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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques4

One-Hand Bar Clamps8

These clamps are so easy to use, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.

The one-handed clamps featured in the article starting on page 8 came from several sources. The Irwin Quick-Grip and the Bessey Power Grip are both available from either the Woodsmith Store or Rockler. The Bessey Kliklamp is carried by Rockler. Craftsman clamps are available at Sears stores or through their catalog.

The one-handed Jorgensen E-Z Hold clamp shown in the article was ordered from the Adjustable Clamp Company. Their number is listed at right.

Perfect Plane Performance10

5 shop-tested tune-up techniques for making this handy tool work even better.

An Invisible Plywood Edge12

A plywood edge that won't be noticed? We'll show you how easy it is to do.

Paneled Window Seat14

Just start with a simple plywood box and go from there. You won't believe the end result.

Online Extras

  • Paneled Window Seat
    You start by building a simple plywood box. A sheet of plywood and a little bit of basic joinery is all it takes. Next, you cover this "shell" with solid-wood framing and add some traditional molding. Glue, brads, and a handful of screws hold it all together. In no time, the basic plywood box is transformed into a classic.
  • Bead Board Chest
    The "casual" bead board chest in the drawing has the same basic structure as its more formal cousin. But a few simple changes give it a very different appearance.

If you’re lucky, you can find all of the materials and supplies you need to build either of the window seats in a single trip to a lumberyard or home improvement center. The pre-made moldings (colonial baseboard, panel molding, and bead board) used are pretty common styles but they may vary slightly from store to store. It’s not critical that the moldings you use precisely match those shown. Just find something close and if necessary, you can make minor adjustments to the design.

Knock-Down Bookshelf20

It's functional and looks great, but the best part is it goes together with no trouble.

  • Page 25: Exploded view
    Dimension of shelf is 12", not 12 5/8" as printed. The larger number is the size of the shelf plus the back rail (parts P and S.)

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All of the hardware used on the knock-down bookshelf was purchased from Rockler. To assemble the bookshelf, you’ll need 2" connector bolts (#31849), cap nuts (#31815), hex-drive threaded inserts (#31872), and a handful of tabletop fasteners (#34215). To help level the bookshelf, you’ll want to install four cabinet lifting levelers (#81696).

Shop Notebook26

Pencil Post Bed28

This classic bed features simple joinery, hand-carved details, and traditional hardware.

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You’ll really only need a small amount of hardware to build the pencil post bed. To attach the rails to the legs, I used standard 3/8" x 6" hex-head bolts with washers and nuts. You should be able to find these at any well-stocked hardware store or home improvement center.

If you would like to use traditional bed bolts on the project, these can be purchased from Rockler or one of the other sources listed. You’ll need to buy a bed bolt wrench as well.

To cover the counterbored holes I drilled in the legs to install the bed bolts, I purchased eight 11/2"-dia. antique brass bed bolt covers with screws (#99235) from Rockler. And finally, you’ll need eight traditional bed irons to support the box spring and mattress. They’re available from either Rockler (#38593) or Horton Brasses (#H-550). These bed irons can vary in size, so it’s best to have them in hand before you start cutting the mortises in the bed rails.

Choosing the Best Joinery38

Learn the ins and outs of how to select the right joinery for your next project.

Extra Work Surfaces42

Can't find a space to do an assembly or even set down a tool? Take a look at some easy-to-build solutions to this common problem.

Three Basic Router Bits44

You probably already have the bits you need to make a host of decorative profiles.

Online Extras

  • More Profiles from Three Router Bits
    You might be surprised at what you can do with the three router bits shown at right. The article "Three Basic Router Bits" in Woodsmith No. 153 gives you a start by showing the step-by-step process for making seven different edge treatments. But those are just a few of the possibilities.

You may already own one or all of the standard router bits used to make the profiles in the article on page 44. The three bits that I used are made by Amana Tool and can be purchased from the Woodsmith Store. Very similar bits are available from many other manufacturers.

Solving Finishing Problems46

Shellac can help you avoid common finishing problems and give you better results.

Q & A48

A Lamb's Tongue Chamfer50

A chisel, carving knife, and file are all it takes to create this great-looking traditional detail.

Final Details52