Issue 39, December 1990

Wood Profile: Yellow Birch: The Shimmering Queen Of The North
Long ago, craftsmen discovered birch’s strength. This golden-colored wood remains a standard for today’s chairs, tables, and cabinets.

Holiday Highlights: Return To The Round Table
Come take a closer look at our versatile block castle designed for your little prince or princess.

Taking Care Of Business
Make a lasting impression with a wooden business-card holder.

Jewel Of A Case
Distinctive joinery and sensible trays highlight a reader’s jewelry box.

A Cut Above The Rest
Expect years of service from our patterned end-grain cutting board.

Snow-Loving Open Sleigh
Bent runners frighten you? No problem here: A laminating jig simplifies forming runners for this classic sleigh designed in Minnesota.

The Three Rack-A-Tiers
Help someone organize video, cassette, and compact-disc collections.

Tool Buymanship: Shapers
If you constantly test your router table with big projects, a shaper could make sense for your workshop. Find out how much muscle a shaper can deliver.

Shop-Tested Techniques: Sanding Shortcuts
After you learn how to choose the best abrasive, review the strong points of 13 sanding devices. Then,check out our list of hints.

Craftsman Close-Up: Good Wood is Worth Restorin'
Sit in on a visit with Jim Watson and discover how he restores tired furniture. Be sure to save Jim’s tips for a successful refinishing project.

The Environment: Battling Harmful Vapors
Don’t miss this important health article. It will help you identify the culprits in strippers and finishes that irritate eyes. noses, and throats.

Good Sports
Features editor Pete Stephano tees up with a four-some of sports diversions steeped with a long-standing partnership with wood.

Carving Pattern: Carve A Santa
Ring in the holiday season with a new carving project of Santa carrying a Christmas goose.