Hurwitz began carving kitchen utensils about 13 years ago as a way to use the scraps accumulating in his shop. Seeing them as an exploration in form, he considers each one a small, functional sculpture for the kitchen. To add appeal, Hurwitz combined contrasting woods, such as (from left) walnut and curly maple, rhododendron and cherry, mulberry and cherry, mahogany and maple, and walnut and ash. The spatulas are finished with mineral oil and beeswax.
Photo: David Hurwitz
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT
Power: Excellent Cut visibility: Excellent Control: Good (with standard fixed base) Bit changes: Excellent Depth adjustment: Fair
The Delta was another model that you can locate close to a wall. It employs dual articulating arms that save space while yielding good, wide cuts provided you use good technique. The saw is tied for the second-shortest overall footprint. The Delta’s ergonomics were a treat too. Thanks to convenient placement and ease of use, the locks for the miter and bevel stops were superb. Its LED results in a nice, accurate shadow. The dust collection was just slightly lower than the Makita’s, but still quality for a miter saw.
These chisels are well balanced, with a light-weight handle that makes gripping them down by the edge during chopping less fatiguing than many other chisels. Each chisel only requires a few minutes of work before its back is polished and ready to go. Similarly, the bevels all have a consistent grind that is quick to hone to razor sharpness. The smartly shaped beveled edges give the tool good mass, but with a very fine, consistent land (the flat between the side bevel and back) that won’t interfere with working in confined spaces.
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
"If I had to choose one of these hard-wax oils to keep on hand, it would be Osmo Polyx-Oil. It’s relatively affordable and very easy to apply." -Adam Godet
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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