Ron_C

Thank you FWW and Tommy Mac!

George Carlin on refinishing a table: "Don't you have to restart?"

I'd like to have a go at building this table.

Thanks for this download. I'm planning a chest of drawers right now with through tenons and dovetail joints in the tops of the legs. This article contains solid techniques I can apply to my design. I love this table as well, and may build it to practice those skills before tackling the chest of drawers. Thanks!

Ooops...not book, but DVD!

I use SketchUp a lot in designing and planning projects. I'm guessing the book shows many shortcuts and easier ways of doing things than what I've taught myself. For me, it would be a vaulable and well-used resource; one I would appreciate time and time again!

Turd in the punchbowl...haha, you crack me up, Asa! BTW, nice job! I'd like to tackle a Morris chair someday, once my skill set develops a bit further.

This would be a welcome addition to the FWW 1975-2010 Archive DVD that I purchased (at FULL price, DOH!) this past year.

Being a novice and a hobbyist, speed is entirely a non-issue for me. I always approach my table saw with very healthy respect and caution - taking the time to set up and use blade guards, splitters, featherboards, push sticks, goggles, mask, dust collection, etc. whenever and wherever possible. I get nervous just having to remove the blade guard for a certain cut. Will I be trying this technique? Not anytime soon. I have multiple safer options at hand: a dado set, a tenoning jig or my band saw.

I feel that compromising safety, even minimally, for the sake of speed is a questionable practice. With this particular technique, if speed is the motivating factor, an impatient attitude could easily lead to feeding too fast or trying to take too large a bite at one pass. And, as the NASA guy suggests, there may be "normalization of risk" involved for those with the confidence that comes with years of experience.

Some folks have a hard time gauging their own skill level and limitations, and may be tempted to take on something they're not really equipped to handle. For that reason, I would play it safe and leave this out of the magazine. Let it remain a "secret of the pros".

As a beginner outfitting my shop piece by piece as finances allow, this book would be of great help to me. Thanks for the chance to win a free copy!

"I've just discovered that these planes are 'woody material' in more ways than one!"

The leaded glass in the doors is a great and fitting addition to this project, Mike, but I would just like to comment on the cabinet as a whole. It's absolutely beautiful and oozes quality craftsmanship! The proportions, the grain patterns and ray fleck, the through tenons, the well-fit doors and drawers, the finish, the hardware, and yes, last but not least, the leaded glass in the doors: it all comes together in a masterful way. I see an exquisite heirloom piece that I'm guessing you must be very proud of, and that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. I hope to develop my skills enough to someday pull off something this nice. Beautiful, Mike, just beautiful!

"As a first step in contemplating a router purchase, this experienced and safety-conscious craftsman simply considers how the tool feels in his hands before plugging it in and proceeding with any test cuts."

My first project as a beginning woodworker was a computer desk built from red oak. Knowing the desk would likely be prone to heavy daily use, beverage spills, etc., I opted for a durable poly finish. I started with a couple coats of Watco Danish Oil (fruitwood tint) for color, and let that cure completely. I then layered on several coats of Minwax Wipe On Poly, with a light sanding between coats. It was so easy to use, even for a novice like myself - basically idiot-proof! The finshed piece has a nice warm glow, without a plastic look to it. Friends and family were impressed. It made me look like I actually knew what I was doing...hehe!

I'm just getting started in woodworking, so my wish list looks pretty much like a Rockler catalog. Still, learning and developing the skills to use all those tools competently is an equally desirable wish. I know Santa can't wrap up experience and put it under the tree, but there are a few things that can point me in the right direction, like a FW archive CD, a FW magazine and/or online subscription, a library of Taunton books and DVDs, and the help/advice given by woodworkers who generously share their knowledge and experience in communities such as this one! Thanks to all you folks and Merry Christmas everyone!

I sometimes refer to fast food burgers as "slippery pucks". These bench cookies would be the opposite: "sticky pucks".

Breath-taking! The graceful fluidity, elegant curves, and perfect proportions attract and delight the eye in a very satisfying way. Form and function in harmony, working together in the same direction rather than competing for dominance. It looks like it belongs in and enhances the room - a perfect fit. The depth of craftsmanship becomes nearly transparent in the effortless beauty of the piece, not unlike the way in which the manual mechanics of a virtuoso violinist go unnoticed in the music. Nothing ornate or outrageous required here. The simple elegance speaks for itself, and speaks volumes. Wow!