Reader's Response

Of Cutting...Boards?

Work Sharp

"Cinder block was manufactured as a lightweight block. The modern replacement is a lightweight block using haydite aggregate. They are still made today and are used in non-load-bearing applications where weight is an issue." – Fred Kalvelage

"When it comes to cutting boards, I have succumbed to the Dark Side and strictly use the plastic variety. That's because we can put the plastic ones in the dishwasher and get them really clean. I have made several wooden ones, but my lovely wife leaves them on display in the kitchen." – Greg Smith

"A plastic cutting board can go into the dishwasher. This makes it perfect for using to cut up raw meat and poultry. I use wood cutting boards for fruits and veggies." – Roberta Moreton

"I really like wood, but plastic can be routinely run through the dishwasher to be sanitized, or treated with bleach, something I wouldn't want to happen to a nice wooden one." – Patrick Greenlee

Others had different reasons for their preferences. – Editor

"I use both. I have a few wooden boards and one plastic board. I use the wood boards for practically everything except three items: garlic, hot peppers and fish. I use one side of the plastic cutting board for fish, and the other for garlic and peppers." - Michael Gaule

"I have both. I use both. I tend to use the plastic one for meats and the wooden ones for veggies, but it really depends on what I'm cutting, what I'm cutting it with, and how much working area I need. My largest happens to be plastic." – Joe Kesselman

"I use a plastic cutting board because it came with my wife when we got married, and I haven't gotten around to making a wood board." – Barry Saltsberg

"I work in wood, but I confess that I use plastic cutting boards in the
kitchen. As for wooden cutting boards, I would use wood cutting boards if my family wouldn't leave them in the sink to warp. If you publish this, please don't sign my real name. I don't like sleeping with the dogs. Sign me..." – Banjoguy

Fair enough, Banjoguy. You were honorable enough to include your real name, so we will be honorable enough not to put you in hot water (along with your cutting boards.) Of course, there are some wood loyalists, though fewer than we expected. – Editor

"I'm very loyal to my wooden cutting board. It was made by my cabinetmaker grandfather out of a piece of 5/4 beech at least 60 years ago. My grandmother put it to work, and I've had it for the past 25 years. It's now about an inch thick, and I suspect it'll be useless about a hundred years from now." – Ed Kern

"I don't think that there is one of us old meat cutters out there that wouldn't be elated to go back to wood cutting blocks. The main reason: our knives lasted longer, and we didn't have to take them to the stone nearly as often. We cleaned them with soapy water and a bristle brush, then rinsed with bleach-laden water. From time to time, we'd wet them and leave a coat of salt overnight to really whiten them up. Also, meat didn't slide around as much." Ken Browning

This sad tale came from a well-meaning woodworker who made cutting boards only to have them revered instead of used. – Editor

"I made my first laminated cutting board for my mom in 1971. It has been used virtually every day since and it is still going strong, so I thought it would make a nice and simple gift for all my cousins one Christmas. They all loved them, but not a one will use it as a cutting board. They all feel they are too beautiful to use every day and only put them out as centerpieces at parties and family gatherings." – Mark Huey

Our favorite response, though, came from this waggish wood fancier. – Editor

Bill, you are obviously thinking of a different word.

niggardly: (adjective) 1. Grudging and petty in giving or spending. 2. Meanly small; scanty or meager: left the waiter a niggardly tip.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000

Even the origins of the two words are entirely different, as is explained by Anu Garg, word maven of A Word A Day. "Niggard, of which niggardly is the adverb form, is of Scandinavian origin and has an entirely different etymology. The only thing the two words have in common is a few letters." – Editor

"I would not have posted the comment due to the use of the word niggardly. I understand that it is not a slang word, but it is commonly taken to be one." – Sam Brooks

If we were to abandon any word that someone misunderstands or is not familiar with, our language would devolve into a pale imitation of its present colorful pastiche. One could also argue that perhaps the best way to prevent a word from becoming misunderstood is to use it regularly and correctly. – Editor

Don't Forget to Floss "In Issue 175, a question was asked how to separate two pieces of wood that were held together by means of two-sided tape. Mineral spirits helps, but dental floss, worked back and forth between the two pieces of wood just as you would if flossing teeth acts as a cutting or slicing mechanism that will separate the adhesive." – Andy Conner

Typo Corner

Here's where we chuckle over our ability to quickly hit the wrong keys when typing. It's easy to see how that happened in this example, which boasts not only two different incorrect spellings of odor, but also a substitution for the word "neutralize." – Editor

"The cupboards have an awful order like dirty feet. How can we naturalize this ordor?"

Luthiers and Language

A Bellwether of Summer
It must be summertime. Our mailbox had more commentary about language than woodworking, a sure sign that beaches and mountains are distracting us from our shops. First up was a comment about our explanation of the word bellwether. – Editor

"Thanks a lot, guys. I always feel that I get an education from this site. Sometimes it is in woodworking, and sometimes it is in other areas totally unrelated. I really enjoy the woodworking related education, but actually read the eZine for the enjoyment of the other." – John Holman

Next at bat was the word luthier. – Editor

"While I would certainly agree that guitar makers are luthiers, Mr. Stanecki's comment and your reply imply luthiery equals guitar making. As those who make ukulele, violins, cellos and, yes, even lutes would quickly point out, the term is much broader than that." – Jeff Combs

We assure you, Jeff, that we in no way were implying that luthiery is restricted to guitarmaking as we have great respect for the other arms of the craft as well. Meanwhile, another writer took umbrage at the suggestion by Tony Oliver that we avoid arcane words. – Editor

"Tony Oliver made the comment 'You can screw up a perfectly delightful piece when you pepper it with obscure words we don't know and won't take the time to look up in the dictionary.' Exactly when did Americans start defending ignorance?" – David Goen

As if to wrap it up, this writer went the other direction and complained about a word that she feels society is using too often. – Editor
 
"It seems 'do' is now the all-purpose verb. We do lunch or do a meeting. I've heard allegedly college-educated people in a restaurant saying 'I think I'll do a chicken sandwich.'" – Rebekah d'Avignon

An article about Lithium-Ion battery tools in the July/August 2007 issue of our print Woodworker's Journal magazine elicited this comment and praise from a reader. – Editor

We offered a set of free plans in the last issue that we had run previously, and at least one reader was quick to comment, with just a hint of sarcasm for good measure. – Editor

"The finish smelt really strong."

CompuCarve

CompuCarve 
Our tool preview in issue 176 was about the Sears CompuCarve, and it generated a good bit of comment, starting with complaints about what we did not do. – Editor

"I read the review of the Craftsman CompuCarve System and found it added no value over reading the Sears web site. Every woodworker I know is talking about it. I was hoping your review would shed some light onto the value of an almost $2,000 tool that has created a new category. I hope in the future you devote some pages in your magazine or eZine to really reviewing the tool." – Paul M Cohen

"I believe you should have tried one of these in your shop to get a real test." – George Sarver

As we have explained before, we do not do tool reviews in the eZine. What you read was a preview, and in the interest of honesty we call the segment "Tool Preview." We do tool reviews in the print version of Woodworker's Journal, but not here. However, do read on, because some of your fellow readers who bought the machine shared their opinions. While not a review from a magazine, these should certainly help. – Editor

"I teach at Clinton Prairie High School, and we purchased one for the students to use in the woodworking class. It is remarkable how simple it is to use. It is slow, and you will have areas that will need to be scraped and lightly sanded, but for the price, I don't think you can beat it. If you have a design that you want to mirror, it will place it exactly on both places. It is a point and click operation when you are designing your work on the computer. You then download your design to the memory card and put this into the machine. You can import images from the Internet or other sources, as long as they are in JPG format." – Al Hintzman

"I went to the Alowood site, which referred me to Edensaw Woods Ltd. All other distributors were flooring or plywood suppliers. Where can I get some or see some in person?" – Bill Hook

"When I went to their web site, they showed three places where you can purchase Alowood. However, I went to all three on the web and could not find Alowood in any of their web sites. Can you help with pricing and order possibilities? Thanks." – Robert B. Langston

We passed these letters on to Karen New, Alowood's director of marketing, and she was happy to help. – Editor

Our thread on whether or not woodworkers label the drawers of their cabinets petered out, but we can't resist sharing the creative impulses of just one more woodworker. – Editor

A WoodCentral message board entry that we repeated in the eZine correctly used the term niggardly. We defended its use after a couple of letter writers mistook it for a totally unrelated word, and we even shared the etymology of the word. That linguistic tussle is still generating commentary. – Editor

"It was pretty refreshing to hear a reasonable and thoughtful defense of a perfectly good word - niggardly - in an online woodworking magazine. As a writer by profession with a college degree in English, I have maintained for years that ours is a large, colorful and ever-expanding language, and we should strive to use it as fully as possible. Sadly, most English-speaking Americans are limited to a working vocabulary of something like 500-700 words out of over 400,000. Now it's time to get down off of my soapbox and head for the basement to go manufacture some more sawdust. Thanks, and keep up the good work." – K. C. Jensen, Jr.

If it is true that "most English-speaking Americans are limited to a working vocabulary of something like 500-700 words," then we suspect woodworkers as a group, and our readers in particular, are way above average. Here's further evidence. – Editor

"Young people today and in the future will be sadly handicapped and poorer if the richness of our language is eroded, and if we let our children move through an education system with lowered expectations while speaking in truncated, distorted street talk." – Gordon P. Patnude

"Hurrah for you! Standing up for what is right is the honorable thing to do, yet not always done. I agree that a devolution would follow the abandonment of perfectly good words, à la Orwell's 1984." – Gordon Loucks

We were thinking more along the lines of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, a novel set in a future in which books are banned and burned, but thanks for the support. – Editor

"So, is a frugal woodworker niggardly in her use of wood? Great explanation of the word and the goal of using a word often in order to reduce misunderstandings." – Debbie Roswell

"My compliments on your response to those who were upset about the use of the word niggardly. It's sad to see the number of people whose vocabulary is so limited." – Bob Spalding

"Thank you for explaining the term 'niggardly.' I had not heard the word in a while, but knew instantly what it meant and saw the potential for offense. Thank you for using the word properly. It is much appreciated." – Rob Radcliff

"I compliment you for not cowering to false assumptions. It's not about wood, I know, but your comments on the actual meaning of the word were informative and refreshing. I commend you." – Bob Leathers

Thanks, but sadly, not everyone felt that way. This writer insisted on speaking not only for himself but for his fellow readers when advising us to dumb down our "obscure" and "pretentious" prose. Personally, we feel he is underestimating our readers. – Editor

"Come on. You're writing to woodworkers. How much less pretentious an audience could you have? Write to your audience. You can screw up a perfectly delightful piece when you pepper it with obscure words we don't know and won't take the time to look up in the dictionary." – Tony Oliver

Because we feel a need to do woodworking, we fill our shops with tools and hone the skills to use them. Because we feel the need to communicate with one another, we fill our minds with words and hone the skills to use them. Who among us ever has enough tools? – Editor

Speaking of language, Rob mentioned a past engaged in luthiery, which generated this correction. But is the correction correct?  – Editor

This spot is respectfully dedicated to the gentle chuckles that result from a slip of the fingers on the keyboard such as the following one. – Editor

"The chairs we varnished last year are now pealing."

That's no doubt a bellwether of what's to come. – Editor

Is this really a Typo?

Is This Really a Typo?
"Rob wrote 'What do you see in your crystal (or maybe mahogany) balls?' Any self-respecting gypsy only uses one crystal ball." – Andy Mylniczenko

We suspect he was speaking to woodworkers collectively, hence the plural. On the other hand, perhaps Rob owns a pair of mahogany balls that he gazes at from time to time. We can't say we blame him. We would do the same if we owned a pair of mahogany balls. – Editor. 

"I thought it was gypsies that had crystal balls. There must have been a lot of laughs about this line. Not a typo per se, but still funny." – Jim Rimmer

What woodworkers want

What Woodworkers Want
 In issue 170, Rob asked you want you want from your favorite woodworking magazine. Here is one of your responses. – Editor

"What I would like to see is more information on where I can find good quality, reasonably priced wood online. Maybe a list of sites that sell lumber and wood online would be helpful to a lot of us city dwellers who are serious about woodworking." – Pete DeFrancisco

Clair Bossum

Clair Boussum
"Great article about Clair Boussum. His fretwork is amazing. Any chance of seeing his 'floating table' for his saw? Sounds a great idea, as do the cam locks." – Ray Small

We agree that would have been interesting, but sadly, Clair did not submit a photo of his saw table. – Editor

"It is heartwarming to read this article and to see such beautiful work. Clair sounds like a person who would be a good neighbor. Thanks for sharing his work." – Bob Miller

"This is a great article. Talk about service to humanity. This stands out of the pack. Keep up the good works on articles like this one." – Bill Fahy

"Why not create a video of Clair Boussum doing some work such as he does with the kids and put it online so the rest of us can benefit from his skills?" – W. Shaw Reid

Tool Review or Not Tool Review, That is the Question

Tool Review or Not Tool Review, That is the Question
"I just recently read a review of ChestMate's Dovetail Jig in the eZine but did not find it very helpful. It gave a brief description of the jig and quoted a couple of claims from the marketing material. Did you actually use the jig?" – Brian Greenberg

No, but that is because it was not a tool review. It was a tool preview, which is only meant to introduce new tools to our readers. Our tool reviews and testing appear in the print edition of Woodworker's Journal magazine, but not in the online eZine. – Editor

Spalted Wood

Spalted Wood
 "The word 'spalted' appears in issue 170, and I was unable to find it in any dictionary. Could you please let me know where I can find woodworking -pecific definitions?" – Dale Chabino

The dictionary definition we found for spalt was "liable to break or split; brittle; as, spalt timber." Among woodworkers, though, spalting refers to discoloration in wood that is caused by white rot fungi. The distinctive lines are actually territory barriers formed by incompatible colonies of fungi. Some find it very attractive, while others think it looks like rotten wood, which is more or less what it is. Here's a particularly good article on it from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. – Editor

A Fool's Errand

A Fool's Errand
On April first ,we came out with our third annual April Fool's Day edition. As usual, it generated more reader response than any other issue, so we can only share a scant few representative responses with you. First, a couple who hated it. – Editor

"What a waste of my time." – Walt Ulrich

"If I want to read a comic book, I would have subscription to Mad Magazine." – Wayne Neville

Many were genuinely fooled. – Editor

"There is no download link on the plans page." – Jacques Hara

"The link for Mock III Tools does not work. Please advise as I may order the plane." – Dave Norris

"The Wooden Shoe link goes nowhere." –  Forrest Shields

"The information is usually most informative, but these are undoubtedly the two worst plans that have ever been sent on this site." – Thomas Smith

"I used to enjoy your articles, and now it's just a bunch of junk. You have turned this site into a joke." – Dan Morrell

Exactly, but take heart:; we only do it once a year. Far and away, the greatest number of responses were from those who love our annual spoof. – Editor

"Your best yet; over the top. You've taken the eZine to a new plane at Mock III." – C. Michael Clayton

"I always enjoy this one." – Walt Grabowski

"Carved paper bags? Lasers on a hammer? Mock III? I have never enjoyed an issue of your eZine so much." – Luke Jones

"Now that started my day with a smile!" – Roger McIntosh

"Right on; made my morning." – Don Squire

"You guys crack me up! The Mock III is hilarious." – Jeff Smith

"I pulled a muscle in my chest from laughing so hard." – Rod Burrow Jr.

"The one way to get me to read every sentence of WJ is to send out the April 1 issue. It arrived on my desktop like a Gustav Wynde." – Gerald Kornelsen

"Thanks for starting my day off with some good humor. Now it is time to grab my crash helmet and head for the shop." –  Rick Webb

"Thanks for the great April Fool's Issue. It only took me about 30 minutes to realize what you were up to." – Mike Ward

"Loved the names in the Q&A section. Simply awesome!" – Steve Kargman

"Thanks for making my day!" – Jim Killeen

"I needed this. It not only made me laugh but gave me an idea for a new product: a table saw that folds up and fits into a kitchen drawer." – George A. Ulrick, Jr.

"I've waited all year for this issue and was not disappointed." – Coleen Rourke

"I especially enjoy the 'letters' written before this edition came out." – Bob Hoyle

"Once again I laughed till my sides ached. Looking forward to next year already." – Cyril Griesbach

"Thanks for reminding us that, as serious as many of us take this hobby, we should also remember that we should have fun with it." – Bruce Backman

"Isn't it a shame that there is only one April 1 in every year?" – Ron Dvorsky

"Really great spoof!" – Rick Davis

"Absolutely great. You totally caught me off guard. Touché." – Stan Davies

"The annual April 1st edition is the only one where I read the whole thing." – Craig Austin

"I look forward to your April 1st issue every year." – Gene Nurse

Typo Corner

Typo Corner

To err is human, but clearly some errors are divine. – Editor

"The surface was in god shape"

SMALL HOOKS, SMALL HANDS AND SMALL CHANGES IN MEASUREMENT AND LANGUAGE

Hooked on Tapes
"In the Q&A section, the question was asked about the correct name for the hook end of a measuring tape. Where I'm from we always called it the dummy end of the tape. I know well, because I always got to hold that end." – Chris Lohman

"I have always called the hook zero or zero end." – Rich Flynn


Small Hands
"Regarding the Q&A concerning any cordless drills on the market with comfortable handles, especially with smaller grips, I believe Milwaukee has won acclaim for its higher end drills and their smaller, more comfortable grips. I certainly respect the economy view of the tool world, but also wish the higher end tools were better represented and mentioned more often than they are. Thank you for your fine efforts to help out woodworkers online." – Ron Garren


Maybe Metric?
"Thanks for the nice new eZine format. I don't know how many subscribers you have from Europe, but would it be possible to add the measurements in metric to the free plans?" – Andreas Kaufmann

Sorry, but that is not something we can do at present. It looks as if you will have to continue converting them on your own, but look on the bright side. All that math will help keep your mind sharp. – Editor


A Question, a Comment and a Suggestion
"Where do the submissions for the Q&A section come from? By the way, the new look is great, but tell the guy with the problem cutting off box lids to use a cross-cut sled with a stop block, it works like a charm." – John Hanlon

The questions are sent directly to the eZine by our readers, and thanks for both the nice comments and the good suggestion. – Editor


Watch Your Language!
"In your Feedback section, you provided an excellent answer to Frank Johnson's irritation with language usage. As I am now 63 years of age, I, too, see many differences in usage and have accepted the wonderful fact that our language is the only thing that is entirely controlled by the people. The worst thing that could happen would be a government dictating our language. Those who produce dictionaries are merely archivists of how people use the language." – Wayne M. Hope


Typo Corner
It's amazing how just a couple of letters typed in error can give a whole new meaning to your discourse. – Editor

"I am planing to sand the flowers in my home."

When he's done that, he'll water the floors. – Editor

ShopBot, Riving Knives and the Metric Morass

ShopBot
"Love the new look. I am writing because I own a ShopBot, It is one of the older models, but I love it. I bought mine used about a year ago, and it runs great. Being a member of the online forum is great. You can talk to them about problems, questions, ideas or just show off your work. The ShopBot staff read and post, too." – Gerald Wilson

"I like the typo page and think that you have a very interesting eZine. I started to read the article on the ShopBot but quit when I saw the huge price. Even though the Shopsmith is also as expensive, I would buy it as it is about a thousand less than the ShopBot." – Richard Boll


Riving Knife
"I was disappointed to note that the responses leaned towards the pronunciation, rather than its purpose. Only Richard noted, 'Its purpose is to reduce the chance of kickback,' but didn't give the important reason of
how and why. Given that most American tables don't come with a riving knife as standard, I would hope you'll offer up this additional information, so that woodworkers can make an informed decision as to whether to fit one or not." – Robert Atkinson

It does the same job as the splitter which comes on most American saws and reduces kickback in the same way. A riving knife is a unique type of splitter that goes no higher than the blade but rides with it as the blade is raised and lowered or tilted. Both keep the kerf open during the cut to prevent wood pressing against the back side of the spinning blade, which could throw it toward the operator. As for fitting a riving knife to an existing saw, you rarely have that choice. Either the saw is designed to accept one or it is not, and most American saws are not. – Editor


Keep it Simple
"I am 65 years and enjoy the eZine and want to thank you for the free wall shelf plans. Until a short time ago, I was never interested in making anything but what was necessary. You might say that I am a beginner. The point I want to make is I have no idea how I would build most of the plans you give away, so don't just cater to the folks that can build anything. We beginners like to be out in our sheds or shops as well." – Robert W. Reed

Duly noted. We will certainly try to keep some variety in the complexity of our plans so that we can keep all our readers happy as much as possible. – Editor


Good Advice
A reader complained that he got notches in the corners when he tried to cut the lid off a box on a table saw, and a reader named John Hanlon offered the suggestion to use a crosscut sled, much to this reader's delight. – Editor

"I had the same problem removing the lid part from boxes with my table saw. The suggestion by one of your readers to use a crosscut sled worked." – Gene Nurse


Metric Morass
After we told a reader could not print future plans with metric measurements at the present, a few metric fans responded. – Editor
 
"It really isn't that hard: one inch (2.54cm), one foot (0.3048 meters), one kilometer (0.62 miles), one mile (1,609 meters or 1.6 kilometers). In fact, the "official" definition of the inch has been exactly 25.4 mm for many years now. There are also lots of free unit conversion tools out there." – J Dougherty

See? Easy as pie. So, eleven and thirteen sixteenths in metric would be… Um, on second thought, maybe we do need those conversion tools. Fortunately, the next writer suggested two. – Editor

"There are several great free online conversion sites. The one I use most is  World Wide Metric that converts just about every measurement known to man. My other suggestion is buy a combination tape measure. I have one with both standard and metric on the same tape. It sure simplified my life." – William Grider


Typo Corner
Here's where we celebrate the humor that emerges from our complex language and our propensity to garble it via the keyboard. – Editor

"It's a dark expresso colored wood."

We assume that's the color of Italian instant coffee. – Editor

Sharing Memories, Making Plans, and Clarifying a Quiz

 
Mike McGlynn
It was with great sadness that we wrote about the passing of a fine editor, an outstanding woodworker and a dear colleague, Mike McGlynn, and it came as no surprise that others outside our circle admired him deeply as well. – Editor

"Sorry to hear of Mike McGlynn's passing but I thought you might like to hear what those in the climbing community thought of him. These posts are on a mountain climbing site forum." – Bob Messier

"I meant to send this email several weeks ago when I first learned of Mike's passing in Woodworker's Journal [the print magazine]. I read your article on him in the eZine today, and just wanted to write a brief email. Mike's articles were inspirational, entertaining, and very well written. In fact, his articles are on my short list of why I subscribed to Woodworker's Journal. I called him several years ago while he was in the Twin Cities when I had a couple questions and had a nice conversation with him. He was extremely helpful. I always looked forward to his next article, particularly when it involved Greene & Greene influenced design. I'm not sure where I heard or read this, but I thought at one time he was working on an article for some dining room chairs to match the table in your magazine. Is there any chance this is correct? It would be wonderful if there was another article or two of his that could be included in a future issue. My favorite articles in the eZine are the ones that focus on woodworkers and their stories and lives; how they got into the craft, what influenced them, their design interests. Keep those coming please! Again, thanks for publishing the article on Mike. I will miss his presence in Woodworker's Journal." – George Huston

As will we, George.  Unfortunately, Mike's last article that was planned to appear in the magazine, the bedside table to complete the bedroom set whose bed and dresser appeared in the January/February 2007 and January/February 2006 issues, respectively, passed away with him.– Editor


Metric Morass
"You told a reader 'we could not print future plans with metric measurements at the present' and I am curious just how does one print future plans in the present?" – Bill Hammond

Exactly the point, Bill. You hit the nail right on the head. It's impossible, but thanks for explaining why to our readers. We could not have done it better ourselves. – Editor


Fall Boards
Rob asked what projects are in store for you this fall, and several readers responded. – Editor

"A couple of us in the church choir are going to build risers. We have plans and material and soon we will have risers. Also I can't wait for the first hard freeze. Then it is outside without mosquitoes!" – William Larsen
 
"I agree with you; fall is my favorite time of the year too. I just finished a big desk for my daughter. The desk was huge with full-length drawers about 29 inches long. It turned out great so now my wife wants one this fall. Thanks for a great magazine and a great web woodworking journal." – David Kuehl

"I'm another who likes fall if not for anything other than the color, but I know it's time to tune up my scroll saw and to start making mini clocks and Christmas presents." – Jim Milam

"I am in the early stages of making a corner curio cabinet for my wife. It is something I have promised her for a few years now and I think my skill level is up to the task." – Tom Delia

"I intend to start fulfilling my wife's wish list by outfitting all of our bedroom and entrance closets with organizers. After that I'm going to build a set of Mission inspired nightstands for our bedroom. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at cutting some through and half-blind dovetails for the drawers. Sounds like an awesome fall in my shop!" – Jason L. Young

It certainly does. – Editor

"I plan to finish a bookcase for my son, a crib for my seventh grandchild, work to complete the dinning room in process for two years, and redo the shop so I can spend more time working on the project than looking for the proper equipment." – Paul Sutton

"As October hits, I hit the shop to build for Christmas, the honey-do list, and finally for myself. Unfortunately, the honey-do list keeps growing, and I never seem to get to my wish list. But, this year is different. (I say that every year.) On the list are step stools for my three kids, an entertainment stand, a chest of drawers, and a nightstand, and finally a new miter saw stand for me." – Roy R. Pietras

Not everyone sees fall as a time of change, though. – Editor

"What's this returning to woodworking time stuff? I work in my shop almost every day. I am retired and live in Colima, Mexico, the land of eternal spring. My shop is on the roof of my house." – Al Klob


Premium Quiz
Those of you who read the premium edition of this eZine know that one regular feature is the quiz, but one question in the most recent issue left this reader more confused than informed. – Editor

"I have been receiving the Woodworker's Journal for a number of years now and had no second thoughts on subscribing to the Premium Edition, but one question on the quiz about table saw tooth grind abbreviations left me wishing for an explanation. I have no idea what ATB, TCG, FT, or CCR stand for." – Tony Turner

ATB stands for Alternate Top Bevel. It's the tooth style used on most dedicated crosscut blades, such as you'd put on a miter saw or radial arm saw. As the name implies, the tips of the teeth pitch either left or right in a regular pattern.

TCG stands for Triple Chip Grind. Here, the corners of every other tooth are nipped off and that tooth is a tad higher than the alternate flat topped teeth. The high tooth pre-cuts the material, reducing chipping when cutting plastics and laminates.

FT means Flat Top. Dedicated ripping blades usually have flat-topped teeth rather than beveled teeth. They cut rapidly and cleanly along the grain but make coarser cuts across grain.

CCR is the fake answer. That one, according to quiz author, Woodworker's Journal Field Editor Chris Marshall, stands for Creedance Clearwater Revival, a '70s rock band. – Editor


Typo Corner
This time around, our lighthearted homage to garbled typing highlights a common homophone. – Editor

"I hope you can give me some direction on what my next coarse of action should be."

We're sure we can offer some fine advice. – Editor

Irons, Plans and Some Very Puzzling Letters

Figure Eight

After we sent a reader to Rockler to find the figure eight fasteners he was seeking, this reader from Down Under told us where to find them in his neck of the woods. – Editor

"Having just built a dining table, I can reliably inform your reader that in Australia those fasteners are available at Bunnings Warehouse. Great magazine; keep up the good work." – Jerry Everard, Canberra, Australia
 
"Perhaps the reader would have had more luck finding them if he knew their proper name. According to the book Making Authentic Craftsman Furniture, they are called table irons." – Rann Fox

We doubt it. A search for "table irons" online yielded several sites that sold a special rectangular iron used for smoothing the cloth on snooker tables, but not one figure eight shaped fastener. – Editor


The Best Laid Plans
"There used to be two free plans in the eZine each time. Why is there now only one?" – Johnny Swafford

There are still two free plans. In issue 183, they were a stool and a rocking horse. They were divided by an ad, so you had to keep scrolling down below the ad to find the second one, but it was there. Incidentally, there is also a third, more complex plan offered in the Premium edition of the eZine. – Editor


New Format

"I have been an eager and avid reader of the eZine for a couple of years now, and I applaud your effort to update the format to be more contemporary. However, the dark gray background has made it very hard to read, especially the blue and light gray lettering. Even the regular text is somewhat of a strain. Please lighten up the background or even revert back to white." – Bob Korpi

We're a bit puzzled. The eZine pages show up on our computer as white with black printing, while the headings show up as white printing on either green or orange backgrounds. This sounds like an issue with an individual's computer settings.– Editor


More Puzzling Than the Story Itself

Our story about the rise and fall of Puzzlecraft, the business created and then folded by Steve Strickland, drew some very unusual comments. – Editor
 
"If you want to let that guy pretend Iraq affected his business, you need to give equal time to the reverse political opinion." – Ken Sternberg

We doubt Steve was pretending. It is not in his nature, and he certainly had nothing to gain by it. Nor did he, or we, espouse any particular political opinion. The curious thing is that even those who saw a political message were not in agreement about which side was being presented, leaving us wondering just exactly what the reverse political opinion would be. – Editor

"I'm not sure if you were just trying to be politically correct, but I think the lesson to be learned is if a country decides to be a bully, no matter what the justification, the rest of the world will see the behavior for what it is: bullying." – Mark Evan Slafkes

Others, for no apparent reason, simply refused to believe what Steve said. – Editor

"Strickland's assertion that Iraq is to blame for the decline of his business is not supported by the facts he presents." – Dale Nichols

We thought it was, and were certainly willing to believe him when he told us it was. After all, he was there; we weren't. – Editor

"I read Woodworker's Journal to learn about woodworking, not to be preached to about U.S. policy. The U.S. economy is and has been thriving in all market areas." – Bob Morrison

We agree that the Journal is about woodworking, and saw nothing but a woodworking business story in Steve's tale. And while the economy may be thriving, that does not mean this one business was not affected. In fact, this sort of thing happens more than we might think. Read on, and you will see what we mean. – Editor

"I read with interest your story about your puzzle business. Just to let you know how strange this phenomenon can be, I'll relate my story. For years. I have operated a publishing business creating and selling teaching manuals used at the technical and university levels. Though operating from Canada, I sold books to about 50 universities in the U.S .and had been doing this for about seven years. Then 9/11 happened, and all the orders from the U.S. just stopped cold with the exception of just one university in Arizona, which still continues to order regularly. I often wonder at how many other stories there are like this one. I know of several other Canadian business that lost all of their U.S. sales overnight after 9/11. By the way, your puzzles are marvelous." – Wayne M. Hope

Just to make sure we were not missing something, we checked with Steve to get his take on this.  We'll give him the last word. – Editor

"My interview with Michael Dresdner concerned the loss of my small woodworking business due to an unexpected event, exactly like a fire, tornado or flood. It shows how events in far-off places can cost you your job. I fail to see how reporting this story meant supporting or opposing any political stance." - Steve Strickland


Typo Corner

Our lighthearted homage to keyboard foibles sometimes leaves us wondering if what we see as a typing error is actually a commentary on our wisdom, or lack thereof. – Editor

"I hope that you could help us with more of your sagged advice."

While many of our parts are indeed starting to sag, we were hoping our advice was still holding up. Apparently not. – Editor

An Error, an Approval, a Gray Screen and a Dustup

Great Story, But…

Jeff Lohr was pleased with the story we wrote about him, but it seems we managed to garble a key fact in a most embarrassing way. - Editor

"Thanks for a story that was very well crafted with a title that expressed the exact scenario. I have only one correction. Ralph Kovel is not one of two brothers. Ralph is one of a husband and wife team of Ralph and Terry Kovel. They are very well-known in the collector world, do appraisals for Sotheby's, have their own Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles newsletter, and most antique dealers and collectors use their annual hardback publications as their bible for pricing and research. Anyway, save for the error about the Kovels, your article is just wonderful exactly as written. You did me proud." - Jeff Lohr

Oops! Our deepest apologies to both you and the Kovels, Jeff, and our thanks for calling our attention to it in such a kind and gentle manner. It was an honor being invited to share the story of your life and craft. Thank you. - Editor

"Thanks for the story about Jeffrey Lohr. A friend of mine has a gorgeous table that also is made out of a '300-year-old oak burl from the estate of some duke.' Pretty cool to see how folks have used unique pieces of wood." - Randy Hermann

"I just read the article on Jeff Lohr and wanted to share my experience. I took his Practical Woodworking class in the summer of 2006. It is a great course, and he and his apprentices are great people. The course is intense and fun at the same time. I learned more in that week than I had expected and also became aware of how little I really know about woodworking. His house is filled with his work. It is like visiting a museum, only it is lived in." - A. J. Johnson


Fireplace Finish

Our experts suggested an oil-based polyurethane finish for a fireplace mantel in our Q&A section. One reader gave his nod of approval, but it was not just any reader. - Editor

"Great comment for the fireplace finish in the Woodworker's Journal." - Peter Beck

Peter Beck knows a whole lot more about finishes than we mere mortal woodworkers. He is a fourth generation owner and CEO of Lawrence MacFadden, one of the most venerable and respected finish manufacturers in the country. If anyone can validate a finishing answer, it is him. Thanks for the nod, Peter. - Editor


Gray Background

In our last issue, we printed a letter from a reader who complained that the new eZine format was hard to read because of the gray background. We were confused, as it is not sent out that way. The mystery is now happily solved by the reader in question, whose sense of humor is obviously more finely tuned than his computer monitor. - Editor

"Yup, I have sawdust on my face. I read my letter in the feedback section about the new magazine format having a gray background. Shortly after I sent the original letter, you sent me a new link with the same gray background results. That got me to thinking, and that can be quite dangerous. I finally figured out that somebody had messed with my computer, and it took me an hour to reset everything back to normal. It's a good thing that I know more about woodworking than I do about computers. Incidentally, you asked your readership to share their biggest woodworking goof-ups. Sorry, I don't have one. All of my projects have turned out perfectly." - Bob Korpi
 

Steel City Dust Collector

In the last issue, we highlighted the Steel City Mini Dust collector, which inspired one reader to insist that it looks like a colostomy bag. Another had a somewhat more specific complaint about the bag itself. - Editor

"That 30-micron bag is a little scary. It's the fine particles that stay around longest and do the most damage, so 0.5 micron and below is what is now becoming the standard for dust collectors. The Steel City version will send particles all over the shop." - Steve Forcucci

Perhaps, but as this reader pointed out, there is another option. - Editor

"Since they have a 1-micron bag as an accessory, it would have been nice to have included the price of that as well." - Chuck Molnar

You're right. Sorry about that. The one micron bag is available for a list price of $27. - Editor


Typo Corner

It's curious how just one missing letter can change an image. - Editor

"Is there any way of removing it without refinishing the hole room."

We assume "the hole room" is the place where bakers make those tasty donut holes. - Editor 

Pilot Holes, Good Caulk and Bad Grammar

Pilot Holes

A comment in Web Surfer's Review about drilling pilot holes for brass screws elicited a comment and a question. – Editor

"My favorite tool for this purpose is the Japanese gimlet, or mitsume-kiri. It is a very sharp-pointed triangular metal drill bit in a round wooden handle that is spun between the user's palms. The sharp pointed tip makes it very easy to start it exactly where you want it and, because it is tapered, its hole is a good fit for wood screws. The edges are very sharp, so it only takes a few spins to make the required hole." – Milford Brown

"Do you know where a person could get a decimal chart for all the drill bits available standard and metric?" – Gary Belich

Will this one do? If you prefer one in a slightly different format, try this one.– Editor 

bobmay.astronomy.net/misc/drillchart.htm
http://www.saw-online.com/Tips/drill.htm


Caulk it Up to Experience

One of our experts suggested caulk for filling gaps when fitting crown molding. From his answer, it seemed to us that he was talking about molding that was already finished, but this reader raised a valuable warning about painting caulk. – Editor

"Make sure the caulk you use is 100 percent pure latex, as any latex paint will peel off if the caulk has any silicone in it at all. Been there; done that." – Carmine Ferrari

There are some paintable non-latex caulks, but Carmine makes a good point about making sure you choose paintable caulk if you plan to paint it. – Editor


Grammar Police Make Local Arrest. Film at 11

"In the feedback section, your grammar checker must be on the fritz. The sentence, 'If anyone can validate a finishing answer, it is him.' should have read 'If anyone can validate a finishing answer, it is he.' Keep up the good work." – Dave Rukavina

Dave is right, of course, but now we wonder what he meant by "keep up the good work" after pointing out our bad grammar. – Editor


The Pressure is On

"I just read about the Wagner sprayer in your eZine. It said it can vary pressure between 1,000 and 2,800 psi. At that pressure, wouldn't you push the paint right through the wood?" – Don Dziubakowski

That's the pressure at the tip. Once the drops of finish emerge from the tip, that energy is quickly dissipated and the pressure drops dramatically. By the time the finish hits the wood, it is nowhere near that. However, you most certainly do not want to press that gun tip against flesh and pull the trigger, as that will force finish through your skin. – Editor


Quiz Questions

"I just took the current woodworking quiz and now I am wondering what the distribution looks like. Specifically, what are the mean and standard deviation of the number of correctly answered questions by those of us who have subscribed? Also, how many have subscribed?" – Gene A. Tagliarini

We will have more comparative data for the quiz takers available in the future, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, enjoy taking the quiz. – Editor

"The quiz portion of the Premium eZine is a lot of fun. Do you have enough time to present a short explanation of each correct answer? I would find such a feature even more educational than the quiz as it is today." – John Yane

That's a good suggestion and yes, it is something we will be incorporating in the future. – Editor


Typo Corner

Sometimes typos can be downright puzzling. – Editor

"The solid oak door was stained and schaled." 

It's just a guess, but we suspect he meant "sealed," though we are open to other suggestions. – Editor

On Moving, Clamps and Punctuation

A Moving Tribute

Rob's impending shop move inspired both sympathy and horror. - Editor

"I look at my workshop and do not envy your move." - Gary Froemsdorf

"I just moved my shop also. However, I swear, I will never do it again. My next move: pine box." - Dave Dye


Clamps

Clamps? We don't need no stinking clamps! Or do we? - Editor

"Clamps are like books: you can't have too many. When you run out of room in the bookcases, the solution is not to sell some books ,but to make another bookcase. With some projects, you can make do with what you have, but it is not possible to have too many clamps." - Carl Klinge

"If you conclude that you have too many, please put my address on one or more boxes." - J Brooke Althouse

"I have gone through the years picking up clamps that are cheap, clamps that seem to fit the particular thing I want to do at that time and clamps that have been given to me. If I were starting out again, I would pick up some quality clamps." - Mike Nesbit

It's never too late, Mike. - Editor

"A clamp is like an extra hand, and I don't care if my extra hands are extruded Swedish aluminum with padded jaws or chewing gum and baling wire, as long as they help me get it and keep it together." - Phil Gilstrap

"I feel you should use whatever clamp does the job, regardless of what it looks like. It would be nice to see more clamp articles, including how to make them. I am a blind woodworker and therefore cannot see pictures, so I depend solely on eZines like this one for my information." -  Stephen Schmucker

It certainly makes sense that a blind woodworker would "see" the wisdom in ignoring what clamps look like. - Editor

"I have a menagerie of clamps that have come from all over. There are pipe clamps, spring clamps, hand screws, parallel jaw clamps, band clamps and clamps I made myself. I've also used clothespins, rubber bands, masking tape, inner tube strips, shrinkwrap, and a few jigs I made for specific projects." - Michael McCall

"By the way, a paperclip is a clamp also." - Jim Severson

"I am not a clamp purist, but I do have some that must date back to prehistoric times. There are times when I wish I had more large clamps, but somehow I muddle through and then think I didn't really need them after all." - Bob Hoyle

For the most part, it seems that no matter how many we have, we can't resist buying more. - Editor

"Like you, I must have hundreds of clamps, but just the other day I bought two more. Don't know why. It just came over me that I just had to have two more of those clamps. Must be a mental thing." - Tom Harris

"I'm continually buying clamps and still don't have enough. I have a wall full and use them all." - Stu Hamblin

"I am glad to know that I am not alone as a clamp enthusiast. Even though I have more tools than I need, I still cannot resist the urge to purchase that rusty clamp for 25 cents at a garage sale." - Percy V. Kooshian

"I buy any clamp that catches my eye. I have all kinds and they do all come in handy one way or the other. Power to the impulse buyer!" - Vicki Gordon

"I don't think I've seen a clamp I didn't like. Do you know where I can find more? Never mind, they'll turn up on their own." - Dan Bartlett

Will they? Does this imply that clamps do, as Rob suggested, actually breed in captivity? - Editor

"I'm a sucker for clamps, but I'm sure they don't reproduce. Either that or all
my K-Bodies are of the same gender." - Scott Chapman

"Would it were that they crossbred. Think of the possibilities for special jobs. By the way, there is no such thing as a weird clamp, unless you have some that are self-propelled and can levitate." - James Johnson

And finally, this gent assured Rob that he was not abnormal, but did have one request. - Editor

"I don't think that your fascination with and hoarding of clamps is unusual. Just leave enough for the rest of us." - Rob Bell


A Sign of Annoyance

A project sign that said 'The Smith's' raised a few hackles among our readers. - Editor

"One of the most common mistakes when making something plural is to put an apostrophe in it. If your family name is Smith, the appropriate way to make it plural is simply to add an s at the end, e.g. The Smiths. Smith's, with an apostrophe, implies ownership by a single Smith. I know it seems to be a petty thing to complain about, but I see this a lot in handcrafted signs, and I think it reflects poorly on the craftsman." - Chris Talbott

"I was appalled at the sign that showcased 'The Smith's.' The Smith's what? Their dog? Their cat? This is a painful and all too common error of grammar." - Bob Lane

Of course it is possible that it was a grammatical error on the part of the sign designer, but we prefer to assume it was a sign for the local smith's shop, and guessed he or she did not need to add the word shop as that was obvious. We were clearly extending the benefit of the doubt a tad more than a few of our readers. - Editor


Typo Corner

Speaking of errors, you don't need punctuation to create an accidental language anomaly. You can do it by adding a single letter.  - Editor

"I'm making a mosaic tiled table with a two inch boarder."

That must be like having Tom Thumb as your live-in helper. - Editor

And, in the eZine special offer that went out last week from our sister company, the folks at Rockler learned that publishing is harder than we make it look. - Editor

That is the first SANDSAW  I have ever seen. Tell me more. -Nelson Burnett

He could have waited for this comment from another reader.-Editor

I'm assuming this Sandsaw leaves an incredibly smooth cut!!- Del Belnap

Inspiration, Retrofits and a New Use for Your RAS

 Holiday Project

"I have a comment about the eZine Holiday Project. I made a similar project more than 15 years ago but used a different type of mallet. I used bouncy balls; the sort you can buy from gumball type machines for a quarter. I especially like them because they let you hear the sound of the bars and not so much the wood on metal sound from the wood balls. Their quietness helped to keep sanity in our house." – Jim Gerrety

Inspiration

When Rob asked you to share what inspired some of your projects, a wealth of stories emerged. – Editor

"I have always been inspired by Sam Maloof's beautiful furniture, especially his rockers and the joinery he uses. Everything flows together: the seat, legs, rockers and headrest. I bought some plans from Hal Taylor and built a couple of them." – Dave Havercamp

"My inspiration usually comes from wanting things to look neat and tidy, so I invent a new unit for a corner that will store what needs storing. My husband is very disorganized, and I am the one thinking of ways to tidy up!" – Regine Maligne-Lynch

What a surprise. Family influence was, in fact, the most common source cited for both inspiration and inducement. – Editor

"One of my inspirations for projects is the addition of grandkids. There are all sorts of scaled- down items that can be built especially for them. I was recently walking through a local mall and spied some kid size rocking chairs but was amazed at the poor quality of the product for the price. I drew up some plans and proceeded to build a couple for my two grandsons. While in the process of building them, I had several people that came by, saw the finished product and had to have some for their family. Right now I am up to having to build 12 chairs for family and friends." – James Head

"My father, when he was alive, built and gave to me and my brothers a thing he called a bean box. It is hard to describe. Anyway, my brother called and had ruined his by trying to refinish it and wanted me to try to make him one. I did, and this inspired me to make one for each of my two boys." – Scott Trevathan

"At the moment, I am making small treasure chests because my daughter asked me if I could make her one." – John Payne

"Currently, we are building a 26- by 15-foot dining room off the back of the house because my wife would not let me buy a thin screen TV, but I do not think you would believe the details behind that story." – Paul Sutton

You'd be surprised. We editors hear some pretty strange tales, and some lovely compliments, like this one. – Editor

"I have found your magazine has been a big influence on what my next projects will be. I will be reading an article or looking at some of your free plans and my wife will come in and want whatever I am looking at. My latest is to try and make the wind chimes you sent out. Thanks a lot; you are costing me a fortune. If you weren't so good and made things so easy to learn I probably would have a lot more free time." – Mike Urton

JET Retrofit

"Did JET say if their helical head was available as a retrofit for their existing jointers?" – John Hanlon

Yes, they are, for six- and eight-inch jointers and for 15- and 20-inch planers. However, you'd be wise to check with JET if your model is one of the older ones. In case you are ready to make the plunge, here are the relevant part numbers. JET 6" Jointer – JJ6HH-CA; JET  8" Jointer – JJ8HH-CA JET 15" Planer – 1791223; JET 20" Planer – 1791224 – Editor

RAS

A rather long online discussion of the merits of radial arm saws, or the lack thereof, inspired this reader to share his solution for making sure his RAS continued to be useful. – Editor

"I found another use for my trusty but no longer useful RAS. After a halfhearted attempt at selling it, I happily came up with this solution, which fits my idea of recycling. It's still for sale, by the way, and could include the similarly trusty nine-year-old system it now supports." – Joe Scott

We can't wait to start bidding on this prize. – Editor


















Typo Corner

This time, we make it into our own typo corner with something more "strange" than funny. – Editor

"May I please ask which is the correct spelling of the name – Strangeland or Stangeland?" – Alison Ince

It's Stangeland, without the 'r' though both spellings, correct and incorrect, managed to show up in our piece about Tom. Incidentally, in spite of the 'e' on the end, Tom pronounces his name 'stang…' with a hard 'g' as opposed to 'stainj…' with a 'j' sound. – Editor

On Beans, Scrolling, Ship's Knees and Sidelined Birds

Java Jive


Rob's admission of a serious coffee habit drew comments from some fellow bean buyers, and from just plain fans. – Editor

"As a fellow bean grinding, crema sipping coffee drinker and bean pusher, I found your latest editorial quite amusing. My wife accuses me of pushing coffee on people, specifically my source of freshly roasted, fair trade, organic, and dare I say, Kosher beans." – Douglas Simpson

"I too, used to have a hot cup of black coffee  in front of me all day long. I know now that I was addicted for sure. Coffee has a way of catching up with you in ways you never imagined. After I retired I stopped 'cold turkey' with the usual side effects. I must admit that I do feel better, but I am back enjoying my morning and occasional during the day cup." – Lionel Gladu


"I just had to tell you how much I enjoy reading your commentaries. You do have pop in your prose and whether it's coffee induced or not, I enjoy it every time. Thanks." – Adriana Seuffert

Bean Box

Speaking of beans, we ran a reader's comment about a bean box, which left some wondering just what that is. – Editor

"OK, I've got to ask. What is a bean box and what's it used for?" – Chris Gawarecki

"My interest was piqued by Scott Trevathan's 'hard to describe' bean box.
Scott, if you're out there please tell us what a bean box is." – Phil Gilstrap

If anyone else out there knows, don't be afraid to pipe up. We're all curious. – Editor

Just Scrolling Along
 
Our Web Surfer's Review contained a thread about whether a table saw or band saw was the best first purchase. That inspired this comment. – Editor

"I feel that one of the most relaxing saws to use was overlooked. I have been scroll sawing for a number of years, and I would choose this saw over all of my others if I had to make a choice. I'm not saying that I disagree with much of what was said. I just wish we scrollers were represented a bit more frequently." – Jim Horton

He's not the only one feeling underrepresented. – Editor

"I have been getting your journal for a while now and really don't see anything but woodworking for people who are equipped with a lot of expensive tools and big shops. I would like to see some articles on the backyard woodworker who doesn't have a lot of tools, money or space to have a shop, and perhaps works with free recycled wood." – William S. Pearson

Though they are a bit harder to find, as they often don't have a web presence, we don't ignore low tech woodworkers. In issue 181 we showcased a carver who works small pieces of scrap wood, carving primarily with only a single knife. Not long before that we focused on a couple who make wooden articulated dolls almost entirely by hand. Since you have broached the subject, this is a good time to remind everyone that we are always open to introductions. If you know of a woodworker who would be interesting to read about, even if it is you, please point us to the appropriate web site. – Editor

Ship's Knees

"Great article on the 'ships knees' [in the premium edition] and a nice picture of the guy in the boat. Now for those of us who have no idea what a ship's knee is, how about a picture?" – Martin Frincke

To be honest, we were wondering the same thing. Here's some clarification from Simon Watts, the guy who wrote the piece. – Editor



This Tale's for the Birds

This letter spun a story worth sharing, even though it came a bit late for last issue's discussion on what inspires your projects. – Editor

"A while back we put new siding on our home, replacing the cedar with fiber cement siding. About a week later, my wife said, 'The swallows are back, and they're not happy!' For the last 10 years we have had swallows nesting in a small hole in the chimney chase. The new siding had covered their 'front door' and they were quite confused, not only by the missing hole, but by the fact that they couldn't make a new hole. The next morning I built a nice little birdhouse from some leftover cedar trim and mounted it near where their original hole was. It was occupied within 24 hours." – Tim Haller


Quiz Quandary

"If you answered 'Polyvinyl acetate emulsion' on the Premium edition quiz question 'What is the chemical composition of yellow carpenter's glue?' you were told it was correct, but if you answered 'polymer emulsion' you were told it was wrong. In fact, both answers are right because polyvinyl acetate is a polymer. Hence, it is both a polymer emulsion and more specifically, a PVA emulsion. It's like asking 'What is a Prius?' The answers 'a hybrid car' and 'a hybrid car made by Toyota' are both right even though the latter is more specific. Furthermore, if you answered 'True' to the question 'If you own a 16 inch band saw, its size refers to the diameter of the blade wheels,' you were told that is incorrect, but in fact, in most cases, band saws are indeed rated by the size of the wheels and not the cutting throat. Most 16 inch saws have only a fifteen and a half or fifteen and three quarters cutting throat. Except for three wheel band saws, which are rare, that answer is correct for the vast majority of band saws." – M. J. McKittrick

It seems there is truly a bit of ambiguity when it comes to the 'right' answers in our quiz. – Editor
 
Typo Corner

"We have oak flooring that has been sanded to bear wood."

Bear wood? Does that look anything like Douglas "fur"? (Sorry about that.) – Editor 

Shows, Stripping, Smiles, Ship's Knees and Safety

Shows, Greens, Wind and Comfort

On Willow, Plans, Books and Alcohol

Kudos

"Thanks for your great eZine. It makes my day each time it comes. Although I am primarily a miniaturist, I find the tips and techniques valuable and the plans often work well when scaled down to mini size. Keep them coming." - David Brazelton


Tweet Willow

"Willow makes the best willow whistles. I have never seen one but my mom, born about 1914, said all the boys at school used their pocketknives to make them." - Jim Ware

"I remember that polo balls were made of willow. I don't know if they still are." - Robert Tatem


Workstation Plans

"I see that you are offering the workstation plans again. This is a great project. It is the centerpiece of the half of the basement where I pretend to be a woodworker. I also use it for woodcarving, and the ability to move the table is fantastic. I did not do the laminated top, but used sealed and waxed particleboard. I still haven't installed a vise, but did mount a hold-down. I purchased the casters, big three-inch locking monsters, at the WoodWorks show." - Tom Fink


A "Berry" Good Suggestion?

After a thread on using sawdust appeared in the last issue, this helpful reader sent an interesting suggestion, made more interesting by a tiny but humorous typo. - Editor

"The best and currant use I have for all of my sawdust is to mix it with wood glue and make my own wood putty. It forms and sands nicely and works as a filler for the occasional knothole." - Kevin Johnson

We're sure Kevin meant current and not currant, though perhaps he spelled it that way because he likes to "jam" it into knotholes. - Editor


A Love Hate Relationship

"Loved your review of the boat building books. I've been wanting to build one for years." - Chris Gawarecki

"The piece on Culler's boat building was fun. However, after two paragraphs of positive, 'buy this book' kudos you wrote 'I can't recommend this book too highly.' Now, which was it? Is it that you can't recommend it highly enough, or you don't highly recommend it?" - George Cowan

You are absolutely right. That conclusion statement could be interpreted in two very different ways.  It rather reminded us of that old Groucho Marx line, "Thank you, I had a wonderful evening, but this wasn't it." In this case, though, it was a positive recommendation, the rather unfortunate choice of phrase notwithstanding. - Editor


Alcohol

Our Q&A section talked about using alcohol to thin shellac, causing this concerned, and obviously Canadian, reader to raise an alarm.-Editor

"The alcohol used should not be methyl hydrates as this is a very dangerous product. It can be absorbed through breathing the fumes, through skin contact, and by ingesting it." - Merv Graham

What Canadians call methyl hydrates is called methanol here in the U.S. While his information about the dangers of methanol are true, it is difficult to buy methanol in the U.S. outside of a chemical supply house. When you go to the paint or home store and ask for alcohol, you will be given denatured alcohol, which is almost entirely ethanol or, as it is called in Canada, ethyl alcohol. That's the same alcohol that shows up in beer, wine and liquor and is, in limited amounts, quite tolerable. "Denatured" means it has a tiny percentage of some non-potable added to it so as to avoid the liquor consumption tax placed on all libations in the U.S. So, while his warning was quite correct, there is little chance you could accidentally get methanol down here. However, we do hope our Canadian readers take note and stay safe by using ethyl rather than methyl alcohol.  - Editor

Pictures, Plans, Chucks and Alcohol

Pop-up Pictures

A new feature that lets you enlarge the pictures in our articles delighted many of the newly formed Matt Becker fan club. – Editor

"Please thank Matt Becker for the larger pictures. They are much appreciated." – Wayne Cheek

We couldn't agree more. – Editor

"The larger pictures for the visually challenged is another great idea. You guys keep coming to the aid and rescue of us fellow woodworkers. Thanks for all the hard work." – Charles Buster

"I don't understand how to make the pictures bigger. How do you do that?" – Bill Vedder

Click on the pictures themselves to make them bigger. – Editor

"Kudos to your new Content Coordinator, Matt Becker. The 'bigger picture' thing is a hit with me as well, I'm sure, with many other readers. Could you so the same thing with the exploded view diagrams that are sometimes featured in your online magazine? Keep up the good work, and I hope your position at Woodworker's Journal is long and prosperous." – JT Turner


Old Plans, New Plans

"I really enjoy receiving the Woodworker's Journal eZine, but was very disappointed with the plans for the Valentine Box. Neat box, but receiving the plans two days before Valentine's Day don't give me much time to make the project. It would really have been nice if you had included it in last month's eZine. I have saved the plans so at least now I will have a year to get one made." – Tom Day

Some readers had a lot more lead time to make it. – Editor

"The Valentine Box and Wall Cabinet go back in time. I still have the original magazines in which those plans appeared. Some of my first projects were made from the plans." – Mike Hennigan


Whither Unaxol?

"A couple of years ago you ran a piece about a finish that seemed almost too good to be true: Unaxol. Since then, I have never seen a review or even another mention of it anywhere. No one seems aware of it, even in chat rooms. Anything you can report?" – Bill Keenan

We'd guess the reason for the paucity of discussion is that they sell direct. Because they are not in any stores, most chat room denizens have probably not heard of them or tried it. You seem curious enough, though. Why not try some and report back your opinions to us, along with any other readers out there who've made the plunge. – Editor


Drill Press Chucks

Our Q&A group suggested some simple ways to remove most drill press chucks, but it's tough to cover all the bases. This reader covered a couple more. – Editor

"There are a lot of drill presses that don't have a Morse taper chuck arbor. Some are held onto the drill press quill by means of a non-removable tapered arbor that fits directly into the chuck body. These will need to be tapped sharply with a brass hammer to loosen them. Some older drill presses may also have a socket head screw holding the chuck on the tapered arbor. Open the chuck all the way and look inside the chuck for a screw. Remove the screw and then tap the chuck off." – Paul A. Otto


Denatured Alcohol

"A sincere thank you for your comments on alcohol in woodwork. We see 'Denatured Alcohol' mentioned often in woodworking and model magazines, but the expression is not used here in New Zealand." – Lou A Hocken

"The can of denatured alcohol in my shop is 45-50 percent methanol. Methanol is extremely hazardous, especially for wood finishing by amateurs with no ventilation systems, insufficient protective gear, lots of skin contact and inhalation." – Richard Stein

While most denatured alcohol formulations contain single digit percentages of methanol, your letter sparked us to investigate. Though you did not mention the brand, we were able to find one whose MSDS indicated that high a methanol level, much to our surprise. It is W. M. Barr, makers of the Klean Strip line of solvents. Sure enough, their denatured alcohol is about 50 percent methanol, and when we called to ask them about the wisdom of that, they stated their formula has been the same since 1946.

Times have changed, and others have a very different attitude. Parks, for example, another large solvent purveyor, told us they reformulated their denatured alcohol several years ago and eliminated methanol entirely, though it still does show up on the MSDS, something that is both legal and rather common.

Thanks for bringing that to our attention, Richard. Now, at least, we all have the option of buying Parks, or some other low-methanol brand, if we choose. – Editor


Typo Corner

Sometimes it is not the letters we mix up, but the way we structure our sentences. We know what this chap meant, but his question sure did come out sounding odd. – Editor

"Is it possible to put laminated flooring on a stair that goes upstairs?"

Is it possible to put laminated flooring on a stair that does NOT go upstairs? – Editor

Pear Wood, Plywood, Plans and Nuts

Pear Wood

"Just a quick comment on the query about pear wood in your Q&A section. Most of the new Paris Opera seating and decorative panels are made from pear wood, and it is absolutely spectacular in appearance. It has been in place for quite a few years now, and they seem to be quite proud of it." – Don Rumrill

That seems quite appropriate. Pear wood is also used for recorders, which are wooden flute-like wind instruments. We have one that we've owned, and played, since the 1960's and, like the seating, it is durable, beautiful and marginally associated with music. – Editor

Smelly Plywood

A reader asked about the relative safety of plywood made overseas that had an odor problem, inspiring this comment. – Editor

"We used something in this country very successfully for years called urea formaldehyde glue. That smelled also." – Tom Heilpern


A Man, a Plan…

"I built five of the Colonial signs, and they came out beautiful, but I altered
them for Texas. I put the star of Texas on top and I'm getting rave revues." – Ronald Buchanan

No doubt many of the raves are from fellow Texans. In any case, we're delighted you liked the plans, though not all is copacetic in the land of woodworking plans. – Editor

"I am a Premium Member. I joined as a Premium Member because I thought that we would get premium plans. A few weeks ago the premium plan was a salt and pepper shaker and later a pencil box. Neither one of these plans should even be considered as a premium plan because they are basic, starter plans for people who are just getting started at woodworking. When I decided to spend the money to become a member, I was expecting that the smallest item that might be offered up as a plan would be something like a nightstand or a large wall mirror frame." – Mark Cooper

Thanks for pointing out this possible confusing factor.  The distinction between the premium and classic plans is the quality of the plans themselves. As in the free area of the eZine, we try to provide a variety of plans for woodworkers of all skill levels. After all, there is no test of a woodworker's skill before he or she can become a Premium Member. Recent premium plans, for example, have included a serving tray, a horizontal routing system and a blanket chest, as well as the salt and pepper shaker and pencil box plans.  – Editor

"The Bow Saw plans are great. I've already built one with my own plans, and was thinking of making more for Christmas presents next year. The only problem is in getting a standard twelve inch box saw blade. Any idea of where a person can buy them, or do I have to take band saw blade material and make my own?" – Chuck Snyder

We suggest the latter: taking band saw blade material and making your own. – Editor


Unaxol

"After a reader mentioned Unaxol in the previous issue, I was wondering if you could help out by telling us who their American distributor is." – Cliff Daley

Certainly. It's Moby Dick Supplies. – Editor


Nut a Problem?

An online thread about replacing the nut on a table saw arbor produced a spate of disagreement, and it didn't end there. – Editor

"Right-tilt saws have right-hand threads. Left-tilt saws have left-hand threads. All are acme threads, so far as I know. Some hardware stores might even carry acme thread nuts for special applications. If the threads match and the nut fits, the nut is probably safe to use because they are made to precise standards just like on regular bolts and nuts. We don't buy nuts and bolts as matched sets because all are made to such close standards. The only concern is whether the replacement nut is made of the right quality material, but I doubt that is a concern on a saw because this is not a high stress application." – Ross Roepke


A Bit of Help, If You Would

"Thank you for a great job with this material for woodworking. I am a turner and am looking for plans to make a copy attachment for my lathe using a router to do the cutting. Does anyone have or know where to get such a thing?" – Blake Matthews

We've never run plans for such an attachment, but perhaps our readers know of a web site or book that will help you out. Anyone out there care to lend a hand? – Editor


Typo Corner

There's nothing like swapping one letter for another to add humor to our words. As luck would have it, we all do it frequently, though unintentionally. – Editor

"I can build anything but am bad at finishing. I need a coarse."

That sounds like a "fine" idea. – Editor

Of Borgs, Doubts, Heads, Threads, Yankees and Heat

Go North, Young Man

After we printed a rather humorous online thread outlining one person's woes at Home Depot, this refreshing letter restored some of our faith. - Editor

"I have to comment on the woodworker and his troubles getting wood cut at Home Depot. I have never had such a problem. The saw they use at my store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada was excellent and made precise non-jagged cuts. I, too, arrived early, found a staff person quickly and, because he wasn't busy, he cut two sheets of plywood to my exact specifications. Maybe it's only in Canada, eh?" - Gene Nurse

This reader, though, had an entirely different complaint. - Editor

"My recent ill-advised 'borg' purchase was three quarter, half and quarter inch oak plywood. The three quarter, stamped 'made in China,' had veneer so thin I couldn't sand it effectively ,and the veneer was glued on with bright red glue. The glue showed through the pores even without sanding, and didn't cover with stain. If I'd had more sense, I would have returned it. Pieces of the half inch warped so much that parts of my drawers look like someone is standing on them. The half and quarter inch are both so brittle that they break easily. Now I am looking for 'made in USA' plywood." - Steven Hammer

Editor's note: "Borg" is a common online term that refers to the national chains of large home improvement stores.


Doubting Thomas

"After reading Michael Dresdner's article on Fraser Smith, I was simply amazed. I have one request ,though. Would it be possible to get a higher resolution image or a fairly close-up shot of some of the detail where one can actually see that it is indeed wood? While I can say it is possible to do that kind of carving, I must say that Mr. Smith is every bit as much an extraordinary artist in addition to being an outstanding master carver. If this were April, I would say that this was your April Fool's issue." - Larry Giust

It's no April Fool joke. Fraser is for real ,and so is his work. Perhaps this will help. Scroll down through these three photos and you will see shots of one of his carved wooden jackets both before and after coloring. In the before shot, it is a bit more obvious that it is indeed carved wood. - Editor


Head's Up

"I just read about Powermatic's new Byrd helical cutting systems in issue 194. I have a practically new PM 6-inch jointer with straight blades. Can these new cutters be retrofitted to my machine?" - Bob Morgan

Barry Schwaiger, the Director of the Powermatic Division of the WMH Tool Group, responded: "Every jointer and planer we make or have made in the past can be retrofitted to one of Tom Byrd's cutterheads. We refer that business directly to them at www.byrdtool.com."


Yankee Ingenuity

A piece on Yankee screwdrivers in the Premium edition pointed out that this tool was most likely invented by Zachary T. Furbish while working for the Forest City Screwdriver and Drill Company of Portland, Maine, a company later bought by the North Brothers Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia. However, he posited that its distinctive name was coined by the Stanley company, who eventually bought North Brothers. This reader disagreed. - Editor

"The editorial by John Roccanova on Ratcheting Screwdriver claimed that Stanley coined the term 'Yankee screwdriver.' Stanley did not coin 'Yankee.' The term 'Yankee' was adopted by Forest City and North Bros. as a marketing device as early as 1902. That name Yankee reflects the origin in Maine. North Bros. Mfg. Co. was purchased by Stanley in 1946." - William D. Fortune

Unfortunately, neither writer offered any validating references to back up his claim. Perhaps one of you readers has some proof as to who coined the term. Let us know if you do, and we'll share what we learn in the next issue. - Editor

Blowing Hot and Cold

Rob's complaints about the cold weather and snow up where he lives inspired these comments. - Editor

"I live in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. The last 10 days have averaged 35 to 40 degrees C with no end forecast for another week. Perhaps we should try to swap a couple of buckets of your snow for a flask of our heat." - Eddie Jones

For those of us more used to Fahrenheit, that's between 95 and 104 degrees F. Bob Bresnahan, on the other hand, chose to focus his one-upmanship toward the other weather extreme.- Editor

Click on Image above for a larger version

Say What?

Definitive Answers

"Maybe I am missing something, but the answers to the question 'which is stronger, a dovetail joint or a mortise and tenon joint' were anything but definitive." – Crystal Ball

Yep, you're missing something all right. – Editor

"This is either very curious or very clever, but the web address given for the spray-on sawdust, reputedly able to attract women with its scent, was chickmag.net, as in 'chick magnet.' I wonder if anyone besides me noticed that." – Sammy Colon

Nope. – Editor

"That question about the dead mouse in the saw carton seemed a bit dicey. Wouldn't a dead mouse draw flies?" – Drew Peacock

Of course not. For one thing, mice don't have opposable thumbs, so they can't hold a pencil to draw anything. Besides, it is dead. Duh! – Editor


Awl Aboard

"I found that Internet thread about the antique awl in the Web Surfer's review hard to believe, not because something like that couldn't happen, but rather because that is one of the oldest jokes in the vintage woodworking tool pantheon. I first heard it as an antique axe whose handle was replaced three times and its head twice." – Adam Zappel

"What the heck is a pantheon? Isn't that some building in Greece?" – Wanda Dantz

 Dashed if we know. – Editor


Warped

"I just wanted to tell you guys that I used some of that Warp Be Gone and it is great. It's everything they promise and more." – Lisa Carr

"You are so full of crap. There's no such thing. You're just sucking up to the editor." – Bill Fold

"Bite me." – Lisa Carr


This Can't Be!

"Look, I have written to you before about this, but it is not possible to publish an article, and in the very same issue, also have letters to the editor about that very same article. It's just not possible. And don't give me some cock-and-bull story like you did before about how it is due to the miracle of super-fast Internet. That's just cow flop." – Bonnie Fyde

You're absolutely right. Nostra culpa. – Editor


Typo Corner

Some typos are so obvious, and so funny, that no editorial comment is needed. – Editor

"I made a straight saw cut through the exact center of the board."

Lures, Fools, Threads and Yankees

Alluring

In the photo accompanying Rob's editorial about making his own fishing lures, he is pictured holding up… what, exactly? – Editor

"In your picture with the fishing rod, is that the lure or the catch?" – Tim Boman

"It's my winner catch in a 'smallest fish' contest," Rob insisted when we asked him. "It is a perch, to be exact." We should have guessed; it's almost too small to be a lure. – Editor


April Fool's Day Issue

We must be getting predictable. Many of you were not only aware that we do an April Fool's day issue, but were looking forward to it. – Editor

"I always wait impatiently for April Fool's Day to come along, just for your April issue." – Tom McGlinchey

"You outdid yourself with this April Fool's issue of the eZine. It is hilarious. Nice going." – Terry Nelson

"Thanks so much for another fun April 1st issue! I look forward to it every year. I especially liked the Ignus veritas curvitus tata, I am still laughing over that one!" – Sue Thomas

"You almost caught me the first year, when I started reading it and had one of those head-scratching moments. Now I look forward to it every year." – Sue Russell

"You have outdone yourselves again this year! Thanks for never taking yourself too seriously." – Mark Boxberger

"I always enjoy the eZine, but the latest issue is absolutely outstanding! Perhaps you've heard a related story that claims the great reformer Martin Luther once woke to find the devil at the end of his bed. Luther is fabled to have said, 'Oh, it's you!' and promptly gone back to sleep. Being at my regular place of work, I must follow Martin Luther's example." – Al Stein

"Your best April Fool's edition yet. Keep up the good work." – Ted Heissner

"Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed your April Fool's issue. Keep the good eZine coming, as well as the humor now and again. Just don't quit your day job." – Tony Daniel

Too late. This is our day job. – Editor

"Your April 1 edition of eZine was, as always, simply hilarious. I especially liked the ones about the dead mouse preventing rust, and the mortise and tenon vs. the dovetail joint. Those were a real laugh." – Eva Bailey

"You've outdone yourselves! Love it!" – Bruce E. Edsten

"Thanks! I was afraid you would forget to say Hello on this most auspicious day. Happy April 1st." – John E Sirovatka

"I always enjoy your April Fool's edition of the eZine, but I think this is the best one yet! I can't wait until the feedback is published for this issue so I can read about all the ticked-off people who were duped. Thanks for the pick-me-up!" – Brian Mowers

"Your April Fool's issue was a hoot. I especially enjoyed the story about Shorty Stubbs and the contribution of Ella Quince as well as the wonderful answers to questions about problem bubbles and gas in one's finish." – Joyce Allen

One wag even took the time to describe our issue the form of an acrostic of "April Fool." – Editor

"A Perfect, Relatively Interesting Legend For Obtuse Old Liars." – Tory M. Lehr

Some commented on our plans. – Editor

"I tried the Chee-Ya kit, but used too much fertilizer and ended up with a beach cottage." – Fred Buynitzky

"The only problem I encountered with the tripod table was in gluing on the Varathane® finish. I ended up using a Teflon® blanket clamp from the NASA tool catalog." – James Johnson

"I loved the look of your tripod table. The plan was a little confusing till I figured out you had to add some of the numbers and subtract some of the others to get it right." – James Battee

"Thanks for the flashback to the years of taking Mechanical Drawing in high school." – Wayne Higden

"Great optical illusions." – Rick Gauthier

"As for the three-legged table, I can't figure out which dimensional universe it is in." – George Gouraud

"As a junior draughtsman about 45 years ago, I was handed a sketch of this and asked to prepare a plan. Then it was called a 'Trimakenit.' Thanks again." – Bert Reeves

"I loved this morning's eZine. The Picture Frame in the free plans should be titled Celtic Picture Frame." – Lucy McRae

"The Chee-Ya project kits look fantastic! They will save me so much time that I will be able to read all my back copies of Woodworker's Journal." – James Howell

"Excellent April 1st edition! As soon as my 4-D glasses come in the mail, I'll start working on the free plans. Thanks for lightening up my work day." – Robert Lammers

"This was a great April Fool's Day joke edition. I was disappointed when I realized the Chee-ya projects were a joke. I could really use those." – Scott Pollock

"Very good! I had a good laugh at your plans today. Nice to see not everyone is too serious these days." – Jeff Marskell

"I really enjoyed this issue of the eZine, especially the free plans. I'm glad to be reminded to slow down and have a laugh every now and then." – Ron Villarreal

Many of you were partial to the beetle story. – Editor

"Great article. Ms. Lewcyphyer, that was the best!" – Gabe Harris

"Perhaps the Surgeon General should insist on a health warning on all breakfast cereals that contain maple syrup." – Chris J Rollinson

"I, too, have suffered the ravages of healthy eating and exercise and have vowed never again!" – Rick Davis

"Nice going, guys. I bought the beetle story until I read the rest. What a relief!" – Bob O'Brien

"You had me going for a couple of minutes on the Maple Syrup thing. I almost threw out my Honey Bunches of Oats." – Allen James

We did manage to fool a few, at least for a little while. – Editor

"I hate to admit how far I got in your column before...." – Richard Batts

"Now I know what caused that smirk on your mug in that picture at the top of your column." – Al Hinton

"I actually got to the end of the article before I remembered what day it was." – Garth Taylor

"Ah, yes. You had me for awhile, but then it is April 1st, isn't it?  Good job!" – Joe Scheffer

"It took me a minute and a whole article to remember what day this is." – Helen Hart

"I must be getting old! It took me most of the way through your April 1 issue to realize that I am, indeed, being fooled. Good job and most fun of all." – Dave Brazelton

"Each year, I forget that you folks put out an April 1st edition of your eZine. Each year, I have a good chuckle. Thanks, again." – Lester Lee

What gave us away? – Editor

"You had me until I saw the ad for 'Gorilla Glue.' Now that's funny. No one would name their product that!" – Todd Sachs

"It was only after my wife translated your scientific names that I realized this was an April Fool joke." – Stephen Case-Pall,

"I was believing it till I looked at the free plans, then looked back and realized the whole eZine was a April Fool's joke. Got me." – Steve Baldwin

"I am so gullible that you had me eating out of your hand until SPAZO, then I remembered that it is April Fool's day. Good one." – Paul Connolly

Then there were those we fooled completely. Rather than embarrass them, we'll withhold their names from their letters, but we promise you, these are all real letters. – Editor

"The free plans over the years have gone from great to good to OK to the latest, which is crap: a one page drawing that when looked at in detail turns out to be impossible to make."

"Your article on Shorty Stubbs is missing needed information. As a reader, would I like to know the specifics such as: 'What does she do or make on her drill press that is so unique?' A picture of a Forstner bit inserted into a toilet roll on a drill press tells the readers nothing. There were no pictures of her work!"

"I tried the 'Warp Be Gone' web address but to no avail. How can I contact the company that sells the stuff?"

"When I hit the warpbegone link in the 'Warp Be Gone: The Straight Dope for Twisted Wood' article in Issue 195.5 it just takes me to a search page and not to the actual product page. How and where can I get this product?

"What the heck is this article all about titled 'Shorty Stubbs: Woodworking from the Bottom Up?' Specifically, what is being suggested with the inclusion of the toilet paper rolls? I even went to the web site and found that she decorates toilet seats. Could someone please tell me what this article is trying to suggest? I don't get it."

"I'm a tad confused. I just received the most recent issue of the Woodworker's Journal eZine 195.5. But, when I went to download the plans for a tripod table, I found only one page there and it was an illustration. No plans per se at all. No text, no instructions. And the illustration didn't look terribly comprehensible. Am I missing something, or did you have a glitch somewhere when you sent those plans?"

Yep, you're missing something. – Editor


Loose Threads

"Maybe I missed something, but the eZine continually mentions the 'online threads.' Where are these located? Some of the exchanges quoted seem very interesting and I would like to read more." – Lewis Kauffman

At the beginning of each Web Surfer's Review segment there is a title, followed by a colon and the name of the message board from which it was borrowed. For instance, the threads in Issue 195 were from WoodCentral and Sawmill Creek respectively. Each was listed in the title line as a hyperlink. Click on the hyperlink, and it will take you directly to that thread on that web site. – Editor


Yankee Ingenuity

We asked our readers to validate the earliest date they could find for the use of the term "Yankee" for a ratcheting screwdriver or push drill. – Editor

"I bought a 'Yankee' screwdriver in 1942. I just checked it and stamped on it is:
'YANKEE' NO. 31-A
NORTH BROS. MFG. CO.
PHILA. PA. U.S.A.
PAT. DEC 11, 23
MADE IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
I also have a push drill, a 'Yankee #41,' which also has the North Bros. imprint on it with patent dates of  Jan, 25.98-Oct.29.01" – Al Horowitz


Typo Corner

Here's where we celebrate the humor of twisted typing. – Editor

"After taking the bushings off the commentator, I found that one of the carbon brushes had a large chunk missing."

We think he meant commutator, the device brushes rub against in a motor. It's hard to imagine Dan Rather with bushings. – Editor

Hobbies, Compressors, Plugs, Bait and Schadenfreude

Cross Dressing

In Issue 195, Rob admitted that he often wears more than one hat, pairing woodworking and fishing by crafting wooden lures, and asked if others mix hobbies. Some of the responses were surprising. – Editor

"I got into woodworking because of my other hobby, astronomy. My friend inherited a scrapped telescope mirror from the Doanne Observatory. I used his table saw to make a Dobsonian mount so that I could use the mirror to view the stars. That's how it started. I then bought a lathe to make turned items, then picked up another hobby, gold prospecting, and made a high-banker to use in the recovery of gold." – Wes Bielinski

"In 8th grade, I got my first drum set and still play music. That fused with woodworking recently when I began building hand drums. Playing music on a hand drum that I have created is a wonderful thing, just as I'm sure reeling in a fish on your own lure is a great feeling." – Chris Mann
 
Cabinets are not the only thing we woodworkers make for kitchen use, especially if we consider cooking a hobby. – Editor

"My main hobby is woodworking, but I also like to cook, so I have made a number of wooden spoons, spatulas, salad tongs, French rolling pins and salt and pepper shakers. My wife is a quilter, so I make quilt hangers and such. My sons like to play chess, so I'm turning a chess set for each of them." –Dave Hickman

"I've made several pair of chopsticks for my Chinese wife and sister-in-law. I've turned them in standard size and also substantially oversized, about two feet, which they use for cooking. There are just some dishes that they claim cook better when they can use chopsticks to prepare them. I'm even going to plant some hearty and cold weather-resistant bamboo this spring so I can get more authentic materials to work with." – Ed Cook

Your name is Ed Cook and you make cooking chopsticks? We believe you, but what are the odds? – Editor

"My other hobby is acting, and I am often pressed into service to make theater sets and props when I am in a play. In addition to building furniture and parts for stage sets, I've made dozens of wooden goblets, canes, truncheons, swagger sticks and even a five-foot wooden battle axe. I sometimes wonder if I am being cast for my acting ability or my woodworking prowess." – Michael Dresdner

"I am the proud parent of two hockey players and play a bit myself with the other dads. I make furniture out of hockey sticks, so I get to kick back in my comfortable hockey stick Adirondack chair, my kids sleep in beds with hockey stick headboards, and their hockey pictures are framed with hockey sticks." – Mel Tuchowski

That seems like a pair of hobbies you can "stick" with. – Editor

"I like to ice fish and have made a number of ice fishing poles and holders in addition to converting old fly rods into ultra-light spinning rods." – Phil Meyer

"I combine woodworking, stained glass, ceramics, candle making and electrical hobbies to create numerous interesting items, like an illuminated wood, glass and ceramic chess set." – Paul Haskins

"I do woodworking in conjunction with my graphic art. The latest work was a print from a limited edition multimedia picture of a local covered bridge. I made a frame which actually became a member of the work, resembling the entrance of the bridge." – Don Butler

Some make things for hobbies of other family members. We're pretty sure that counts, too. – Editor 

"My daughter raises sheep for wool, which she processes into fiber threads. I've made several niddy-noddies for her. I recycle broken shovel handles and pruned tree limbs into these skein winding and measuring devices, and often craft the handles for my hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, and so forth from recycled broken handles or tree limbs. I also turned a different sized pulley for her spinning wheel in order to give her a different speed for her wheel, and am turning some wood fishing lures; some for a friend and some for myself. I'll have them done in time for the opening of the season." – Charles Carney

Others combine hobby and charity. – Editor

"A favorite nonprofit is Habitat for Humanity. Our local Habitat has a fundraiser every year called 'Birdfest' which includes a craft auction and sale. The money raised goes to build houses. I get some other members of Piedmont Triad Woodturners Club to join me in donating some of our work for the fundraiser. We have the fun of generating wood chips and sawdust, and do some good at the same time." – James E. Yarbrough, Jr.


Drained

After Web Surfer's Review ran a segment illustrating how much some people hate to drain their compressors, these readers suggested an easier option. – Editor

"They make an automatic drain setup for compressors. It hooks up to the pilot line, and every time the compressor shuts off it blows the water out of the tank. One company sells one for around 10 dollars." – Tucker Laskey

"Good article on draining an air compressor. I have not drained mine in 35years. A little device does it for me daily." – Howard A Taft


Plugged

Our answer panel suggested that using inserts to downsize a table saw blade hole was not the best idea, and that sparked these comments. – Editor

"Your advice is well noted and correct. That being said, my father and I have run a blade with a one-inch hole on a five-eighths-inch shaft by using oil-impregnated bronze bushings. They fit very snugly in the blade but do not extend out far enough to impinge on the concave stiffener. After several years, and several blades, the saw is still performing well." – Glenn Wiersma
 
"Find a good professional sharpening company. They will be able to press an oversized insert, trim it flush to the blade and drill a new centered hole. Buy a cheap insert and you'll regret it; do it right and you won't." – Mike Caudle

"My DeWalt 12-inch miter saw came with a five-eighths-inch arbor and a bushing for the one-inch hole in the blade. Therefore I can, and do, switch between 12- and 10-inch blades depending on the job I am doing. I have had no incidents in using this method. I have not checked with DeWalt, but this bushing should be fairly easy to procure, and probably pretty cheap. – Don Jennings

"There are bore-reducing bushings for just a couple bucks each from suppliers like McMaster-Carr. Depending on the precision of the bore, the bushing may need to be pressed in place. If the fit is sloppy, don't use it." – Ryan Grimm


Free Lunch

"I'm annoyed at your eZine. Either give something away free or sell it. Don't bait and switch with your email magazine. Then again maybe I'm just young and know I can get most anything I want online without paying for it." – Kevin Schuman

Actually, Kevin, we do both. We give our regular eZine away free, and sell the premium edition. However, as folks who just might be a good bit older and perhaps just a tad wiser, may we add one small observation? We've noticed that in the long run, we end up paying for just about everything in one way or another. – Editor


Schadenfreude?

"The April 1st issue is always fun, but I really look forward to the
following issue and all of the feedback letters. They are the greatest,
when you read how someone was caught hook, line and sinker." – Mel Chandler


Typo Corner

We get fodder for the typo corner from all over, but our favorite source is our own pages. This typo comes from issue 196. – Editor

"If you want to treat [green wood end grain, coat it with] wax, latex pain or a product called Anchor Seal..."

Latex pain? That may not be a typo at all. We've all seen latex paint turn into a latex pain. – Editor

Talkin' About Tormek

Tormek

We merely talked about the Tormek in the last issue, but some of our readers wrote in to rave about it. – Editor

"I bought a Tormek with all the attachments several years ago. It was a large bite, but it sure has paid off. I have sharpened planer blades, jointer blades, chisels, blades from my thickness planer and all of my expensive kitchen knives. I have sharpened nearly everything in my shop and house that one can think of and have been extremely satisfied. Turns out to be one of the best investments I made for the upkeep of my tools. It makes the difficult task of sharpening woodturning lathe chisels a simple task. In the past, I have used stones, plate glass with sandpaper and diamond medium. None of them can compare to the ease and final product of the Tormek. Hope you have one in your shop. Like I said, it takes a large bite out of your wallet, but it more than pays for itself in results and safer woodworking." –R L Hoyle

"I was happy to see the article about the Tormek system. I have had mine since 2006 and have enjoyed truly sharp tools. It really makes having sharp tools easier. I was very happy for the link to Tormek's web site as I was able to see what is new and different. I will have to call and get some of the upgrades for my system. Thanks for a great article and newsletter." – Bill Larsen

We heard from Tormek, too, but in their case it was to gently point out that we included a rather misleading typo in our pages. – Editor

"Many thanks for your write up on the Tormek T-7 Sharpening System. There is one small typographical error which relates to the setting capabilities on the AngleMaster. The maximum is 75 degrees. Many thanks." – Geoff Brown

We eventually made the correction on the web site, but those of you who read your eZine right away got it with the bit of misinformation that identified the range as between 10 and "7" degrees. Sorry about that. On the positive side, that will do double duty as our Typo Corner entry as well.  – Editor

Cottonwood, Cotton Duck, Gorilla and Thrift

Cottonwood

A question about appropriate uses for cottonwood prompted these responses. – Editor

"My old house, built by some German farmers 125 years ago, is framed almost totally from cottonwood. All the joists, studs, and rafters are cottonwood, as well as the sheathing boards, some of which are nearly three feet wide. Cut thick in full inch sizes by a local mill, it's pretty sturdy, but hard to sink a nail into after a century or so. A major problem can be rot. If it's close to the ground and gets wet and stays wet, it's gone in no time, a veritable thanksgiving feast for insects. Warm and dry, it will last forever I think. Some remodeling provided me with a few leftover chunks of it which I've used for small projects, toys and the like. It sands smooth and finishes beautifully." – B. H. Rucker

"I have been building a house for the past 11 years or so. In the master bedroom we have a vaulted ceiling that is cottonwood. It is so pretty that we went back and made the walls from cottonwood, too, and finished it with linseed oil.  When the sun hits it in the morning, the whole room looks golden. It was easy to work with and finished out very nicely." – Karen Barkley

"I have a Scout troop, and we use Cottonwood to make fire by friction sets. It's easy for the boys to work with, and the boys seem to get a spark faster with it." – Dick Coffin 


Duck Duct Goose

"In the article on Gorilla Glue, the correct term is 'duct' tape not 'duck' tape." –  Richard Simandl

Actually, Richard, both terms are used, but the best etymological evidence suggests that duck came first. Below is an excerpt from an article by linguistic expert William Safire, who dealt with the duck vs. duct issue in the March 2, 2003 edition of The New York Times. – Editor

 "The original name of the cloth-backed, waterproof adhesive product was duck tape, developed for the United States Army by the Permacel division of Johnson & Johnson to keep moisture out of ammunition cases … In 1945, a government surplus property ad in The Times offered 44,108 yards of 'cotton duck tape.' The first citation I can find for the alternative spelling is in 1970, when the Larry Plotnik Company of Chelsea, Mass., went bust and had to unload 14,000 rolls of what it advertised as duct tape."
William Safire, New York Times, March 2, 2003

The military version of the tape was Army green, but was changed to silver when post-war HVAC people started using it to patch duct seams. No one knows for sure why it was originally named duck tape, but the two strongest theories are that it was made from a type of cloth called cotton duck, and because the polyethylene backing beaded and shed water like a duck's back. Incidentally, when we interviewed Gorilla, we asked if they had a preference for either duck or duct for purposes of the article. They said they did not care and saw both as perfectly acceptable. Considering the fact that most of us use it for jobs other than duct work, we decided to go with duck. – Editor


Gorilla Gourmet

While we are on the subject of Gorilla Glue, check out this interesting fan letter. – Editor

"I use Gorilla Glue and love it. So does my border collie pup, who knocked over a bottle, chewed the top off and got a cantaloupe-size glob in his stomach. The vet surgeon said this was the fifth dog he had opened to remove the glue in the last six weeks." – Sam Harris

Fast Times at Woodworker High

Rob asked how the economic vagaries are affecting your woodworking, if at all. Many of you responded. Here are just a few comments. – Editor

"I'm finding ways to reuse materials from old furniture and scraps of wood around the shop. I'm also becoming better at estimating the amount of materials I need for a project. The tight economy has caused me to think more about my consumption, but it hasn't slowed my shop time any. It continues to be my salvation from the crazy, workaday world." – Carlos J. Dominguez

"I've reduced the number of projects and build smaller, more individual items that are unique and will become either sentimental or personal in nature to the owner." – Chuck Ballinger

"These economic times bother me for all the harm they do to a lot of Americans. However, I am fortunate enough to be able to continue my woodworking unabatedly." – Robert Clough

"Instead of deciding on a project and then purchasing the materials for it, I look over my existing wood supply and all the cutoffs to determine what I can make with the supplies I already have or what I can make with a minimal amount of new purchases. Therefore, the amount of time I spend in my shop hasn't changed all that much, but the projects I make sure have." – Martin Green

"In difficult economic times, I tend to limit my purchases of raw materials and use my stockpiles of existing board feet to do my projects." – George Worthington

"My boyfriend helped me rework a tired deck into stairs and a landing. We did not buy any wood for this project. He took up the deck boards and flipped them over and the wood looks new. I'm going to use the leftover wood to trim out the landing and stairs and make planters." – S. Elena Demeris

"During these times, I probably spend more time in the shop tinkering around than normal. I look for bargains and just keep the projects coming." – Tom Klopfenstein

"I still do some projects but not as many and not as complex as I used to do. My main woodworking tools are at a community education center which is located about 20 miles from my home. At current gas prices, I can't go often enough to get any continuity to my work." – Neil W. Gillis.

"Since I own my own mortgage brokerage, the tough economy means I have more time on my hands to spend in my shop, but less money to spend on materials for projects. I've always used a lot of reclaimed wood in my projects. I'm continually amazed by the amount of good wood I can save from the dump, by picking up old furniture, shelves, and tear-down lumber I find sitting along side the road. I'm spending more time in the shop and using my woodworking skills to accomplish some home improvement projects, but at the same time I'm also doing my best to keep the cost of my hobby as low as possible." – Jack Pooley

"I am in the shop more then I ever anticipated, not building stuff that I would like, but what we need in the house, and at very great savings." – Frank Bonthron

Not all savings are monetary. – Editor

"With so many things being imported from China, just buying the raw materials is more expensive than the off-the-shelf finished product. However, my little steps into woodworking have saved a great deal of my own mental health, and I think that is important in the long run. When I isolate myself in the garage, the task becomes my therapy. Instead of saving money by doing my own wood works, I'm saving my life. And if I make something nice for my home along the way, it's a double gain." – Jaime Hincapie

Let's wrap the discussion up with his gent's suggestion that we save an industry by buying new tools, an idea that really appeals to us. – Editor

"I believe that no one will feel this downturn worse than vendors who target the discretionary spending of consumers, and the hobby and leisure category is always the first to get hit during belt-tightening. If all of us tightwad woodworkers do this simultaneously, the industry may very well implode, and it is not like all of these companies will magically and immediately reappear following the storm. Which companies will get hurt the worst?  The companies who sell big tools. Everyone can squeeze a couple more years out of the old table saw if they need to, and these product lines are operating on razor-thin margins as it is. The solution seems obvious. We all need to buy big tools so that we can keep things moving for these tool companies, who are there for us always in good times and bad. I feel that a minimum commitment of one big tool per year is in order. My shop is currently stocked up, and I don't have any short- or near-term tool needs, but in spite of this I feel it is my duty as a good citizen of the woodworking community, and of America as a whole, to visit my local Rockler and adopt a tool." – Paul Mayer

Paul, our hat is off to you for your fine example of selfless charity and deep concern toward the tool making industry. We are so overcome that we are even now wiping a tear from our eye. – Editor 


Less of a Bargain?

"I read about the wireless data logger and thought that would be great for another application, but when I read the manual I found that you also need a WR100 receiver for $300 more. At least that's the way I read it." – Sheldon Kolansky


Typo Corner

Here's where one man's spelling glitch becomes another man's entertainment. – Editor

"I was out in my barn mindlessly plaining boards."

We assume plaining means he was removing the figure to make them less fancy. – Editor 

Dreams, Yawls, Old Saws and Wood

Dream On

When Rob asked you to describe your lottery-fueled dream shop, many of you stepped up to the plate with some surprising configurations. Here are just a few. - Editor

"I think I would like to have a barbershop in the front of my dream shop: a place for anyone to come and sit down and get his or her hair cut and watch skilled craftsmen work their magic with wood through a huge plate glass window. The barbershop would be filled with handmade history and beauty with all of it in kind of an old-fashioned setting, except the tools, of course." - Joel Humiston
 
This writer said he was pretty happy with his shop as is, but after reading his dream list, we're not so sure we believe him. - Editor

 "I'm pretty happy with the shop I have now. However, if I could win a lottery I'd want a much larger space with double doors, a bathroom, spray foam-insulated wood-paneled walls reminiscent of an Irish pub, exterior cedar shake siding, canister lights, cork flooring with radiant heat, lots of windows, under-floor dust collection hoses and separate rooms for finishing, wood storage and a large dust collector." - Sean Kennedy

"Three houses: two for my sons and one for the LOML and me, with mine on a lot big enough for a 40 by 60 shop." - Rich Flynn

"I'd put a large new wing on our house and extend the basement under it to provide a rectangular or square space at least 1,000 feet square, painted white, with adequate lighting, plenty of power outlets, a waterproof resilient floor, a large freight elevator, and a good sized lumber storage room. It would be properly ventilated, have dust collection, an intercom to the kitchen and a library room with filing cabinets, bookshelves and a computer." - Phil Gunyon

Charles had an interesting warning about wishing for things like TVs. - Editor

"I built a brand-new shop in 2003. The worst thing I put in it was a TV. I go out to do some work and just turn on the TV for noise, then end up sitting down. The next thing I know, a cat is in my lap and I either watch TV or take a nap. Do not put a TV in your shop." - Charles Buster

Finally, we will share the wise words of this gent, who wished for the most valuable addition of all. - Editor

"My dream woodworking shop would have, first and foremost, more time. After that, more space, more wood and upgrade every tool, but I would settle for just more time." - Vince Brytus

Wouldn't we all. - Editor


Yawl Ketch Any Mistakes?

After we ran an all-too-abbreviated explanation of the difference between a ketch and a yawl, this knowledgeable reader offered some further refinement to the definition. - Editor

"My understanding is that the ketch is distinguished from the yawl by its position relative to the helm or rudder post. On a ketch, the mizzen mast is positioned forward of the helm or rudder post, and in the case of a yawl, positioned aft of same. Thanks for another great interview." - Terry Nelson

You piqued our curiosity, so we did a little research and sure enough, you are right on target. In a forum on the Sailnet web site, we found the following. "A yawl is a rig with two masts where the after mast, the mast that is further aft or further back in the boat, is aft of the rudder. A ketch is a rig with two masts where the after mast is forward of the rudder." We also heard from a former student now working in the field who agreed with Pete's assessment of the school's character. - Editor

"Nice job on the story about the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. As a graduate of the school and former classmate and good friend of Pete Leenhouts, I can attest to the clear picture he helped you create in your article." - Pete Thompson, Blue Crescent Wooden Boats


Radial Arm Saw

A reader complaining his inherited 1958 DeWalt RAS bogged down elicited these suggestions. - Editor

"I inherited a nice one from about that era. It was very weak and prone to thermal overload if stalled because, although the factory tagged and corded the motor for 115V, the internal jumpers were set for 220. Maybe yours has a similar problem." - Richard Stein

"There is also the possibility of not enough voltage to run the saw under load. He should check the circuit voltage and amperage under load and compare it to the nameplate. He could have it plugged into an overloaded circuit or one that has the wrong wire size for the length of run." - Eric L. Mason


Literary Saw

A web discussion encouraging us to use joinery we've not yet perfected induced Brian Leavy to write in suggesting this quote. - Editor

"The maxim 'Nothing avails but perfection' may be spelled Paralysis." -  Winston Churchill


Cottonwood Continued

A request in an earlier issue asking how to use cottonwood continues to elicit contributions. - Editor

"I run a portable mill in British Columbia, Canada and one of the biggest uses for cottonwood up here is for horse and cow stalls. It is impervious to urine from the animals and stands up to their hooves." - Ken Curry


Plywood Ratings

A question about the definition of plywood types, such as CDX, inspired this former retailer to write. - Editor

"I've been out of the home center retail business for a few years now, but I recall that CDX grade plywood is not certified for exposed exterior use. Carol correctly points out that the glue is exterior grade, but the D grade side is not rated for exterior use and therefore must be applied so as to never be exposed to weather. This is why it cannot be used as roof sheathing on  overhangs. Plywood rated for exposed exterior use will be at least CCX or better. We sold a product known to us as 'CCX PTS,' meaning the knotholes were plugged and touch sanded. The employees at a local lumber company have never heard of this grade of plywood." - Richard E. Rollison


Typo Corner

If nothing else, the typo corner proves that we are all in the same boat when it comes to printing errors. As is often the case, this one comes from our own pages. It appeared in issue 199. - Editor

"I painted the dots with some liquid gold leave paint."

We usually make a comment, but we'll leaf this one alone. - Editor

Warm Fuzzies and Fond Memories

Gosh, You Make Us Blush

There wasn't much in the way of feedback from our loyal readers this time, but what was said was certainly complimentary. – Editor

"Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy reading your eZine. The amount of useful information is concise, well presented and about such a wide variety of topics that I have saved most of them for future reference. Thank you." – Peter Brenner

Thank you, Peter. We're glad you enjoy the eZine. We wanted to remind you, and the rest of our readers, that the links in the email always go to the current issue -- so, for example, if you get the email announcing eZine Issue 201 (this one) and the email announcing eZine Issue 200 is still sitting n your inbox unread, the link to the "Feedback" section in both emails is going to take you right here: Feedback in eZine Issue 201.

You can still read Issue 200 through the archives (so issues are available for approximately a month in total after they're mailed): the issue immediately preceding the current one is available to all eZine subscribers through the "Archive" link at the top of the page. After that, the older issues become part of the searchable archive that is a valuable resource for Premium eZine subscribers. Remember, too, to download the free plans in a timely manner onto your own hard drive -- those are only available as long as the issue with which they're associated is the current issue (in other words, for approximately two weeks). – Editor

"I was really impressed with the article about Dave Schweitzer in your eZine. I have never been motivated enough about woodturning compared with furniture making to acquire, and sacrifice space for, a lathe. I think that I would turn only so many plates before I would get bored, not to mention the family patiently accepting yet another of my similar and still round output to adorn their increasingly crowded shelves. But I was really impressed with the few photos of Dave's work, particularly the vase with its lovely natural design and flowing lines.  I have seen a lot of beautiful turned artwork, usually involving lots of carving or other non-turning work to make it interesting, but that vase was beautifully simple and dazzling.  And his view on life, his humor ("... more air miles than I...") and his eye for beautiful design is very inspiring. I guess that when my family runs out of patience and space for my utilitarian furniture, I will begin a new phase of my idle retirement and of 'rewarding my family.' I think your philosophy to your eZine and editorials, and its stamp on your Web Surfer's Review and Feedback, is the primary reasons for the success of your eZine. Good luck and please keep the enthusiasm for what you are doing. It is pleasing many people." – Bevin Pettitt


My Mr. Doty

"It was interesting to hear Betty Scarpino write fondly about her college industrial arts instructor. I, too, still remember my industrial arts teacher, Mr. George, at Pearland Intermediate School in Pearland, Texas, sometime around 1975-76. Mr. George was cool, with Fonzie-like hair and glasses and was very popular with the ladies. We made basic projects like a napkin holder, mug tree, and gun rack. For the gun rack, Mr. George had us use the metal portion of a spent shotgun shell with the primer removed, screwing it onto the horizontal drop-down door at the bottom. The thing I remember most had to do with sanding my work. When I took a piece to him for inspection, he would put a pencil mark on any 'cloudy' area. To this day, when I see a 'cloudy' spot while sanding, I think to myself, 'Mr. George will get me for that,' and I keep on sanding until it's clear. God bless him, wherever he is." – Alan Watson

Typo Corner

Miss a letter, and you can create a new snare. – Editor

"My grandson sprayed some blue paint on the kitchen cabnet."

We suspect a cabnet is what New Yorkers use to catch a cab. – Editor

Calculation, Maintenance, Bostitch and Brevity

Calculating Woodworkers

One question in the last issue dealt with calculating rail, stile and panel sizes for raised panel doors, and a reader responded with an enormously helpful solution. – Editor

"I had the same problems until I found a wonderful little program at Rockler called the Woodshop Calculator. I think it is still about $25. I have built several kitchens and many doors, picture frames and wainscoting using this great little program." – Martin Frincke

Another reader had a completely different issue on the subject of calculation. – Editor

"I enjoy reading Woodworker's Journal and have picked up quite a few tips. But being that I am an old woodworker and did not get into all the millimeter stuff, why can't we also get inches in the articles as well as millimeters?" – Ned Woodard

Generally, we try to respect whatever the original writer or company used. For instance, in the last issue, the piece on the Bostitch nailer called out everything in inches, not millimeters, but other companies use millimeters. The same goes for the Web Surfer's Review section and the Readers' Project Gallery. We print those without undue modification whenever possible. Our plans, on the other hand, are typically offered in inches. For those times when you would prefer the opposite measuring system, here's an easy to use online conversion chart. – Editor


Resisting Rust

Our piece on TOOLClad offered a surefire way to keep your table saw table clean and rust-free. It sounds as if this reader could have used one.  – Editor

"I want to warn readers not to lay treated boards on your cast-iron tables. I laid a piece on my table saw, and forgot to take it off before quitting for the evening. The next day, when I lifted it off the saw table, there was this terrible brown residue on the table. Fortunately, I was able to clean it with WD40 and steel wool, without leaving much of a stain." – Les Nuessen

Another reader who uses his table as a workbench suggested his rather unusual way of dealing with table saw maintenance. – Editor
 
"After seeing so many tips on ways to rustproof a table saw, I must toss in my two cents' worth. Soon after getting my saw and using it for a finishing table, I spilled some stain on it. To fix the appearance, I finished staining it, letting the oils soak in and wiping off the excess. I have not had to repeat the treatment, and have had no rust after 20 years in an occasionally damp cellar environment." – Rick Davis

Bostitch

Our segment on the new Bostitich nailer packages elicited this comment. – Editor

"I just wanted to say that recently I bought the Bostitch CPACK3. I was very much surprised and pleased with this system. I ended up getting a Bostitch framing nailer after a couple of weeks. This system will handle a lot of tools. The compressor is quick to charge and supply air faster than I anticipated, and I am very pleased with the nailers that came with it. This is my first air compressor that isn't one of those small electric ones for inflating all your needs." – Jerry Burton


The Soul of Wit

Finally, we come to this delightfully succinct compliment. – Editor

"This is good. Thanks. I love your work." – Nicole Dugas

Typo Corner

Some typos don't merely afford entertainment, but also tip us off to the existence of entirely new animal breeds. – Editor

"The finish can be used on both real wood floors and laminants."

Perhaps "laminant" is a compound word describing a laminated ruminant, sort of like a Formica® cow. – Editor

Cleaning, Painting, Printing, Linking, Profiling, Sanding

Cleaning Stones

An online thread on cleaning sharpening stones induced this reader to add his method. – Editor

"I use WD-40® to clean my oil stones. It probably acts like very thin kerosene, but you don't have to go out and buy kerosene, and it is thinner. In fact, think of any oil-based substance you would like to remove from something, and WD-40® will probably do it. Pretty handy stuff. By the way, I make gunstocks, and really enjoy the 'Today's Woodworker' section. Lots of neat carving done to make some of the things there." – Tom Poe


Painting Tile

"I just wanted to add a comment in regards to the question 'Is there a way to paint ceramic kitchen floor tiles rather than replace them?' Painted floors generally don't hold up very well, but don't forget about the paint designed for garage floors. It comes in a variety of colors, can have colored flecks added for variety, and is an epoxy-based material, making it very tough." –Darryl Kuhrt


Digital Print

As you probably noticed, we introduced our first digital issue of the print version of Woodworker's Journal late last month. This impressed reader wondered what else we have up our sleeves. – Editor

"Wow! I just previewed the online version of the Journal, and it is great! I had just finished reading my print version and had a couple of things bookmarked to go online to check out, and did both from the preview. That is really a slick innovation. First the eZine, then the Premium Content, and now a complete online version of the Journal. What are you guys going to come up with next?" – Bob Cole


On the Links

We're rather glad this reader posed this particular question, for it gives us a chance to point out one of the handy characteristics of the eZine. – Editor

"Who sells The Little Ripper you show a picture of on this week's Industry Interview page?" – Gary Kammerer

The company featured in the article, Stockroom Supply, sells it. There is a link to their web site, www.stockroomsupply.com, in the fifth paragraph of the article. One of the great things about an online magazine is that we can embed links in an article. Those links, which appear in blue and underlined, will take you directly to the relevant website when you click on them. – Editor


Cambial Profiling

"I just read your profile of Brian Newell and found it very interesting. It is fascinating to hear the background that creates these people and how they developed the skills they have." – Craig Thibodeau 

We agree wholeheartedly. That's precisely why the Today's Woodworker segment is a regular feature of the eZine. Incidentally, if that letter writer's name looks familiar, it's because we profiled him in issue 201. – Editor


Drum vs. Drum

"The V Drum sander article was interesting and informational, but I would hasten to point out that RJR Studios has offered such a sander for several years now. I believe they call it the 'SandFlee,' or something along those lines." –
LW Hutson

We asked Paul Moore, the owner and inventor of the V Drum, to respond. Here's his explanation. – Editor

"There are two major differences between the V Drum and the SAND-FLEE®. The first has to do with the high speed of our drum. We gear the motor up so that the drum spins at 2,050 rpm. That speed creates centrifugal force that lifts the paper slightly off the surface of the drum, engaging the hook and loop. The SAND-FLEE® drum spins at 1,750, and its paper stays tight to the drum. Hence, with the SAND-FLEE®, the paper is pressed between the drum and the wood, but on the V Drum, the paper sands while floating on a cushioning layer of air. The other big difference is that instead of a metal drum, as on most drum sanders, the V Drum has a polycarbonate drum that virtually eliminates the static that makes sanding dust cling to the paper and float in the air." – Paul Moore


Define "Free"

This writer took umbrage with both our free plans, and the one that goes with the premium edition. – Editor

"Quit wasting space with the Free Plans entries. Simply take them out. You have to be kidding me with that Early American Step Table. What average home would want it? Your greed is showing when you have the additional projects listed, which are more appealing, but only for a fee. I used to subscribe to the Family Handyman. In the back of each issue they would have a one page simple solution for common problems around the house.  They were practical, useful, and free." – Ed Fulbright

We hate to split hairs, Ed, but if you were paying for the Family Handyman subscription, then what was in the back of the magazine was not free. The basic eZine, on the other hand, is free. As for the free plans, we're sorry if you didn't like our choices, but not everyone agrees with you about their value.  Read on.  – Editor

"Thanks for this edition and the American Step Table plans, which I hope that I will find time to make. I don't do a lot of woodworking now but it is nice to have tools and plans when you do feel like doing some." – John Payne


Typo Corner

Even one swapped letter can change description to commentary. – Editor

"Some of the loser panels have blush on them."

Blush would certainly turn lower panels into loser panels in our estimation. – Editor

Kudos, Advice and Comments

Free Plans

We’re guessing that the negative comment about our free plans in the last issue was what inspired this writer to share his view. – Editor

“I just wanted to say that I appreciate the free plans in the free edition of the eZine. I can't imagine why anyone would object to a legitimate free offer. If a plan doesn't suit you, you're not forced to download it. I download most of them, even though I might not have an immediate need for them. There's no telling when a need might come up. We've had some financial setbacks and the free eZine is the only woodworking magazine I subscribe to anymore, but it's always been my favorite. I don't get to do a lot of woodworking anymore, but it's fun to read about it. Thanks for several years of enjoyment!” – Bill Nelson

You’re very welcome, Bill. We’re glad we could be of service. – Editor


Free Advice

“I have a suggestion that might help keep everyone's interest. Looking at a great number of antique furniture pieces has led me to wonder how they did it back then. What finishes did they use, how did they sand before sandpaper, and how did they make such clean and perfect inlays? Some of these things have lasted centuries through the test of time.” – Wm. M Klepper

We agree that those things certainly are fascinating. Often you will find one or another of those topics showing up in Today’s Woodworker segments when the person being showcased is involved in that sort of work. Some of our past issues have covered experts in inlay and antique restoration, and we’re sure others will show up in the future. – Editor


Laminated Stair Treads

After our Q&A experts suggested that laminated flooring might not be the best choice for stair treads, this writer added his own suggestion, based on what he did. – Editor

“Our home is 115 years old, and the original pine stairs were in poor shape, worn and cracked. I capped them with half-inch thick red oak, attached with construction adhesive. I nosed them with a vertical strip and a horizontal strip, covering the old stairs. After more than 20 years, they have reached the point of needing a sanding and refinish.” – Joe Nachman

Old Hat, Tight Nuts, Free Plans, Safety and Errata

Nothing New Under the Sun

“The set of bound Popular Mechanics books published years ago contains an article on a gauge which looks similar to the Galbert Caliper and does exactly the same thing. There are also instructions on how to make one. Maybe Peter Galbert modified his model somewhat, but he is definitely not the inventor of the concept.” – Eric Prinsloo


Tight Nuts

One of the answers regarding loosening excessively tight arbor nuts on table saws referred to a Tommy bar, puzzling one reader.

“What is a ‘Tommy bar?’ I  have been in the mechanic's trade for over 40 years and never have heard of it. Thanks, just curious.” – Gary Storme

It’s an extension slipped over a handle to give one greater leverage. It may well be one of those regional terms which seem to abound in our craft.  -- Editor

“The answers to the question about removing an arbor nut contradicted one another. Does anyone check the advice section answers for consistency and unexplained contradiction before it's published?” – Rob Retter

Yes, we certainly do. The point we were making by running both is that there is more than one way to skin a cat, and even experts don’t always agree on which course of action is best in any given situation. It’s one of the things that makes woodworking so interesting. – Editor


Plans Ahead

Here’s still more commentary on the value of our free plans. – Editor

“Many of the free plans are good projects for a beginner, and I have downloaded them all. As a Woodworking Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor,  Scouts often can find a worthy project to make.” – Jeff Mathewson

“I really like the free plans, and I have been pretty satisfied with the Premium ones too. I joined the Premium site as soon as it started up and have saved every plan I have seen. I've got a ton of them in my computer, and one of these days I'm going to be making a hell of a pile of sawdust.” – Mark Cooper

“What you are offering to us gratis is far and away superior to all the spam freebies that we all get. Not being a woodworker who knows everything, any plan, to me, is a challenge to do, whether I have an idea in my head or hard copy in hand.” – Ron Cox


Safety First

The Web Surfer’s Review segment that highlighted a discussion on a table saw injury and the fear of same elicited a couple of interesting responses. – Editor

“I am bewildered that in this forum, discussing the fear of losing fingers or of going back to woodworking after an injury, no one mentioned SawStop saws.” – Craig McKinney

Everyone responded with sympathy and encouragement to the injured party, and many told their own stories by way of support. Since he made it clear he had learned from his mistake, they probably felt there was little point in telling him what he should have done or bought. This next letter, though, reminds us that cuts are not the only danger with a table saw. – Editor

“Having an accident with the table saw certainly does unnerve a person. I was working with oak, fine tuning an insert for a drawer pull, when the piece hit me in the eye, shattering my tempered safety glasses.  Fortunately, I have not lost the use of the eye. Needless to say, I was very apprehensive about using the saw again. I now have new safety glasses, plus I use goggles whenever working with the table saw.” –  Ray Herbrick

Clearly, though, we do learn from the mishaps of others as well. – Editor

“Before buying my table saw, I took a woodworking class offered through my local vocational high school. Afterwards, I went to a local lumberyard to purchase some wood. If the class was not enough to impress upon me how dangerous woodworking could be, the man who helped me certainly drove home the point. He was missing more fingers and parts of fingers than he had whole fingers left on both his hands. When I asked him, he let me know that it was the result of several accidents over the years.” – David Goodman

Whither Typos?

In our last issue, the typo corner was omitted, and some readers wondered where it went. – Editor

“What? Nobody found any typos?” –  Rich Meyer

Don’t worry. It’s back, but first we need to correct a couple of non-humorous errors that appeared in our last issue, and which were pointed out by several alert readers . – Editor


Errata

In the Calendar section under Ohio, the information block of the Spray Finishing Training classes entry lists the course dates as Sept. 10-12, but the description block says May 14-16. It’s both. They run several classes, but obviously, the May date has passed.

In the Industry Interview, Silicon Valley became Silicone Valley, which may well be a Freudian slip.


Typo Corner

This, on the other hand, is where the humorous typos live. – Editor

 “I’m considering using dung oil as the finish on my dining table…”

We prefer tung oil, but only because it smells a bit better.  – Editor

Spats, Saws, Sounds and Slips

Tommy Bar Brawl

One of our answer team used the term "Tommy bar" to describe a handle extension, and others wrote in to ask what that meant. Now we are up to round two, with people insisting both that the term does and does not exist. Frankly, we remain thoroughly confused, but read on and decide for yourself. – Editor

“I have been a mechanic for almost 60 years and I have never heard of a Tommy bar. A bar is solid and cannot slipped over anything, let alone a wrench, whereas a tube or pipe can, but it is called a cheater. This is not a regional term. I spent over 20 years in the Air Force and have been in all but five states, and a cheater is a universal term.” – Leland Sanders

Language is a slippery thing. We still remember when the term "cheaters" was slang for eyeglasses. But we digress. Let’s head back to the issue at hand: the meaning of Tommy bar. – Editor

“Just a note to let you know that Tommy bars are alive and well this side of the pond. We refer to the bar which turns a tube spanner as a Tommy bar. It seems to have been in use for at least my dad’s younger days.” – Bernard J. Greatrix (UK)

“In the UK and Australia, a Tommy Bar is a round metal bar used in conjunction with a box wrench. I strongly suspect the term originated in the UK  and is certainly not confined to a local region of the U.S.A. Encarta, a U.S. web encyclopedia, defines a Tommy Bar as ‘a rod used to provide leverage in turning a box wrench,’ which is the same as the UK definition, and one DIY website shows a variety of them for sale, all called Tommy bars.” – Jim Spence


Sears Saws

Never let it be said that our readers are anything but helpful. After one complained about problems setting up a contractor saw, this kind gent meticulously described a clever and simple fix. – Editor

“I’ve read of several folks who had the same problem with their table saw adjustments that I did. I have a 12-year-old Sears Contractor saw. The blade was not parallel to the miter groove, and every time I loosened up the arbor, reset it, and tightened it, it moved! The problem turned out to be unstable lock washers. I removed all the arbor nuts, removed the factory lock washers, replaced them with fat flat washer and tightened all of the bolts. A final check showed the arbor to be true, so I removed one arbor nut and washer at a time, replaced the factory lock washer, and torqued it up. I checked the alignment at each step, and there was no movement. When I was done, the arbor was right where I wanted it with lock washers in place to prevent drift.” – Ken Patrick


Wood Sounds
“When I read the article ‘Paul Fritts: Pulling Out All the Stops,’ I just had to say something. I love organ music and woodworking, and it’s rare when one can find two polar opposite subjects that have something in common.” – Thomas S. Ankrum, III


Our Slip is Showing

“In your tool review you typed ‘…for fast material removal  and an electronic …’ leaving a double space after ‘removal.’ Also, I do not think it is safety conscious to ware a necktie while wood working.” – Robert Hazelwood

Rest easy. We only ‘ware’ neckties when we leave the shop to visit the ‘hardwear’ store, but thanks for helping us find that renegade space. We spent all morning on hands and knees searching the office for it. – Editor


Typo Corner

As you saw above, we are often first in line creating typing errors, but we’re in good company. This reader, for instance, either shares our typing weakness or has a driving need to tattle on his workspace equipment. – Editor  

“I have a five-foot bench with two vices.”

Would they be smoking and drinking, or perhaps gambling and philandering? – Editor

Tommy bar, Laser and Words, Both Prose and Poetry

Tommy Bar, the Word That Just Won’t Die

It seems harmless to us, but the use of the term Tommy bar has generated more angst over the past three issues than many more serious issues we’ve touched upon, and it still is not over. – Editor

“What you refer to as a Tommy bar is more commonly called a cheater and is used to extend leverage in more ways than just a box wrench.” – Ed Sapp

“There has been a fair bit of discussion regarding the origin of Tommy bars and from this side of the pond, I think the most likely source is the description of a British soldier being called a Tommy, the way American soldiers were called Yanks. The bar was probably used in the war as a solution when other tools were not available.” – John Chaloner

Of course, our British readers were not the only ones to respond. – Editor

“In South Africa, a bar to pull out nails is called Tommy bar, though elsewhere it is called a pry bar.” – Gideon Basson

In an interesting turn, the person who started it all weighed in. – Editor

“For heaven's sake put all the arguments to bed. Tell the debating masses that I was the person who set off the controversy about the term Tommy bar. I answered the question about loosening an arbor nut on a table saw in the Q&A section and used those words. I'm British, live in Britain, use British English, and a Tommy bar in British English is a piece of pipe slipped over something like a socket wrench or perhaps an 'open-ended spanner' or ring spanner to increase leverage. Your American readers may find some other words used on the eastern side of the Atlantic similarly unfamiliar, like 'rebate' and 'housing', essential parts of a tongue and housing joint.” – Richard Jones 


Epilog Laser

“Nowhere on their website does Epilog Laser so much as mention an actual price for any of their products. They do implicitly admit it's not cheap, but say nothing about prices. Why would you produce an article for a company with such an approach? Let me guess: they pay you.” – Rob Retter

No, they most certainly do not and did not pay us even a penny. We write such articles to keep you informed of your options. As for why Epilog does not include prices on their website, you will have to ask them, but if you prowl the tool websites, you will find that, for a variety of reasons, many companies do not post prices on their websites. – Editor

“I just read the article in the eZine about lasers for hobby woodworkers. Give me a break. Tools in the price range from $8,000 to $50,000 are not practical for hobby woodworkers.” – James.Rimmer

Perhaps not for all, but remember, we have readers whose hobbies cover all sorts of ground and many professional readers as well. Read the next letter, and you will see what we mean. – Editor
 
“This issue of the eZine was fine, as expected, but the interview with Epilog opened my eyes. I have had an interest in using a laser for some projects but hesitated because I thought I had to learn a new program. The revelation that Microsoft based programs will work opened new opportunities. I think it is time to review this fine system.” –  Carl F. Bublak


Mark, My Words

“Mark Laub's work blew me away. It's phenomenal. Not only is the man a true artist, he has great courage. Having said all of that, and I mean it sincerely, I wish to take issue with one thing in the article. He's quoted saying ‘The world does not need another middle-of-the-road kitchen cabinet maker.’ I crave to be the kind of woodworker he is, but in the meantime I am a ‘middle-of-the-road’ sort of woodworker, making not only kitchen cabinets, but repairing chairs, tables and whatever. I think the world does need more of us, if we do good work and prove to be dependable. My world really needs that. I don't mean to pick an argument with Mr. Laub, but the remark seems to demean those of us who haven't arrived at such an elevated position in woodworking.” – Don Butler

Having spoken with Mark at length, we can assure you that he in no way meant to demean those that do such work, but rather was implying that he did not see himself fitting that role. You are right in pointing out that the way he said it, and it was a direct quote, could easily be construed as an insult, but he certainly did not come off with that attitude in his interview. Sometimes what we say comes out very differently than it sounds in our head. – Editor


Haiku from you.

Rob challenged you all
To write woodworking haiku.
Here are some entries. – Editor

“Woodworker’s Journal
You have thrown down the challenge
Rats, that's all my time.” – Ted Newman

“Sometimes an heirloom
But often all I've got is
Attractive kindling.” – Fred Woodward

“Wispy ribbons fall
From the throat of my jack plane
Mr. Bailey smiles.” – James B. Reid

“If you have to ask
what's the point of woodworking
you won't understand.” – Mike Yost

 “Sharpening is Zen
Revealing the soul of wood
Makes the carver smile” – Andy Barnhart

 “One man’s scrap pieces
Another man’s treasured wood
Two projects are made.” – Mike Grawvunder

“Push wood through the blade,
Oh my goodness, is that blood?
Sawstop, here I come.” – Jamie Munn

“Splinters in my hand
Titebond® glue everywhere,
OH NO! Out of square.” – Anthony Marzella

"If I can make things
from a pile of wood that sings,
What a joy this brings." – Kent Hathaway

“Trees are Nature’s gift;
They grow as visions of God.
Can I master wood?” – Randy Goodhew

“Look at that figure!
Beautiful natural curves;
a woodworker’s dream.” – Mark Foley

“A release A love
Experience woodworking
And you will know it” – James Caro
 
“I love power tools
They help me make wood type things
I love fine woods, You?” – Ted Newman

“Working wood is fine,
Tho through vital proboscis
Use thy mask to breathe.” – Peter Arenskov

“Carve, turn, sand and hue,
Measure, mark, cut, screw and glue,
Fun for me and you.” – Lynda Kelley

“To assure long life
work wood so clean straight and true
trees beautified so.” – Tim Smith

“Just five by seven
By five says the haiku guy;
Odd but ancient size.” – Peter Matson

“Woodworking is best!
Do you want to relieve stress?
Shape some wood, it's good!” – Genaro Pipitone

“Honey-do list waits
Our souls are distracted
The wood is calling” – Drake, Andrew

“Woodworking gives me:
Monetary advantage,
And relaxation” – Ted Saari

“From trees in the woods,
To lumberyards in the states,
Come woodworking crafts.” – Linda Whalen

“The saw spins so fast,
the dust is like solid fog,
why am I smiling?” – Mike Parkhurst

“See, smell, taste the wood
Hear the saw, feel the curves
Senses overwhelmed!” – Glen Cravens

“Tremendous trees
Woods of wonderful grade
Fine furniture be.” – Vince Parisi

“This spring, garage full
Two cars linger in driveway
Sawdust rules parking” – Catherine Rusk

“As a wood tool fool,
my wife keeps asking me when
I’ll have all the tools.” –  Robert A. Chagnon


Typo Corner

After such a bumper crop of outstanding haiku, our brains need the respite of a bit of humor from the typo corner. – Editor

“I use a pressed wood cabinet to hide my cat’s liter box.”

It must be a European cat. American cats use quart boxes.  – Editor

New Haiku, Good Wood, Poor Plans, Missed Points and Multiple Functions

New Haiku

A few late entries
Keep the haiku coming
For one more issue. – Editor

“A table I make
Should I screw, or make a mess
with carpenters glue?” – Mike Godin

“Build with wood to last.
Pound for pound stronger than steel.
Turn, carve, shape to taste.” – Jim Schwenk

“Years spent in the shop
I still have all my fingers
but where is my rule?” – Art Sanbeck

“The cut you just made
is not the cut intended
two chunks of wood scrap” – Jim Higashi

“Dyslexic I fear
Measure once, cut twice, again
More heirloom toothpicks” – Sam Rogers

A couple of alert readers noticed that one of the winning haiku entries was not, strictly speaking, haiku. – Editor

“The third place haiku has a problem; the middle verse has only 6 syllables.” – Gerald Horn

“I couldn't help noticing that your third place winner was a 5, 6, 5 and not a 5, 7, 5.” – Mike Godin

You are both quite correct, which we suppose proves that we are more lenient than your old high school English teacher. Of course, one could argue that all those with the word haiku in them, and there were several, were also incorrect, at least based on this information from a contributor. – Editor
 
“Ha-i-ku, in Japanese, is 3 syllables.” – Jim Higashi

You will, of course, notice that in our haiku introducing this section, we used haiku as a three syllable word. No doubt someone will write in to tell us that constitutes a typo because that’s not the way it is pronounced in English. – Editor


Good Wood

A question our experts answered on finding good wood elicited another suggestion. – Editor

“I have been purchasing wood from Woodworkerssource.com for many years now. The quality, service and prices are unequalled.” – Joe Nachman


Bad Plans

With a deep sigh, we admit that not all letters are glowing and favorable. Here’s a comment from a less-than-satisfied reader. – Editor

“Your pictures and schematic of the router bit box from the last eZine is so poor, I could not determine the dimensions shown.  Zooming in only made it worse. I expect better from you.” – George Leibert

And you deserve better too, George. We’ll try to do better in the future. – Editor


What’s the Point?

“I must have missed the point on the typo corner. I didn't get it.” – Ken Erlenbusch

The writer typed “liter box” with one ‘t’ instead of “litter box,” which is what he probably meant to write. A liter is a unit of measure close to a quart. A litter box is where a cat goes to… well, you know. – Editor

“In reading the Q&A section, I seem to be missing something. The individual seems to be looking for information and resources to weave his own chair bottom. Surely, there are resources and information for weaving chair bottom inserts.” –  Stephen L. White

There are, but it was clear to our experts that he was confusing the type of cane seat you weave yourself, using holes drilled into a seat, with the type of seat which uses sheets of machine-woven cane, similar to screen window screening, that is designed to be set into a groove. They are not interchangeable; you can’t put either one in a seat designed to take the other. Pointing him toward materials for something that could not be done in his case would hardly be helpful. – Editor


Ripped

“In addition to all of the various uses for the rip fence mentioned in Charlie's essay, I use my fence as a fence to set distance from edge on the drill press, a gauge for setting the sharpening of jointer and planer blades, and a fence for the vertical and smooth sanding of board edges on the conical disk sander. The fence is truly like a Swiss army knife and should be. Long live the versatile rip fence!” – Chuck Wright


Typo Corner
“ I had an orchid plant on my dresser, and a flower pedal dropped on the dresser.”

From the orchid’s bicycle, we presume. – Editor

Fun fact:
Although some people may not distinguish between a "d" and a "t" sound and thus pronounce them alike, "petal" and "pedal" come from two very different linguistic roots. Pedal comes from the Latin ped, meaning foot, while petal comes from the Greek petalon, meaning leaf.

Raves, Cleanliness, Homemade, Piano Finish, Metric

We Take the Good with the Bad

We may not make everyone happy about everything we do, but as this letter shows, at least we do some things right, even in the estimation of one with a heartfelt complaint. – Editor

“I was initially attracted to your eZine by the offer of free woodworking plans, but I have to tell you that I have never seen anything I would consider building. These plans are ancient. Where are the Craftsman, Mission, Arts and Crafts, and Modern styles that people would actually want to put into their homes?  In the interest of a balanced note, I think that the other parts of the eZine are great. I love the Industry Interviews and Tool Previews. The Q and A is also informative and gives multiple opinions on how to do something. Keep up the good work.” –  John Rotondaro

While the Free Plans may look kind of funny to today's eyes, they still contain some good information. You can build a toy tractor from a "classic" plan that will make a child just as happy today as it made a diferent child -- maybe yourself? -- years ago. If you want the whiz-bang, full-color plans of today, though, you can get them by subscribing to the Premium eZine either on a month-by-month or annual basis. And here's a sneak peek: someday soon, you'll be able to order these plans individually from a Woodworker's Journal downloadable plans shop.

Complaints don’t stop at the wood portions of the eZine, either. – Editor

“I don’t want to hear about hunting. Many people are turned off when hearing about someone enjoying killing a living being, and I am one of them. Hunting doesn’t belong on a woodworking-related site. Here’s hoping you’ll spend time out in the woods collecting dead wood instead of dead birds.” – J. Sweetland
 

Cleanliness is Next to… Impossible?

“After seeing photos of other people’s workshops and comparing with mine, the others don’t look as if they are being used. Where do these people make their models or furniture? Outside? Mine has always got sawdust on the floor and all the machines I use, though I do clean up now and again. I do love the eZine, though.” – Adin Cockroft


Don’t Buy it; Make It

“In the issue 208 Q&A, someone asked which brands of tools come with a vacuum attached, and got an answer. However, it's perfectly possible to attach a shop vac to many sanders (and other small tools) besides Fein and Festool. You may need a hose size adapter and possibly a narrower hose, and you may want to invest in a relay system which turns the vac on and off with the tool rather than having to switch it separately, but those are available as off-the-shelf items from many woodworking supply houses. I think Rockler offers both. Or you might just want to do your sanding on a downdraft table and let it catch most of the dust. The Fein and Festool systems are certainly more elegant and impressively effective, but homebrew does work.” – Joseph J. Kesselman


Another Take on Piano Finishes

A question about how to create a piano finish sparked this comment. – Editor

“Despite the glossy look, a piano that costs $100k and beyond is basically a plywood layup.  Many pianos travel very frequently, and are leased. They have to withstand temperature changes, movers' fingerprints and frequent cleaning. Their finishes have to be as durable as possible, so polyester auto paint, sprayed on, is better than lacquer. Also, unlike other string instruments, the outer case of a piano is not an important acoustic element, so it could be fiberglass or anything sufficiently sturdy, like carbon fiber.” – Richard J. Stein

While it is true that most pianos today are done in polyester, that is not a finish that lends itself to the setup of the hobby woodworker, nor is it, as the original question asked, what is traditionally meant by a piano finish. Here’s part of the original answer. “Generally we think of a piano finish as very clear, fairly thick and very high gloss. Unless you have a sophisticated finishing setup, it is easiest to do this with lacquer.” In other words, while lacquer is but one option, it is the easiest one for most small-scale and hobby woodworkers. – Editor


The REAL Value of the English System

“I liked your WebSurfers article on Metric Vs English measurements (of course, on this side of the pond we call them Imperial Units.) Forty-plus years ago, I was taught the metric system at college, but I still use both systems. What surprised me was that no one mentioned the real draw back of the metric system. The units are the wrong size. Five foot two and eyes of blue gives an instant picture. It even tells you the sex of the person I'm thinking of. Try that in metric!” – Roger Webb, England

Perhaps, but we’re not so sure “dark, handsome and two meters tall” wouldn’t be just as picturesque, and evocative, for a lot of European women. – Editor


Typo Corner

What a difference one letter makes. – Editor

“We have two rough sewn wood beams running across the ceiling.”
 
Were they made by stitching together smaller roughhewn beams? – Editor

Tools and Plans: Pricey to Free

Festool

“Your Tool Preview on the Festool Kapex miter saw was great. They make some really interesting tools, though their prices are just as interesting. The one thing you did not tell us is the blade size. I assume that the model 120 indicates that it is a 12-inch blade. By the way, I really like the email web version. Keep up the good work.” – John Cotten

Nope, it’s a 10-inch blade. However, according to the company literature, the saw is designed to offer “a 12-inch miter saw capacity with a 10-inch blade.” – Editor

“I just love when you guys review Festool tools, such as the Kapex KS120 saw. Every single tool that they make obviously sets a standard for other tool makers to emulate. I'm sure every woodworker that reads your magazine salivates, as I do, when we see their wonderful tools. I just wonder if they ever sell any of them. As a retiree and woodworking enthusiast, the only way I could afford one is if I won the lottery. For many years, I was in business for myself, and I understand the importance of buying good quality tools. My grandfather, told me, ‘A workman is known by the tools that he uses, and the skill with which he uses them.’ Still, there comes a point in the price vs. quality equation where no business is willing to spend the money. In my humble opinion, Festool is way beyond that point.” – Mark Messer

Festool is the largest selling handheld woodworking tool brand in all of Europe. Over there, 95 percent of the tools are sold to professionals. Here in the U.S., it’s closer to 60 percent, with 40 percent going to hobby woodworkers.  – Editor   


Dispozablade®

“First, thanks for eZine. In most cases, it is very informative. On your last Industry Interview, 'Dispozablade®: You Can Never Go Hone Again,' the history of how it came to the U.S. market is interesting, but the technical part is not very clear to understand.” – Gideon Levinson

We agree. It took us a while to understand how it works, and honestly, it is hard to describe in mere words. There is a video on their website that explains the Posi-Set®, but as you say, envisioning how the
Self-Set® works is difficult until you actually see one of the blades, at which point it is quite obvious. This photo (below) should help. It’s an extreme close-up of one of the tabs that automatically register the blade by resting on the head. – Editor 


Gift Horse

“I wanted to respond to those woodworkers who whine and moan about the free project plans you add to each eZine. Here in the West, I was taught to never look a gift horse in the mouth. Why don’t these folks use these projects to build their skills, and when they get good enough to make a project and sell it, they might have enough money to purchase a plan from Woodworker’s Journal. Perhaps if they spent their hard-earned cash and purchased a plan, they might appreciate building it a lot more. I, for one, really appreciate your offer and I enjoy reading the eZine and the print magazine.” – Hayden Kimbley

Hayden signed his very loving letter not only with his name, but his city, which we found oddly appropriate. He’s from Loving, New Mexico. – Editor

“A little feedback on the request for better, newer more modern plans: I am quite happy with the free ones that are published with each issue. It was a lot of fun making the Cooling Racks from this edition. I made 12 of them and also changed out the arrangement of the pieces and ended up with quite a few different shapes and designs. I usually try to make both of the free plans that come with  each issue. Keep up the good work, and thank you.” – Tom W. Reichle


Aftermarket Lasers

Our answer experts told a reader that there were no drawbacks to an aftermarket laser for saws, provided it was properly installed, but this writer disagreed. – Editor

“Actually, there are a few drawbacks. They only illuminate the left side of the cut, they don't work well at all in bright light, and it's difficult to line up the cut when working from the right-hand side of the blade. Other than that, they are kind of handy.” – Martin Frincke

Actually, Martin, we’re pretty sure the person wanted to know if there were any drawbacks endemic to aftermarket versions as compared to the original equipment versions. While what you list is true, those characteristics are equally problematic for both. – Editor.


A Rose by Any Other Word

“While a piano may have strings, it is actually a percussion instrument.” – Walt Dotter

You are quite right, if you define it by how it is played rather than by the source of its sound. One reason for defining by the sound source is that hammered dulcimers, harps, violins, guitars and harpsichords, all stringed instruments, are played, in order, by being hammered, plucked with fingers, bowed, strummed and plucked with plectra.  Some instruments are played many different ways, making definition by how it is played even more challenging, and lending credence to lumping them all as stringed instruments. – Editor


Haiku Hanging On

OK, we’ll share yet another clever, albeit cynical, haiku, but we swear this is the last one. – Editor

“Here’s an unintentional haiku from a neighbor describing her husband's new shop.
A costly building
To house some expensive tools
That rarely get used.” – Gerald Horn


Hunting Brouhaha

A reader objected to hunting references showing up in his favorite woodworking magazine, and this reader responded. – Editor

“It is unfortunate that one reader is offended by hunting, but many woodworkers enjoy nature and enjoy hunting, which is a perfectly natural activity. Animals hunt; so do we.” – Steve Hammer

Just think; if we could only convince animals to do woodworking, we could call that a natural activity, too! – Editor


Same Typo, Different Interpretation

“I always enjoy your typo section. This most recent one got me thinking. It was, ‘We have two rough sewn wood beams running across the ceiling,’ and your comment was ‘Were they made by stitching together smaller roughhewn beams?’ Don't you think it's possible the writer meant ‘we have two rough sawn wood beams’ as opposed to ‘hewn?’ Either  would be apropos.” – Craig Erickson

Yep, that’s entirely possible. Good catch, Craig! – Editor


Dark Matter

Some "dark" humor in the Web Surfer’s Review inspired these two comments, the first of which recalls our halcyon days of Dayglo® and blacklights. – Editor

“Taking your table saw out into the light to get rid of the dark is much too difficult. I just turn on a dark bulb. It is the opposite of a lightbulb, and works as a light sink, the same way a heat sink works. They are great for parties as well.” – Robert Buch

“I loved Mark's answer to the table saw question. I roared!” – T. Keller


Typo Corner

“I am tired of cleaning it out with a dump cloth once a week.”

Next week, try a damp cloth. – Editor

Commentary and Errata

GI Woodshop

“Thank you for the article on GI Woodshop. As a retired AF member, I greatly appreciated your mention of the site and the work. GIs are a great part of the original recycling culture: use it up, wear it out, make it do. I completed many such projects which couldn't be funded with official or authorized funds but greatly aided the quality of life for me and others. It's also a great tension reliever for stressed GIs.” - Don Bates

“The recent article concerning providing woodworking tools for our GIs in Iraq and Afghanistan is superb. I hope everyone had a chance to read it. It did, however, contain a typo. The sunshade they built is for their potable water supply, not portable. All of us GIs know that word, having heard it thousands of times during basic training. Great issue! Thanks.” - Bob Garrison

The article was referring to the shades themselves, which are portable. As for the water, it is, ironically, both potable and portable, in that it is in plastic jugs designed to be moved as necessary. - Editor

“Reeko, my hat is off to you! I subscribe to Woodworker's Journal online and read the piece about your efforts with great interest and nostalgia. Like you, I am former USAF, and I applaud your efforts to help our deployed brothers and sisters in arms get what they need for the many projects that make deployed life a little easier. This was a novel idea born of necessity. I have built picnic tables on three continents. We would scrounge or even sometimes appropriate materials to do what we needed to do to make deployed life a bit easier. You know the routine. I sent many care packages to deployed friends over the years; the best one, I am told, was a box of fall leaves sent to the Saudi desert in the last Iraq war. My friend and his tent mates loved it and spread the leaves under his cot as a piece of home. Reeko, please put my donation to good use!” - Bob Swierzawski, MSgt, USAF (Retired)

We're sure he will, Bob. - Editor

“As a 'Nam vet and unit supply person, we had a carpenter's tool kit in our supply tent. In it were basic hand tools; no power tools, though. We made and built various items of use and need. There's nothing like the creativity of the American GI in those situations. A salute; my hat's off to those fellow woodworking GIs. Thanks for your service.” - Paul R. Mark


Festool

“I have just read your comment stating that Festool woodworking tools account for 95 percent of all such tools sold in Europe.” - Keith Brooks

Go back and read it again, Keith. That's not what they said. Festool said that in Europe, 95 percent of the tools they sell are sold to professionals. That's not the same thing as saying 95 percent of professionals buy Festool. Similarly, saying, "I see everything I eat" is not the same as saying, "I eat everything I see," though we have to admit being tempted to do that, especially when in our favorite bakery. - Editor

“You can tell Mark Messer that I've been retired for 11 years, and I own several of Festool's great tools. Every time I need to update, I look to Festool. These are the only tools worth the money any more. Expensive? Yes, but worth every penny.” - R L Hoyle


Chidwick Chairs

“I am disappointed that credit was not given to Hal Taylor in the Today's Woodworker article on Andy Chidwick. Having made three of Hal's chairs myself, Andy's chairs hardly deviate at all from Hal's designs.” -  Carl Livingston

The article was about Andy and his history as a woodworker, not about the people he learned from or copied, if that is the case. Furthermore, the article did not imply he was the designer of that style of rocking chair, nor did Andy take credit for the design. On the contrary, he specifically stated in the article “I took five days, went to Virginia and learned chair making techniques.” As for the origin of the design, we found it rather similar to a style widely credited to Sam Maloof, but then, who among us has not learned from others? - Editor


What's in a Name?

“The question that asked, 'Why would I need a band saw if I have a top of the line saber saw?' made me think of how the woodworking community has changed the names of tools we grew up with.  Back in 1958 when I was first formally introduced to woodworking tools in the 7th grade, the jigsaw or scroll saw was the saw that stood on the floor and held a blade like a coping saw. The handheld saw with the thick blade that takes short up and down strokes was called a saber saw.  Thank goodness there are still other old fogies who use the older terms for our toys. Thanks for the enjoyment and entertainment you bring me with the eZine, and keep up the super work.” - Charles Buster


To Paint, or Not to Paint

“What Michael Dresdner should have told the writer who wanted to touch up the paint on his saw was to forget about it. Who cares about the paint and finish of a table saw? It's like the first dent on a new car. It's only the first of many.” - Rich Meyer

Michael Dresdner responds: “Good analogy, Rich, but I'm afraid it disputes your argument. There's a very practical reason for replacing missing paint after the first dent on your car or on your tools. If you fail to touch up missing paint on your car, that spot will rust. The same is true of the paint on some tools, so there may be more at play here than mere vanity.”


Coasting Along

“The Coaster Set featured in your eZine issue 210 is very nice. I intend to make some for gifts. My wife was given a similar commercial made set some years ago, but the cork soon went bad.  Wetting and drying over and over caused the cork to draw up and curl. I cleaned out the damaged cork and glued in pieces of outdoor carpet, and they have served us well in regular use for more than 30 years. They still look almost like new. These would go especially well if made from carpet scraps used on one's porch.” -David Gibbs

We wonder if the problem was not the cork per se, but the adhesive used to affix it to the wood. A waterproof adhesive, such as Titebond III, would definitely hold up to hot and cold water better than hide glue or even normal interior PVA adhesive. - Editor 

“I believe there is an error in your plan for a Coaster Set. In the narrative it says that the project is made of quarter inch thick stock except for the back which is of half inch thick stock. The Part List indicates just the opposite. I am sure that the part list is correct. That discrepancy aside, I enjoy your newsletters and appreciate the free plans.” - Stan Zalumskis

“Again, another two nice free plans. I plan on making them in the next few days. There is one small problem with the plan for the Coaster Set and its write-up. The write-up says that the 'project is entirely made of quarter inch stock and the back of half inch stock.' These two fractional values are swapped. The sides and top and bottom are half inch and the back is quarter inch plywood. The list of materials has the correct values; it's just the write-up that is incorrect. Thanks again for  the free plans. Not only the plans are great, but the entire Woodworker's Journal is looked for with great anticipation.” - Tom W. Reichle

You are both quite correct. Thanks for being sharp enough to catch our error. - Editor


Typo Corner

With some typos, it is not a missed letter but just the way something is worded that makes us chuckle. In this case, the word "about" morphed into the word "for," which changed the whole meaning of the sentence. - Editor

“I have two questions for my dark cherry wood living room tables.”

How often do your tables answer when you ask them questions? - Editor

Hinges, Purpleheart, GIs and Typos

Unhinged

Our plans for a plate holder caused one reader to  come unhinged, so to speak. – Editor

“In regards to the plate holder a few pages back, having no hinges on hand, and being too cheap to buy any, instead I drilled three holes in the back of each piece and glued in insulated copper wires to act as the hinges. Worked fine.” – Virgil Welch


Purpleheart

A question on whether there was a finish that would prevent purpleheart from changing color prompted this letter. – Editor

“I had freshly cut purpleheart go from brown to purple while sitting in a garage with no windows. This led me to believe that the color change is from oxidation and not UV, as most people suggest.” – Karl Sumwalt

There are two different reactions afoot here. Freshly cut or sanded purpleheart tends to have a rather grayish hue. When unfinished boards are allowed to oxidize by being exposed to air, they turn a darker purple. Many people wait a day or so before finishing purpleheart to allow this color to develop. However, if purpleheart is exposed to UV light, even if finished, it will then fade to brown. While the first darkening reaction is caused by oxidation, this second is light-induced. Once finish is on the wood, the oxidation reaction ceases, but the UV reaction continues. The question was referring to preventing this second type of reaction. – Editor


GI Woodshop

“Concerning the GI Woodshop article, it was fun seeing the projects that the guys built. While stationed in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, it wasn’t long before it became clear that living out of duffle bags was not the way to go. I designed a small wardrobe that would fit next to each person’s cot. It took a sheet and a half of plywood to make each wardrobe. It had a place to hang a few uniforms, and three cubbyholes to put stuff.  They worked well, and went up in a beautiful bonfire when we eventually closed the ‘tent city’ down.” – Mike Madsen


Jewel in the Rough

“In the last issue, there was a jewelry chest plan. It called for ripping a board to seven and three quarter inches on an eight-inch jointer from a rough eight-inch width. Why use a jointer? I don’t ever recall seeing a jointer used for ripping to a specific width. What am I missing here?” – Rickey Reynolds

Not a thing. In fact, you caught a typo of sorts. As you have correctly surmised, it should have suggested jointing one edge, then ripping to width on the table saw and cleaning up that edge, if needed, with a fine pass on the jointer. – Editor

“The jewelry box plans talked about using Watco Oil. What is this?” – Ronald Buchanan

Watco is actually a brand of finish, and one of their products, Watco Danish Oil, is a very popular wipe-on finish. So popular, in fact, that many people use the term Watco oil as shorthand for Danish oil, the correct name for that category of finish. Watco Danish Oil is sold in clear version and in a variety of colors. – Editor


Typo Corner

Here’s where interesting typos make for creative commentary. – Editor

“I get bubbles in my finish with both oil and water bass finish.”

Water bass? That sounds fishy. – Editor

Totes, Thanks, Recycling and the Cold

Tote Box

“In  issue 213, your Workshop Tote Box caught my eye because it reminded me of one I built similar to it about 42 years ago.  Mine was different in that, rather than the permanent dividers as shown in your plan, I saved up 10 half-gallon milk cartons and built mine sized to fit the cut-off cartons in two rows of five. This was my nail box until I had to retire it just last year. I also added a sliding top to keep things neat and spillproof.  Being in the Air Force and moving all too often, it was not only handy to use, but was ready to ship as is at any time. Thank you for sharing this simple but very useful plan.” – David Gibbs

Thanks and Good Wishes

“Thank you for doing the eZine. I am a scroller but love to look at your email to see what is going on in the other aspects of woodworking. I appreciate the recent articles that you have had for us scrollers. I have saved them and will get to them later. Oh, yes I will! Here's to a great new year for all of us.” – Norm Nichols

That sounds suspiciously like a New Year’s resolution, Norm. – Editor

“I wish all the staff and readers a most happy New Year.” – Carmel

“I thoroughly enjoy the Today’s Woodworker segment; not only the one
for this month, but all of them. Keep up the good work and Happy New Year to you and your staff.” – Bob Wiggins

Recycling Batteries

This reader took umbrage at the idea of paying to recycle batteries. – Editor

“Surely you jest! Twenty-four bucks for a mailer box to send batteries in for recycling? Many retail establishments will accept used batteries for recycling free. My local waste transfer station will accept used batteries also for free.” – Rich Flynn

In Out of the Cold

A question about whether it is necessary to bring tools in out of the cold generated a number of comments, and generated one question that was a bit more specific than the one our expert panel answered. – Editor

“Richard Jones makes a good comment about the life of the low-energy bulb. The low-energy bulbs are efficient because they emit a lower percentage of heat than the traditional filament bulbs. However, in this application, adding heat in a cold environment, it is heat and not light that we want, so a low-watt filament bulb will do a better job.” – John Yane

“I would add that glues such as Titebond® advise against exposure to freezing temperatures. I keep my glues indoors year-round to avoid both the heat and cold of my garage workshop, and they are lasting years. I would think that waterbased finishes might be harmed by sub-freezing temperatures as well.” – Jim Jones

They are indeed, and should be stored well above freezing. – Editor

“My shop is also the garage. It is not heated or insulated, and it gets into the single digits during the winter. What impact does the cold have on belts, motors and bearings when operating the tool? It seems impractical to store my lathe and table saw in a cabinet with a light. I am reluctant to set aside woodworking during winter as that is when I have most of my spare time.” – Shelley Hays

Well, readers? Any advice for Shelley? – Editor


Typo Corner

It’s a new year, but our ever-popular Typo Corner marches on. – Editor

“My deck was painted with redwood stain which is pealing. I want a stain that will not peal.”

Give us a “ring” if you find one. – Editor

Old Age, Old Batteries, New Plans, Orphans, Cold and Moisture

Old and Older

When Rob quoted the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this reader had something to say about it. – Editor

“That old saying from the Old Farmers Almanac didn't originate with them because I am over 70 years old and my grandfather used to tell me that one when I was about 10 or 12 years old and he always stated it as being from his grandfather. I don't think the Old Farmers Almanac is that old.” – Walt Morgan

Don’t be so sure. The Old Farmer’s Almanac was first published in 1792 while George Washington was president. – Editor


Batteries

“Why would people waste their time and money ordering a 24 dollar box to ship dead batteries when they can go to their local office supply or building store and drop these off without having to spend a dime? Maybe I should start a business recycling junk mail. I could send you a large box for a fee and you pack it and mail it to your local dump.” – Lawrence Dutton

We’re not sure about where you live, but the local office supply and building stores in our area charge for collecting unwanted batteries. For that matter, our local dump charges for putting boxes of junk mail in the landfill. On the positive side, our city government just created a free recycling center for certain items, including computers and CRTs. Perhaps batteries won’t be far behind. In any case, do check both the stores, trash haulers and government in your area for recycling guidelines, since at present, they vary greatly across the country. – Editor 

“Home Depot and Lowe's® both used to have battery recycle boxes, but they have disappeared in recent years. Now it takes a 45-minute drive to get rid of old batteries. This is going to become an increasingly important issue as more and more items become battery-powered.” – R L Hoyle


Workbench Helper Free Plans

“I used this item many years ago and called it the bench donkey. I even got the kids at school to make one so they could take it to work with them.” – Kris Frampton


While most of our letters refer to our most recent issue, some come in a bit late or deal with tangential issues that we feel are nonetheless worth discussing. Here are a brace of such orphan notes. – Editor 

Hot Biscuits, No Gravy

“One way to prevent biscuits from absorbing too much moisture and swelling is to store them on top of shop lights.” – LeRoy Johnson

Surface Sanders

“I am intrigued with the Sand Flee but have yet to see any reviews. Do you have any opinion regarding this machine?” – Jack Waddington

We covered the Sand Flee in eZine 204, and also introduced you to the V-Drum sander, a similar though competing machine, in issue 202, in a piece that highlighted the differences between the two. While they appear very similar, they actually work quite differently. – Editor


Bearing Up to Cold

In our last feedback section, Shelley Hays asked what impact cold has on belts, bearings and motors while operating tools in winter in an unheated shop. Someone who understands bearings was kind enough to answer. – Editor
 
“My day job is for a major bearing manufacturer. The potential problem with low temperatures is not the bearing but the lubricant for the bearing. Single-digit or lower temperatures would mean that for the startup and early run the bearing would be running without lubricant because the oil or grease is too thick. While the bearing is running un-lubricated it is also pushing the stiff lube out of the way of the rolling elements. This can generate enough heat at the contact areas inside the bearing to damage the bearing before the lube warms up and begins actually lubricating. In a larger, lower speed bearing this would be a cumulative effect that would result in a lower than expected life of the bearing. In smaller, high speed applications like a router or dental type handpiece this could be fatal for the bearing on the first use. If speed control option is available, start and run the motor at a very low speed for 10 minutes or so. If not, I believe you are notably reducing the life of the bearing at very low temperatures.” – Larry Giust

Naturally, some folks suggested Shelley bite the bullet and buy a heater for the shop, but even that has its pitfalls. This writer aired a warning about propane shop heaters. – Editor

“Using an unvented propane heater in a shop has a disadvantage. The result of propane combustion is CO2 and H2O. The water vapor will condense on cold machinery and cause rust. I experienced this when my shop was in a non-insulated garage.” – Glenn & Peggy Yingling


Typo Corner

Speaking of moisture, this typo unintentionally reminded us what dew can do to furniture, thus giving us a heyday with this triple homophone: do, due, dew. – Editor 

“This furniture will get some extreme weathering dew to salt water”

It also gets water exposure due to morning condensation. – Editor

Holes, Rockwell, Batteries, Victorians and Rust

Sanding Holes

"In the Web Surfer's Review in issue 214, the question of sanding holes in a game board arose. For me, one of the obvious solutions was overlooked: rubberized abrasive wheels. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and work far better than loose abrasive without the tendency to stain the exposed end grain. I use them for cleaning up the carved areas of soft woods like pine and fir on hobbyhorses I make for kids. Maybe some people will find this helpful." – James Battee

We're sure they will. Thanks for sharing. – Editor


Rockwell's Back

While many were delighted with the direction Rockwell is going with their new lines of handheld saws, drills and sanders with lifetime batteries, not everyone felt that way. – Editor

"Thanks for your coverage of the IBS [International Builder's Show] in Vegas. Looks like you guys had a good time, but as you are probably aware, this is definitely not the Rockwell Delta of yesteryear. In fact, they aren't even affiliated. Delta simply let the name go into the public domain, and the new Rockwell is keying off the value of the brand. I was intrigued by their SoniCrafter, as I've wanted the Fein model for quite a while. However, the Rockwell version is, in my opinion, inferior and the accessories are not compatible with the Fein accessories. Either way, it's a bit misleading to say Rockwell is back. This is just a 10-year-old company getting leftover glory from the old name" – Stephen Bigelow

"Upon spending an hour or so checking individual blogs on  a well-known tool website, Rockwell would not like what folks are saying about the Rockwell name being resurrected in China. The gist of almost all of those buyer-user comments was unfavorable." – Urban Hess

To be fair, Rockwell has two lines of tools, and we suspect some of the dissatisfaction comes from what may be an unfair comparison of their lighter duty line. As their website says, "Rockwell ShopSeries™ is a sub-brand that focuses on lighter duty home and workshop applications." It clarifies that this is a price point product, meant for those whose requirements and pocket have parallel limitations. – Editor


Victorian Thinking

"This question has barely anything to do with woodwork except that your free plan for a Victorian Sledge was the prompt. I am puzzled why, on your side of the pond, you and other woodworkers in the US refer to items and furniture as being Victorian when, by the time the dear old queen came to the throne, you were happily onto your eighth president and thus had few ties to the UK." –Bernard J Greatrix

No doubt the name came from the first ones to label that design style, and frankly, we are rather grateful that the terms are somewhat universal. Can you imagine the confusion if each furniture style were called by dozens of different eponymous designations depending on where the builder was located? Besides, in spite of our separation in 1776, we are still quite fond of the UK and feel rather close to this day, thank you very much. We can even understand each others’ words, to a point. As George Bernard Shaw put it, “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.” – Editor


Batteries

Will local stores accept dead batteries, and if not, what do you do with them? This question, and a variety of answers, has kept the subject alive for yet another issue. – Editor

"This URL from the EPA site tells more than you possibly want to know about recycling batteries." – Albert Hinton

"To fix a Milwaukee 18 v cordless drill, I bought alligator clips, found some old speaker wire and used a good Milwaukee battery to jumpstart the old one. I wore gloves, goggles and an apron just in case. The batteries were joined for perhaps five seconds. Upon disconnecting the batteries, the once defective battery successfully recharged and has been used extensively without trouble. Batteries are too expensive to replace every couple of years and they inevitably fail at the worst possible moment, so more reliable batteries are particularly important. As for dead ones, if you live near a Batteries Plus store, they accept unusable batteries at no charge; at least there's no charge where I live." – Chris Steele

Finally, someone offered a very simple and effective way to find a place to deal with recycling batteries. – Editor

"Relating to the comments about battery recycling, The RBRC (Rechargable Battery Recycling Corporation) is a nonprofit recycling organization and has participating dealers all over. If you go to their website you can find a participating location by inserting your zip code." – John Rowe

Thanks, John. We tried it and found four places within one mile of us, and eleven within three miles. This is a great locating resource for this troublesome problem. – Editor


Rust

This reader offered yet another way to deal with rust on tools. – Editor

"As a gunsmith, I deal with rust removal often while refurbishing old guns. If the rust is really bad I use a burnisher, like the type used on scrapers, and oil. Wet the rust, then rub hard with the burnisher. The crusted rust will break down and the piece can then be rubbed with 0000 steel wool and lubricant. The burnisher must be very hard and well polished. This will work on hand tools very well." – Tom Poe


Where Have You Been All Our Life?

"I have to tell you, I just stumbled on this Woodworkers Journal eZine site last Christmas, but I’m sure glad I did. This is good stuff! It is one of the few things I am glad to see in my email. Thank you very much." – Craig Martin,

Better late than never, Craig, and thank you for the compliment. – Editor


Typo Corner
 
"I just came upon your sight while trying to find some answers."

Apparently, this writer shares our website’s vision. – Editor