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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques5

Choosing & Using Lacquer10

Best Routers for Tables12

You can find fixed-base routers wherever tools are sold or online at amazon.com. Ryobi and Ridgid routers are available from Home Depot. The Ryobi router doesn’t come with a T-handle wrench, but you can order one from amazon.com, part no. 513667001.

Air Hose Reels for Your Shop14

You can also purchase the RoboReel Air Hose Reel system and accessories directly from the manufacturer, Great Stuff, Inc. Additionally, a full line of Coxreels are available at coxreels.com. The new line of air hose reels from Coxreels are painted blue.

Decorative Inlay Box16

Learn how to dress up a small box with metal inlay. The technique is easy to master and it’s a great way to add a special touch to your next small project.

For the pattern shown in the article, I used bronze for the oak leaves and copper for the acorn. The box was stained with Minwax’s English Chestnut. After that, two coats of spray lacquer provide protection.

Versatile Add-On Bench20

This small bench has big-time features. Mounted to a standard workbench, it offers multiple clamping options and secures a workpiece at a more comfortable working height.

Cherry Footboard Bench24

You’ll find that quick and easy woodworking techniques are all you need to build this stylish, end-of-the-bed bench. It would be a great addition to a entryway, as well.

Our cushion is Sand, but there are several other colors available. The bench was stained with a mixture of three parts Zar cherry stain and one part Wood Kote Jel’d stain (cherry). Then it was sprayed with two coats of lacquer.

Lathe-Driven Belt Sander30

Looking for a sanding station for your shop? Well, check out this handy belt sander accessory. It’s a simple solution to get more our of your shop lathe.

Louvered-Door TV Console40

The louvered doors of this cabinet give it a distinct look, but you’ll soon realize that providing a home for your TV along with added storage makes it a must-have addition.

The console was stained with two coats of Minwax’s Slate waterbased stain. The first coat was allowed to dry, and the second coat was wiped on more aggressively. Then a coat of General Finishes’ Glazed Effects in Van Dyke Brown was brushed on and wiped off. Excess glaze was intentionally left in some of the corners and profiled moldings to highlight those areas. Once it dried, two coats of lacquer were applied.

Working with Metal Inlay52

  • Page 53: Photo caption
    The router bit shown in the box at the bottom of the page is mistakenly listed as a spiral upcut bit. The text and photo callout should read: 1/16" spiral downcut bit.

Bench Vise Maintenance54

Shop Notes64

  • Page 67: 1/2"-dia. Shaft source
    The part number for the 1/2"-dia. Shaft was incorrectly listed as 1555T14. It should be 8297T27.