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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques4

10 Rules for Case Assembly8

These simple guidelines help you take the stress out of gluing up a project.

Big Results from a Small Router10

New features and more power, all in a compact size. What more could you ask for?

When it comes to doing detail routing, a small trim router makes the work a lot easier and hassle free. The Colt Palm Router (PR20EVSK) is available from Bosch Tools. Their contact information is below. You can also purchase this router from the Woodsmith Store.

I was able to find the Ridgid R2400 laminate trimmer at a local Home Depot. You can get more details, as well as ordering information, from Ridgid by using the information below.

Flawless Fit for Mitered Molding12

Learn the secrets for perfect-fitting miters.

Veritas Honing Guide14

Getting a sharp edge has never been easier. This new guide will get you set up in seconds.

Using a good honing guide makes sharpening your chisels and other cutting blades a lot quicker, easier, and more accurate. The Veritas Mk. II Honing Guide (#05M09.01) came from Lee Valley. It's also available from the Woodsmith Store. You should be able to find it for around $50.

Inlay Marquetry Box16

Find out how a simple scroll saw technique can turn a project from ordinary to outstanding.

Online Extras

  • Inlay Marquetry Box
    Building small projects, like this inlay marquetry box, can be a nice change of pace. These projects are challenging, but still quick to build. And they're really quite rewarding.

You won't need anything in the way of hardware to build the marquetry box. But you will need wood for the inlay blanks if you don't have enough scrap pieces. A number of different wood species in a variety of thicknesses can be found at Inlay Product World or from Constantine's.

You may want to find patterns to follow for cutting the inlays for the marquetry. Pattern books and other marquetry supplies can be ordered from the same sources.

Scroll Saw Marquetry19

Online Extras

  • Marquetry Patterns
    The marquetry technique I used on the box lid involves cutting out a pattern on the panel and then replacing the piece with small inlays of other kinds of wood to form a design or picture. All you need is a scroll saw, some small pieces of wood, and a bit of patience.

Curved-Stretcher Accent Table22

Bending wood is pretty simple when you learn our straightforward lamination technique.

  • Page 24: Clamping block blank illustration (lower left corner of the page).
    The first measurement along the top edge is printed as 4" but it should be 3".
  • Page 25: Clamping jig illustration, lower right corner of the page.
    The measurement from the left edge to the first line is printed as 4" but should be 3".

Online Extras

  • Curved-Stretcher Accent Table
    Most of the woodworking projects I build have parts that are straight, flat, and square. But every so often, it's nice to break out of the box and throw in a few curves. That's just what this accent table is all about -- curved stretchers.

You won't need much hardware to complete the accent table, but you will need a piece of glass for the top. Since you can't cut tempered glass to size yourself, you'll need some help. I built the top first and then ordered the glass to fit. The ¼″-thick piece of frosted, tempered glass I used came from a local glass shop.

Shop Notebook30

Traditional Tool Chest32

Through dovetails, authentic hardware, and organized storage combine to make a classic home for your prized hand tools.

  • Page 53: Dimensions for pieces L and M
    The dimensions for pieces L and M are reversed. Note that the cutting diagram and the illustration in the article are correct.

Online Extras

  • Traditional Tool Chest
    There's something about an old tool chest that's hard to describe. Whenever I come across one, I can't resist the temptation to open the lid to see what might be inside. And for a long time, I've wanted to build a chest like so many of the ones that I've seen.

One thing that gives the tool chest a really authentic look is using the right hardware. Almost all of the antique-looking hardware I used for the project came from Van Dyke's Restorers.

This hardware includes the small, heavy-duty cabinet hinges (#02014884), medium black lifter handles (#02007188) for the outside of the chest, and the small lifter handles (#02007187) for the inside trays. I also used a heavy iron hasp (#02004558) and a black steel padlock (#02014191) to secure the lid. I was able to find the chain and screws needed at a local hardware store.

You can cut the dovetails used to join the chest by hand. But if you use a router you'll need an adjustable dovetail jig that can rout through dovetails.

Many jigs will work, but I used the D4 jig made by Leigh Industries. You can order it directly from them.

If you're going to build the rabbeted-case version of the tool chest from page 37, you may want to get some wrought head nails. The 1½″ nails I used can be found at either Lee Valley (#912240.03) or Rockler (#32379).

Random Orbit Sanders42

Cut down your sanding time and get smoother, swirl-free results from your power sander.

Tough Cuts Made Easy44

Having a few workshop "helpers" around can take the hassle out of tough rip cuts.

Making the New Look Old46

You'll be surprised how easy it is to transform a brand new project into an "instant" antique.

Q & A48

Perfect-Fitting Dovetails50

A few foolproof tips and tricks for seamless joints.

Final Details52