANO
first house. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LARRY JOHNSTON, BILL KRIER,
So, when my son, Colby, married his fiancée, RANDY MAXEY, ROBERT WILSON
CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS LORNA JOHNSON,
Jenny, last November, I wanted to build them a gift
ROXANNE LEMOINE, KURT SCHULTZ
that would have a special story. PROOFREADERS SAM CADY, BABS KLEIN, IRA LACHER, THOMAS MORIARTY
Earlier, WOOD® magazine’s Tools Editor, Bob ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
Hunter, had shown me a unity cross he had made VICE PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER SCOTT MORTIMER
for a family wedding. One cross nests inside the ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DANIEL WELLS
other, and, during the wedding ceremony, the ONLINE MEDIA KIT WOODMAGAZINE.COM/MEDIAKIT
bride and groom tap in dowels to permanently BUSINESS MANAGER DARREN TOLLEFSON CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER ED LICHINSKY
PRODUCTION MANAGER SANDY WILLIAMS PREPRESS DESKTOP SPECIALIST RANDY J. MANNING
bind them together. The symbolism—that the
COLOR QUALITY ANALYST TONY HUNT
only way to separate the two is to destroy each of MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP
the individuals—was too JON WERTHER PRESIDENT
powerful to pass up. MEREDITH MAGAZINES PRESIDENT DOUG OLSON
PRESIDENT, MEREDITH DIGITAL STAN PAVLOVSKY
To give it a story, I made PRESIDENT, CONSUMER PRODUCTS TOM WITSCHI
the inset cross out of offcuts CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN
from the beautiful ash altar CHIEF MARKETING & DATA OFFICER ALYSIA BORSA
MARKETING & INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS NANCY WEBER
furniture made for our fami-
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS
ly’s church. (I’d been saving CONSUMER REVENUE ANDY WILSON DIGITAL SALES MARLA NEWMAN RESEARCH SOLUTIONS BRITTA CLEVELAND
them for 15 years, waiting for PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY JUSTIN LAW CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER MATT MINOFF
CORPORATE SALES BRIAN KIGHTLINGER
just the right project.) Because
VICE PRESIDENTS
Jenny was born in Illinois, I FINANCIAL CHRIS SUSIL BUSINESS PLANNING & ANALYSIS ROB SILVERSTONE
used quartersawn white oak—Illinois’ state tree— DIRECT MEDIA PATTI FOLLO STRATEGIC SOURCING, NEWSSTAND, PRODUCTION CHUCK HOWELL
CONSUMER MARKETING STEVE CROWE
for the frame cross. On the back I laser-engraved
VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ VACCARIELLO OR STEPHEN ORR
“What God has joined, let no one put asunder” to
DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & FINANCE ALEX BREZ OR GREG KAYKO
really hammer the message home.
It was tremendously rewarding to contribute to
the most important day of Colby and Jenny’s life MEREDITH CORPORATION
together. PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TOM HARTY
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JOSEPH CERYANEC
Bob shared the unity cross idea with me, so I’ll go CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER JOHN ZIESER
a step further and share with you my plans for build- PRESIDENT, MEREDITH LOCAL MEDIA GROUP PATRICK MCCREERY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES DINA NATHANSON
ing the cross at woodmagazine.com/unitycross.
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN STEPHEN M. LACY
That’s in the new “Member Plans” section of our VICE CHAIRMAN MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER
website. When you check it out, I hope you’ll share
the story of one of your own projects by posting For subscription help:
Online: woodmagazine.com/myaccount
photos and some simple how-to. E-mail: wdmcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com
Phone: 800-374-9663, select option 1.
To find past articles: Search for previous articles, plan corrections, and article updates
See you in the shop! online at woodmagazine.com/index.
To order past articles and issues: For articles, search woodstore.net. For issues,
visit woodmagazine.com/backissues.
woodmagazine.com 1
IN THIS ISSUE OF
WOOD
MARCH 2019 • IS SUE 259
®
24
PLANS
24 Arts & Crafts Display Case
You’ll love the heirloom look of this curio
afforded by the seeded glass panels.
34 Stacking Seed Starter
Kick off the growing season early (and
learn a new interlocking joinery method).
44 Mil-spec Apache Helicopter
Full-size patterns make building this
iconic aircraft a downdra... er, breeze.
58 Pie and Cupcake Carrier
Transport sweet treats in style with this
box-jointed beauty.
64 No-lathe Salt and Pepper Shakers
“Turn” these tapered cylinders using only
common power tools.
DEPARTMENTS
1 Taking Measure
34
Story sticks.
4 Wood-Wide Web
Post your project plans.
6 Sounding Board
Your voice, your projects, your shop.
16 Ask WOOD
Build a better birdhouse.
18 Shop Tips
Light tight spaces and more.
88 What’s Ahead
A sneak peek at your next WOOD.
2 WOOD magazine March 2019
44
58
50
woodmagazine.com 3
WOOD-WIDE WEB
WOODMAGA ZINE.COM
Album
Turn these... ...into this!
4
SHARPEN EVERY
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See it in action: W O R K S H A R P T O O L S . C O M
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Plymouth • Pontiac • Porsche • RAM • Saab • Saturn • Scion • Smart • Subaru • Suzuki • Tesla • Toyota • Volkswagen • Volvo and more!
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shop topic woodmagazine WOOD_magazine
I enjoy reading WOOD magazine, pinterest.com/ instagram.com/
especially the neat readers’ shops woodmagazine woodmagazine
you feature. But in many cases, the
E-mail woodmail@woodmagazine.com; or write to
location of the fire extinguisher is
WOOD magazine, 1716 Locust St., LS-253, Des Moines, IA
not very well thought out, as if the
50309; or call 800-374-9663, option 2.
owners just placed them where
they had a blank spot on the wall. WOOD® magazine never uses outside parties to
In one shop, the extinguisher was solicit subscription renewals. The safest, easiest
hidden behind the bathoom door. way to renew your subscription is with a credit
A fire extinguisher should always card online at woodmagazine.com/myaccount. If
be hung next to the entry door, in you have questions about a renewal offer you’ve
plain sight, and with the handle at received, please call our customer service line at
about hip level. 800-374-9663, and select option 1. We’re
—Dennis Murphy happy to help.
Bismarck, N.D.
8 continued on page 10 WOOD magazine March 2019
For those who
Thomas Martin, of
Webberville, Mich., Colin Smith, of Hurricane, Utah, built this elaborate cabinet to
salvaged some discarded display mementos collected during a trip to Russia with his wife.
limbs from a tree that was Colin did all of the carving, marquetry, and gilding by hand.
being milled and then
waited for just the right Send us a photo of your work
project to come along. It finally arrived on the cover of issue 225 (May Want to see your work showcased in WOOD®
2014) with the Garden Bench, where he incorporated the crooked magazine? Send a high-resolution digital photo of your
limbs into one end. completed project to woodmail@woodmagazine.com.
10 WOOD magazine March 2019
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Ed’s main workbench incorporates a large face vise A wall-mounted shelf keeps Ed’s pancake
W
hen Ed Kassof converted his two- made with pipe clamps, and a conventional wood tail vise. compressor accessible and frees up floor space.
car garage to a woodworking shop, A roll of paper at one end protects the benchtop during The drop-down door reveals accessory storage.
he exiled the family cars to the glue-ups. His benchtop router table and sander tuck
underneath to maximize space.
driveway, a decision he hasn’t regretted. 20'
The shop features many creative solutions
for storage, mobility, and multipurpose use. Screw
For example, the hideaway tablesaw (page Air-nailer Air
storage compressor
bins rack
14) and mitersaw workstation with flip-up Overhead cabinets
Mobile mitersaw Mobile wood-storage bin
wings both store small, but work big. Slide-out
Ed designed his shop with lots of open tablesaw
floor space. Putting casters under benches, a
Router table
lumber bin, tool cabinet, and clamp rack underneath
means that “no tool in the shop is ever in the
way of any production,” Ed says. Clamp rack
Two custom-made workbenches fill specific
needs. The top of the tablesaw workstation Mobile
tablesaw
consists of a hollow-core door sandwiched Mobile assembly bench bench
between two layers of plywood. At the front of 18'
Overhead
the bench, an outlet strip nestles between the door
Water
plywood layers. Large drawers hold tablesaw heater
blades and accessories.
The main workbench provides a rock- Bandsaw
solid project-assembly worksurface. Its
sturdy 2×4 frame supports the 21⁄4"-thick
solid-wood top; a pair of vises and rows of
dogholes add secure work-holding options.
Ed framed in a series of wall cabinets Wall-mounted fan
Mobile dust- Wall-mounted Air Drill
Fan
before the drywall was hung. Securing the collector dolly jigsaw compressor press Tool chest
cabinets directly to the wall studs and ceil- Wall-mounted
vacuum Ladder
12 WOOD magazine March 2019
continued on page 14
WOODWORKING begins with WOOD-MIZER
The folding wings on Ed’s mitersaw station support long workpieces, then fold down
for compact storage. Two casters on the back, and handles up front, make easy work of
moving the workstation.
A 24" wall-mounted Air King fan helps
circulate air when the garage door is up.
“But it’s still warm when the temperature
hits 100 degrees outside!,” Ed quips, as he
reaches for his glass of sweet iced tea.
Ed Kassof, a
disabled veteran
with 35 years of
combined military Show us
service, retired your shop
from the New York Send high-resolution
Police Department. digital photos of your
During 40 years of shop to
woodworking, he woodmail@
has built projects woodmagazine.com
for his home, family, and we may showcase it
and workshop. in the magazine!
woodmagazine.com 15
ASK WOOD
YOUR QUESTIONS
Q
Build feather-friendly
birdhouses and feeders
I use all sorts of wood scraps and recycled ■ Birds enjoy a tidy house, so include drain-
materials to make houses and feeders for age holes in the floor. And allow a means to
songbirds. Some of those projects attract clean out the house after the nesting season.
flocks of feathered visitors, but others don’t. Scrub down the interior with a solution of
What can I do to improve results? one part bleach to nine parts water.
—Dan Polson, Durango, Colo. ■ Finally, always remember to build and
A
position a birdhouse to minimize the amount
The material you use and how you treat it can of rain that can get through the entrance
have a big impact on whether a birdhouse or hole. An overhang helps, as does making the Shop birdhouse
feeder will appeal to its target audience, Dan. hole no larger than necessary. Online, you and birdfeeder plans.
For better visitation, try these pointers: can find many charts showing best hole size woodmagazine.com/
■ Like us, birds prefer to stay out of the heat in (as well as interior dimensions) for many birds
the summer and the cold during winter. So bird species.
don’t use plastic decking that gets hot in the
sun. Tin and other metals also heat up in a
hurry and provide little insulation.
■ If possible, don’t place a birdhouse in direct
sunlight. Of course, some species, such as
bluebirds, require houses out in the open. For
those, make walls and roofs from two wood
layers, with a ventilating space of 1" or so
between the layers. At the least, provide ven-
tilation holes near the tops and bottoms.
■ Thick, solid wood insulates well. Woods
that stand up best to Mother Nature include
cypress, cedar, redwood, and white oak.
■ Avoid treated wood, which could prove
hazardous to birds. For the same reason, stay
away from pallet wood, which may have been
chemically treated.
■ Resist the temptation to gussy up your
birdhouse or feeder with paint, stain, or other
finishes. Birds don’t like the residual vapors,
and dark colors will amplify the sun’s heat.
Birds also prefer structures that blend into
surroundings rather than attract attention
from predators. If you can incorporate bark,
branches, or other natural wood features into
the project, all the better. On feeders, bark
and branches help birds feed on the seeds.
■ Staying with the natural theme, avoid
sanding the wood. Rough surfaces help adult
birds cling to the side of a box when bringing
in nesting material or feeding young. And the
fledglings will find it easier to scramble out
for their first flights.
Have a question?
Drop us an e-mail.
askwood@woodmagazine.com
16 WOOD magazine March 2019
GO DIRECT
CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN
800.754.6920
SHOP TIPS
WORK FASTER, SMARTER, SAFER
TOP
SHOP
TIP
Velcro Flexible-neck
strap pen light
Rare-earth
magnets
rolling off. The top also makes a good spot for bench-
top tools. I built a slightly larger top that fits over the Nuts
cart top for jobs that require a bigger worksurface. The
loaded cart will weigh a lot, so use good casters, two of ers
¼"
Wash dadoes
them the locking type.
—Kevin Schendel, Saint Cloud, Fla. ¾" MDO
(medium-density ers
Wash
overlay) Lock
ws
Scre
gers
Han
Wall
Packing ts
l Par
trica
Tape Elec
ngs
O-Ri
WOOD!
won’t show. Then, insert a hook through ®
the hole in the end of the clamp bar and
hang the hook from a wire loop for dry-
ing. I leave off the clamp pads for better
jaw bite on the thin rabbet edges.
—Dave Whiting, Townsend, Mass.
Weekend With®
WOOD
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Subject
Extruded-foam to Official Rules at www.woodmagazine.com/www19rules.
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CT on 03/31/19. Open to legal residents of the 50 United
States, and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older. Limit
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woodmagazine.com 23
Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation.
Clear-view
Display Case
Straightforward joinery makes for
a simple, sturdy build.
Approximate
D I M E N S I O N S :
421⁄2" W × 173⁄4" D × 351⁄4" H
materials cost:
$375
4
sided view
11
sq. ft. display
24 WOOD magazine March 2019 area
105/8 x 323/8"
¼" glass
R
20º bevels Figure-8 fastener
EXPLODED VIEW
½" rabbet ½" deep 38" C
L
½" rabbet ¼" deep
on back side
145/8 x 367/8" M
¼" glass
H
28½" Shelf pin G
O
37½" J K
1" G
14¾" 34½"
#8 x 5/8" 1/16" chamfer N
F.H. screw Magnetic
1½" catches
Magnetic
I catch strike
N
o matter how you look at it—from
the front, sides, or top—this case
shows off collectibles in the best pos-
sible light, thanks to lots of seeded (wavy
with tiny bubbles) glass. Have the glass cut ror images. Mark part letters and orienta- Learn methods to
Note: Although the to size, or cut it yourself following our step- tion (right, left) on the outside faces with make mortise-and-
front stiles (A) and rear by-step instructions. chalk. Form the stile (A, B) mortises and tenon joints.
stiles (B) have different then cut the rail (C, D) tenons [Drawing 1a] to woodmagazine.com/
initial widths, they will Make the case fit the mortises. Use a fairing stick to draw mt4ways
appear symmetrical in
the final assembly. 1 Cut side frame parts A–D to size [Materials
List, Drawing 1], and arrange them as mir-
the arc on the lower rails (D) and bandsaw
and sand them to shape.
¼" rabbet ½" deep 2" ¼" rabbet ½" deep
on inside face ¼" 13¼"
on outside face
woodmagazine.com 25
11¾" 1½"
B B
D
C I G
Squaring brace
A
H
G
A B
Dado the inside faces of the sides to match the thickness of the bottom (J). Squaring braces orient the side and face-frame assemblies while riser blocks
make room for bar-clamp heads.
¼"
I 1¾"
1½"
3"
1/16" chamfer
2 Glue and clamp the side frames. With the
glue dry, rabbet the front and rear edges
and drill shelf-pin holes [Drawing 1]. Cut
4 Cut face frame parts G–I [Drawing 2].
Form the stile mortises and then cut the
rail tenons [Drawing 2a] to fit the mortises.
dadoes for the bottom [Photo A]. Rabbet the Groove the stiles (G) to fit the tongues
inside edges of the frame openings and formed on the side stiles (A). Bandsaw and
square the corners with a chisel to receive sand the arc on the lower rail (I). Tip! Dry-assemble the
the glass. Finish-sand the sides.
3 Cut the glass stops (E, F) 1⁄2" longer than 5 Glue and clamp the face frame. With the
glue dry, finish-sand it.
sides, face frame, and
bottom assembly to
listed [Materials List]. Finish-sand the stops
and set them aside. 6 Cut the bottom (J) and trim (K) [Exploded
View]. Glue the trim to the bottom, flush
check the fit of the parts
before gluing.
26 WOOD magazine March 2019
¼ x1½" mortise
¾" deep
¼"
3 DOOR
(Inside face shown) 3"
2" O
6"
2½" no-mortise
hinge
¼" rabbet 3/8" deep
routed after assembly
Q
N
P
P
235/8"
139/16" x23½" 271/8"
single-strength
seeded glass
2½"
¾" ¼" O
micro pin 1411/16"
¼ x1½" mortise
¾" deep 2"
133/16"
¼"
¾"
3a DOOR RAIL ¼"
O 1½"
SKILL BUILDER
Cut glass, save cash
That assortment of perfectly good single- and Gloves
double-strength window glass in the corner of Paint thinner
your shop is worth around $3 per square foot.
Here’s how to safely and effectively cut that
glass to size for anything from cabinet doors to
picture frames.
Brush
Glass cutter
Safety glasses
Straightedge
Cover a flat, sturdy worksurface with a heavy dropcloth to prevent scratching the glass and gather your supplies.
Make a straightedge using any sturdy 1⁄4"-thick Wipe the area of the cut with a clean damp cloth to Position the straightedge and drip or brush paint
material from tempered hardboard to aluminum remove dirt and grit. thinner along the cut path. The thinner lubricates the
bar stock. Apply self-adhesive bumpers to prevent cut, ensuring a cleaner score line, and prolongs the
slipping. life of the cutter.
Grip the glass cutter between index and middle The score line should be even and continuous with Position the score line just off the edge of the
fingers. Apply firm, even pressure with your index no gaps. Do not rescore the line, as doing so usually worksurface, firmly grip the waste piece, and snap
finger as you draw the cutter over the glass along leads to a bad break. the glass along the score line with a quick, firm
the straightedge in a single stroke. downward motion.
woodmagazine.com 29
Beyond
Home-Center
Lumber Knowing how and where to find good wood
can save you loads of money.
A
fter tools, the wood itself typically Woodworker’s Source, Hearne Hardwoods,
takes the biggest bite out of a wood- and Talarico Hardwoods, buy (or mill the
worker’s wallet. Home-center lumber wood themselves) in great enough quanti-
proves a hard-to-resist temptation because ties to offer competitive pricing. The wood
Hardwood: Any tree of the convenience. But that premilled lum- from these sellers usually comes skip-planed Skip-planed: Wood
that sheds its leaves ber, especially hardwood, sells at a premium just under its designated thickness. For planed on both faces
annually (deciduous). price, compared with buying it roughsawn example, 4/4 lumber (starting at 1") might just enough to reveal
Softwood: Any tree or partially milled. Starting from the log, be 7⁄8" thick. You can plane away any slight the grain, but retaining
that has needles every handling and machining step that’s warping that might occur after the wood some milling marks.
rather than leaves and done before you buy it adds to your cost. So stabilizes, and still get 3⁄4"-thick boards. Roughsawn: Wood
stays green all year the closer you get to the log, in most cases, Unless you can visit the business, most that still has its
(coniferous). the more you save. You’ll also have to do times you have to trust their selections with- just-off-the-sawmill
more of those machining steps, but you can, out seeing the boards. Shipping costs can surfaces.
over a few projects, save enough money to quickly eat up the savings of lower-cost lum-
pay for a jointer and planer, two machines ber though, so shop around and compare; a
crucial to dimensioning rough lumber. You retailer located closer to you will likely have
can also find a greater selection of sizes and lower shipping costs. Check with trade
species by shopping at businesses dedicated groups, such as the Hardwood Distributor’s
to selling wood. Let’s look at the options. Association (hardwooddistributors.org), to
find nearby retailers.
Woodworking retailers When shopping for lumber online, you
These businesses specialize in all things might be able to view specific boards, but
woodworking: tools, machinery, bits, blades, more often will be “buying blind” and
hardware, glues, finishes, and, yes, some simply getting what the retailer sends.
kiln-dried wood. For example, Woodcraft Also, unless stated, you won’t know the
S4S: Wood that has and Rockler sell selections of S4S hardwood moisture content of the wood and how it
been surfaced on all boards, veneer, and natural-edge slabs. If will react to your environment. Be sure to
four faces and edges. you live near one of these stores, you’ll save check the company’s return policy for
money by not paying for shipping, and gain wood. You might get a break on shipping
the ability to sort through the boards to find costs by buying in greater quantity or
Learn more about what you want. Some stores will cut boards price. Some retailers offer online shopping,
hardwood terminology to shorter lengths. where you can see and select specific slabs
and grading or lumber lots, complete with photos. And
specifications. Hardwood retailer/wholesaler many of these businesses also sell high-
woodmagazine.com/ Companies that specialize in selling kiln- quality sheet goods in a wide variety of
bdft dried wood, such as Jewell Hardwoods, hardwood veneers.
woodmagazine.com 31
Plainsawn (all boards) Quartersawn Riftsawn
Sawmill/custom sawyer and stack the lumber. Also, you can direct Watch a video of
Purchasing from a local sawmill or sawyer how the sawyer cuts the log. An experienced, a bandsaw milling a
often proves one of the best values in lumber skilled sawyer will typically cut logs for log, as well as tips for
buying. These mills typically buy logs from maximum yield with the least amount of stacking the lumber.
Learn more about within a few hundred miles of their loca- time and effort. This results in more plain- woodmagazine.com/
wood moisture content tions. So your choice of wood species will be sawn lumber (above). To get more quarter- bandsawmill
and how if affects limited, compared with national retailers. If sawn or riftsawn lumber, you’ll get less yield
lumber. the mill has its own kiln for drying lumber, and pay more for the extra labor. As soon as
woodmagazine.com/ expect to pay more than for air-dried you’ve cut the wood, stack it to dry (shown
woodmoisture boards. Air-dried lumber will likely mea- below left) in a barn, shed, or anywhere out
sure about 12–15 percent moisture. (Ideal of direct weather.
working moisture is 6–10 percent; that fig- If you prefer, you can buy your own band-
ure varies by climate.) This wood will typi- saw mill (below center) or chainsaw mill
To locate a sawyer cally be roughsawn; to work this lumber (below right) and saw your own logs into
near you, search the you’ll definitely need a jointer and planer. lumber. Entry-level bandsaw mills start at
websites of bandsaw- If you have your own logs, a sawyer with a around $4,000. Many chainsaw mills sell for
mill manufacturers. bandsaw or chainsaw mill can often bring less than $1,000, but you’ll need a hefty
Most have locator the mill to the logs, or you can take the logs chainsaw (another $800 to $1,300 plus rip-
services for customers to the mill. Either way, you pay for the saw- ping chain) to power it. Most chainsaw mills
who use their mills yer’s services, but keep all the wood. Some require a great deal more physical labor in
professionally. sawyers discount their fees if you help cut milling logs, compared with a bandsaw mill.
Stickers
Stack fresh-cut boards to air-dry with narrow A bandsaw-mill operator will custom-cut logs to A chainsaw mill has the added benefit of being
spacers (called stickers) between each row. Let the your specifications. These mills cut the thinnest kerf, the most portable, letting you cut a log where it
wood dry for at least one year per inch of thickness. wasting less wood. fell, eliminating the need to drag or move the log.
32 WOOD magazine March 2019
Other cost-saving options
■ Auctions. Many farm and estate auctions ■ eBay. Like craigslist, this online buy/sell
include stacks of lumber, sometimes includ- site reaches nationwide, but you can limit
ing gems, such as walnut, cherry, or white your search to postings that originate within
oak. Auctioneers typically sell this lumber by a certain radius of home, using the
the stack, and often at bargain prices. When “advanced” search option. When buying
assessing a stack of lumber, determine the boards from a seller too far away to drive,
species, quality, and approximate board foot- expect to pay shipping costs. Wood on this
Board foot: The age. If possible, scrape a few boards to get a website tends to involve specific boards or
measure by which peek at the grain. And beware of potential slabs, or unusual pieces, such as burls.
hardwoods sell. A pitfalls: The lumber could contain nails, nail Always check the seller’s rating: 100-percent
board foot equals 144 holes, splits, cracks, or worm and insect dam- positive feedback helps ease worries about
cubic inches, such as a age. Armed with this information, bid buying something sight-unseen. And you
1×12×12" or 2×6×12" accordingly. Also, be sure you have a way to can, in most cases, readily return items pur-
board. transport the lumber—most auctions require chased on eBay—something not possible
you to take your prizes home that same day— with craigslist or auction sales.
as well as a dry place to store it. ■ Club links and discounts. Woodwork-
■ Craigslist.org. This online buy/sell site ing clubs or guilds might provide members
can be both a gold mine and a junkyard, so with discounts at local retailers. Many clubs
browse and shop with a discerning eye. To also provide links and contact information
make it easier to see and get the wood, search for trusted retailers along with sources for If you do buy your
only the area within driving distance. Ask wood and other supplies. So that club mem- lumber from a home
A few tools to carry for details, such as board sizes, condition, bership might pay for itself in savings avail- center, read more
with you when looking and moisture content. Always look over the able only to members. And, club members about how to shop for
at lumber: moisture wood in person before handing over money! tend to share information about sources, the best quality.
meter, tape measure, Inspect and measure the boards to make and even sell their own lumber at times. woodmagazine.com/
pocketknife, block sure you’re getting the correct species and homecenterlumber
plane, calculator. amount advertised. Produced by Bob Hunter
Searching for lumber online can lead to occasional gems, but be diligent in determining what the seller has before going to take a look. Some sellers
overestimate or don’t know exactly the type and amount of wood they have.
woodmagazine.com 33
Seed Starter
Build this simple rugged garden helper and get a head start on spring planting.
Approximate
D I M E N S I O N S :
48" W × 24" D × 16¼" H
materials cost:
$75
plus your
choice of
finish
Build and
stack extra
frames to
hold tall pots
or plants.
F 1 CORNER JOINTS
E 48"
C
C A
E Profile 1 BOX FRONT/BACK Profile 2
G
#10 x 1¼"
F.H. screw
B Profile 1 Profile 2
4" exterior butt hinge 24"
B A
B
A 1¾"
1½" 1½"
BOX END
B
A 6"
A
A
A B
Align the ends of the box pieces (A, B) for consistently positioned kerfs and a wide, stable surface for the With your circular-saw, crosscut a scrapwood block
saw base to ride on. at 15°. Use the block to set the jigsaw blade angle.
woodmagazine.com 35
B
Circular-saw kerf
Circular-saw kerf
C D E
Make the angled cut slowly on the waste side to Press a handsaw blade against the “keeper” side Transfer the angle from the cut end to the inside
ensure a straight cut that, if necessary, can be fine- of the kerf and cut at an angle to remove the waste. face of the mating piece. A square helps ensure the
tuned with a chisel. edges stay flush as you mark.
Profile 1
A B
Circular-saw kerf
Profile 2
H
F G Ripping the lid wedge (C) angle from an oversize
Cut on the waste side of the scribed line connecting Adjust the fit of the joints for flush frame edges piece of stock makes it easier and safer to cut with
the end of the board to the circular-saw kerf. with no gaps between the pieces. a circular saw.
36 WOOD magazine March 2019
2 LID ASSEMBLY
1" hexhead screws with sealed washers
26 x 27" clear corrugated panels
27"
221/8"
6º bevel added
after assembly
G 21¾"
F
G
G #9 x 2½"
21¼" deck screw
48" F
#9 x 2½"
deck screw 6º bevel added
after assembly
C D
21¾"
C D
E
6º bevels 39/32"
added after assembly
C
E
24"
21¾"
¾"
washer screws—the
gasket should not
squeeze out around the
3 Center the panels on the lid (they overhang
on all sides), and screw the panels and
foam to the lid rails (F). Install the hinges
G lid stiles 11⁄2" 11⁄2" 211⁄4" DF
*Cut additional parts to build a taller frame.
Materials key: DF–Douglas fir.
3
washer. [Exploded View]. Supplies: 26"×6' clear corrugated roof panel, foam closure strips
(8' total), 4" exterior butt hinges (2), 1" hexhead screws with sealed
4 To install the cold frame, prepare a flat
location on bare soil. (Add soil amend-
ments or nutrients as needed.) Rest the bot-
washers, #9×2½" deck screws, #10×11⁄4" flathead screws.
Blade: 40- or 60-tooth circular-saw blade.
Sources: 26"×6' clear corrugated roof panel and foam closure
tom frame on the soil and drive 2×2 stakes at strips available at most home centers.
the inside corners, leaving enough of each ThermoPro PT-60S digital indoor/outdoor thermometer, $17.99,
woodmagazine.com/outdoortemp
stake exposed to hold the remaining stacked
frames and lid assembly in place.
Produced by Robert Wilson with John Olson
Project design: John Olson
Illustrations: Roxanne LeMoine, Lorna Johnson
woodmagazine.com 37
CNC Routers W hether you currently use a CNC router or are
just curious to see what the hype is all about,
get ready to see some of the amazing capabili-
ties a CNC can bring to your shop. This article provides
All THAT?
(DOC), and other variables.
by George Vondriska
Notes: To create an
incised sign, select only
the letters and the
coffee cup when you
create the V-Carve/
Engraving Toolpath. An engraving toolpath requires no depth of cut. The
software automatically “fills” each letter based on
Cut most hardwoods the angle and diameter of the V-bit.
with the feed and speed
shown here. For cutting the exterior:
For the rectangle border: ■ Router bit: 1⁄4" upcut spiral
■ Router bit: 60° 1⁄2" V-bit ■ RPM: 12,000
■ RPM: 12,000 ■ Feed speed: 100"/min
■ Feed speed: 100"/min
Although VCarve
Pro has an on-board
dragknife gadget built
into the software, it
shows up here as an
imported toolpath.
Cardboard templates
Notes: This tool Create shapes in drawing software, such as
comes with great setup SketchUp, then turn them into templates you
instructions. To create can trace onto your project parts. Instead of a
the toolpath within router bit, cut with a utility-knife blade.
VCarve Pro, use the
Dragknife Toolpath ■ Tool: Donek D4 drag knife
Gadget. The knife cuts ■ RPM: 0
materials up to 1⁄4" ■ Feed speed: 100"/min
thick, such as
cardboard, styrene, and
vinyl-letter material.
40 WOOD magazine March 2019
Notes: In addition to
controlling feed rate
and rpm, be careful
about DOC when
machining non-ferrous
metals. Dividing the .27
Cut Depth by the 10
passes results in a light
.027" DOC with each
pass. You can use a
360-brass bowtie similar setup to cut
360 brass is a Yes, a CNC router can cut non-ferrous aluminum or copper,
specific type of readily metals. Add aluminum, copper, or but different materials
available brass brass inlays and other decorative dictate slight changes in
[Sources]. items to your projects. these settings.
Engraving granite
Diamonds are a CNC’s best friend, espe- Notes: The diamond drag comes with excellent
cially for engraving glass, granite, or steel. A setup instructions. Increasing DOC on the
diamond-tipped stylus etches amazing spring-loaded tip applies the additional pressure
detail on these materials, and others. required for harder material. It may take some
experimentation to get the best cut, depending on
■ Tool: Diamond drag the material. Use this tool on plastic, glass,
engraving bit aluminum, brass, and steel. Choose a 120° tip for
■ RPM: 0 engraving, and a 90° tip for scoring glass so you can
■ Feed speed: 30"/min snap it on the score line.
Notes: Standard
router bits will easily
cut pink or blue foam
insulation sold by home
centers. Painting the In most cases you machine 3D artwork to the
Model Boundary; literally the edges of the artwork.
final result? Use latex You can choose to cut all the way to the edge of
paint to prevent material (Material Boundary), or to a shape that you
melting the foam. created (Selected Vectors).
For 3D finishing:
■ Tool: 1⁄2" roundnose router bit
■ RPM: 12,000
■ Feed speed: 100"/min
Sources: Freud 60° 1⁄2" V-bit, no. 20-152; Freud 1⁄4" upcut spiral, In addition to classes at
no. 75-102; Amana 1⁄8" spiral “O” flute aluminum cutting, no. 51454; Vondriska Woodworks in
Amana 1⁄4" spiral “O” flute plastic cutting, no. 51404; Donek D4 drag Hammond, Wisconsin, George
knife; WidgetWorks Unlimited diamond drag engraving tool; Whiteside teaches at woodworking shows,
1⁄ 2" upcut spiral bit, no. RU5200 (for 1" foam you can use a shorter bit);
guilds across the country, and
Whiteside 1⁄2" ballnose bit, no. 1408. The link below places all of the Weekend With WOOD. Get more
True ball nose bits are CNC specific and a must- above bits in an Amazon cart; you can remove any you don’t need. CNC instruction in George’s
have for small-scale 3D work. For this large 3D woodmagazine.com/cncbits book, “CNC Router Essentials:
artwork, a 1⁄2" roundnose router bit works fine. 1⁄4×2×12" C360 brass plate, Stoner Metals, stonermetals.com,
The Basics for Mastering the
719-629-9525 Most Innovative Tool in Your
12×12" granite tile, Home Depot Workshop.” woodmagazine.com/
Polycarbonate sheets, home centers cncessentials
woodmagazine.com 43
Mil-spec
Apache
2
D I M E N S I O N S :
15" W (73⁄8" rotors folded) × 173⁄4" D × 47⁄8" H
turboshaft
engines
enable a
152
knots top cruise
speed. (Yours
may vary.)
F
irst seeing service in 1986, the AH-64
“Apache” attack helicopter takes out
tanks, bunkers, and other targets. This
toy displays much of that firepower, disguised
as maple dowels. Easily shape the Apache’s
iconic angled fuselage profile by following our
full-size patterns. And we’ve gathered all of
the hardware and specialty parts in a kit so
you can get started quickly [Source].
7/32" hole
#10 washers
7/32" hole
P Q
Rotors spin, and 2½"
fold for storage. Q
7/32" axle peg
1" long
#10 washer
7/32" hole
1" deep O
D
C 5/8"
E
7/32" axle peg 1/8" hole
1" long D 3/8" deep 1/8" dowel
C 1" long
1/8"
½"-diam. axle peg 5"
(cap only)
A
Engine/exhaust blank
C D
Remove the bulk of the waste with a 3⁄8" Forstner bit, drilling 1⁄4" deep. Then, Attach a tall auxiliary face to your miter gauge to steady the engine/exhaust
square up the pocket. blank as you cut the kerfs.
Much of the
Apache’s avionics
reside in the sponsons.
3 Cut the sponsons (B) to size. Apply cop-
ies of the Sponson Patterns to each. Drill out
most of the waste for the landing-gear
5 Cut the rotor base (E) to size and shape
[Drawing 2]. Round the edges, drill the hole,
and glue it to the fuselage [Exploded View]. Drill
pocket, then clean up the pocket with a through the hole 3⁄4" into the fuselage.
chisel [Photo C]. Cut the sponsons to shape,
finish-sand them, and glue them in place Give it wings...and arms The scanning
K
3 Cut and shape the front-gear struts (K)
[Drawing 4]. Glue them into the recesses in
the sponsons (B).
gluing an axle peg through it and into the
rotor base (E), leaving enough space to allow
the rotor hub to spin. Likewise, secure the
7/32" hole
15/8"
4 Cut the cannon (L) to size and drill the
holes [Exploded View]. Glue the dowels in
the holes and set the assembly aside.
wheels to the struts [Exploded View], and glue a
length of dowel in the tail of the fuselage.
R=1/8"
3/16" 5 Cut the scanner mount (M) and scanner
(N) to size [Exploded View]. Chamfer the
ends of the scanner, then glue the mount to
Materials List
Part T
FINISHED SIZE
W L Matl. Qty.
the nose. After the glue dries, glue the scan- 13⁄4" 21⁄2" 161⁄2"
5 TAIL ner below the mount. Cut an axle-peg head
A fuselage C 1
B sponsons 3⁄4" 7⁄ 8" 61⁄2" M 2
1¼" to serve as the night-vision turret and glue it 7⁄ 8" 7⁄ 8"
C* engines 23⁄4" M 2
to the top of the mount. 7⁄ 8" 7⁄ 8" 7⁄ 8"
D* exhausts M 2
1 Following the Full-size Pattern and Drawing 5, F stub wings 1⁄4" 11⁄4" 23⁄4" C 2
5/8" cut the rear wing (O) and tail (P) to shape. G pylons 1⁄4" 3⁄ 8" 17⁄16" C 4
Drill the hole in the tail, round over its lead- H missile hangers 1⁄4" 3⁄4" 3⁄4" M 2
5/16"
ing edge, and chamfer the trailing edge. I missiles 1⁄4" diam. 21⁄2" MD 8
Glue the wing and tail to the fuselage 3⁄4"
J rocket launchers diam. 21⁄2" MD 2
7/32" hole [Exploded View].
K front-gear struts 1⁄4" 3⁄ 8" 15⁄8" M 2
1⁄ 8"
1⁄4"
7⁄ 8"
3⁄4"
1 1⁄4"
M
C
1
1
31/8" 31/8"
1/8" chamfers, washers. Trim and sand the axle peg flush N scanner 3⁄4" diam. 1 1⁄8" MD 1
both faces with the opposite face of the tail. O rear wing 1⁄ 8" 1 1⁄16" 3 7⁄8" C 1
37/16"
1⁄ 8"
11⁄4"
3⁄ 8"
37⁄16"
2 1⁄2"
C
M
1
2
R rotor hub 1⁄4" 2" 2" LM 1
1/8" round-overs, the hub to shape [Drawing 6], and drill the holes.
4
S main rotor blades 1⁄ 8" 1⁄ 2" 7"
both faces Cut and shape the main rotor blades (S) M 4
and spacer (T), and drill the holes [Draw- T spacer 3⁄4" diam. 1⁄4" CD 1
ings 6 and 6a]. *Parts initially cut oversize. See the instructions.
woodmagazine.com 47
Join patterns
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
here.
FUSELAGE
SIDE VIEW
A
3/8" deep
1/8" hole
FULL-SIZE PATTERNS
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
FUSELAGE
TOP VIEW
A
Download full-size patterns for this
project. woodmagazine.com/apache
B
PORT SPONSON
TOP VIEW
FULL-SIZE PATTERN ¼"
B
PORT SPONSON
INSIDE FACE SIDE VIEW Landing-gear pocket
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
6½"
B
STARBOARD SPONSON
TOP VIEW
¼" FULL-SIZE PATTERN
B
STARBOARD SPONSON
Landing-gear pocket INSIDE FACE SIDE VIEW
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
6½"
A
FUSELAGE
TOP VIEW
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
A
FUSELAGE
SIDE VIEW
FULL-SIZE PATTERN
7/32" hole
½" deep
O
16½"
REAR WING FULL-SIZE PATTERN
11/16"
37/8"
Location of
part C
J 1/8" hole
ROCKET LAUNCHER 1/8" deep
FULL-SIZE PATTERN Join patterns
¼" radius here.
woodmagazine.com 49
A lathe-mounted buffing
system shines turnings
and much more.
Sandpaper
Kraft paper
A B
An oil-varnish mix brings out the color of the wood and seals the pores while Sandpaper removes lint that might otherwise find its way onto your project.
creating a foundation you can polish and wax. Paper protects the lathe from loose polish.
F
or an eye-catching shine on turned [Photo A, Sources]. You can also use Danish oil,
projects, use the same tool that made but avoid water-based finishes that can
them—your lathe. Then, stretch your soften from the heat of the buffing wheel.
equipment investment by using the same Let the finish dry until you no longer smell
setup to finish other projects small enough solvent on the surface.
to hold. You’ll need a set of three buffing While you’re waiting for the finish to dry,
wheels, an adaptor for mounting the wheels, begin preparing your wheels. Attach a strip
tripoli and white-diamond buffing com- of adhesive-backed 100-grit sandpaper to a
pounds, and a bar of carnauba wax [Sources]. piece of flat scrap. Then, mount one of the
buffing wheels on your lathe and set the
Begin with a good finish motor speed to about 1,800 rpm. Note: For
A glossy finish starts with smooth wood, so wheel preparation and buffing, wear eye
sand projects up to 320 grit before you begin protection and a respirator to guard against
Sources polishing and waxing. On turned projects, airborne lint and abrasives.
Wood Buff Kit (three buffing follow up sanding on the lathe by hand- Turn on the lathe and press the abrasive
wheels, buffing compounds, wax, sanding with a 320-grit sanding sponge. If against the fabric hard enough to slightly
and a wheel adaptor), $73, you’re working with a hard exotic wood, flare out the sides of the wheel [Photo B]. You
The Beall Tool Co., such as cocobolo, continue sanding up to can reduce the mess by having a helper hold
800-331-4718, 1000 grit. the nozzle of a shop vacuum near the spin-
bealltool.com. You can polish and wax bare wood, but a ning wheel while you press the sandpaper
Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish, film finish provides better protection. We against it. Then, turn off the lathe and vac-
$31.50 per quart, Woodcraft, prefer one with a penetrating oil to make the uum lint and loose sandpaper grit from the
800-225-1153, grain “pop,” so the bowl shown received layers of fabric. Repeat this process for the
woodcraft.com. four wipe-on coats of Waterlox Original remaining two wheels.
woodmagazine.com 51
Linen/cotton
wheel
Linen wheel
White abrasive
C D
A linen wheel loaded with tripoli polish evens out scratches left by the 320-grit Hold the white abrasive stick against the linen/cotton wheel for only about 2
sandpaper. A low gloss already has started to emerge. seconds to load it for extremely fine polishing.
2 Replace the linen wheel with a softer its entire surface. Should you need to renew the finish, simply buff on another
coat of carnauba wax.
linen/cotton wheel. Turn on the lathe
and touch the white abrasive stick against
the cloth [Photo D]. You only need a small fabric. You’ll need even less of this than the
amount of this extremely fine abrasive. white abrasive.
Polish your project as you did with the The wax doesn’t polish the finish; it fills the
tripoli wheel, but use a lighter touch and fine scratches left by the white abrasive for a
keep exposing new surfaces to the wheel. glossy surface. Work the surface until the wax
For flat surfaces, polish end to end, with the leaves an even shine. If you notice smudges as
grain, in overlapping passes. you handle the project, you’re using too much
The truth about grit Closed-coat papers have nearly 100 per- A swarf buildup clogs
Learn more about First, consider grit size when choosing sand- cent grit coverage and offer quicker sanding the sanding medium,
the two different, but paper. Large, coarse abrasives of 40, 60, and on hardwoods because the swarf on these reducing effectiveness.
similar, scales for 80 grit easily strip paint and perform the species isn’t sticky.
grading grit. initial smoothing of rough surfaces. Use
woodmagazine.com/ 100, 120, and 150 grit to remove minor sur- Types of abrasives
sandinggrits face imperfections created by cutting and Many, but not all, sandpapers list their abra-
milling. Grits of 180, 220, and 320 serve for sive media on the packaging or back of the
Following an orderly final sanding before finishing, and smooth- sheet. Although any sandpaper abrasive will
sanding process ing between finish coats. Grits 320 and smooth wood, three types work best for
saves time and yields above buff finishes to final smoothness. woodworking, with a fourth that we’ll also
excellent results. discuss.
woodmagazine.com/ The open and closed case Find garnet [Photo B], a natural mineral, on
sandingbasics Abrasives labeled “open coat” [Photo A] have inexpensive sandpapers best used for hand-
about 30 percent less grit, providing space sanding. The granules, initially sharp, wear
for the dust, or “swarf,” to go as you work. quickly, especially when used with power
Choose open-coat paper when sanding soft sanders, which explains why garnet has
or resinous woods such as pine and fir. fallen out of favor with many woodworkers.
A B
Open-coat papers may be labeled as such. Closed-coat papers typically have no Garnet has been used on sandpaper for decades. It’s inexpensive, but it doesn’t
designation on the label or backing. last long in use, so you end up using more to get the same results achieved with
other abrasives.
54 WOOD magazine March 2019
of Sandpaper
Hard but brittle silicon carbide [Photo C] enough to break them. Manufacturers may
fractures easily, creating fresh cutting edges blend ceramic with other abrasives, such as
as you work. The brittleness makes it less aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, to create a
suitable for coarse grits but a good choice for longer-lasting sandpaper [Photo E].
finish-sanding by hand, as well as for rub-
bing out finishes.
Aluminum oxide has become the go-to
abrasive for woodworking [Photo D]. This
low-cost compound excels in nearly every
aspect of surface preparation, from paint
removal to final finishing. The very hard
Find each of these granules wear slowly and can be used in
abrasives in a full both hand- and power-sanding operations.
range of grits from 60 Though better suited for metalworking,
to 220, with silicon you may see ceramic in retail stores, touted for
carbide and aluminum woodworking. Ceramic grains break consis-
oxide offering even tently, constantly exposing fresh cutting
finer grits. edges, but some woods may not be hard
D
Aluminum oxide wears down during use instead of fracturing. As a result, it
sands finer as it wears.
C E
Ceramic typically costs more, so if you find a ceramic-mix sandpaper at the
glass and plastics, or producing a bright sheen on aluminum or copper surfaces. same price as other abrasives, its durability makes it a good value.
woodmagazine.com 55
F G
A-weight paper conforms easily to the tight curves of a detail sanding block. Film backings look shiny. When folding film-backed sheets, the film grips itself,
so the paper holds its bent shape without slipping.
Adjustable
circle jig
Flattening sled
Fluting jig
Miter-shooting jig
Approximate
D I M E N S I O N S :
13" W × 13" D × 131⁄2" H
materials cost:
$50
including a
handle and
acrylic door
Build
multiple
shelf types
for maximum
versatility.
58 WOOD magazine March 2019
E
EXPLODED VIEW 1/8" groove
1¼" deep
1/8" dowel
5/8" long
2¼" hole 1/8" chamfer 1/8 x 12 x 123/8"
clear acrylic
J
#8 x ¾"
CUPCAKE F.H. screw A
SHELF
123/16" 117/8"
C
J R=¼"
F
13" 1/8" dowel
9" hole, centered 1" long
¼" round-overs
1/8" dowel C
J ¾" long
¼" chamfer
PIE SHELF use as key stock in the jig, also cut a 12"-long
scrap to a thickness and width matching the
thickness of the sides and top.
First, make the sides and top
Box joints lend loads of strength and good
looks where the carrier sides and top meet. A
2 Install in your tablesaw a 1⁄2"-wide dado
set, and adjust its height to match the
thickness of the sides and top. Attach a
lower rail and back stretchers further tie the 3⁄4×6×24" plywood box-joint-jig face to your
case together, with their ends exposed in the miter gauge, positioned so the dado set will
sides to complement the box joints. For wood cut through the face’s approximate center.
we chose relatively light, but strong, lyptus. Stack two of the cutoffs face-to-face and
Side/top cutoffs
stacked face-to-face
Box-joint-jig face
A B
Precisely space the box-joint-jig face from the rip fence using two thicknesses Cut through the face and check the fit of the key stock in the notch. If the fit’s
of cutoffs from the sides or top. not snug, adjust the dado set width and/or height.
woodmagazine.com 59
C D
Butt the jig’s end against the rip fence and rescrew it to the miter gauge. Then Raise the blade just a hair before cutting the second notch. Doing that ensures
slide the fence out of the way. the box-joint’s fingers stand slightly proud for flush-sanding later.
A A
No cuts here
1"
E F
Hold the workpiece securely against the jig as you make the first box-joint cut. Work your way across the width of the panel, positioning the most recent cut
over the key in preparation for cutting the next notch.
gauge and glue a 2"-long piece of key stock stopping 1" from the edge of the panel [Drawing
into the notch. Reposition the jig’s face as 1]. Repeat on the other side panel.
shown in Photo C.
notch over the key and repeat the cuts [Photo F], underside of the back edge [Drawing 2].
½" 1"
½"
13" 6 On the sides cut the groove near the
front, two square mortises near the back,
½" 12¼"
1 SIDE
1/8" groove ¼" deep 1/8" hole 2 TOP
3/8" from front edge 1" deep
on inside face ¼"
Front ½" ¼" rabbet ¼" deep
on inside face
13½"
A 13" B
5" 5½" 5"
Front
2" ½"
2¼" 2"
Cauls
4 RAILS
A A
D 1/8" groove1¼" deep
for acrylic door
12"
E 1"
2" 1¼"
1"
½"
1" 1" 1/8" hole
12"-wide spacer
DOOR RAIL ½"
G
1½" 1"
Keep the assembly square using a spacer and clamping cauls. The stretchers (D)
stand a little proud, but will be trimmed later. 1" 1/8" hole ¾" deep
2"
F 5/8"
and the notch on the front edge [Drawing 1].
13" ¼"
Glue a filler (C) into the bottom of each
groove [Exploded View]. CASE RAIL
4 Cut to size the slats (G, H), then rabbet E door rail 5⁄ 8" 2" 12" L 1
pieces, such as the slats,
in place while glue dries. four of their edges [Drawing 3]. Glue only F case rail 3⁄ 8" 2" 13" L 1
the center third of each slat to allow seasonal G narrow slats 1⁄4" 37⁄8" 131⁄4" L 2
expansion/contraction. H wide slat 1⁄4" 43⁄4" 131⁄4" L 1
1⁄ 2"
1⁄ 2"
123⁄16"
111⁄4"
117⁄8" L 2
L 4
woodmagazine.com 61
Preserve
the Plunge
screw
If the base doesn’t grip the motor tightly, it may cause the bit’s cutting depth to Plunge lock not providing enough purchase? Tighten the locking stud on the plunge-
suddenly deepen as the motor slips. Snug the clamp tension screw to get a better lock lever. Be careful to not overtighten it, or you may not be able to plunge at all!
bite on the router motor.
For tips on getting the most from your plunge router, visit woodmagazine.com/plungeroutertips.
See top editor-rated plunge routers at woodmagazine.com/review.
Learn more about using routers: woodmagazine.com/routeruse.
woodmagazine.com 63
No turning required!
Salt & Pepper Shakers
Make these dispensers using
a drill press, tablesaw, router table,
and two crazy-simple jigs.
Approximate
D I M E N S I O N S :
Diameter
materials cost:
$20
17⁄8"
including the
metal
×
components
T
Add salt
41⁄2"
and pepper
as desired
A/ B
13⁄8" Forstner bit
13/8" counterbore
5/16" deep
A
Drill the counterbore at the bottom of each blank. Secure the blank in a clamp,
with the blank aligned precisely with the bit.
Tube
1 BEVELING JIG
E
2"
3"
D
2½"
17/8"
1¾"
¼"
F 5"
¼"
C
4"
66 WOOD magazine March 2019
I
J
K
H
D E
Clamp a shaker blank in the fluting jig with one facet directly over the bit, and Raise the bit until it cuts a flute the full length of the shaker blank. The flute
rout the full length of the jig. Rotate the blank and repeat for all 12 facets. should connect two of the 12 points at the shaker bottom.
2 FLUTING JIG
4"
H
H 17/8"
3º bevel
I
F I
Rotate the blank a half-turn, resting on the wedges, and mark the flute’s
“smile” on the jig’s front. This mark will help you register the blank for routing the 23/16"
last four flutes, which can be difficult to register without a flat surface.
4"
Dual-mode
Belt sander Orbital sander Random-orbit sander random-orbit sander
Typically held with one hand, some portable The pads of most sanders in this class Read reviews of
sanders require two hands for better control. have eight dust-collection holes, and the random-orbit
All types (belt, orbital, random-orbit, detail) abrasive discs on the market match them sanding discs.
come in corded versions, with many also perfectly. The included bag or canister filter woodmagazine.com/
available battery powered. If you already provides good dust collection, but for even sandingdiscs
own tools in a particular battery platform, it better performance, attach a fine filtering
might make more sense—cord freedom!— shop vacuum. If possible, choose a random-
to buy sanders that use the same batteries. orbit sander with variable speed so you can
■ Belt. This handheld sander transports choose the best speed to match the work-
an abrasive belt around drums at each end piece and abrasive grit. A few models offer
of the tool. The aggressiveness of a belt dual modes, letting you choose between a
Tip! Stick with coarse sander works best for rapid material fine-finishing, smaller orbit and a larger,
grits (60–120) and use removal rather than fine finishing. Most more aggressive orbit for rapid removal.
these tools only for use one of three common belt sizes: 3×18", ■ Detail. A cousin of orbital sanders, these
rough-sanding. When 3×21", or 4×24". Belt sanders come with a tools use smaller triangular or rectangular
done, switch to a finish dust-collection bag, but most struggle to pads for sanding into corners and tight Tip! Avoid using coarse
sander. capture the large volume of fine dust cre- spaces. They remove material well, but it can abrasives, which can
ated. Overcome this by setting up a dust be difficult to blend their scratch marks accidentally scratch
collector or shop vacuum with a large with those made by another sander. We view adjacent surfaces that
hood to capture dust that escapes the tool. detail sanders as a tool of last resort, when might already be ready
■ Orbital. Primarily used for finishing, no other will do the job. (Sanding project for finish.
these sanders have a square or rectangular parts prior to assembly helps avoid the need
pad that vibrates in tiny circles, or orbits, to to sand into tight corners.)
Tip! Sand one grit finer abrade the wood. Sandpaper sheets attach
(usually 320) with this tool with either built-in clamps or hook-and-
than you would with a loop pads. Newer models feature holes in the
random-orbit sander to pads for improved dust collection, with
remove unseen swirls that included punch pads to create matching
would reveal themselves holes in your abrasives. Orbital sanders pro-
under stain or finish. duce smooth surfaces, but often leave swirly
scratch marks that show up when you stain
or dye the wood.
■ Random-orbit. If you don’t own a power
sander, get this one first. A random-orbit
Tip! Replace the 5-hole sander’s 5"- or 6"-diameter pad spins while
pad on an older sander simultaneously orbiting in tiny circles of 1⁄8"
with an 8-hole pad from or less. These combined actions help blend
the same manufacturer; the scratch patterns, so that by the time you
8-hole abrasive discs are sand through 180 or 220 grit, the scratches
easier to find. become almost invisible. Detail sander
woodmagazine.com 69
Stationary Sanders
Most of these machines come in both robust
floor-standing models and benchtop versions
that cost less and typically have smaller work-
surfaces and motors.
■ Disc. Many disc sanders for home shops
have 12"-diameter discs, but a few smaller
Tip! For most work, use and larger models exist. A self-adhesive
a 150-grit disc. It works abrasive disc sticks directly to the tool’s
well enough at shaping metal platen, which excels at creating
workpieces without square, flat edges. Because you can work
burning the wood as finer only on the downward-spinning portion of
grits can easily do. the disc, it provides a limited working sur-
face, and you can sand only flat or convex
surfaces. Look for a disc sander with a
large, sturdy table, prefera-
bly made of cast iron; a
miter slot proves helpful
■ Oscillating spindle. If you don’t own a for holding jigs and
benchtop or floor-standing model, this accessories.
handheld version works well for sanding
curved edges. You’ll find only a couple of
Tip! Clamp one of these models on the market (Grizzly and MLCS
tools to a workbench for a Woodworking). They come with four drums
small, but effective, and abrasive sleeves (1⁄2", 3⁄4", 1", and 11⁄2"
spindle sander with a diameters), providing a good solution for
tiny table surface. most curves.
woodmagazine.com 71
Groovy Walls Storage needs change
Your Space
with you.
B
esides holding weighty tools that
would uncurl a wire peg hook, slatwall
storage systems brighten a shop with a
more finished look than pegboard, or nails Load-
in a wall. bearing
Slatwall consists of strips or panels with area
horizontal T-shaped or L-shaped slots.
Many commercial systems use plastic pan- Slatwall hangers distribute their
els, such as StoreWall’s 15"-wide sections load over a wider area than peg
that come 4' or 8' long. MDF panels made for hooks. These L-shaped slots hold
retail applications commonly measure 4×8'. industry-standard hardware.
Learn how to rout You can also make your own panels using 3⁄4"
slatwall grooves in 3⁄4" birch plywood.
plywood. Hooks, shelves, and other hardware hang
woodmagazine.com/ in the slots, as shown above and on the next
slatwall page. To supplement these with your own
custom storage, attach Z-shaped tabs to any-
thing from router-bit holders, as shown on
the next page, to cabinets. Unlike pegboard
hardware, a single hook on some slatwall sys-
tems can handle more than 100 pounds.
72 WOOD magazine March 2019
Convenience costs, though. For example,
4×8' sheets of perforated hardboard cost
about $15, but plastic slatwall that covers the
same 32 square feet may cost ten times as
much. Slatwall hardware comes in a greater
variety, but it also costs more than peg $2 hook
hooks. Prices range from about $2 per slat-
wall hook to $25 for a 2'-wide basket or $80
for a 3'-long shelf.
But you’re really paying for flexibility:
panels and hardware that, unlike pegboard,
can hold a 50-lb cabinet in tomorrow’s shop
as easily as an 8-oz hand tool today.
$12 heavy-duty
Plan a basic system S-hook
To create a slatwall system on a budget, ask
commercial remodelers about salvaging
slatwall panels and hardware from closed or
remodeled stores. If you’re hanging cabinets
and shelves heavier than about 50 pounds, Turn this to
install plastic slatwall panels. For example, a lock.
heavy-duty StoreWall panel holds up to 148
lbs versus 68 lbs on an MDF panel.
With the wall system decided, it’s time to Hardware from StoreWall comes with a lock to keep it from pulling loose.
shop specialty stores, home centers, and the Inexpensive hooks can handle lightweight items.
web (see Sources) for hardware to suit your
needs. You can mix inexpensive hardware
for light- or medium-duty jobs, as shown
above right, with more expensive hardware
for the heavy stuff because slatwall slots are
typically spaced 3" apart to accept all types
of hardware.
On a tight budget? Start small by mount-
ing just one row of 15"-wide plastic slatwall
strips around your workshop. Position it
between chest and eye level—high if you’ll
use more hanging hooks, and low for bas- Cabinet-
kets. Later, add more strips above the first hanging
brackets
one to store jigs or lumber, and below to hang
more hooks, baskets, and shelves as needed.
woodmagazine.com 73
NEW
Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig Owners
NO DUST – NO MESS!
Home of the
Low Angle Pocket
Without VRS1200
With VRS1200
Leigh’s Vacuum & Router Support, model VRS1200, works with your
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4200 series Porter-Cable dovetail jig. See videos at leighjigs.com.
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We like these three portable workstations
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Track Horse
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no. DWST11556, $80 True to sawhorse tradition, Kreg built this stand to handle heavy loads
This workstation folds up quickly for storage and carries easily, but (1,100-lb. rating per Track Horse). The steel-leg base with an aluminum
shines best when set up. Made of heavy-duty plastic with metal legs, top rail supports boards and sheet goods with ease. The top rail has a
it supports up to 1,000 lbs., according to DeWalt. We never piled on T-slot and included cam clamp to hold stock securely, and T-bolts for
that much weight, but it handled everything we stacked on without mounting a sacrificial 2×4 for sawing. Mount the clamp in one of the
buckling. Slots and holes accommodate quick-action clamps (not end brackets to secure a board on edge for routing or planing. The
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Better Homes & Gardens® WOOD® magazine (ISSN-0743-894X); March 2019, Volume 36, No. 1, is published 7 times a year in March, May, July, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec/Jan by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription prices: $29.99 per
year in the U.S.; $44.99 (U.S. dollars) in Canada; $49.99 (U.S. dollars) overseas. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Better Homes & Gardens WOOD, PO Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No.
40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. © Meredith Corporation 2019. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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