Woodcraft Magazine December 2019/January 2020 (92)

Scott Grove has been working wood for 30 years, but he’s also a talented sculptor, author, and tool designer. His work can be found in books, magazines, museums, and galleries. In addition to teaching at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Indiana, The Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont, and the Chippendale International School of Furniture in Scotland, Scott shares woodworking tips and business advice on ImagineGrove.com. See Scott’s snowflake ornament on page 26. Ralph Lee Anderson began his photography career at age 13 on the school yearbook staff. Since then, he has shot everything from fashion to food. Ralph recently retired from product photography at a major publishing company and now enjoys gardening, scale model building, and freelance photo assignments (see p. 35). Ralph and his wife, Sally, live in…

Woodcraft Magazine turns 15 this year and we couldn’t be prouder. Technically speaking, this child isn’t yet old enough to legally drive, but she’s wise beyond her years. To celebrate, we’re showcasing our best Tips & Tricks from the last decade-and-a-half, having splashed them with color. Consider this a refresher if you’re familiar with some of these tips, and maybe share them with an aspiring newbie! I find that this recent reflection on the past has me future-gazing. (And what sounds more futuristic than “the year 2020”?) If you think about it, woodworking is a rather staid industry. Our primary power tools have changed little over the past century, and hand tools have kept their basic design legacy even longer. Nevertheless, the past 15 years have seen rapid innovation. Advances in…

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. The winner of next issue’s Top Tip award will receive a Woodcraft Gift Card worth $250. All others will receive $125 for a published illustrated tip or $75 for a non-illustrated tip. Published tips become the property of Woodcraft Magazine. Email us at tips@woodcraftmagazine.com 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…

Lids for the 3-Top Box I like the small box project featured in the Aug/Sept 2019 issue, and I’ve already built several. Instead of making box parts from vertical grain fir, I used quar-tersawn oak, which shows off the same straight grain appearance. I made my box lids ¼" thick, as indicated in the drawing on p. 25. But in the photo on the facing page, the lids stand slightly proud of the sides. This would indicate that the lids are thicker, or that the rabbets are shallower. Which dimension is correct? –Dave Wasserman, Philadelphia, PA Matt Kenney replies: The lid thickness dimension in the drawing is incorrect. I deliberately make my lids thicker (5/16") than the rabbet depth so that a narrow-painted band will show when the lids are in place. Many of…

TIM KENNEDY, FREDERICKTOWN, MO Candle-powered carousel. The Holiday Carousel in issue #62 (Dec/Jan 2015) inspired Kennedy to build several variations, including this version with a live-edge maple base and red oak trees. When the candles are lit, the fan spins, along with the snowman and tilting tree. JERE CROSS, ALTOONA, PA Classy curves. Cross has built several quilt racks, but the oval ring version featured in issue 63 (Feb/Mar 2015) has become his wife’s favorite gift. “The oval rings made it more difficult to build,” he says, “but it was worth the effort. Now many of our friends want one.” JOHN BRAUN, WEST CHESTER, OH A peak for plants. Having completed the garden obelisk featured in issue #88 (April/May 2019), Braun is looking forward to having his project play host to climbing clematis and other…

Kreg’s new 300-series pocket-hole jigs will please beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. As with earlier models, this new jig works perfectly well in its standard, two-hole configuration. What’s new is that the parts can separate and be used independently. The modular design allows you to slip a fully functional jig into a tool belt, or sneak a pocket screw into a tight space for an on-site repair. For larger projects, users can join multiple guides and spacers (sold separately) together to create custom multi-hole drilling jigs. The 320 kit includes two drill guides, each with a material-thickness stop and anti-slip base, a hex wrench with a built-in thickness gauge, and a universal clamp adapter. My favorite improvement is the easy-set drill bit and stop collar. The stepped bit now has standard…