Ambrosia maple top and Brazilian cherry legs. Legs shaped on band saw and finished by hand. Finish is a paint thinner/poly/linseed oil mix (Greg Paolini).
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Festool Cleantec CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
- Initial static pressure (in. of water): 97 - Static pressure with bag 2/3 full: 95 - Noise level (db): 80 - Disposable filter bags (5 pack): $53 - Reusable bag avail. from mfr.: $217 - Hose length (ft): 11.5 - Cord length (ft): 24
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
Knife changes on this planer were easy enough, except that you need an Allen wrench to open the dust cover and gain access to the knives, and it’s not the same size as the wrench used to loosen the screws that secure the knives. The 2-1/2-in.-dia. dust port can be reversed for use on either side of the machine. Two material rollers on top of the machine aid with transferring stock from the outfeed side back to the infeed side. Finally, there is no gauge that indicates how much material you’re about to remove, a convenience that three other planers also lack.
These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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