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Table of Contents

Tips & Techniques4

Choosing the Right Glass8

The combination of wood and glass is hard to beat. Here’s how to make it work.

Rotary Tool Routing10

We'll show you how to get an even bigger bang from this common and versatile shop tool.

Adding a router base is a great way to get more out of a rotary tool. The Dremel plunge router base can be found at most hardware stores and home centers that carry Dremel products, or from the sources listed in the margin.

The Precision Router Base (5260) is available only through Stewart-MacDonald. They also carry router bits for rotary tools.

Foolproof Fluting12

Take a look at a couple of jigs that take the guesswork out of routing perfectly spaced flutes.

Whether you rout flutes on a router table or with a handheld router, the fluting jigs shown on page 12 will make the task easier.

The Automatic Flute Spacing Jig is available from the manufacturer, DRL Group, LLC. The Rockler fluting jig (28636) can be purchased directly from Rockler.

Making Dentil Molding14

A little time at the table saw and a simple jig is all it takes to make this traditional molding.

Candle Stands16

This eye-catching project gives you the chance to fill an idle weekend with a healthy dose of straightforward woodworking. You'll have the candle stands up and glowing in short order.

  • Page 18: Middle detail
    The the routing direction in the detail is incorrect. The arrow should point the opposite direction, and the note should read: "NOTE: Move template clockwise around bit."

The only item you'll have to purchase for the candle stands on page 16 (aside from the wood) are the candle cups. You can find these at most craft stores.

Keepsake Boxes20

The unique look of these beautiful boxes is guaranteed to draw attention. But that's only part of the story. Building one or both is sure to raise the level of your skills a notch or two.

  • Page 26: Instructions and art for plywood top and bottom
    Clarification: Because plywood is not a full 3/4" thick, when you glue up the six pieces each for the top and bottom panels, as the plans indicate, the panels will be about 4 1/4" wide -- not the 4 1/2" as the drawings show. To obtain 4 1/2" panels: (1) Start by trimming the outer ply off of each edge of the top and bottom panels. (2) Then glue another strip of plywood to each edge. Removing the outer ply lets you keep the same "dark/light" pattern in the plywood without creating a thick, "double" joint line. (3) Carefully trim each edge to create a panel that's 4 1/2" wide and keeps the handle centered in the top panel.

Like the candle stands, the gift boxes on page 22 also don't require much in the way of hardware. Aside from a few woodscrews, all you'll need is some adhesive-backed felt to line the boxes. This can be purchased at most craft or fabric stores.

Shop Notebook28

Traditional Oak Bookcase30

The classic design of this bookcase is a bit deceptive. The techniques, joinery and materials used to build it are thoroughly modern. It goes together easily and will last a lifetime.

Most of the hardware for the bookcase on page 30 came from Rockler. This includes the 36″ shelf standards (34025), 48″ shelf standards (34033), shelf supports (33852), and levelers (81696). The anti-tip kit used to anchor the bookcase came from Hangman Products (TK-400). The shoulder bolts (00N14.70) and bolt caps (00N20.17) are from Lee Valley.

To make the plinth blocks and the crown molding, we used a couple of Freud router bits. The plinth blocks were routed with bit 99-015. And the crown molding was made with bit 99-402.

Another option is to use purchased moldings for the bookcase. You can obtain plinth blocks and crown molding from Jarrett’s Woodworking.

The bookcase was stained with Varathane stain (American Walnut) and finished with lacquer.

Large Profile Bits40

Learn how to use these large bits to make factory-quality moldings on the router table.

Hand Sanding42

When completing a project, hand sanding is the key to a smooth surface that's ready for finish.

The sanding blocks and adhesive-backed sandpaper shown in the article on page 42 really go a long way toward making hand sanding easier. We purchased these items from the Woodsmith Store, but you should be able to find similar products through most woodworking suppliers.

Put Your Circular Saw to Work44

Turn your circular saw into a real shop workhorse with just a few easy upgrades.

Online Extras

  • Knock-down Cutting Table
    If you’re accustomed to using sawhorses for support while making circular saw cuts, I guarantee you’ll find that this knock-down table is a vast improvement. The clincher is that it’s inexpensive, easy to build, and easy to store when not in use.
  • Circular Saw Cutting Guides
    The two circular saw cutting guides featured in the article in Woodsmith No. 185 offer a big return for a small investment in time and material. The design is pretty basic and once the guides are completed, your cuts will be smoother, more accurate, and require less effort.

Upgrading the blade on your circular saw is a great way to get better results from this power tool. Oldham blades are available at many hardware stores and home centers. Forrest brand saw blades can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.

Top-Notch Spray Can Finishing46

You don't need expensive equipment to apply a professional-looking sprayed finish.

Spray can finishes and aerosol spray can handles like those shown on page 46 are commonly available wherever finishing products are sold. The Preval spray gun is available through Rockler (30998). Or you can contact the manufacturer for a supplier near you.

Pinned Mortise and Tenon48

Here's a simple technique that adds both strength and a traditional look to a project.

Final Details52