June 2025
Issue 279

Toggle Clamp ........ .88F0501

• MicroJig CNC Kit ....... . CN-P1234K11 Router Guide . . . MFRG-400-025 • Milwaukee Random Orbit Sander . . 2837-20 • Fuji Spray D6 Turbine ........ .D6 250121 T70 Spray Gun...... . 4006-T70

It’s tempting to build a project like the stool with nice-looking hardwood, but the added weight will make carrying it a pain. Instead, your best bet is to work with nice-looking softwood: yellow pine (like we used), white pine, cypress, or fir. Paint makes a great finish. For our version, we applied a couple coats of wiping varnish. The oil warmed up the look of the pine, too. • Lee Valley 24mm Walnut Knobs . .02G2022

No stain was used on the dresser. I like to warm up the cherry with a coat of Old Masters’ Tung Oil Varnish. The case and drawers are protected though with a couple of coats of lacquer. • Menards 6" Cabinet Pull ........... 84820 14” Full-Extension Slides . 4881857

For maximum protection on this dust pan, we gave it several coats of lacquer. We used a sprayer to apply it, but a wipe on varnish will work just as effectively. • Paracord Galaxy 550 Paracord ........ . 163-016 ebf

The tools listed below are the ones Chris used on the Automata. It doesn’t take much to create bold details. You can use any of your favorites. • Rockler Flextool Gouge .......... . MC307 • Lee Valley Slojd Knives ......... 02D0102 An additional creative task is the color choices of the actors. There are no set rules here other than I would suggest using artist grade colors. Artist acrylics are the best bet for durable colors. They’re easy to use diluted with water or acrylic medium. They can be found at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or any art supply store.

Box details are best selected by the maker. Which means that recommendations are subjective. And since I avoid hardware in most instances, there isn’t much to call out. The hidden pin hinges deserve mention. I get those from Lee Valley. They’re available in two sizes. They also sell a range of inlay banding to dress up your boxes. • Lee Valley 1?8" Hinge Pin Set ..... 05H0201 1?4" Hinge Pin Set ..... 05H0204