September 2016
Issue Number: 241
Cupcake Tree
Turn the spindles and feet on your benchtop lathe and do the big platters with a plunge router. Don't worry about the cupcake tree hogging space when not in use. It dissassembles for storage. Plans available in the WOOD Store.
Small-scale Dust Collection
Dust collection is essential to keeping your shop and lungs clean, but not every shop has the space, nor every craftsman the budget for a large dust collector. A shop vacuum excels at capturing dust from a single tool. Here, we show you how to use a vac in three different dust-collection situations, plus some of our favorite accessories.
Join the Rotary Club
Build-in-a-weekend Assembly Table
To avoid getting glue or finish drips on your workbench, and to keep your project at a comfortable working height during assembly, build this generously sized, dead-flat shop table. Construction takes only a few hours, and requires only a handful of common tools—perfect for those just getting started in woodworking.
Plan is available in the WOOD Store
Krenov-inspired Tall Cabinet
Tall, slim legs, curved lower stretchers, and distinctive grain on the door panels of this cabinet reflect the design philosophy of celebrated American woodworker James Krenov. Despite its high-style lineage, the project goes together without tricky joinery.
Plan is availaible in the WOOD Store
Idea Shop 6: Jig up the tablesaw and build a bench
Because the tablesaw serves such a central role in a woodshop, continue building accessories, such as crosscut and miter sleds, that improve your results with that essential tool. Then, add a much-needed workbench with customizable storage, and a shop vacuum to help keep things tidy.
Benchtop Drill Presses
Long a cornerstone woodworking machine, a drill press safely and repeatably bores holes with great precision and power. When buying one, make your decision by finding the right balance of size and useful features while staying within budget. Models tested: Craftsman 34983, Craftsman 34985, General International 75-010, General International 75-030, Grizzly G7943, Rikon 30-120, Ryobi DP103L, Shop Fox W1688
Nanny Rocker
Rock your baby to sleep while reading, knitting, watching TV, or checking your social media in this ultimate multitasker. No need for fancy finials and ornate carvings here: The contemporary design and tried-and-true glue-and-screw joinery pair with affordable materials for a cool look and sturdy construction to ensure this piece will create memories for years to come.
Plan is available at the WOOD Store
Amp up your workbench
Simple and Stylish Bookcase
Pine gets a bad rap. We see it on construction sites and piled up in stacks of twisted 2x4s at the home center. And sure, we might use it to build shop fixtures where aesthetics don't matter. But if you avoid the big-box store and track down finish-grade white pine (solid and plywood) for this bookcase, you'll find the results stunning.
Plan is available at the WOOD Store
Pages
Tip of the Day
Light passes minimize tear-out
Carbide-tipped bits and high-horsepower routers may tempt you to make a habit of routing any... read more