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Sharp as a Tack

by Rob Carver

New or Improved: An Age-old Dilemma

by Andrew Davis

It always seems to come to this.  Another decision to be made.  If it's not an issue about the dimension of the piece, it's about the joinery, or perhaps, salvaging a part that's not exactly intended.  I won't even go into the various possible finishes.  There are a gazillion decisions to be made.  Think of a piece or style you've never made before.  What if it's about the price of a tool, whether it's worth the value?  If it's a go then there's a decision where to locate it in the workshop.  And that's where this intro meets Andrew's March Bevel Cut article.

The issue he poses is one that we all have encountered.  What if a woodworker, after laboring over the research and deciding on the cost/benefit to purchase the tool finds that a newer and improved version appears in the ads?  Hold off acting out.  Instead read New or Improved? An Age-old Dilemma as Analytical Andrew reveals his decision options.   

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

by Tom Shirley

Curly Cherry is such a dynamic species that it can be a centerpiece in any room.  When Tom was asked by a relative to build a coffee table he had an opportunity to use his curly cherry stock.  The design was his and a Shaker style was agreed upon.  Knowing the functional use of drawers in a coffee table he decided to add a couple.  Or did he?  Take a look at the coffee table picture.  The view is showing where the drawers should be.  Did he forget to add the drawers?  Did he decide that the curly cherry pattern was stunning enough?  As you've experienced, woodworkers sometimes change the design based of unforeseen events but not necessarily in this case.

Tom writes about his process, pitfalls, joinery, and more.  Given the number of mortise/tenon pairs the table couldn't be more sturdy. This is a very considered design and a terrific model to consider how to join legs, aprons, and drawer rails.  Drawers rails?  Check out Tom's Shaker Style Cherry Coffee Table. He does a wonderful job of drawing you into building his piece as though you are watching it happen in person. 

Further information can be requested from Tom Shirley.

Posted March 2024 Woodworking Tip - March 2024 Tip Make Clamps Easier to Turn

The policy statement can be found und About Us tab with links found in the footer of each website page.

Using Hand Tools to Finesse Power Tool Work - Mickey Callahan - January 24, 2024

Handouts are PDFs that can be downloaded.

Topic of presentation was "Japanese Hand Tools".

Turn a Problem into an Advantage

by Rob Carver

This month's article is special.  Where else will you get a book review, movie review and a message about woodworking.  Rob has run the literary gamut with this month's MTCO article.

If you don't know the story of the University of Washington (Udub to the Seattle locals) crew team back in the pre-WWII buildup, the boys were attempting to make the Olympics in Nazi Germany.  With such an unlikely event, a book was written about that true story and recently a movie was released based on the book.

Rob hones in on the woodworking component of the story - the shell (regatta boat for you landlubbers).  If you decide to see the movie, first read Rob's Turn a Problem into an Advantage.  You will get more out of the effect the shell's design and materials had on the Olympic outcome as it is glossed over in the movie.

An Infeed Table Should be Your Friend

by Andrew Davis

In this month's article, Andrew wants you to know that you will never walk alone as you stand by your table saw because you've got a friend.  So, with apologies to composers Rodgers and Hammerstein, Ben E. King, and Carole King, respectively, I had to get that off my chest.  That friend is an infeed table.

As you know, outfeed tables for a table saw are much more prevalent than infeed tables.  But think of a long board in excess of 6' or a plywood sheet. An outfeed table is required to catch the ripped board.  But the same length stock has to start somewhere in front of the blade.  Hence the need for an infeed table. If that isn't reason enough, read An Infeed Table Should be Your Friend.  Andrews has more to sing about.