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Tips & Techniques4

Hot Glue Guns8

Not for woodworking? You'll find that this inexpensive tool has loads of uses in the shop.

Inexpensive glue guns are available at just about any hobby store or hardware store. The Titebond HiPURformer glue gun shown on page 9 is available through several woodworking suppliers shown below.

Choosing a Belt Sander10

Every shop needs this indispensable tool. We'll get you up to speed on what to look for.

The graphite platen material shown in the belt sander article on page 10 is available from Woodworker’s Supply.

Routing Miniature Dovetails12

This pint-sized dovetail kit offers the same precision and ease of use as its big brother.

The Porter-Cable Miniature Dovetail Template Kit (4215) is available from most tool dealers that carry Porter-Cable products. The Rockler template (20618) is available through Rockler.

Resawing on the Band Saw14

We'll share the secret of turning thick stock into smooth, accurately sized, thin workpieces.

The Wood Slicer resaw blade is sold by Highland Woodworking. Lenox Woodmaster CT blades are available from a number of online sources. Or you can locate a dealer in your area by visiting the Lenox Tools website.

Wall Mounted Chisel Rack16

Your chisels have never had it so good. This stylish, easy-to-build rack will keep your set close at hand, yet out of harm's way.

A few screws are the only hardware needed for the chisel rack on page 16. To finish the rack, we simply wiped on a coat of General Finishes' Seal-a-Cell, followed by a couple of coats of lacquer.

Mirror Frame20

A combination of no-fuss construction and a clean, contemporary look add up to a great way to spend some time in the shop.

  • Page 22: Detail illustration 'a'
    The thickness measurement (the distance between the bullnose shoulder and the bottom of the workpiece) in detail 'a' should be 3/8", not 3/16" as originally printed.

You'll need just a few items to build the mirror frame on page 20. The glass retainers came from Rockler (92289). And to hang the mirror, we used some heavy-duty D-rings and picture frame wire. You can find these at most hardware stores and home centers.

To make the bead molding, we used an Amana bullnose bit (51558). And for a finish, we applied two coats of lacquer.

Frame & Panel Headboard24

Variety is the spice of life - and that's what this project offers. Choose from three, great-lookingstyles that each go together in a snap.

  • Page 27: Materials, Supplies & Cutting Diagram
    The materials list for the Frame & Panel Headboard has the lengths for the Rails and Stiles reversed. Rails (A) should be 56 1/2" long; Stiles (B) should be 16 1/2" long.

For the headboard on page 24, you'll need some turn buttons (27912) and taper connectors (28878). These are available from Rockler. The rattan material used in one of the panels is also carried by Rockler (41079).

The cherry headboard was stained with a mix of three parts Zar cherry stain and one part Wood Kote Jel’d-Stain (Cherry). The rattan panel headboard was stained with General Finishes' Gel Stain (Java). And the fabric panel headboard was painted with Benjamin Moore’s Cream Cloak (OC-135).

Shop Notebook30

Chippendale Chest32

If you're looking for a "high-style" project that will expand your skills, this is the one for you. It's guaranteed to be a treasured heirloom.

Hardware is an important element of the chest of drawers on page 32. The rosette pulls (H-31) and keyhole escutcheons (H-14) came from Horton Brasses. The nylon stem bumpers were purchased from Rockler (28373).

The profile around the top of the chest was routed with an Amana thumbnail and bead bit (49560). For the paper-backed veneer and contact cement, we turned to veneersupplies.com.

To finish the chest, we used a two-step staining process. This starts with a coat of Old Masters' Dark Mahogany Gel Stain. When that was dry, we sprayed on a coat of lacquer (glossy). Next, a stain mixture made up of 1 cup of Old Masters' Deep Red Rich Mahogany Penetrating Stain and 1 qt. of Dark Mahogany Gel Stain is applied. After this was dry, we applied a couple more coats of lacquer (satin).

Making Ogee Bracket Feet42

Don't let all the curves fool you. A simple, step-by-step approach gets the job done easily.

Online Extras

  • Making Ogee Bracket Feet
    Making bracket feet is a straightforward process. Much of the shaping can be done at the table saw and band saw. All you’ll need to do is refine the contours.

Food-Safe Finishes46

When food comes into contact with a finish, don't take chances. We'll show you what works.

Cock Beaded Drawers48

Learn a centuries-old technique for adding this stylish detail to your traditional projects.

Q & A50