 |
A preview of articles from
issue #186, October 2008
Click here to subscribe
to WOOD! |
Projects |
 |
Space-saving mitersaw station
Made only of 2x4s and 1/2" MDF, this wall-hugging unit not only preserves floor space (it's just 24" deep), it also contains the blast of sawdust from a notoriously messy tool.
|
 |
TV center and matching tables
Finding furniture that looks good with a flat-screen TV can be challenging. This low oak entertainment center supports a large set at the right height for viewing, holds A/V components and DVDs, and looks marvelous at the same time. The matching coffee and end tables make a complete suite for your family room.
|
 |
Ladder-style quilt rack
Simple design, basic power tools, and a few boards help you make this great quilt rack. Connector bolts allow easy disassembly for storage or transportation.
|
 |
Chinese checker board
Fun is in the near future when you start this captivating project. A recess-routing template makes it easy, and a clever design ensures that you won't lose your marbles.
|
| Tools
and Materials |
 |
Router speed: Get it right the first time
To run your router safely and efficiently, know the speed limits for various bits.
|
 |
Choosing the right sharpener
Good news: Easy and precise sharpening doesn't have to cost a lot. To help you decide which type of sharpening system is best for you, we rounded up dozens of sharpeners and spent more than a month testing them. Although some models can be used to sharpen jointer knives or lathe tools, we focused our testing on flat cutters, such as chisels and planer blades not the tools you'll likely sharpen most often.
|
 |
Tool Test: Random-orbit sanders
Most 5" models tested deliver a smooth wood surface in a jiffy, but some leave you in a cloud of dust. And only a few combine a superb finish with speed, comfort, and ease of use. Here's what we found in testing palm-style random-orbit sanders.
|
 |
Random-orbit sanding myths busted
The random-orbit sander has become the go-to sanding tool in many shops. Here we shed light on five commonly held fallacies, and show you how to use this sander to your advantage. |
 |
Shop-Proven Products
High-CFM dust collector; cordless brad nailer; more
|
| Techniques |
 |
Quick-and-easy breadboard ends
Tabletops and other wide panels look great and resist cupping when you outfit them with breadboard ends. |
 |
Conquer tear-out in figured woods
Dimension wild-grained species with confidence using these tips. |
 |
Building a 200-mph wooden car
Joe Harmon, a graduate student at NC State, took on a very ambitious graduate project: building a high-performance car from wood. "Splinter" could top 200 mph when completed later this year. |
 |
Turning: Master the bowl gouge
Want to turn a bowl? You'll need a bowl gouge to shape both the interior
and exterior. We'll show you how to sharpen and use this versatile tool
for roughing and finish cuts.
|
 |
How to drill spot-on accurate holes
Drill bits seem to have minds of their own when they skitter away from your mark despite your best efforts at alignment. With these techniques, though, you'll soon drill holes exactly where they belong.
|
 |
Time-saving spray-paint tips
With fast-drying paint and delicate-surface masking tape, you speed-up the process of applying multiple coats of paint to a project.
|
Departments
|
6 Editor's Angle
8 Sounding Board
12 Shop Tips
26 Ask WOOD
92 What’s Ahead
|
