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We’re in the midst of working on the March 2008 issue of Woodworking Magazine. The projects are built and the editing has begun, but we still have some screws left to test. This issue will be printed on the glossy stock we used on the first seven issues (that will make Issue 8 a collectors’ item , ha!). And we are going to put this issue back into the wholesale newsstand market. So you should be able to find it at more bookstores and newsagents than you did with Issue 8.

As always, Issue 9 will be available directly from us, either in printed form or in an instant digital download. While we don’t have a definite release date for Issue 9 yet, here’s my best guess: The digital download version will be available Feb. 1. The printed version will start going out by mid-March. Below is the line-up for Issue 9. (And by the way, work has already begun on Issue 10, which is where we’re going to make sense of finger joints).

Cover Project: Two Stickley Tabourets
By Christopher Schwarz
We build the same Gustav Stickley No. 603 tabouret two different ways: one with mostly hand tools and the other with mostly power tools. Plus we explain how each perspective requires a different approach for layout and assembly.

Technique: Learn to Saw
By Christopher Schwarz
Details: Sawing by hand is one of the most fundamental hand skills you should develop. But it’s not all practice, practice. Chris takes a look back at the historical techniques (now forgotten) that woodworkers used to get accurate sawcuts. Plus, we list the 10 most important rules for sawing.

Tools: Understand Western Backsaws
By Christopher Schwarz
Why would anyone (with the exception of a historical re-enactor or purist) buy an expensive Western saw? We investigate the Western backsaw and explain why it might be a good idea for your shop. Plus, we explain what three saws you need to do to perform all the common cabinetry joints and why.

Technique: Cutting Circles
By Robert W. Lang
We explore the best way to cut circular work, including router trammels and circle-cutting jigs for band saws and spindle sanders (and dismiss the table saw). Once we settle on a technique, we explore the best way to proceed with a minimum amount of clean-up afterward. It uses a router. But which bit is best (Straight? Spiral up-cut? Down-cut? Something else?). How close to the line should you rough-cut? Should you climb-cut? And if so, at what point on the circle , give some guidelines and rules. Plus: Build your own router trammel.
   
Tool Review: Premium Screws
By Glen D. Huey
Some woodworkers buy the cheapest drywall screws they can find. Others spend a pretty penny on stainless-steel beauties from Spax or McFeely’s. What is the difference between these (beside the price)? Are they different steel? Different hardness? Why do some screws cam out and some hold tough. We pit the premium brands against some home center specials to find out if the extra money is justified.

Project: Circular Cutting Board
By Robert W. Lang
We build a simple round cutting board using the jigs and techniques featured in this issue.

Finishing: Glazing for the Ages
By Glen D. Huey
Glaze isn’t a product as much as it a process. We explain how to apply color between layers of finish to subtly age a piece. We explore different products, including shoe polish, gel stain and traditional glaze. What are the differences, advantages and pitfalls of each.

As always, there will be Letters, Shortcuts, a Glossary and a back-of-the-book essay by Glen Huey on the tools he wished he’d never bought. And the back-page poster will cover butt hinges.

– Christopher Schwarz


Product Recommendations

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Showing 6 comments
  • Mattias in Durham, NC

    Mike, this is probably a bit late but in the remote case you look back at this post, try McFeely’s (www.mcfeelys.com). They specialize in square drive, but have lots of other screws too.

    I can’t wait for issue 9. Especially the article on sawing. Mid-March is it? Way too long from now.

  • Mike Boren

    I recently purchased the Woodworking book and your Workbench book and am immensely enjoying both. I haven’t been able to find issue 8 so it has been ordered and is on it’s way.
    I am looking forward to issue 9, especially the article about screws. I have been using spax screws for years but it seems nobody else knows about them.
    I had a large quantity of them with the pozi-drive head and prefer that style over philips and square drive. I have not been able to find any suppliers in the U.S. lately that carry the pozi-drive head.
    Any suggestions?

    Thanks,
    Mike Boren
    San Diego, CA
    P.S. Do you have plans to do any workshops in my area?

  • Bob Demers

    Yeah, issue No 9 is comming back to a bookstore near me, thank you, thank you! Mind you, i did not really mind driving to my nearest LV store to get them 🙂
    As if I needed an excuse to go there (insert big Cheshire cat grin here)
    Bob

  • Andy

    Looking forward to seeing the full issue! I’d been enjoying "catching up" on the older issues in the hardbound book, but then I received your workbench book for my birthday. Now I’m reading that instead! Choosing between those 2 is a good kind of hard decision!

    I was also going to ask about subscriptions – can you substantiate rumors that they’ll start next year? I was thinking of the paper version, but a digital subscription might be interesting too.
    Thanks and keep up the good work,
    Andy

  • Alan

    Hope you folks will consider a yearly subscription to download the digital version.

  • The Village Carpenter

    Very much looking forward to the next issue of Woodworking Magazine, especially the article on sawing techniques. I read past issues over and over again.

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