Woodcraft Magazine April/May 2017 (76)

Chris Hedges didn’t get interested in woodworking until completing a double major in philosophy and sociology at Ohio University. But he made up for lost time, enrolling in the University of Rio Grande’s woodworking program and launching his own furnituremaking business after graduating in 2007. “I’m a big fan of Shaker style,” Chris says. “I find there’s still a lot to learn from the restrained ornamentation, the pleasing proportions, and the durable, well-made joinery.” We’ve been lucky to feature three of Chris’ projects on our covers: a table (Feb/Mar 15, issue #63), standing desk (April/May 16, issue #70) and his two-part spice box adventure, which concludes in this issue (p. 49). We’re also lucky to be welcoming him onboard as a contributing editor. Buying cheap furniture, only to see it fall apart,…

Woodworking is truly an international language, thanks to our common knowledge of tools, techniques, and joinery details, as well as the appreciation we share for sharp edges and beautiful grain. It’s nice to be reminded of this unity, especially during divisive times. For the last 10 years, I’ve had the good (and unexpected) fortune to make friends with woodworkers all over the world, thanks to a single blog I wrote about an unusual combination machine. Here’s the backstory: I’m a tool junky just like you, and I sometimes indulge this addiction by cruising the tools for sale on Craigslist. That’s how I ended up with an Italian-made combination woodworking machine called a Zinken MIA6. Manufactured sometime in the 1980s, the MIA6 is about the size of a portable table saw. But…

Scott Phillips is always on. Over the course of the last few years, as we worked together on articles, photo shoots and videos, I kept waiting for a lapse in enthusiasm or energy. By now I’ve learned that it ain’t gonna happen. That warm, talented, energetic woodworker you see along with his wife, Suzy, on TV is the same guy you meet in person. Scott and Suzy use their show to spread a simple message: If you want something, make it. WC: How long have you been working wood? SP: I’ve been at it for 50 years. I started at 11 years old. I was selling walnut shelves to folks in my neighborhood when I was 12. My dad’s shop was a happening place in the Midwest back then. It beat the…

Chief editor Tim Snyder responds: I’m glad that you’re enjoying the magazine, and I agree with you about the Cut List article; the story and worksheet can help woodworkers with any project they are interested in building. Being able to distinguish between parts that can be cut to the finished dimensions provided on a set of plans and parts that must be cut to size during the course of a project is an important concept. For this reason, we’re making Paul Anthony’s article available for free on our website (go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click “OnlineEXTRAS” for Issue 75). Yes, you can make copies, as long as there are no fees or profits associated with the distribution of these copies. How to reach us Emaileditor@woodcraftmagazine.com -or write toWoodcraft Magazine, 4420 Emerson Ave., Suite A, Box 7020,…

Chief editor Tim Snyder responds: Considering that the Vikings were heat-treating wood back in the 8th Century, it’s certainly possible to make your own roasted, or torrified, wood, but it’s not terribly practical. When you factor the time, risk of fire, and the likelihood of failure until you master the process, commercially prepared wood is a bargain. If you’re set on doing your own experiments, you might find this summary helpful. Modern-day torrefaction involves several stages. First, the wood is gradually heated to approximately 130°C for about 20 hours to lower the moisture content to almost 0%. To obtain the rich roasted color, the wood is then heated to about 200°C. (This time varies based on wood and desired color.) As wood cools, water vapor is reintroduced to bring the moisture level…

Is baseball or woodworking America’s favorite pastime? Consider this: While the ghostly ballplayers in Field of Dreams disappeared into a cornfield after a few innings, Handworks is planning its third annual woodworking palooza amidst the Iowa cornfields. The two-day event will take place in a restored, timber-frame barn and other notable buildings located in the historic village of Amana. Scheduled for May 19-20, Handworks is free to all who wish to attend. But plan on bringing some spending money, because an impressive number of premium tool manufacturers will be there, along with woodworking celebrities like Roy Underhill, master furnituremakers, and woodworking schools. For more information, go online to handworks.co.…