#220–July/Aug 2011

Articles

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  Tool test: trim routers

  New breed of compact routers is a big win for furniture makers
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  6 Ways to Build a Bed

  Six smart approaches cover almost any bed you can dream up
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  Put Your Designs in Perspective

  Why pencil and paper still beat the computer
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  The Power of the Simple Scratch Stock

  Low-tech tools do things that routers can’t.
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  Climb-Cutting: Don’t Believe the Naysayers

  Learn how to safely and effectively climb-cut with a handheld router
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  Antique Finish that Holds Nothing Back

  Step-by-step instructions for turning your reproduction into a period masterpiece.
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  Period-Perfect Bracket Feet

  Best approach is a combination of machines and hand tools
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  The Language of Furniture Construction

  Do you know the difference between a runner and a kicker? A rail and a stile? Here's a short visual glossary of furniture parts that can also serve as a…
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  Shopmade Hand Tools for Better Dovetails

  Use a layout guide and small chisels for improved accuracy and refined looks when cutting dovetails.
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  Need a Smoothing Plane? Start Small, Then Go Big

  Q: Which smoothing plane should I get first, a No. 4 or a No. 4-1/2? William Cho, Sacramento, CA A: My recommendation is to start with a No. 4 because…
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  3 Ways to Avoid Bowl-Turning Tearout

  Q: How can I avoid end-grain tearout while turning a bowl on the lathe? James Gould, Manchester, None A: Most bowls are turned from a long-grain section of the tree,…
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  Matching and Surfacing Large Boards is a Snap

  Q: I want to make a wide book-matched tabletop using large flatsawn boards from a local sawyer. How can I match the grain attractively on these large boards? Charles Bartunek,…
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  U.S. Table Saw Safety Now on Par with Europe

  Q: I’ve heard a lot of discussion lately regarding tablesaw safety. Are European tablesaws and combination machines safer? B.J. Connelly, Nashua, NH A: At one time, European tablesaws were safer…
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  Draw Ogee Bracket Feet with Perfect Proportions

  Nail the design without math
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  Perfect Circles

  Steven Kennard’s work (back cover of FWW #220) combines everyday turning techniques with his own innovations—seen in  the rings, layers, and carving—to deliver an exquisite end product. His work is…
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  Boxes that Turn Heads

  Wood turner Steven Kennard makes turned wooden boxes with intricate details and innovative techniques. From Fine Woodworking #220 Learn more about Steven Kennard this Pro Portfolio slideshow

Online Extras

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  Buying and using trim routers

  Learn how these small routers can be used in furniture making and get tips on how to select the right trim router for your shop
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  How to avoid router tearout

  Five easy techniques for taming router tearout from furniture maker Gregory Paolini
• Cleaning blades and bits

  I’ve been a professional woodworker and CNC operator for years. When we send our blades and bits out to be harpened, the sharpening service first dips them into a strong…
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  Fast Fix: Custom Clamping Cauls for Pipe Clamp Glue-Ups

  Learn how to put clamping pressure exactly where you need it with this Fast Fix
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  How to Make and Use a Scratch Stock

  Learn how to build and use a scratch stock, and find out why these simple tools can tackle details a router can't.