Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Canadian Woodworking 016 (February-March 2002) PDF
Canadian Woodworking 016 (February-March 2002) PDF
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002
Vol.5, No. 1
Build a
Computer Armoire
Work Centre
Make Your Own
Spline Jig
Ten Best Tools
Turn a
Four Centre Vase
Make a
Back Door Bench
FREE Intarsia Pattern
$3.99
Canadian Carving Competition
Visit our website at:
www.canadianwoodworking.com
A
Best merica’s
Forrest Saw Blades Sinc
e 19
46!
Woodworker II
ALL PURPOSE – table saws
New! Customized Woodworker II
Sale 10% Off 15% Off For the advanced table saw operator. Sale 10% Off 15% Off
and portable circular saws. Price First Blade Second Blade Price First Blade Second Blade
Ideal for joinery and special uses!
12" x 40T x 1" $129 $116 $110
10" x 40T (1/8" K) #1 grind for square cut box
10" x 40T (1/8" or 3/32" K) $119 $107 $101 joints. $130 $117 $111
10" x 30T (1/8" or 3/32" K) $ 99 $ 89 $ 84
8 1/4" x 40T (3/32" K)* $ 99 $ 89 $ 84 10" x 40T (1/8" K) #6 grind for near flat bottom,
easy feed. $130 $117 $111
8" x 40T (3/32" K) $ 99 $ 89 $ 84
7 1/4" x 30T (3/32" K) $ 89 $ 62 $ 59 10" x 40T (1/8" K) Dovetail joint grind. Specify
angle & left or right points.
5 3/8"x40Tx10mm (5/64" K)** $ 89 $ 80 $ 76 See Fine WW12/01. $130 $117 $111
Also available: 14”x40Tx1” • 14”x30Tx1” • 12”x30Tx1” • 9”x40T • 9”x30T • 10" x 40T (5/64" K) Ultra thin kerf for precision
8”x30T(3/32”K) • 6”x40T(3/32”K). Call for prices. work. Use stiffener plate. $139 $125 $118
The 10”x40T earned the Editor’s Choice for the best performance regardless 10" x 20T (1/8" K) Fast feed rip for thick hardwood
of price. American Woodworker April 1998, pp 68-69. without burning, but finish is
*For Sears & Makita **For DeWalt Cordless Portables not smooth like WWII. $ 94 $ 85 $ 80
WRITERS
CARL DUGUAY, MARK EATON,
HANK ETHIER, REA GIBSON, GARNET HALL,
JIM KOUDYS, GRAHAM MCCULLOCH,
BARB & RUSS MILLER, LOU PEETERS,
DANNY PROULX, PAUL ROSS,
FEATURES
STEVE SIDDALL, MICHEL THERIAULT,
CHESTER VAN NESS
6 POLAR BEAR
BY GARNET HALL
ADVERTISING
PAUL FULCHER, LINDA FULCHER
9 COMPUTER ARMOIRE WORK CENTRE
BY DANNY PROULX
CIRCULATION
NEWS STANDS ACROSS CANADA,
15 SPLINE JIG
SUBSCRIPTIONS VIA CANADIAN POST BY LOU PEETERS
CORPORATION, PARTICIPATING
WOODSHOWS ACROSS CANADA, CANADIAN 17 FOUR CENTRE VASE
WOODWORKING ADVERTISERS, BY PAUL ROSS 9
WOODSHOW EXHIBITORS & COMPETITIONS
What’s amazing is not only how many Ryobi™ cordless tools your money
buys – but how much tool as well. Compare our 14.4V and 18.0V tools
with any others for features, power, and ergonomic comfort. Once you
check them out, you’ll check them out. Only at The Home Depot®,
of course. (Where else would you expect to find such values?)
18V SKU# 178-533 14V SKU# 101-243
Ryobi Technologies, Inc. 1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625 USA 1-800-525-2579
editorsletters
LINDA FULCHER PAUL FULCHER
M I
any of us check our answering machines, s it just me or is EVERYONE getting into woodworking
mailboxes and email daily to communicate these days? As I was was pulling together this issue’s
with others. In our house we discovered a new ‘letters to the editors’ I was amazed at both the number of
way to keep in touch. It’s very low tech and new woodworkers and their diversity.
appeals to the fun-loving side of our friends
and family. Check out the letters yourself. They’re from young and
So how does it work? Well, on the half-wall, at the entrance of our old, male and female, east coast and west. People writing
home, we have three little carvings of hound dogs. One is sniffing for themselves and people writing for family members.
the ground, one is howling to the moon and the third is sitting with Woodworkers starting out, woodworkers planning their
that hangdog expression that tells you he ate one of your shoes for woodworking shop for their retirement and woodworkers starting
lunch. There is something comical about the carvings to begin businesses. We heard from teachers looking for projects for their
with. I don’t know who was the first one to rearrange my original, students and potential students looking for teachers. It seems that
somewhat ordinary display. However, from that day to this, these woodworking is being picked up by more people than ever before!
dogs have been arranged in what seems to be an infinite variety of
positions. One day someone added a small candy bone. How nice Read through this issue and you will notice that we’re taking note
to give the poor dog a bone. The next day the bone was replaced of these letters to provide you with the woodworking information
with a dog kibble. The third day the kibble had found its way to the that you want and need. After all, as our slogan points out:
other end of the dog! “Information is the most important tool in your workshop”.
All the machinery and power tools in the world can’t build
As I walk in or out of the house I am intrigued to see a desk or armoire. You need to know which are the right
what these dogs will be up to next (and of course, to tools for the job, how to use those tools and
make a small adjustment of my own). When we – especially for beginners – what the finished
brought these simple little carvings home from a product is going to look like.
wood show we could never have guessed how this
small carving display would refresh our sense of That’s why we’re packing in as much
humour and connectedness. woodworking information as we can into this
I have often noted, at various carving competitions, magazine. Like this issue’s feature by Graham
that many carvers have a good sense of humour. Some McCulloch: “The Ten Best Woodworking Tools of
of the displays remind me of a 3D Norman Rockwell 2001”. And, to make your woodworking both more
painting. efficient and safer, we’re giving you a woodworking jig
every issue. This issue gives you a spline jig for cross grain mitre
Other carvings are more realistic and many of them are simply
joints: a joint that is both practical and attractive. By the time this
breath taking! The carvers who produce incredible realism can, as
series is done you’ll have a great range of jigs that will make a real
one carver described it to me: “see with their fingers.” If you think
difference in your shop. For those of you who already know the
you have eyes in your fingers, and have never developed this talent,
value of jigs, and have some of your own, be sure to get involved in
then attending a wood show and carving competition could lead
our Jig Contest. There are some great prizes from DeWalt,
you to a carving club you might like to join.
MinWax, LePage and Quick-Grip. All you need to do is send us
If you want a little inspiration, then take a look at some of the info on your jig (see ad for the contest on page 39). You may even
winning entries from the Windsor Woodcarving Competition on get your creation published in a future issue of Canadian
page 22. Check out our Coming Events and make a note on Woodworking.
your calendar to invite a friend to the next wood show for
a tour around the carving exhibit. Speaking of shows, I Talking about contests, check out our new
would like to welcome a new show to Canada. The subscription contest (also on page 39). We are giving
Moncton Woodshow is coming up this fall. The away a Bosch Random Orbital Sander. If you are
woodworkers in the east will be thrilled I am sure. already a subscriber, don’t be discouraged. You can
Look for it in October of 2002. still be eligible by renewing or extending your
In carving, as with any area of woodworking, it is subscription.
always good to get started with a small project. Get
the feel for it and see if you like it. You never know So read on. Take in all the woodworking
what effect your carvings might have on people. Those information and put it to good use. If there is something
three hound dogs sure add a bright moment to our day! you want to see in upcoming issues, let me know. If you
would like to submit something so other woodworkers will
CORRECTION benefit, send it through. But most importantly, pass on some of
Re: Office Bookcase (Dec/Jan 02) what you know to the beginning woodworkers around you. There
The top and bottom boards should be 11 5/8” deep (not 11 7/8” as are a lot of them, and they’ll advance in their hobby by learning
stated). The sides will get a 3/8” wide by 1/4” deep rabbet and when anything you teach them. If you like, send them to our website
the top and bottom boards are aligned with the front edges of the (www.canadianwoodworking.com) to get a free sample copy of
sides, everything will fit properly. Canadian Woodworking.
Visit our website at: www.canadianwoodworking.com CANADIAN WOODWORKING 3
LETTERS
deareditors
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com spur the industry into issuing large, perma-
I may very well be interested in a I’m a new woodworker looking for a nent “Hazardous Material” warnings on
subscription to Canadian Woodworking. down-to-earth woodworking magazine. every piece produced and sold.
The free issue is a nice sales tactic. I am not Can’t wait to see yours!
at all interested in getting unending sh*t in Don Sabean fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com
my email. Lantz, NS I would like to receive a free sample of
Gary Oates your magazine. I am interested to see what
Torbay NF fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com it has to offer in regards to helpful hints,
I would be interested in anything helpful features and possible projects for the
Dear Gary to the beginner woodworker. Thanks. average weekend woodworker.
Don’t worry Gary. We treat others as we Michael Jarosz Russ Bissett
would like to be treated. No hidden Toronto, ON Duncan, BC
agendas, no tricks or gimmicks. We send
out free samples because we know that fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com
once you see what we’ve got you’ll want it. I am in the process of setting up a hobby- I’m interested in anything related to
We don’t sell our lists or flood you with ist woodworking shop for my retirement. I scroll saw projects, techniques,
unwanted letters and email ... we hate that! hope that your magazine will help. accessories, patterns, etremely fine blades.
Donald Posluns Bill Hlibka
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com Toronto, ON Hamlet of Bridgenorth, ON
I am a beginner hobbyist (for me that
means high in interest, but low in skill). fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com
Your magazine has been highly recom- Starting to turn my hand to various wood- Your magazine looks very interesting. I
mended to me by one of your subscribers. I working projects...still a beginner...have am mostly interested in any type of
look forward to receiving my first copy. obtained various tools (and power tools) woodcraft projects. Thank-you!
Joe Molloy over the years to enable me to attempt Susan Plaus
Perth, ON slightly more ambitious projects than Surrey, BC
hanging shelves! Thanks muchly.
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com Pete Tomlin fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com
Please send me a trial issue of your Whitby, ON I would like to find more information
magazine. I just got a rotary tool and am about woodworking shops near me.
very interested in finding new easy Graham McCulloch replies to a letter Thanks.
projects to do. I have never used one, so I from Mike (see Dec/Jan 2002 issue) George Loukas
may waste a few pieces of wood. Dear Mike Pickering, ON
Mrs. E. Bedard The PTL (pressure treated lumber)
Anjou, PQ industry has been down-playing the toxic fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com
issues for decades and has an extremely If you have any information on courses in
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com strong lobby in Ottawa. This is probably the Whitby/Oshawa area I would really
I’m beginning to make woodworking a the cause of the delay in issuing a federal appreciate it if you would let me know.
hobby, so I am just trying to find a study of the problem by our environmental Thank-you.
magazine to learn more. Thanks for the experts. The government has finally Bob Rodkin
trial issue. “asked” the PTL producers to voluntarily Whitby, ON
Karl Hammer put a small warning label on each board
Sydenham, ON that they produce. A mere slap on the wrist. Dear George and Bob:
I think that these “labels” will get lost in You wouldn’t believe the number of
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com the shuffle. requests that we get like yours. Woodwork-
I’m getting into woodworking and I’m If being factual about the safety hazards ers everywhere are seeking to hone their
looking for magazines that have projects, of PTL seems like alarmist reporting, so be skills and build new skills with a variety of
information and recommendations for it. I would rather see production of PTL (in equipment.
woodworking tools. I appreciate the trial its present chemical makeup) halted You’ll be glad to know that there are a
issue altogether rather than see my grandchild or number of woodworking shops opening up
Marc De Groote family pet put their mouth on the edge of a across Canada to respond to your need. We
Nobel, ON picnic table. Your reference to PTL built have a couple of them advertising in this
garden planters being used for decades is issue and several more coming online in
fulcher@canadianwoodworking.com really inconclusive. The leaching has long the next couple of months.
Just beginning to make my own furniture. term effects and it is highly unlikely that Until then, go to our WOOD FORUM
Need a good step-by-step magazine to people that own them have ever done soil (www.canadianwoodworking.com) and
show me the ins and outs. Your magazine tests. They have built their planters out of ask there where such shops are. I have
PTL as a result of the hype issued by the recently seen a number of such shops
looks like it. Thanks.
industry. mentioned.
Pascal Beauchamp I truly hope that by reporting the truth
Aylmer, PQ about this hazardous material will deter
people from using it or, at the very least,
fulcher@canadianwood-
working.com
Classes
■ continued on page 30
We are just setting up a small
woodworking shop/business
and are looking for
starting at just
some ideas. Your Order
magazine looks very
interesting.
Karin Fuessel-Barkey
NOW
your
plans
$9.95
Scarborough, ON
fulcher@canadian-
woodworking.com PLANS & The National To book a
My uncle does a lot of PATTERNS space call
small woodworking
(baskets and such). He
Router Academy (905) 826-4720
is always looking for or
new ideas, patterns etc. BALL BEARINGS
I want to get a Monday to (800) 370-3834
subscription to your SUSPENSION KIT
magazine for him. Saturday
Virginia Nolan
Cornwall, PE 10 am _ 5 pm
fulcher@canadian- FOOTREST
woodworking.com MECHANISM
I do quite a bit of 2900 Argentia Rd.
woodworking and I’m Unit #11 in Mississauga.
very interested in Just south of the
checking out your 401 highway off
magazine. I really Winston Churchill Blvd.
appreciate the free issue
to see what it’s all
about. Thank-you very
much.
Polly Ann Anderson www.NationalRouterAcademy.com
Chevery, PQ
Polar Bear
T
his project is fairly easy and Assemble and check for fit. it look realistic, so round over the pieces. It
straight forward. It should be a Fitting can be a grief. Use a ‘light box’ to will give the bear a more realistic
good craft seller because it can see where the places are that are holding appearance.
be made to sell for under $50. the pieces apart. Mark them and sand or I don’t sand past 220 or even 180. I figure
I used aspen for the bear and cut these places down. You can also use a the less dust I create the better.
spruce for the ice to provide piece of carbon paper between the pieces.
some contrast. Both are easy woods to find The high spots will be marked by the Glue up and round over.
and not too expensive. carbon paper and you will know where to Trace the project on the backing material.
sand or cut. The best backing is baltic birch but any
Transfer the pattern to the wood. Work away until you have all the pieces good quality 1/4” plywood will work. I
Start by transferring the project to the fitting within 10.000 of an inch, or a saw usually use oak or birch.
wood. I like to make a template, but gluing kerf, whichever comes first. Cut out the back and glue the project on
the pattern pieces to the wood will also the backing material with ordinary white
work. Raise or lower the pieces as the pattern carpenter’s glue.
suggests. I use scrap 1/8” and 1/4”
Cut the pieces out. plywood for this. Lower pieces by Finish.
Cut carefully and the pieces will fit resawing them thinner. The final step is the finish. To keep the
better. A good blade and the way you hold wood as white as possible use a water base
your mouth are very important. I like a #7 Shaping and Sanding. clear finish, like Flecto’s Diamond finish.
Precision Skip or Double Tooth/Reverse Any sanding tools will work, including A water base finish raises the grain of the
blade. sand paper. Make sure you wear a dust wood, so more sanding will be required
mask. Take wood dust seriously. All your between coats.
MATERIAL LIST tools should be hooked up to a dust Three coats on the front and one on the
collector with an air filtration device. I like back should be enough.
1 p c . 1” x 6” x 24” - Aspen using a small pneumatic drum sander in a Attach a hanger and it’s done.
flex shaft. I use a carving style to get the If you enjoy making this project,
1 p c . 1” x 4” x 16” - Spruce or Pine shape I want. I have found this method remember, it’s ideal for selling at craft
1 square inch - Black Walnut gives more control over the process. shows for under $50.
Try to achieve as much definition with
1 p c . 1/4” x 10” x 16” - Plywood the shaping as possible. You want to make GARNET HALL is an intarsia artist living in
Stoughton, SK. 1-800-729-2473 www.sawbird.com
NEW!
Computer Armoire
Work Centre
A
n armoire work
center solves many
housekeeping
problems for the busy home-
office worker.
Most importantly, the center organizes all
your documents and equipment in one
place. You don’t have to lug everything out
each time you begin working – just open
the doors and start being productive. When
you have guests drop in, simply close the
doors. It’s the instant office that’s perfect
for the bedroom, family room or a large
kitchen. This is an easy project to build and
will be very much appreciated by a busy
home office worker.
The armoire has large doors that have
bulletin and memo boards on the backside.
There’s even a place to hold documents
that you are currently using.
The adjustable bookshelf is large enough
to store CDs, books and directories. The
drawer bank has two utility drawers, as
well as a hanging file drawer.
The computer monitor sits directly above
a large wood pullout that holds a keyboard.
It’s set low enough to make keyboarding
comfortable and the computer CPU is
mounted on a pullout tray for easy disk
insertion and removal. There’s even a
small shelf beside the CPU tray that’s
perfect for storing all your paper supplies.
■ Photo Credit: Michael Bowie, Lux Photography, Ottawa, Ontario
STEP 2
The backboard is secured to the two side
panels in the rabbet cuts. Use glue and 2”
finishing nails driven from the back side of
the panel into the side edges.
Top C Rail M
Hinge Support
Spacer XX
Side UU Groove for rail
tenons & panels
Top V V Rail ZZ Tenon
Bottom V V
Back B
Hinge Support
Strip XX
Cleat H
Horizontal Side LL
Support Stile
Cleat JJ YY
24 1/4"
Vertical Front &
Support Back MM
Cleat KK
29 1/4"
Wire Passage Hole
12"
1 1/2" 4"
5"
Bottom D
Pull Out Tray RR
Side Spacer Cleat U
Cleat PP
Drawer Face HH
Edge Board E
Top T
Vertical Drawer Side S
Support QQ
1/4" deep x 3/4" Top Spacer V
Stile L wide dado
Shelves TT
Base Trim Board F Side SS
STEP 18
Assemble the keyboard tray as shown.
The hardwood sides, front and back strips
are secured with glue and screws so they
are 3/4” above the plywood veneer panel.
Counterbore the screw holes and fill with
wood plugs.
STEP 15 STEP 18
Inside stile face to inside stile face is stiles. Use glue on the tenon and pin the CONSTRUCTION NOTES
joint with a brad nail on the backside of the
45 3/4” making the combined door width
door. Dry fit the two end rails by clamping The armoire was finished with three
46 3/4”. Dividing this value by two (for them in place temporarily. coats of polyurethane. I then rubbed on a
two doors) means that each door is Use a 3/8” round over bit in a router to hard coat of paste wax with extra fine steel
round over the inside frame edges. Be sure wool and buffed all the surfaces.
23 3/8” wide. The height is not as critical, The interior compartment positions and
but you want the door 1 1/2” off the the router bit bearing is riding on solid
wood below the grooves. sizes can be altered to suit your needs. Any
ground and overlapping the part of the layout is possible, with the exception of the
top rail. For this application the height is desktop, which should be 30” above the
67”.
STEP 29 floor, and the interior width of the hanging
Cut the four 1/4” thick veneer plywood file cabinet drawer.
centre panels (AB). Slip the panels into Your centre may be better suited to your
STEP 25 their grooves but don’t glue them in place. needs with the keyboard tray on the right
The four stiles require a groove in the Apply glue to the tenons on each end rail, hand side. If that’s the case, install the
centre of one edge that’s 1/4” wide and install them in the grooves making sure drawer compartment on the left. You may
1/2” deep. These cuts are easily made with they are flush with the stile ends, and not require a file drawer so the
a properly aligned table saw. clamp each assembly. Pin the tenon with a compartment size can be changed.
brad nail on the back side of the door. The bookcase module shown on my
STEP 26 armoire will hold reference manuals, a few
Four of the rails need a 1/4” wide by 1/2” CDs, and software. But the case can be
deep groove in the centre of one long edge.
STEP 30
Once the door joints are set, round over built higher, lower, or shorter. If you have a
The remaining two, which are the centre lot of CDs, a longer section, extended to
rails for each door, require the groove on the outside profile using a 3/8” round over
bit. the desktop with smaller shelf spacing, is a
both long edges. possible option.
For those of you with a number of
STEP 31 accessories such as a scanner, external
DOWELMAX
Precision Engineered Dowel Jig
Drill 35mm diameter holes, 1/8” from the
door edge, for the hidden hinges. Each
door will be mounted on three 170-degree
drives, or other hardware, consider
eliminating one part of the bookcase to
make room for an equipment shelf stack.
hinges for maximum opening swing and The pull-out tray for the keyboard can be
Create professionally made joints which are support. Attach the mounting plates with
quick, easy, accurate and strong.
widened to accommodate a mouse pad by
1 1/4” screws when the door is held 1 1/2” lowering the drawer compartment. The
above the floor. paper storage shelf can be a printer stand
with a few modifications. Mine is only one
STEP 32 design – there are many possibilities.
The backs of each door, in the centre My wood of choice for this project was
panel area, can be fitted with various oak. However, any sheet material is
materials. On one door I’ve installed a 1/2” suitable. Using medium density fibreboard
thick cork bulletin board. This material is (MDF) or plywood and then painting can
available in sheets and can be found in reduce the cost. I’ve used 3/4” plywood
most home stores. veneer for the carcass, including the
I secured the corkboard with mirror clips backboard. The “box” must be strong and
for easy removal and replacement. stable to support all the equipment and to
Remember to drill pilot holes for the provide a sturdy workspace. The overall
screws, as you will be installing them near “look” of the cabinet can be changed with
the frame edges. different mouldings to match any furniture
style. For example, a thin top moulding
will make the cabinet appear more
STEP 33 streamlined and modern.
Another alternative for door backs is 1/4” Finally, search the office supply
Dowelmax is a versatile, adjustable jig that can be
thick white board. It makes a great note stationery stores for some of the great
disassembled and re-arranged to accommodate
virtually any joint configuration. Accessories are
board for those telephone calls and plastic accessories that can be attached to
available to further expand the capabilities of the jig. meeting reminders. I found that common the doors or installed in the cabinet. They
storm window clips made of plastic are usually inexpensive and really help to
worked well to hold the panel. It is also organize your workspace.
w w w. d o w e l m a x . c o m
easily removed when I want to change
Te l . 6 0 4 . 9 8 6 . 1 8 5 0
boards. DANNY PROULX is a woodworking author and teacher.
Fax 604.986.9406 www.cabinetmaking.com or
email danny@cabinetmaking.com
Spline
Jig
O
ne of the most Fasten an auxiliary fence to the
difficult joints to plywood. That will allow for the
assemble is the radius (of the back of the blade) so
cross grain mitre that when you cut down, you will
joint. This joint start cutting at full depth. I used a 2”
always tends to slip out of fence for my DeWalt DW 708 saw.
alignment when the glue is applied. Yours could be different, depending
Whether you are using solid wood on where the blade is in relation to
or plywood veneered stock, one of your fence.
the easiest ways to stop the slippage Your saw needs a depth stop. Flip
is to insert a spline. Another way to the stop down and adjust the cutting
stop such slippage is to use a depth with the saw beveled at 45
biscuit, but that is not as decorative. degrees and the mitre angle at
When you use a spline, you can 0 degrees.
actually accent the joint with a Find the location in the mitre that
different coloured wood. you want to cut and mark the tip of
The spline jig is a very popular jig your workpiece. Glue a small stop
that I have designed for the sliding block at this location to ensure
compound mitre saw. It was repeat accuracy.
featured on the television show “In With the jig removed cut your
the Workshop” on HGTV. Since the mitres at 45 degrees.
show, there has been a lot of interest Place the jig on you saw and don’t
in knowing how to make and use forget to flip your depth stop down
the spline jig. or you will cut right through your
The jigs in my shop may not look new jig.
fancy, but they do work! I have Now cut your spline grooves in
actually tried to re-make some of both pieces.
them in an effort to make them look Make and install your splines to
better. But for some reason, they match your groove widths, but be
just don’t work as well. careful – there are many different
blade widths on the market. You
MAKING THE SPLINE JIG will have to adjust accordingly.
There you have it. Now you have
Select some 1/4” plywood that is a jig to help you make a cross grain
1 1/2” wider than the table of your mitre joint.
mitre saw.
Glue a 3/4 x 3/4 locator cleat on LOU PEETERS is a professional cabinetmaker
each side of the plywood to stop and seminar presenter, living in
Woodstock, Ontario. (519) 539-1437 Oak cross grain mitre joint, with a walnut spline.
any side to side movement.
Visit our website at: www.canadianwoodworking.com CANADIAN WOODWORKING 15
• Scroll Saws • Compressors
• Table Saws • Air Nailers
• Blades • Planers
• Routers • Intarsia Patterns
• Router Bits • Books
• Jointers • Bandsaws
BIG OR SMALL…
WE’VE GOT THEM ALL!
196 Industrial Blvd. St. George, ON
N0E 1N0 (519) 448-1361
email: morley-mmmi@on.aibn.com
1-800-265-3335
email: tools@globaltools.com
www.globaltools.com
We can ship to your nearest Ideal Supply.
Four
Centre
Vase
back in the lathe on true centre. Now use
D
on’t let the title of the tool-rest as a guide and draw a pencil
Note: I use a ‘Steb’ centre with
a small head. These are spring
this project frighten line from each of the three centres along
loaded and have many teeth,
the outside of the cylinder and down to the
you. It’s actually other end (photo #1). which always bite in at the same
Take the piece out of the lathe. Draw into centre. This is ideal for
quite simple. Basically, you the centre (on the end that is not marked) production turning. It is also
from the lines you have made. Now mark handy for going back on centre.
start on true centre, then 3/8” in from the edge of the cylinder on
turn on three off-set centres, each line. You now have the opposite end
of each centre.
It is now off-set. You will only be cutting
1/3 of the cylinder (ie. the far side of the
and then back to true centre. On one end (headstock) number each centre). Cut the off-set portion of the vase
centre 1, 2 and 3. This way, if you have to with a roughing out gouge (photo #3).
The sizes and shapes can be put it back into that centre, you will already It is very important that you take clean
have it numbered for easy reference. Put and light cuts. This portion must be hand
varied. the piece in centre 1. sanded, and by taking clean cuts, you can
For your first attempt at this, start with a
relatively small piece of wood, about 2” x
2” square by 4” long. The proportions of
the vases can be easily increased or
decreased according to your taste.
Find the centre on each end of the block
and, with a roughing out gouge, turn it
down to a cylinder. Practice smooth cuts at
this point, as you will need this technique Photo 1 Photo 2
when it comes to turning it off-set.
Take the piece out of the lathe and on one
end, divide the 360 degree circle into three
equal parts (i.e. 120 degrees each). At each
point on the outside circle, draw a line into
the centre. Looking at the end, there should
now be three equal shapes, like three
pieces of a pie. Mark 3/8” in from the edge
of the cylinder along each line. You now Photo 3 Photo 4
have three off-set centres. Put the piece
Visit our website at: www.canadianwoodworking.com CANADIAN WOODWORKING 17
avoid as much sanding as possible. It will This is a good point at which to sand. Use
appear to be bouncing at this point. The your choice of grit, depending on the finish
bounce will lessen as you remove more you want.
wood. Periodically, stop the lathe and Mount the piece into a chuck. Grab the
check that you’ve come to both lines spigot on the bottom and drill for either a
running parallel to the cut. When you’ve plastic or glass vial. If you intend to use the
come right up to each line with the cut, you piece as a dry bud vase then use a Jacob’s
are done that section. chuck and drill bit in the tailstock (photo
Now repeat this procedure with centres 2 #6). Photo 5
and 3. When this is complete, put the piece Finally, turn the spigot off the bottom and
back into true centre and, with a 1/2” turn the bottom to conclusion. You do this
spindle gouge, shape the neck to your by mounting a jam spigot into the chuck
design. Cut the ends clean with the point of the same diameter as the hole you have
a skew (photo #4). Then make a ‘v’ cut into drilled into the neck. Push the piece onto
the triangle shaped bottom (photo #5). This this spigot and leave the tailstock up for
will avoid splitting when you use your support for a short time. Then finish the
parting tool to create a spigot on this end. bottom by removing the tailstock and
turning the last little
‘pip’ (photo #7).
FREE Always take your Photo 6
time. The key is not
80 Page colour to be too aggressive.
catalogue A cut which is too
heavy could knock
the piece out of
Call Now centre. Remember,
the bigger the piece
1-800-565-5066 that you turn off-
set, the slower you
want the lathe to go.
Photo 7
Order On-Line Use common sense
and safety first.
www.woodparts.ca PAUL ROSS owns and operates Chalet Woodcraft and
teaches woodturning in Boston, Ontario. (519) 443-5369
www.kwic-com/~chalet
MF DISTRIBUTIONS INC.
Website: www.orangeglo.com Email: info@orangeglo.com “the prescription for damaged furniture.”®
1-800-268-5517
18 CANADIAN WOODWORKING Visit our website at: www.canadianwoodworking.com
woodenpuzzle BY REA GIBSON
For All Your Clock
Building Supplies
Puzzle
Clock Kits
Movements • Dials
• Bezels • Fitups
Epoxy Resin • Pens
T
his is a fun project that is easy told!). Weather Instruments
to make and will create lots of Hold the shaft in one hand and rub the
laughs at a party. It has been notches, as shown, with one finger on each Music Movements
around for many years and side of the shaft. When you detect a lie,
has been called many names. simply change the pressure from one Catalogue Available!
The fan spins as you rub the finger to the other and the direction in
notches with another piece of wood, while which the fan turns will reverse. It takes a
PRICE ROLL BACK
at the same time, holding a finger on one bit of practice, but is easily mastered and NE
W • F145 WATCH FITUPS
side of the shaft. When you hold your quite effective. Size 1 7/16” Fits 1 3/8” Hole
finger on the other side of the shaft the fan Don’t tell how it works right away, and • Gold, Cream, White
will spin in the opposite direction. Because watch how everyone tries to get it to work • Roman or Arabic
1+ $9.95
you can change the pressure from one for them. 5+ $8.95
finger to the other, without anyone Besides, if they don’t know how to use it, 10+ $7.95
noticing, the fan will change direction they’ll never catch you in a lie! 25+ $7.50
under your control (or whenever a lie is QUARTZ CLOCK MOTOR $4.95ea
Quantity Special $3.99ea (25 min. order)
FREE HANDS• FREE BATTERY
Order Desk ™
Solution
From last issue’s Three-Way Cross Puzzle
1. Set block #3 into block #2 with the thin
end up.
2. Drop the top of the #3 block back 90˚
as shown.
3. Push block #1 into block #2 as shown
as step 1.
4. Lift blocks #1 and #3 up as far as they
can go into block #2.
5. Slide block #3 back into place and the
puzzle is complete.
Come visit
our store or
call us for a
FREE
CATALOGUE!
g
Helpin
reate
ians C
Canad
1985
Since
1-800-387-5716
In Canada...
Order your Accusquare!
. Toll Free 1-877-778-5585
N ow. . gh in
thro u
b reak llection We can
A ust co The ‘Boot’
ship your
d will stop dust escaping at
‘Boot’
today”
the rear of your contractor saw.
When combined with your dust collector,
airborne dust is virtually eliminated. Call us!
only $39.99 plus S&H
“See you at the Featuring...
woodshows Hitachi Ridge Carbide Blades
across Canada” Vac-U-Clamp Bessey Clamps
Wooland Dave Accusquare Rip Fences Trademaster
Enterprises
Equipping
Your
Workshop
www.thesawshop.com
20 CANADIAN WOODWORKING Visit our website at: www.canadianwoodworking.com
woodfinish BY HANK ETHIER
T
he Windsor Wood
Carving Museum
hosted its 4th
annual Wood Carving
Show and competition. The
competition drew carvers
and spectators from across
Ontario and Michigan.
Here is a sampling of some
of the prize winning entries
to inspire you to get your Flathead Chief Turtles
1st in Open for Human Figure Best of Show in Group 2
own works out to the By: Ron Pearce By: Sharon Bailey
carving shows.
Cal
0
l
1
Toll
2C
Free f
/200 2-9801
or o
ur
atal
og Chipping Away
20 8-6
8
1-8
8 Canada’s largest woodcarving specialists!
WE STOCK
OVER
300
WOODCARVING
BOOK TITLES
High Performer minutes is enough time to start handling the That’s quite a package for such little
We just received one of the best gluing joint. After 24 hours the 30 develops 1360 money. We give the R161RT ★★★s for
tools that we have seen since “Crazy Glue”. psi and the 60 develops 1480 psi. The 75 is quality and value.
an all purpose adhesive that will, with few
exceptions, bond anything to anything and RO Sander
develops 900 psi after 24 hours of cure time. The RS241 is a Random Orbital Sander
We tried breaking the wood joints with from Ryobi and has a 2.4 amp motor that
some powerful hammer blows. The joints turns at 12,000 OPMs. The RS241 has a spin
did not fail, the wood samples, however, did. control to prevent damage to the workpiece
All of the polyurethane adhesives are on start-up.
waterproof. Also included in the $70 package is a felt
The Titebond HiPURformer deserves our type base pad that can use adhesive backed
★★★★★ rating. 8 hole disks and a conversion pad for hook
and loop disks. A very efficient dust
Ryobi collection bag is attached and may be
Ryobi has become very aggressive in its adapted to a collection system.
Franklin International has just introduced marketing and is rounding out its line of The sander is comfortable in the hand with
the Titebond HiPURformer Advanced woodworking tools. There are two new ones no excessive
Bonding System and it has filled us with that we have tested and can tell you right up vibrations
awe. This is a “hot melt” line of adhesives front that these are great tools for the and is small
but with a difference. Franklin does not use weekend woodworker. They will do all that enough to get
glue sticks. Instead, the adhesive is in a 50 g they promise and more. into tight
capped metal container that you insert into The latest is a Combination Router and areas.
the cordless glue gun. The glue gun is then Router Table that sell in Home depot for All of the
placed into the heater unit for about 10 $179. That is a real bargain considering the R y o b i
minutes. A green light tells you when the high quality of the tools. woodworking
adhesive has turned to liquid and the gun is tools offer a 30-day return and a two-year
ready to use. full warranty. The RS241 is a ★★★★ tool.
There are three types of adhesives that
come with the kit, all based on polyurethane Craftex
chemistry. The WW30 hot melt glue is a Talking about sanders, Craftex (the Busy
woodworking glue that sets up in 30 Bee tool label), has a tool that we’ve been
seconds. The WW60 is also a woodworking testing for some time now. The B2322 is a
glue that fills gaps and sets up in 60 seconds. bench top Oscillating Spindle Sander with
The third hot melt glue is the MP75 and is some great features. First, if you have never
an all purpose adhesive that will glue almost used one of these tools, you don’t know
anything and has a 75 second set-up time. what you’ve been missing. They’re great!
The HiPURformer is a bit pricey and it The B2322 is a heavy duty machine with
won’t totally replace your liquid glues. an effective dust
However, it is a time saver and you will find The router is a 1/4” tool and develops port, a 7.5-amp
a multitude of uses for it in your shop. The 25,000 RPMs and has some great features. motor and a tilt-
initial kit, including the gun, heater and a The dual depth gauges are very convenient ing cast iron
50g tube of each of the three adhesives sells when using a freehand router. They also table. The table
in Canada for about $220. The replacement make for easy reading when the tool is tilts to 45
glue tubes run about $14 each. Having said working under the router table. We liked the degrees one
all that, I must emphasize that a very little ‘D’ base and the see-through base for way and 15
bit of this glue goes a long way. freehand routing. It features a locking shaft degrees the
and single wrench for bit changing. other. A 90-
Strength The R161RT has a nice feel and balance to degree stop
We tested both the WW30 and the WW60 it. You’ll appreciate just how easy it is to pad keeps it straight.
woodworking adhesives on the rough end install or remove from the router table. This is a quiet machine. You’ll hardly
grain joining of pine, oak and maple. The The included router table has a 1” thick top notice that it is on and it runs very
full cure time is 24 hours, although 10 and measures 12” deep x 24” long. The smoothly. The spindles are a cinch to change
TOOL TEST RATING SYSTEM
stamped steel base stands 12” high and has a and the B2322 will accept sizes from 1/4” to
★ .............. below average quality
built-in power switch. The fence is solid but 3” diameters.
★ ★ ........... average quality has an adjustable left side to use when A ★★★ tool from Busy Bee Tools &
★ ★ ★ ........ very good quality/value removing stock (as in jointing). A miter Machinery.
★ ★ ★ ★ ..... excellent quality/value gauge and standard (3/4”) miter slot are also
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ .. top of the line included. GRAHAM McCULLOCH is a woodworker and writer living
in Halifax, NS. (902) 479-0221 graham@shortcuts.ns.ca
B
arb and I do our other hardwood. one side. Then use the bandsaw to cut into
woodworking from 1” boards. Glue the boards together to
Tips for Working with Skid Wood make the correct width and then plane to
reclaimed skids and After you get the wood home, pull the size.
pallets. We have been nails and sort the good from the bad. RUSS AND BARB MILLER are avid woodworkers and
Purchase a metal detector to find broken recyclers who live in London, Ontario
rmsr@sympatico.ca
collecting the skids and nails or any metal fragments embedded in
the wood.
pallets for about three years. Check the moisture content. Most skids
run 25-35% moisture (skid makers don’t
Such collection takes a bit of go to the expense of using dried wood). If
time and patience, but as you the wood is too high in moisture, store the
wood to dry it out. We use a room with a
can see from the projects we dehumidifier. Dry to 8-l0% moisture.
With reclaimed skids or pallets, there are
have made from recycled usually nail holes or some other defect to
wood, it is well worth the repair. Skid wood may be made from the
core of the tree. This has to be worked
effort. Here are some tips for around or cut out and then glued back
together. Nail holes can be filled, or a
gathering a supply of section can be inlayed to fix knots or bad
recycled wood and working spots. For this, use a tool for your router
called an Inlay Set. With this tool you can
with it to make your own remove the bad spot and install a matching
piece of wood to hide the imperfection
projects. (sometimes called a Dutchman patch). You Spinning Wheels
Collecting the Wood can make the template for the patch in the Here are two spinning wheels made from
Find a company that uses hard wood form of a heart or an animal. You can also oak skids. One is a Nor wegian and the
skids, and ask permission to use the un- use a different wood to add contrast and other is an Upright spinning wheel. Both
wanted skids. Most companies are more character. The wood is not always long are full-working models.
then happy to get rid of the wood, as it is an enough but can be made longer with a
expense for them to dispose of it. finger jointer.
The runners on a skid are usually about When working with skids or pallets, you
1 1/2 to 2” x 3” and about 4 to 10’ long. The must have (or have access to) a jointer,
top boards can be anywhere from 1/2” to band saw and a planer. After the wood has
Q I own a bush lot in eastern Ontario. It’s turn, what thickness it should be and so
about fifteen acres and about ten of it on. My advice would be to have a
is bush. I have joined a wood lot sawyer come in and cut a few thousand
A
I’m in the “cut them right away”
camp. My experience has shown association with the idea of logging feet and learn from that experience. If
me that problems develop with the trees and think I’m ready to take out the you find that it’s something you enjoy
logs that sit around too long. The biggest trees. As I calculate it, there will be a lot of and are adept at, then do the research
problem is end checking. The log begins lumber. Instead of hiring someone, I thought and purchase a mill. On the other hand
to dry, which creates unequal stress and about buying a mill and doing it myself. Which is you may discover that an experienced
causes the log to crack. Another problem my best option? sawyer will get a higher yield from your
is bluing, which is predominant in white lot and make more lumber for you than
woods and pine, but also occurs in other you could yourself.
A
Hard to answer without seeing
species. Fungus begins to form in the numbers and knowing your
sapwood and then spreads to the rest of future uses for the mill. You will
the log, affecting the colour. Sometimes JIM KOUDYS is the owner/operator of Kootur Lumber
have to weigh out the investment by in Smithville, Ontario. (905) 957-4217 jkootur@yahoo.com
STOCKROOM SUPPLY
Klingspor Distributor
Home of
“The Sanding Mop”
and
“The Velcro Drum Sander”
Specializing in
Sandpaper & Abrasives
1-877-287-5017
ruff@sprint.ca
www.stockroomsupplies.com
RIDEAU CABINETS
Woodworking Books
OVER 120 PATTERNS FOR
EVERY INTEREST
Back
Door
Bench
W
hen preparing yourself rabbet where the top fastens and two
for the great outdoors, dadoes for the legs to lock into. Why didn’t
this little bench is a I show the details on this? If you have the
perfect place to lay hats tools to do it, you’ve likely built something
and gloves. It’s also an with dadoes and rabbets before and you’ll
ideal height to rest your know exactly what to do! If you’d like a
foot on while tying laces. diagram, just give us a call. MATERIAL LIST
I built this one from standard lumber yard Fastening the bench together requires 2 5 1/2” x 24” x 3/4”
pine. Four feet of 1 x 6 and six feet of 1 x 18 - #8 x 1 1/2” wood screws, countersunk
10 is all it takes. Be sure to have the top and so you can cover them with 3/8” wood Bench End Skirt
legs all the same width. The board I used plugs. I’ve given you an idea of where I 2 9” x 18” x 3/4”
was of uniform width so I didn’t have to fastened this one together but don’t
trim it. This is important because you want hesitate to add a few if you think your Bench Leg
the side skirts to fasten up tightly to all bench is going to experience rough use –
three pieces. such as size 13 boots or the neighbourhood 1 9” x 24” x 3/4”
kids. Bench Top
Some of you may have noticed the lack of
fancy joinery. It’s surprising how strong Don’t forget to do a good sanding of all 18 #8 x 1 1/2”
this bench is without structural joints the pieces before assembly. It’s hard to Wood Screws
locking the skirts to the legs. Some readers sand the legs properly if you wait until
may have a limited variety of tools, so I after the bench has been assembled. 18 3/8”
designed this project so that anyone can Assemble, plug screw holes, stain and Wood Plugs
build it. finish.
If you have the tools to cut dadoes and There you have it ... a handy little back
rabbets, I suggest that each skirt have a door bench! STEVE SIDDALL is president of Workshop Supply Inc.
1-800-387-5716 www.workshopsupply.com
H
ere is what I believe to be the best
tools of 2001. I would like to stress accepts 3/4” - 2” 18 gauge nails. Franklin International are the people who
that the tools are listed in random From Delta we get another first: adding a bring you Titebond adhesives that are
order and there is no first or last. They are second speed to a Thickness Planer. Why considered the best in the woodworking
all great tools. would you want two industry. Franklin recently introduced a
speeds in a new product called the HiPURformer.
Porter-Cable Delta thickness The HiPURformer is a cordless hot-melt
Of the major manufacturers, Porter-Cable planer? Well, glue gun. The adhesive range for this new
Delta (the same company, Delta making the slower tool consists of hot polyurethane adhesives
stationary tools and the Porter-Cable speed will that have tremendous strength. You can
making portable tools) have produced bring the glue end grain to end grain without even
many of the new and innovative tools of boards thinking about joint failure. (See Tool Test
2001. down to on page 23)
Porter-Cable recently size
released a Cordless a n d
Router powered by a t h e
19.2 v NiCAD battery. h i g h e r
The 9290 has a 600 finishing speed
watt, 23,000 RPM will give you an ultra-smooth
motor (compatible finish. This new planer is a 13” model
with the P.C. model with a 1/8” to 6 1/2” capacity. It also has a
690 router). It can depth stop for more convenience. The head
use the optional lock virtually eliminates snipe, that pesky
plunge base or little dip on the ends of the boards.
the standard
fixed base.
The advantage
is that you do Craftsman
not have a power Craftsman has a
cord trailing and neat new tool they C. H. Hansen
you can do your routing call the 3-D Sander. Sharpening a carpenter’s pencil
without the concern of being close The sander is small has always been a hassle for me.
to a power supply. and comfortable Inevitably you get the lead point
Speaking of cordless, Porter-Cable has and has three small almost right but it needs just one
also added another first: a Cordless Brad rotating sanding more cut. That “one more cut”
Nailer. You may not think that is discs that adapt to usually cuts the lead off as
really innovative, but consider this: the contours like well. Very soon you are down
BN200V12 is both a 12 v cordless and a railing tops. The to sharpening a “stubby”.
pneumatic 3-D will also hug C.H. Hansen in the US has
nailer. A c o n c a v e solved the problem with an
great idea if surfaces and ingenious $4 tool. A
you are has a variable Carpenter’s Pencil
refinishing a speed motor. It Sharpener. Put it on a
room and is about the size of an string and tie it to your
don’t want electric razor and the 3-D is priced shop apron. This little
to lug 50 under $80. As with all Craftsman tools, tool will keep a nice
feet of air they are only available at Sears. sharp point on your
h o s e pencil. It’s available at
a l o n g Home Depot.
w i t h
THE ORIGINAL ONE PERSON ONE TRIP STAND BEST SELLING PLATE ON THE MARKET
Canadian Distributor
Trencon Distributors 250-338-4693
Email - trencon@telus.net
PM2700XL shown w/Makita 2702-2703 SS2875 Mitre saw stand
Router Adjustment
W
hen I demonstrate at Step 1 will grab the two metal posts inside the
wood shows, I am Lay the router on its back with the springs. They are inside the springs to keep
nearly always asked: threaded rod face up and lock it into the springs from coiling up on themselves.
“How do you adjust position. (fig. 5)
your router so easily?”
It seems that a lot of Step 2 Step 7
new woodworkers and many veterans have Remove the two 13mm nuts that are at Remove the springs and metal posts.
plunge routers mounted in their router the top of the rod. (fig. 1) NOTE: the lock mechanism is a small
tables. The reason they can’t adjust the brass pin that cams out to lock the router in
height of the routers easily is because they Step 3 place and cams in to unlock it. DO NOT
have not removed the springs from the Lay the router on its back with the lock LOSE THIS PIN OR YOUR ROUTER
plunge mechanism. I will take you step by mechanism down to the table surface. (fig. WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOCK. The
step through removing the springs from 2) pin sits in a small hole about 1” in from the
most of the common routers on the market, bottom of the column hole. It sits in the
beginning with the Hitachi M12V. If I Step 4 router like a barrel and is not attached. It
don’t cover your router this time, then look With your body against the base plate, has no left or right so if you pull it out
for it in upcoming issues. and your hands on the router, release the remember to put it back in again. (fig. 6 &
These instructions are strictly the lock mechanism. The base will press 6A)
opinions of the author and do not against you and will start to slide off. (fig.
necessarily reflect those of the 3) Step 8
manufacturer. Always refer to your Slide the base back into the router body.
owner’s manual for exploded views of Step 5 Make sure that the threaded rod slides
your router and, if you don’t feel When there is no pressure against you, under the horseshoe shaped body housing.
comfortable with these directions, do not grab the base and pull the base off. The With your router on its back and the lock
remove your springs. springs will be hanging from the router. down to the table, slide the long column
Make sure that your router is always (fig. 4) into the left side of the body and then slide
unplugged before attempting any the right side in. Do no force the short
procedures such as those listed in this column into the router (it should slide in
article. SAFETY FIRST!!! Step 6
Begin pulling the springs out of the body. easily). Maintain pressure on the long
As you pull, bend them down a bit. This column as it slides in. This will allow the
Fig. 6A Fig. 7A
Fig. 7B Fig. 8
CHALET
Woodcraft Inc.
Fine Hand Turned Gifts
Specializing in
Woodturning Instruction
Professionally equipped classroom
in a pleasant country setting
CANADIAN HOME
WORKSHOP SHOW
March 1,2,3, 2002
The International Centre Toronto, ON
(905) 475-8440
www.canadianhomeworkshop.com
Doweling Jigs
D
oweling jigs provide an same time. I found this to be a real time (the marks are inscribed on both ends of
efficient and cost effective saver. For edge-to-end joints you have to the block). These check marks help you
alternative to biscuit joiners remove the main body of the jig and turn it correctly align your stock: it ensures that
and pocket hole jigs for around. The jig also allows off-centre (or you are always drilling holes from the
joining stock. They excel at reference face) doweling. The guide holes same reference face of the stock. So, if you
the most common kinds of are only 1” apart, so when drilling long have two boards of slightly different
joinery operations: edge-to-edge, edge-to- stock you end up moving the jig quite a thicknesses, any variation will show up on
end, edge-to-inside, rail-to-stile and miter bit. I’d love to see a wider version of the one side only. The optional adjustable
joints. There are a number of doweling jigs jig, with guide holes, say, 6” apart (the distance gauge enables you to join longer
on the market, three of which I recently spacing I use when gluing up wide, solid boards, spacing the dowel holes further
tested. I used each of these jigs wood panels). However, this is an apart. When doing edge-to-end and
extensively over a three-month period, uncomplicated, easy to use jig that is very edge-to-inside doweling you have to
trying them out on all five basic joinery well constructed. remove the clamp bracket and attach it to
operations. The best jig for you will The DowelMax is a new Canadian jig the base of the reference plate (see photo).
depend upon the kind of doweling you do. from O.M.S. Tool Co. It’s an impressive For larger dimension stock this jig
The Smart Doweling Jig from the jig, having won the International is unbeatable. The DowelMax is a
United States is the most compact of the Innovator’s Gold Medal Award last year well-engineered, professional quality jig
three jigs, designed so that you can clamp at the Tomorrow’s World Exhibition held that will provide years of service.
two boards at in London, England. The Veritas Dowelling Jig (another
once; the boards The body is machined Canadian product) is largely a dedicated
can be from aluminum, the edge-to-edge doweling jig (although you
1/2” to 1 5/8” fittings are solid can dowel the ends of boards, you can’t
thick. For 3/4” brass, and the dowel the inside face). Like the other two
boards, just pop guide bushings are jigs above, it does both centered and
them into the jig hardened steel. The reference face doweling. The body of the
and drill away. jig comes with five jig and the bushing carrier are anodized
For other board thicknesses you need to 3/8” hardened steel aluminum; the fittings are solid brass. The
use shims. When drilling 1/2” stock you bushings, one 3/8” jig comes with 3 hardened steel bushings
place two 1/8” plastic shims (provided) slotted spacer and an instruction booklet. (1/4”, 5/16” and 3/8”), a register pin, allen
against the clamping surfaces, and insert a Optional accessories include two 3/4” and wrench and instruction booklet. A variety
1/4” shim (which you provide) between one 1 5/8” spacers, an indexing tool, of bushings in other sizes (including
the boards. The alignment slots work not adjustable distance gauge, angle clamp metric) are available.
only for the edge-to-inside joints but also bracket, and 1/4” bushings with related The Veritas Dowelling Jig enables you to
indicate where the dowel holes are being 1/8” spacer. drill holes as close as 5/8” – at a more
drilled. The guide holes are 3/8”, set 1” I liked the wide clamping surface of the common 1 1/4” and a full 6 3/8” apart. I
apart. The jig comes with a drill bit, depth DowelMax (a generous 3 1/2”) and the found this last dimension perfect for
stop (that conveniently fixes to the end of fact that it has five doweling long boards. I only needed to
one of the guide rods) and an allen wrench guide holes. The make one alignment mark on both boards,
that, thoughtfully, attaches to the body of knurled brass and then use the register pin to chain drill
the jig. You also get an instruction booklet knobs are holes. This makes for very fast panel
and an assortment of 3/8” dowel pins. The substantial, assembly. If you need the flexibility of
bushings aren’t removable but they are making them smaller dowel size holes, this jig can’t be
hardened, so they should last a long time. easy to tighten. beat. You can even get a 3/32” bushing that
The Smart Doweling Jig did a You get a choice of is made of unhardened steel so you can
commendable job on all five joinery drilling holes 5/8”, 1 3/8”, drill it to any custom size. The
operations. It’s 2” or 2 5/8” apart. With the hole spacing on the
certainly the optional register pin you can easily chain Veritas jig is
fastest jig to use, drill dowel holes. The jig handled all five based on
particularly for major joinery operations with ease. One of the 32mm
doing edge-to- the nicest features of the DowelMax is the system
edge, mitre and ability to dowel large stock. By utilizing which is
rail-to-stile the 1 5/8” spacers the jig can readily part of
joinery. There is no slop along the guide accommodate up to 4” by 4” stock, the more
rods and the handle clamping screw turns something no other jig on the market comprehensive 32mm shelf drilling
smoothly. Except for edge-to inside joints, offers. You will notice a mark inscribed on product line available from Lee Valley.
there is no need to draw alignment marks the end of the reference block that holds Like all Veritas tools you get exceptional
on the boards you are joining together, as the bushings (see photo) and a similar quality: really well machined parts and
you drill the holes in both boards at the mark on the inside of the reference plate high tolerances at competitive prices.
Dust Hood
R
ecently, I was asked to design before making them out of sheet metal. I The last photo shows the interior details
and install a dust pickup for a also added a wing to the post side of the of the hood. These were added to stiffen
radial-arm saw. hood, which improved its performance the hood. Note the brush along the bottom
Let’s look at the when cutting compound miter angles. See (the brush stops the sawdust from
construction of two different photos 3 & 4. spreading and directs the air flow to pick it
hoods for the radial-arm saw. up). See photo 6.
The first thing to consider are the various Installation Note: Place the hood as
Here is an easy safety barrier
tasks this particular saw is being used for
and, second, the positions of the support
arm (angles, heights, etc). For this process
close as possible to the vertical post.
Make sure that the bottom front edge of
the hood is just below being flush with
TIP you can install in your
system, once you have piped
use some cardboard boxes and take several the saw table. everything directly to your
measurements. Lay out the measurements In this case, the radial arm saw was the
on cardboard and then cut the pieces out to collector fan.
main saw in the shop and was also used
make sure that they will fit together. Duct for ripping. That meant that the saw was
tape is a good fastener for this. Later, when often turned 90 degrees, making a cross-
using sheet metal, you will need to leave cut hood ineffective. This particular saw
extra material on the sheet metal pieces for came with an adjustable guard on the
tabs. In this case the face of the hood is front of the blade cover. By removing this
13”h x 10”w tapering back to the outlet guard I was able to utilize its hold-down-
pipe, which is 4”. See photo 2. knob for the new hood. I again took
Install and test the hood. It may need several measurements and by fitting and Photo 1
tuning up to be more efficient. bending I was able to come up with a
I installed two cardboard inserts during hood. I used 20 gauge body steel, a If you look closely at the photo you will
the optimization phase. These inserts modified generic 2 1/2” dust port and a notice that there is a “T” fitting installed
greatly improved the air velocity and dust few pop rivets. The result is shown in the at the fan inlet. The leg of the “T” points
flow at the hood face. Determine the best photos. See photo 5. down and is closed off with a “plug” (the
configuration using cardboard baffles plug has a “D” handle installed on it). The
drop leg acts as a trap for things like
screws, nails, knots, and heavy bits that
may have been sucked up and are heading
for the fan. These heavier objects will
drop down into the leg before they get to
the fan and avoid damaging it. The
removable plug lets you clean them from
the system. It is only effective, however, if
you remember to periodically clean out
the drop leg. Remember to check often as
it can fill with heavy wood chips in a
relatively short period of time.
Safety Note: Remember ALWAYS
disconnect the fans power source
before opening the inlet pipe.
Photo 2 Photo 3
Photo 6
SUBSCRIBE
FOR YOUR
CHANCE TO
Furniture
& Cabinet
Construction
T
his book is a reference for methods. This is followed up with a
designing and building discussion on dealing with wood
furniture, providing useful movement, an important consideration
design information for those when designing furniture.
who want to design their own
furniture and step-by-step The next part discusses box and case
construction details for anyone who uses construction, a fundamental part of
plans to build from. It provides a solid base many types of furniture. In this part Andy
of information either for creating new talks about joinery, shelf options, them to last. Andy provides many
future designs or for modifying existing clamping, drawer construction and different options and ideas, including some
plans. fasteners. Many design and construction discussion on making tapered, curved and
options are shown, providing you with an turned legs.
Divided into six parts, there are from two arsenal of techniques, along with tips to
to six sections in each part, illustrating two make them work. The final part discusses tabletops and
to ten aspects of furniture construction. It work surfaces. He presents several
packs a lot of information into each page, Doors are next, including a discussion on different designs for tops, along with how
with lots of colour illustrations and step- frame and panel construction, hinges, to build them effectively. This includes
by-step instructions. pulls, locks and bumpers. Andy even how to keep the top flat, dealing with wood
shows how to make shop-made hardware movement and different strategies for
There are also many tips throughout the such as hinges and pulls. attaching the tops to your frame.
book, as well as useful reference material
(ie: the characteristics of common glues, The next part focuses on bases, feet and This book is very complete in its
average furniture sizes, heights of various stands. This includes basic “kitchen” coverage of design and construction of
types of tables and the depths of cabinets). cabinets, as well as more elegant and furniture, combining a comprehensive list
A reference table for maximum spans of stylish furniture. There are many design of topics with lots of colour illustrations
shelving, based on different materials and options, ranging from simple to complex. and step-by-step instructions for making
thicknesses, is also provided. the components he discusses. This is
After that, Andy focuses on frame rounded out with good background
The book starts off talking about the tools construction. This includes legs, frame and information, techniques and tips.
and materials, with particular emphasis on panels as well as chairs and stools. Legs,
the materials, from buying to preparing , both for cabinetry and chairs, take a great
including hand work, sanding and layout deal of abuse and it is imperative to design MICHEL THERIAULT is a Canadian writer and woodworker
living in Guelph, Ontario. www. woodstoneproductions.com
mjtheriault@sympatico.ca
Franklin International
Columbus, Ohio 43207 • 800-347-4583 • titebond.com
Powerful. Precise.
Portable.
10" Worksite Table Saw
Precision
25" of Rip Capacity Rip Fence
Square-Lock™ technology aligns and
Rear Outfeed Support* locks rip fence front and back
Extends working depth to 39 1/2"
Left Side
Support* Carries
Easily Rips Through 2" Oak Extends width of
table to 52"
Comfortably
Molded grip areas
for more secure and
comfortable carrying
On-Tool
Storage
Rip fence and miter
gauge lock in place
4.4 HP,
On-tool cord wrap
15 Amp Motor
Transports Easily Most powerful in its class
Soft Start
Technology
Provides smoother start-ups
and quieter performance
Torque Response
System™
Monitors torque demand and
instantly delivers additional power
Won’t bog down in hardwoods
*Shown with optional accessories Folding Stand*
Sets up in seconds,
Portable Folding Stand folds for easy storage
Rear Outfeed Support Extension
Left Side Support Extension