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August 2008
Popular Woodworking August 2008 (Issue 170)
Price: $8.00

Our cover project is an adaptation of a classic Craftsman furniture bookcase, made from solid wood with distinctive joinery and a hidden drawer. Inside we feature a Folding Campaign Table, built by Mario Rodriguez; a classic example of early knock-down furniture.  And this month's "I Can Do That" project is Contemporary Bookshelves.

Marc Adams continues his series of articles on A Better Way to Work with techniques for using the thickness planer, and Bob Flexner tackles the 7 Myths of Polyurethane. The first of a three-part series on the work of Greene & Greene, by David Mathias, showcases these masterworks in never-before published photos.

We also look at the fine points of Federal Furniture with Rob Millard, a modern master of the style. Adam Cherubini continues work on a chair in Arts & Mysteries, and Rob Porcaro presents techniques for making Multiple Through Mortise-and-tenon Joints. We also welcome Marc Spagnuolo (a.k.a. The Wood Whisperer) to our pages, as a regular columnist.


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Folding Campaign Table
By Mario Rodriguez
Page number: 46; Article length: 5 pp.
Campaign furniture was used my military officers in the 18th century, and these early examples of knock-down furniture were well-made and stylish. This reproduction in mahogany is useful and practical while providing an opportunity to develop skills using small amounts of material.

Greene & Greene Masterworks
By David/Robert Mathias/Lang
Page number: 66; Article length: 6 pp.
This article is the first in a series of three photo essays that take an in depth look at the work of Charles and Henry Greene. The distinctive Greene & Greene style is surveyed in new photographs, and many of the details shown have never been published before.

Online Extra: to view additional photos in PDF format, click here (2.12 MB)

Online Extra: to download a listing of additional resources on the work of the Greene brothers in PDF format, click here.


Federal Furniture
By Rob Millard
Page number: 57; Article length: 5 pp.
A master of the style details how beautiful veneer, superb inlay, simple carving and graceful proportions became his raison d'etre in woodworking.

Online Extra: for a video on making a sand-shaded federal style inlay, click here to watch.


Woodworking Essentials: Planers
By Marc Adams
Page number: 51; Article length: 6 pp.
Thickness planers seem simple and safe, but there are some serious operational and safety issues to consider. These rules were developed by the founder of the largest woodworking school in the country, and if you follow them your work will be better, and you won't get hurt.

Online Extra: for a printable list of planer safety tips, click here


Craftsman Bookcase
By Robert W. Lang
Page number: 38; Article length: 8 pp.
This handsome bookcase is made from solid sapele and features wedged through mortis-and-tenon joints, a paneled back, and a secret drawer. Based on Arts & Crafts period designs by Gustav Stickley, this interpretation will be a welcome addition to any home.

Online Extras: SketchUp files of the plans for this project are available by clicking here: 0808BKCS.zip (80.26 KB)

For a video of selecting the lumber for this project click here

For videos on making and using jigs for the joinery are available by clicking here: Router Jigs Part 1 - Router Jigs Part 2


Multiple Through Mortise and Tenon Joints
By Rob Porcaro
Page number: 62; Article length: 4 pp.
This attractive and functional joint adds an interesting design feature, and this technique makes it easier than you might think.

Arts & Mysteries: 18th-century Chairmaking II
By Adam Cherubini
Page number: 22; Article length: 4 pp.
Adam Cherubini continues work on building a chair using traditional hand tools and techniques.

The Wood Whisperer: Magic of Masking Tape
By Marc Spagnuolo
Page number: 26; Article length: 2 pp.
Marc Spagnuolo debuts his new column for Popular Woodworking demonstrating a number of uses for masking tape in the shop and why he buys it in bulk.

Online Extra: to view a Wood Whisperer video based on this article,

I Can Do That: Contemporary Bookshelves
By Megan Fitzpatrick
Page number: 28; Article length: 2 pp.
This elegant set of bookshelves can be made from "off the shelf" home center material, using simple joinery and a few basic tools.

Tool Test
By Staff
Page number: 30; Article length: 3 pp.
This issue we examine the Omnijig dovetail jig from Porter Cable, a new jig saw from Bosch, a custom mad plane at a fair price from Ron Brese, Norton's sharpening system in a box, and a coping sled from Infinity.

Endurance Test: Wayne Anderson Smoother
By Christopher Schwarz
Page number: 36; Article length: 1 pp.
This plane received high marks when brand new, and is still a favorite after a couple years of steady use. Online Extra: To download a pdf presentation that shows the evolution of this tool, click here.

Flexner on Finishing: 7 Myths of Polyurethane
By Bob Flexner
Page number: 76; Article length: 3 pp.
This popular finish often gets a bad rap due to common misconceptions about how, when and why to use it. Finishing expert Bob Flexner gives a clear look at the facts.

Out of the Woodwork: Memories & Milestones
By David Mathias
Page number: 80; Article length: 1 pp.
The 100th anniversary of the Gamble House, the iconic work of Greene & Greene becomes personal with a visit to the builder's grandson.