A New Issue (& An Expanding Wish List)

I have to admit it – I’m having a rough time in this relatively new job. Not my actual work duties, but figuring out what new technique or project I want to try next. I’m a beginner/intermediate woodworker in that I’ve learned enough to get myself in trouble, but I also have learned enough to know how much I don’t know.

So coming to work every day and looking over article proposals, finished projects, new tools and techniques fills my head with all sorts of things to get enthused about. The December issue just went out, and it’s full of stuff I want to try. (And, as always, you’ll find free articles, videos and more on the Online Extras page.)

Our cover story is a great Federal Bow-front table built by Frank Vucolo. I’m a looooong way from being able to build a Federal table, but reading Frank’s article makes me at least want to get out some birch ply and try veneering.

Or maybe I should try carving – it’s a vital part of building fine furniture, and Mary May (a great teacher) shows you the tools and techniques to get started. It gets me thinking that “a carved panel would look great on …”

Maybe I ought to start in my garage/shop, and build the “Not-so Ordinary Router Cabinet” that would look at home in the house with just a few changes. This build shows that just because something is made for shop storage, it doesn’t have to be made out of cheap plywood, 2x4s and deck screws.

But if I were smarter, I’d concentrate on skill-building and learning more about my tools. … And in the December issue, Matt Cianci shows how to sharpen saws the right way, and Christopher Schwarz has a nice trick for aligning dovetails when you transfer from tails to pins (or vice-versa).

You can order the December issue here. and check out the online extras for every article, here.

— Mike Wallace