Getting Sharp The solace of the shop S tanding in my back yard, I’m struck by the beauty of spring. Win- ter’s dismal grey has finally yielded to vibrant tulips, peonies, and wild violets. Bees buzz around my feet, birds soar overhead, and squirrels scurry across rooſtops. This Spring’s symphonic bloom is all the more pronounced because it’s not compet- ing with the usual hum and bustle of modern life. Instead, darkened buildings, vacant parking lots, and the occasional lonely car cruising the road evoke an eerie post-apocalyptic flick. Under quarantine, many of us are unable to go to work, enjoy a meal out, or simply gather with friends and family. The COVID-19 crisis has upended our normal lives and overwhelmed us with the loss of certain freedoms, jobs, and sometimes loved ones. The pandemic seems to have the planet wobbling on its axis while we struggle to keep standing. With a world out of order, it’s comforting to have the solace of a shop. And since woodworking tends to be a solitary affair by nature, it actually suits quarantine rather nicely. If we like, we can seize the opportunity to really focus on our craſt. Protracted isolation allows practicing the presence of mind required to skillfully execute beauti- ful projects. Lack of distraction can contribute to organized stock prep, precise joinery, flawless finishing, and everything in between. And in the process, it offers a certain amount of peace in a pandemic. To top it off, the shop is one place where it doesn’t feel strange to wear a face mask! Perhaps you require respite from relentless news. Or maybe you’re just looking for some time away from family. Whatever the reason for your escape to the shop, we have plenty to keep you busy. Build the stool on p. 32. Construct a case to house your saw blades (p. 44). Improve shop safety by making featherboards (p. 28). Learn how to work a new wood (p. 54), or bone up on a little furniture-related U.S. history (p. 52). And don’t let social distancing prevent you from meeting new woodworkers (p. 4 & 8). Enjoy your shop time, and use it wisely. Let creativity be your conta- gion, and try to spread positivity. Get active. Be present. Stay engaged. And although you may be spending more time by yourself, remember that we’re all in this together. Stay vigilant and healthy, my fellow woodworkers. Share your ideas. We love hearing from readers! And there are all kinds of reasons to get in touch with the crew at Woodcraft Magazine. Check out the details below. General information: 4420 Emerson Ave., Suite A P.O. Box 7020 Parkersburg, WV 26102 800-542-9125 Share a slick tip to win cash or a prize. Here’s your chance to help someone become a better woodworker and get rewarded for the effort. Published tips become the property of Woodcraft Magazine. Email us at
[email protected] and put “Tips & Tricks” in the subject line or visit woodcraftmagazine.com, and click on Contact. Important: Please include your phone number, as an editor may need to call you if your trick is considered for publication. Have a tough woodworking question? We’ll do our best to find the expert and provide the answer. Email us at
[email protected] and put “Expert Answers” in the subject line. News & Views: This catch-all column is where we do our best to correct mistakes, publish feedback from readers, and share other noteworthy news items. It’s easy to participate in this discussion. Just email us at
[email protected] and put “N&V” in the subject line. Submit an article idea: Do you have a story idea? We’d love to hear about it. To find out how to submit an article, email us at
[email protected] and put “Submission” in the subject line. Share photos of your projects: We’d like to see what you’re building. To show off your work send your photos to
[email protected], or find us on social media. June/July 2020 Vol. 16, Issue 95 Chief Editor: Chad McClung Senior Editor: Paul Anthony, Ken Burton Art Director: Brad Weekley Publisher: Gary Lombard Advertising Sales Manager: Vic Lombard Circulation Support: Christie Wagner, Robin Cross Office Manager: Connie Harmon Circulation: NPS Media Group Web Support: Jessica Loyer Video Producers: Frank Byers, Kevin Reed 6 Subscriptions: (U.S. and Canada) One year: $19.99 Single copy: $7.99
[email protected] (800) 542-9125 Woodcraft Magazine (ISSN: 1553.2461, USPS 024-953) is published bimonthly (Dec/Jan, Feb/Mar, April/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov) by Woodcraft Supply, LLC, 4420 Emerson Ave., Suite A, Parkersburg, WV 26104. Tel: (304) 485-2647. Printed in the United States. Periodicals postage paid at Parkersburg, WV, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Woodcraft Magazine, P.O. Box 7020, Parkersburg, WV 26102-7020. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 ©2020 by Woodcraft Supply, LLC. All rights reserved. Woodcraft Supply, LLC allows the purchaser of this magazine to photocopy the included projects and techniques solely for personal use. Any other reproduction of these projects and techniques is strictly prohibited. Safety First! Working wood can be dangerous. Always make shop safety your first priority by reading and following the recommendations of your machine owner’s manuals, using appropriate guards and safety devices, and maintaining all your tools properly. Use adequate sight and hearing protection. Please note that for purposes of illustrative clarity, guards and other safety devices may be removed from tools shown in photographs and illustrations in this publication.
June July Issue 2020
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