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Tips & Techniques4

Mallets in the Shop8

There's more to this simple hand tool than you might think. Here's the scoop.

Mallets are an invaluable tool in the shop. The ones shown in the article on page 8 are just a sampling of the variety offered by several companies. To find one that fits your needs, contact Tools for Working Wood or The Best Things.

Band Saw Upgrades & Add-Ons10

Check out a dozen great ways to improve the performance of this versatile shop tool.

The upgrades for your band saw shown in the article on page 10 are readily available from woodworking stores. Since most items will be specific to your saw brand and model, you may need to contact the manufacturer for some upgrades.

Mortise Pal14

This handy new jig takes mortising with a plunge router to a new level.

The Mortise Pal featured on page 14 is only available from the manufacturer, R.G. Jig Co. The company recommends using a 5/8″ O.D. guide bushing (147934) available from Woodcraft. This part includes the centering pin.

Rabbets on the Table Saw16

Learn a few tricks and techniques that will make cutting perfect rabbets a sure thing.

Charging Station18

This small project fills a big need. Spend a couple of days in the shop and you’ll be rewarded with a great way to keep your cell phone and other electronic gadgets charged and organized.

  • Page 20: Main Illustration
    The support panel (part G) is 4 5/8" high, as listed in the material cutting diagram.
  • Page 20: Materials, Supplies & Cutting Diagram
    The second part E shown in the cutting diagram should be labeled part H and should be listed as (.3 bd. ft.) not square feet since it is 3/4"-thick material. Also, graphically, since both part E's are 4" x 12", the two boards should both look the same size in the diagram.
  • Page 20: Materials, Supplies & Cutting Diagram
    Parts B, C and D should all be 11" in length, not 10 3/4" as originally printed. The correct measurement is shown in the drawings throughout the article.

The hardware for the charging station on page 20 is available from most hardware stores or home centers. You’ll want to choose an electrical power strip that will hold as many transformers as you need before you start the project. A good source for these is an office supply store. The finish used to stain the dark portion of the station was General FinishesGel Stain in java.

Garden Bench22

The look of this simple garden bench couldn't be more inviting. But the most attractive part of this project might be the straightforward woodworking techniques used to build it.

The outdoor bench on page 24 was finished with Penofin Ultra Premium Red Label Wood Finish in sable. It’s available from the Woodsmith Store.

Shop Notebook28

Classic Oak Wine Server30

When you combine versatile storage, interesting woodworking, and a classic look in one project, you can't go wrong. This cabinet is sure to be as enjoyable to use as it is to build.

  • Page 51: Hardware source
    The source for the pivot hinges was omitted. Lee Valley sells the Steel Pivot Hinge, part number 00H03.11.
  • Page 32: Detail B
    The spacing between the predrilled screwholes was not correctly illustrated: The first screw should be 7/8" from the edge. The next space should be 3 7/8" from the first screw. Then there should be three spaces of 4" each. Finally the 3 7/8" repeats and then another 7/8" at the end.
  • Page 34: Detail A
    The measurement at the top of the detail for placement of the magnet should be 4 1/4" from the notched edge of the front stretcher. Note: The measurement is correct as shown in the drawing on page 32.
  • Page 35: References to the bevel angle
    The text and the illustration of the bevel give a blade tilt angle of 30 degrees; this is too steep. The angle should be about 18 degrees.
  • Page 32: Detail 'a'
    The hole for the "pivot hinge cup" is called out as 7/64". It should be 17/64"
  • Page 37: Detail 'a'
    The arrow for the lowest part labeled 'Q' should be extended to point to the next item (Wine Rack Shelf) above the bottom shelf, not the bottom shelf as illustrated.

Online Extras

  • Wine Server Brass Overlay Panel
    After I completed the wine server, I decided it needed one last touch. To protect the back of the door from stains and spills, I attached this painted brass panel.

The hardware for the wine server on page 30 was purchased from two companies. The false hinges (MS-41) and the pull (MS-13) are available from Horton Brasses. The rare-earth magnet (99K31.01), magnet cup (99K32.51), and washer (#99K32.61) came from Lee Valley.
Lee Valley also sells the Steel Pivot Hinge, part number 00H03.11.

The server was finished with Varathane Wood Stain in Early American.

Gluing Up Large Panels38

We'll show you how to get perfect results with the least amount of effort.

10 Specialty Router Bits40

You can find a router bit to fill just about any need. Take a look at some of our favorites.

Several companies make the router bits featured in the article on page 40. Amana Tool makes the tambour bit set (54314). It’s available at Toolstoday.com. The straight bits for undersized plywood measuring 15/64″ (90330), 31/64″ (90528), and 23/32″ (90627) and the locking miter bit (22627) were purchased from Rockler. The three-piece glue-joint bit set (8357) and box joint bit (7860), came from MLCS Woodworking. The Woodsmith Store sells the Amana dado clean-out bit (45489), the T-slot cutter (45660) and the downshear flush trim bit (47138).

Dealing with Dust44

Clear the air and make your shop a more pleasant place to work with these simple tips.

Making Sense of Varnish46

Here's what you need to know to choose the right oil-based varnish for any project.

Oil-based or alkyd varnishes, like the ones on page 46, can be harder to find than polyurethane varnishes. But there are several companies that make them. To find them in your area, check with a local paint store to see what brands are available. Some products may need to be special ordered.

McCloskey’s makes an alkyd varnish called Heirloom Varnish. It’s available at Woodworker’s Supply. Old Masters makes Super Varnish. It can be ordered from the Woodsmith Store.

Shaping Perfect Curves48

Creating smooth, graceful contoured edges on your projects isn't hard. We share the secret.

Q & A50

Final Details52