Give a Gift FREE Book

Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques4

Strong & Sturdy Assemblies8

Knock-down fasteners are a fast and easy way to build a project. Take a look at our favorites.

The #1 Overlooked Tool10

We'll show you why the jig saw is an indispensable tool for every shop.

Work Sharp Accessories12

New add-ons make this easy-to-use sharpening system even more versatile.

  • Rockler
    Work Sharp 300025384
    Wide Blade Attachment24706
    Tool Bar Attachment45436

Planing Stock14

Smooth, straight, flat stock is one key to a great project. Here's where a planer fits in.

Two-in-One Cutting Board16

This beautiful cutting board holds a secret. Below the worksurface is a handy storage drawer that you can custom-fit for your set of kitchen knives.

The cutting board was finished with a coat of butcher block oil.

Grandpa's Tool Chest20

This classic, old-school tool chest is still a great way to keep all your prized hand tools safe and secure. The bonus is that basic joinery makes it a quick and easy build.

Online Extras

  • Horton Brasses
    1 1/2" Finish NailsN-5
    1 1/2" Headless Cut Brads
    1" Headless Cut Brads
    Butt HingesPB-409
    Keyhole EscutcheonFE-6
    Lock LK-6
    Chest Lifts H-558L

The tool chest was finished with three coats of General Finishes Seal-A-Cell wiping varnish.

Shop Notebook26

  • Page 27: Main illustration
    The 1 1/32 dimension needs to be 1 1/16; the 25/32 number should change to 13/16.
  • Page 27: Detail 'a'
    The 13/16 dimension should be 1.

Heirloom Workbench28

Inspired by the massive benches used by Shaker craftsmen, our scaled-down version gives you all the desirable features suited to your shop: rock-solid construction, an ample worksurface, handy ways to secure a workpiece, and an easy-access storage cabinet.

  • Page 36: Main illustration
    The height of part O (Tail Vise Top Block) should be 1 3/4", not 3 3/4" as originally printed. (The dimensions are correct on the materials list and cutting diagram on page 41.)
  • Page 31: Text, last paragraph
    The last paragraph on page 31 contains a sentence that begins "Then I drilled holes...". That sentence and the following are not quite accurate. They should read this way: "Then I drilled holes in the vise leg for the vise screws. On the front side, the vise screw hole needs to be counterbored for the knurled knob."
  • Page 30: Middle drawing, Drilling Bolt Holes
    The drawing shows drilling a hole through the wrong mortise. The workpiece needs to be rotated 90° and drilled through the smaller mortise. Detail drawing "c" on the same page shows the right orientation.
  • Page 32: Main illustration
    The main illustration shows 3/8"-dia. x 3"-long walnut dowels. The note in the illustration says "Drill 3/8"-dia. x 2-1/2"-deep hole for dowel pins after assembly." Since the dowel pins sit 1/16" proud of the surface, the note should instead read "Drill 3/8"-dia. x 2-15/16"-deep hole for dowel pins after assembly."
  • Page 34: Detail 'b'
    The length of the upper notched section should be measured to the bottom of the radius, not the top.
  • Page 37: Figure 6
    Figure 6 shows that the Guide Rail End (S) should be attached 2" from the near end of the Tail Vise Front Block (P). That is incorrect. The actual distance should be 1 3/4".

The bench was finished with two coats of General Finishes Seal-A Cell wiping varnish. Paste wax was also applied to the benchtop.

Shop-Made Spinner Catches48

These traditional door catches are easy to make and adapt to a range of uses.

Final Details52