WOOD Magazine October 2018

During our daughter Katie’s junior year of high school, she was considering becoming a choir teacher. But when we took her to a career counselor known for her uncanny ability to help young adults discern the right career paths, Katie was told that her personality type is more that of a “first lieutenant”—not interested in being the top dog but perfectly happy as a highly appreciated second-in-command. I recognized a lot of myself in that counselor’s description of Katie, and the more I thought about it, the more I discovered that it applies in my shop, too: I have a slew of first-lieutenant tools. It’s not because I don’t know which ones are the best; we’re in the tool-testing business, for crying out loud, so I have pretty good intel on the…

Do you collect perfectly good bent nails from your neighbor’s trash for later straightening? Do you call last week’s 150-grit sandpaper this week’s 220? Are you miserly? A tightwad? A cheapskate? Good. Then, you can join our woodworking club. If not, here are some articles that will bring you around to the frugal side of the hobby.…

The Skyline’s No Limit While shopping with his new bride nearly 20 years ago, my coworker at Ryan Companies, Rolly Stevens, was disappointed in the high prices and low quality of commercially made furniture. So, he struck a deal with his wife’s grandfather, who had a small woodshop. Rolly bought the lumber, and Granddad taught him how to make coffee tables, end tables, and more. Rolly’s woodworking skills became known at the office when he began to donate his handmade wooden toys for Ryan’s annual charity auction, and in 2017 he was approached by company leadership to build a model of the Minneapolis area. Working nights and weekends, Rolly spent more than 750 hours crafting more than 150 buildings, three bridges, a lock and dam, and riverfront out of paint-grade hardwood and…

Send Us a Photo of Your Work Want to see your work showcased in WOOD® magazine? Send a high-resolution digital photo of your completed project to woodmail@woodmagazine.com.…

The Southern Yankee Workshop Bill Barsh’s workshops have progressed from his first, in a 10×10' metal shed, to a one-car garage, a two-car garage, and finally, his dream shop, built in 1995 on his property in Mississippi. His hobby eventually grew into a small business, Southern Yankee Workshop. Step into Bill’s shop and the first thing that hits you is how bright it is. The walls, ceiling, and cabinet faces are all white. Bright-white fluorescent fixtures and LED task lighting eliminate shadows. A few windows let in natural light. The second thing you notice is his radial-arm saw, a carryover from the 1970s. He uses it mostly for rough crosscuts and making half-lap joinery. Bill placed his dust collector in the attic. Although changing the dust-collector bag is inconvenient, it’s a small price…

Q My garage workshop does not include a significant heat source or a dust-collection system. So it’s cold much of the year, and what little heat the shop does hold dissipates quickly when I open the overhead door to clear the air. What tips can you offer for working in a cold workshop? Brian Gard, Jeannette, Pa. A Until the budget allows for a furnace, Brian, try these tips for improving your comfort, safety, and woodworking results: Place anti-fatigue mats where you stand frequently. They provide insulation from cold concrete, as well as cushion. A heated jacket makes a lot of sense if your cordless-tool platform includes one. (Most “professional” brands do.) And wear thin, pliable work gloves with rubberized surfaces for improved grip. Just remember to avoid wearing gloves or bulky…