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Nothing is more fundamental to woodworking than the wood itself, however even professional cabinetmakers struggle with understanding how wood works and how to make it work for them.
In our Spring 2009 issue, we show you how the way that a tree grows in the woods directly affects the way we design and build furniture. And understanding wood is the first step to building projects that look better, last longer and are easier to build. Here are a few of the stories we’ve been researching for the next issue for you. This issue will arrive in your mailbox if you order your subscription by Jan. 30. The issue ships to subscribers in mid-February and will be on newsstands in early March.
– Composing With Grain: Paying close attention to the grain lines in a board is essential to building a harmonious-looking piece of furniture. We show you the rarely explored rules of composing with wood grain that the best furniture makers use to ensure that their projects look their best.
– Understanding Grain Direction: Most people learn to read the grain of boards through trial-and-error. Few people know that there are two reliable ways to read aboard’s grain direction: using the edges of a board, and using the end grain and face grain. Knowing both of these methods will ensure you will work faster and with far less tear-out.
– 18th Century Connecticut Dry Sink: Our cover project features an early American dry sink with classic lines. We show you how to build this project using either traditional or modern techniques.
– Water-resistant Finishes: Some of the projects we build, such as dining room tables and bathroom mirrors, need to survive in wet environments. What’s the most water-resistant finish that can be applied easily at home with simple tools? We find out.
– Countersinks: There are so many kinds of countersinks on the market that even we’re bewildered. We explore when you need a tapered countersink vs. when you need a straight one. Plus we explore how quickly and cleanly some of the new countersink designs cut.
Plus, as always, we features shop tips in our Shortcuts section, your Letters, a woodworking Glossary and absolutely no advertisements whatsoever.
This issue can be yours if you subscribe by Jan. 30, which will get you four issues for $19.96. Click here to subscribe or call 800-283-3542.
– Christopher Schwarz, editor
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
Sean,
We love irony here at Woodworking Magazine. In our first issue we launched it with this quote from John Brown:
"By all means read what the experts have to say. Just don’t let it get in the way of your woodworking."
Ying. Yang. Etc.
Chris
Small irony: the issue that focuses on wood grain has a painted project on the cover.
"Wood grain, and When to Let It Go."
(As the Brits say) I’ll get my coat.