American Woodworker - 114 (May 2005)

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Tips for building maintenancefree outdoor projects with a material that works just like wood.
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Big enough for a set of chair cushions, beautiful enough to grace your deck or patio.
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ServiceDept., American Woodworker Subscriber (800)66&3111, RedOak lA 51591-11, P0. Box8148, e-mailAV\[email protected] Article lndex A complete indexis available onlineat www.america nwoodworker.com Copiesof PastArticles for $3 ead. Writeor call: Photocopies are available PO.Box Woodworker ReprintCenter, American 15l,246434/', 83695,Stil lwater,M N 55083-0695, 17 Visa, 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.CSI Mon.throughFri. Discover MasterCard, andAmericanExpress accepted. Backlssues for $6 eadr.Orderfrom the Someareavailable ReprintCenterat the address above. Comments& Suggestions Woodworker, Writeto us at American MN 55121, Dr.,Suite700,Eagan, 2915Commers (651)454-9200, fax (651)994-2250, e-mailaweditor@ readersdigest.com
MoerLe Ourreeo TeeLe

It's the perfect small-shop companion to everybody's tablesaw.
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Tool Test appearing Our regularly featurewill be backagain next issue.The topic: randomorbit sanders.
American Woodworker
MAY 2oo5
Subscriptionquestions?Seepage3.
Editor Managing Editor Senior Editor Associate Editors Tools and Products Editor Contributing Editor Design Director Art Directors Graphic Design Intern Copy Editor Fact Checking Specialiss Ken Collier RandyJohncon Tom Caspar TimJohm Dave Mrmkittrick George Vondriska Jon Stumbras Sara Koehler Patrick Hunter VernJohnson Rick Dupre Jean Cook . Jennifer Feist Nina Childs;ohnson JudyRodriguez Lisa Pahl lfuecht Alice Garrett Shannon Hooge Roxie Filipkowski Lori Callister ShellyJacobsen
GetthePowerofa 5 ManGtew!
into a "ridein the park"withthe clean-up outdoor Turn back-breaking worftslike mulcher vacuum engine-driven incredibleCycloneRake.Powerfirl acres mow ofleaves, tons a 5 mancrew!Youcaneasilypick-up andpulverize to Hitches drfue. sticls andlawn debris-asyou clearpine sffaw, of heavy grass, youl0timestheliftingPowerandryany anyridingmowerandgives almost without stopping!And when timesthe capacity-lets youhandlehugeafeas a barnorspare garage. storag*tto needfor itfolds upfntfor compact you'redone
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Issue #l14. American Woodworker@, ISSN 107.19152, USPS 73&710 Published bimonthly, excePt monthly October and November by Home Seruice Publications, Inc., 260 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send change ofaddress notice to American Woodworker@, P.O. Box 8148, Red Oak, IA 51591-1148. Subscription rates: U.S. oneyear, $24'98. Singlecopy, $5.99. Canada one-year, $29.98 (U.S. Funds); GST # Foreign surface one-year, R122988611. $29.98 (U.S. Funds). U.S. newsstand distribution by Hearst Distribution Group, paid at Gatewal', Postage New York, NY 10019. In Canada: Mississauga,Ontario; CPM# 1447866. Send returns and address changes to American Woodworker@, P.O' Box 8148, Red Oak, L{, USA 51591-1148. Printed in USA. @ 2005 Home Service Publications, Inc. All rights reseroed. Reader's Digest may share information about you with rePutable companies in order for them to offer you products md services of interest to you. Ifyou would rather we not share information, please write to us ar Reader's Digest Association, American Woodworker, Customer Seruice Departrnent, P.O. Box 8l'18, Red Oak, IA 51591. Plerc include a copy ofyour addresslabel. Subscribem: If the Post Oflice alerts u that your magazine is undelivenble, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.
American
Woodworker
MAY 2oo5
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To give you stain colors that are clearand true, Varathane Premium Wood stains soyaoil instead are madewith ultra-clear oil. Soyaoil helpsthe premium of linseed pigments penetratedeeper,revealingthe wood's naturalbeauty.Maybe that's why colors are the clear choice, Varathane's preferredmore than 2 to I over those of WoodFinish'". Minwax@ Trv one of Varathane's 'exclusive trial sizepacketsto help
colorfor yourproiect. youfindtheperfect in ouradon information Andlookfor more today. page 37, or visitwoodanswers.com
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Minwaf is a rcistered trademrk of ttre Stnmin 'Sou-re: Prefme Tst of ttp Vamthane Lim William Crynoany. Lim of lnterior Vbod Stains. May' 2003 veFus the Minif
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| buy my lumber rough, and some1[-) I get a very twisted or \ltimes crooked board. What's a safe way to crosscut and put a straight edge on these awkward boards? I use a two-step process for safely prepping severely twisted or crooked stock. First I crosscut the board to the desired length with myjipaw. Then I cut the straight edge on the bandsaw. Of course, the safest way to crosscut rough stock is with a handsaw. Japanese-style utility pull saws designed for fast cutting are ideal for crosscutting rough stock by hand. My tool of choice, though, is a jigsaw with a 4-,in., Gteeth-per-inch (TPI), rough-cutting blade. It's safe to use, gets through the stock quickly and doesn't wear out my arrn. Ripping a straight edge on naristed stock with a large crook is best done on your bandsaw; it's safe and simple. After crosscutting, I use a carpenter's chalk line to mark the straight edge. I take care to position the line to preserve the best parts of the board with the least waste. The chalk line is easy to follow on a bandsaw. After the straight edge is cut, I'm ready to head to the jointer to facejoint the board and clean up the bandsawn edge. For boards that are not twist,,.$
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get the job done faster. A circular ,,. i '";' saw makes quick work of trimming rough stock. Sliding miter saws also have the capzcity to cut wide boards, as do radial-arm saws.
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If you have a question you'd like answered, send it to us at Question & Ansrrer, American Woodnrorker, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121 or email to Tnda@readesdigesLcorr. Sorry, but the volume of mail prevents us from answering each question individually.
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American Woodworker
MAY 2oos
Neu Srzr EoUIvALENTS

I see plans calling for 6d nails, but when I want to use my 1J pneumatic nail gun, the nail sizesare in inches.How do I convert \]" from one to the other? A -l*L The d in 6d is the symbol for a penny in the English monetary system. Some believe that the use of the term pmny to describe nail size evolved from the old English custom of selling nails 100 at a time. Thus, 100 small nails might cost 4d while 100 larger nails might cost 8d. Today, the designation refers to the
nail's length. The length of pneumatic nails and brads, however, is given in inches. Check the photos below for a quick conversion. Even though the lengths are equivalent, you'll find a corvefltional nail is thicker than a pneumatic nail of equal length. The conventional nail needs the extra girth to resist bending under repeated hammer blows. (In my case, they need to be as thick as railroad spikes.)
2-112 16-gauge nails
2" 16o r 1 8-gauge nai l s
1-112" 18-gauge brads
1" 18-gauge brads

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American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
-1
RusrrrucScREWS
I built some outdoor furniture a few years ago. I used gal1l vanized screws and cedar, thinking they would stand up to X,, the elements. The wood has done fine, but from each screw, there's a black stain running down the wood. I thought galvanized screws didn't corrode. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use A ,( }. stainless steel screws. Stainless steel screws cost a little more than plated, corrosion-resistant screws. For example, a lO0count box of 2-l/2-in. No. 8 stainless steel screws costs about $3 more than a box of plated screws (see Source, below). Stainless steel is well worth the extra cost. The galvanized screws you used in your projectwere most likely damaged during installation. Phillips drive screws are notorious for causing the bit tojump, or cam out, as the screw is driven. This often damages ttre rust-resistant coating (whether galvanized or epoxy), which exposes the steel to water and oxygen, resulting in corrosion. The iron in the screw reacts with the tannin in the cedar and any environmental moisture to produce those black streaks on your furniture. A stainless steel screw will resist corrosion no matter how mangled it gets. (800) Source McFeely's, 443-7937, www.mcfeelys.com No.8 x 2-112-in.305 stainless steelscrews, #0824-FA5, boxof 100, $11 No.8 x 2-112-in. No-CoRode screws, #0824-FNC, boxof '100, $8.
10 American Woodworker MAy 2oos
Cialisis not for everyone. lf you take nitrates, often usedfor chest pain (alsoknownas angina), or alpha-blockers (otherthan Flomax 0.4 mg oncedaily),prescribed for prostateprobiems or highbloodpresiure,do not takeC)alis. Suchcombinations could causea sudden,unsafedrop in blood pressure. Don'tdrink'alcohol in excess(to a lwel of intoxication) with Cialis.This combination may increase your chancesof getting dizzyor lovrrering your blood pressure. Cialisdoes not protecta manor his partnerfrom sexually transmitted diseases, includingHiV. The mostcommonside effectswith Cialiswere headache and upsetstomach.Backache and muscleacfrewere
RourER Tnele Mtrcn JoTNTS

I plan to build some iewelry boxeswith 1J corners, but my contractor's \lmitered job of cutting miters. Can I poor saw does a use my routertable to cut the miteredioints?
A fL A 4Sdegree chamfer bit mounted in a router table works great for cutting need miters. The size of the chamferbityou'll depends on the thickness of the wood you're cutting. Chamferbits large enoughto cut miters on the ends of 3/4in.-thick boards are available (see Source,left). Make multiple passes to complete the miters, either slowly increasing the height of the chamfer bit or slowly moving the router table fence back a little at a time. Use a backerboard to help support the workpiece and eliminate blow-out. Be very precise with your adjustments as you near the full mitered cut. The last setting of the fence or bit height should leave a point on the end of the board without shortening the board's length. fW
American Woodworker MAY 2oo5 11
Source MLCS (800)533-9298 g.com www. mlcswoodworkin chamfer router bit 4S-degree for boardsless than 3/4 in. thick,#7677,$28 4Sdegree chamfer router bit for boards3/4 to 15i16in. thick, #7681. S35.
CiaLis"
utww.cialis.corn 1-877-4-CIALIS with delayedonset.Most men weren't botheredby the side effects enoughto stop also reported,sometimes an erectionfor more than 4 hours (priapism) rare taking Cialis.Ahhougha occurence, men wfio experience your whh your doctor to Discuss medical condhions and medications immediate medical attention. shouldseek you you healthy for sexual activity. is right for and that are enough ensureCialis
ability of men with ED to haue a single Ltpto 36 hoursafterdostng,tbe "In clinicaltriak, Cialiswasshoumto improue, successful intqcourseattempt. 9,6)
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MAY 2oos
13
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I installed the AW router lift (AW #106, March 2004, page 38) in my router table. The lift works great, but opening and closing my old table's heavy top made me nervous. To keep it from slamming unexpectedly and smashing my fingers, I installed a mediumduty screendoor closer ($10 at a home center). To lock the top in the open position, I simply drop the lock plate to the .ylirder. To close,I lift ttre top slightly and slide the plate back onto its storage rib. Thanks to the pneumatic selFclosing action, the top gently closesitseF. yania Matza
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If you have an original Workshop Tip, send it to us with a sketch or photo. If we print it, you'll get $100! Send to Workshop Tips, AmericanWoodworker, 2915 Commers llrive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121 or e-mail to workshoptips@readersdigestcom. Submissions can't be retumed and become our property upon acceptance and paymenL We may edit sub missions and use them in all print and electronic media,
14
American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
iThe guide consistsof four pieces of 1/8-in.MDF glued so one pair of pieces shoulders the sole of the plane (see photo, below). On the sole, this shoulder must extend slightly beyond the blade.The magnets are epoxied into their predrilled holes.
R I c H T - A N G L EG u r n r F o R J o I N T I N G
Planing the edge of a long board perpendicular to its face is a real challenge. To make thejob easier, I built a guide that attaches to the side of my plane with rare earth magnets. Nowjointing an edge is much easier. I simply alter my grip to take full advantage of the square{ornered source Rockler Woodworki nS,(800) 2794441,www.rockler. com 112-in.4ia. rare earth magnets, #3081 0, pack of 10, $7.
support that the fence offers. Frank Pen'icha
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I love having a cutting list close at hand. But hanging on to it when both hands are busy was a problemuntil I bought 24 clothespins for $2 at the hardware store. I epoxied the wooden pins in convenient Spots around my shop. Now I can easily double-check nreasurements before cutting my boards roo short. Chas Bridge
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Arnerican \4boclu,orker MAy 2oo5
BrrucHToP Boann Clavrp

My father showed me this "bird's
mouth" jig almost 60 years ago. It tii securely clamps l/+ to 3-in.-thick
boards on edge. It's so useful that I've never bothered to add a vise to my workbench. I've been tempted to mount
the jig permanently, but I prefer an uncluttered work surface. Besides,this jig is
easy to install and remove. To hold a board for planing or edge banding, simply engage one end on the sliding wedge (see photo at left). Slide the board and wedge forward until they lock between the fixed wedge and the fence (see photo inset). Support the back end of the board with a block the same thickness as the base. I cut both wedges from a single board on the tablesaw, and the blade tilted 45 degrees. I mounted the fence on the base and glued a stop on the sliding wedge. I positioned the two wedges by using a3/4-lin.-thick spacer between the sliding wedge and the fence. Then I fastened the fixed wedge to the base. /W Daruyn
using a taperingjig
Briggs
tDt AIB-TEGil and Dust-Force

WhenonlyffileBelsfwir/.l,o,!
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Model750-ER
$2Se:
JDS,the leaderin quality air filtration products, introduces the ultimateair cleaner for your shop(Model 750-ER).This remote
controlled unit will clean the air in a 30'x30'x8' shop once every ten minutes. For larger areasthe models 8-12, 10-I 6, and 2400 are available.To remove odors, fumes and smoke, order our optional charcoal filter.
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......1 |" Si!,.'........ fnletDio.... l-5/2-4" BsgCspscity........ 42 gqllons Decibels... ..67-77 Etecf'fcot.. llO/22O L+Switctr PrewiredforI l0V Another quotity product from
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Modd750-ER WlrenontVfieBestwi|f'Ilrl!
Control with speed C tCDRemote ondtimerfunction C HighestMoximum Air Flowin itsCloss 1,050 CFM (750CFM Filtered Air) C 95%AS]IRAE Tested moin filter (9f %Efiiciencyot I micron- 99Y"ot 5 microns) C Wqshqble Electrostqtic PreFilter Withten yeor mqnufocturer's worronty
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Toplace anorderor for thedealer youcallustoll free. 1{m48G7269 nearest
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CenalDE-lrusenr Jorruren Krurves

How much is it worth to you to make changing jointer knives incredibly easy?What if your jointer knives also stayed sharp longer? Would you pay $300 to $400 more for the machine? That's the price of the latest in jointer technology: carbide-insertcutterheads. These odd-looking cutterheads are available for a handful of &in. and &in. jointers. Unlike a conventional, straight, tool-steelknife, these cutterheadsconsistof a series of solid carbide inserts. Each insert has four cutting edges.The edgesare marked so you can keep track of which ones you've already used. The inserts in each row overlap the inserts in the previous row in a helical or chewon pattern to provide a continuous cutting edge. Each insert is individually fastened to the cutterhead. Instead of sharpening them, you unbolt and rotate the inserts until all four edges are dull; then they need
to be replaced. Replacements cost about $2.50 per insert, or $100 to $200 for the entire head. But remember, you will get four fresh edges. And replacing the inserts is as easy as setting them into the indexed opening and tightening Done! We're doing a review of 8-in. jointers for an upcoming issue. Our initial tests on these cutterheads show that they cut as well as conventional knives and run more quietly. Making a cut does seem to require more feed pressure and horsepower than with a conventional knife. As for longevity, you've got to believe these carbide inserts will far outlast conventional knives-just as your carbide router bits last longer than steel bis. And you can joint manufactured materials, such as melamine. A couple of manufacturers offer cutterheads that can be retrofit in their machines (see Sources, below). a bolt.
Sources Wilke Machinery (800)235-21 00, wr,arw.wilkemach.com ByrdToolCorp.'sShelixbrandsegmented carbidecutterhead(shown above)retrofits Bridgewoodand Yorkcraft 8-in.jointers,$440. Woodworker'sSupply (800)645-9292.www.woodworker.com jointerheadfits Woodtek,Delta Professional 6-in.indexable and Deluxeseries,Jet and Powermatic, #120-041, $400 jointerheadfits Woodtekonty,#120-044, 8-in.indexable $500.
22
American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
28-Vor-r ConolEss Tools

Milwaukee'snewestbattery the V28, is a 28-volt lithium-ion battery that powers a drill, circular saw,reciprocating saw,
hammer drill. even a handheld bandsaw (used for cutting pipe). "\Arhat!" you say,"28-volt? It's gotta weigh a ton." Here's the good news: The V28 battery weighs less Source Tools M,ilwaukee
than a typicallS-voltNiCd or NiMH. And, accordingto the
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folks at Milwaukee, the V28 is more powerful and has up to battery, V28Lithium-ion #4811-2830, $233. twice the run time. In addition, lithium-ion batteries don't fade. Either they run the tool or they don't; the power doesn't gradually drop off. A "fuel gauge" on the battery indicates how much juice is left. Lithium-ion batteries also have a lower self-discharge rate, so a fully charged lithium-driven tool that sits idle for a month will have more power left in it than a comparable NiCd or NiMH would. The new batteries are not compatible with Milwaukee tools currently powered by NiCd batteries.
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RourER Nrw MULTt-Base

You gotta love multi-base routers. They give you so much bang for the buck. From handheld to router-table use, these are versatile machines. Hitachi's new KM12VC kit, $190, is the latest entry into the multibase router field. It has features, and a price, comparable to those of other multi-base routers. And with Hitachi's redesign of its tools, this is one cool-lookin' machine.
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The KM12VC has a 2-7/Lhp (11motor u-p) electronicvariable-speed (8,000 to 24,000 rpm) that can be base to swapped-tool free-from
base. Included are 1/4.in and 7/2-in. colles and seven template guides in commonly used sizes. Depth of cut in the fixed base is controlled by winding the motor in and out of the base. This is the least desirable style of depth control, but it's made easier on the Hitachi router by a two-stage locking lever. The first stage applies a gentle squeeze to the motor and takes any slop out of the system. This allows small adjustments to be made and held. The second stage rigidly locks the motor in place.
Source HitachiPowerTools (8001829-4152 www. hitachi-oowertools.com , 190. , K M 1 2 V C$ M u l t i - b a sr eo u t e r #
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The plunge base has a three-position stop rod for controlling the depth of cut. The pointer on the stop rod is slightly difficult to read compared to those on other multi-base routers.
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SrvrpLtFtED Dnewrn-Sllor
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A mistake in positioning drawer slides inside a cabinet can ruin your day. Misplace the slide by even a smidgen and the drawer will be crooked in the opening. Ik.g Tool can help you go straightwith its new universal Drawer slide Mounting Tool. For $30, it makes putting in slides as easy as putting on your shoes. The mounting tool, which works great on both face-frame and frameless cabinets, provides a ledge that the slide rests on while you drive in the screws. Magnets on the mounting tool grab and hold the slide so it doesn't slip out of position. With magnets on both sides, one mounting tool works for both sides of the cabinet. Simply rest the mounting tool on a rail, or position it on the case side, clamp it in place and you're ready to drive screws through the slide. The mounting tool, which can be used with side and undermount slides, is compatible with hardware from a number of manufacturers, including Alfit, Amerock, Blum, Hafele, Hettich and Liberty. After the case component is in, you can use new Ifu.g Drawer Mounting Brackets, $10, to set the drawer box. They work like shelf supports, projecting from the front of the cabinet and holding the drawer in place while you drive the screws. There are other devices on the market for mounting drawer slides but, unlike many of them, the Kreg product is not specific to only one slide manufacturer.
joiner plate Yourfirst may notbea Lamello. your last one will. lt but we're certain makes sense thatthepeople whoinvented joining thetechnique ofbiscuit would build the world's finestplate joiner.These precision Swissmade, crafted tools are the mostaccurate, repeatable, rugged, reliable machines ontheolanet. Here arejustafewofthereasons thatmake joiner plate you'll them thelast ever need: o Allslides andcontact surfaces are (rather machined thandrawn or castl to precision ensure absolute andflatness o All guide surfaces arecoated to ensure fluidmotion andmaximum life o Every machine is inspected for dimensional accuracy andgroove tolerance of .001" o Guaranteed parts availability of spare for 10years o Consistently rated theultimate biscuit journals bytrade loiner And,Lamello makes more thanjustgreat Plate Joiners, ourCantex Lipping Planers andLamina Laminate Trimmers are must havetoolsfor the serious woodworker looking fortheultimate in quality.
Golonial SawGompany, Inc.
EAST 1-888-777-272s wEsT 1-800-252-6355
www.csaw.c0m/01
24
American Woodworker MAy 2oos
Ensrrn TnSLESAW Blnor
CHarucES
One of my worst woodworking injuries happened on a tablesawwith the power off. My hand slipped while I was changing a blade and I ran my finger into a tooth. ouch! The new Saw-Jawprevents snch an accident, because it encircles and locks onto the perimeter of a 10-in. saw blade, acting like a big wrench. The large handle gives you plenty to hold on to, so you'll never need to jamb a piece of wood against a blade again. When installing a new blade, you grip it with the Saw-Jawfirst. Then you thread the Saw-Jawand blade through the table and onro the arbor. Now if only I could come up with a good way to gllarantee never losing an arbor nllt in the sawdust pile again....
Source H r q oL l .C. (800)729-9366, www.saw-jaw.com )aw-Jaw. b | /.
26
American \4/oodrvorker MAy 2oos
Mrcno-Aolusr WnEELGeuee
A wheel gauge produces a fine, crisp line that is easy to see and adds accuracy to your work. They can, however, be fussy to adjust. For $26, you cnn easily dial in precise dimensions with the new Micro-Adjust Marking Gauge from Lee Valley. Here's how itworks. First, slide the head into an approxir,nate position. Tighten the collet and use the micro-adjust knob to fine-tune the head into its final position. With its fine threads, one full turn of the microadjust knob moves the head a mere l/32-in. Once the head is positioned, it can be locked in place with the thumbscrew.A ruled model with l/lein. graduations on the rod is also available,$33. The MicroAdjust Wheel Gauge is an evolution of I,ee Valley's standard wheel gauge. At only $4 more, it's worth every cent. Lee Valley's microadjust gauge is slightly more cumbersome to a{ust single-handedly than its competito4 Glen Drake ToolWorks'Tite Mark, $79. 'lJlt
Q:Howmanyjigs does it take?
Every joint was made on one incredible madrine - theWoodRat. It will fit on yourworkshop wall and makeeveryjointyou'lleverneed.: jig or tenoning jig. lt's simple,fun to More versatile than any dovetail use,and madeto the higheststandards. What'ever kindof work you do - if you loin wood, you need a 'Rat. From$47b.00. Oetthedeno 0V9 G5.00t orrllrre; uroodatoon oroaf} V877+'IOOW.frI
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American
Woodlvorker
MAy
2oo5
Pnorecr rne Pueslc Levrruare

Apply a lubricant, such as wax, soap orTrim Ease (a commercial product available from p-lam and trim bit distributors), to the plastic laminate's face when you use self-piloting bits. The lubricant protects the p-lam from burning or marring.Self-pilotingbits are availablein flushtrim or bevel-trimprofiles. The flush trim (shown here) is used when you want to leave a flat, square corner.lts single cutting flute makes it fast-cutting. A solid carbideselfpilotingtrim bit costs$8 to $10,which is about half of what a ball-bearing-guide d tr imming bit costs.
BnuuBeenrrucs ReoucEMARRTNG
Ball-bearing-guided bits greatly reduce the risk of marring and can be used without a lubricant. The bearings do wear out, so you should replacethem as soon as they show signs that they're not spinning freely.lt's also important to keep them clean of built-up glue. Ball-bearingguided trim bits are availablein either a flush-trimor beveltrim profile.Thebevel profile (shown here)is used when you want to easethe edge to make it friendlierto the touch and reduce its chance of chipping when bumped. Ball-bearingguided trim bits cost $12 to $24 each.
Man-PnooF RoulNG
Use a ball-bearing guide attachment when you want to totally eliminatethe chanceof marring the finished surface or when you want to leave an overhang on the part that you are trimming. A nonpiloted trim bit is used with this guide.The bit is a combination flush and bevel cut. You can trim straight or curved surfaces with this setup.
Ger e Supen-SrnarcHT Cur

Use a straight guide when trimming against the substrate material.Thestraightguide bridgesthe small voids or gaps common in particleboard and plywood.Theresultis a straighteredge on the p-lam. This is important when another p-lam piece will be laminated to this edge. Straight edge guides do not work on curvesor close in insidecorners. A regular straight bit works fine with the straightguide.
32
American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
M o v e C l o s e t N T oC o n r u E n s
Use the tilt base when you rout inside a n d i n s i d ec a b c o r n e r so n c o u n t e r t o p s inets. The router must be kePt Perpendicular to the edge of the P-lam can o r a n u n e v e nt r i m w i l l o c c u r , Y o u bit or a ballu s e e i t h e ra s e l f - p i l o t i n g bit with this base. bearing-guided
Tnru Ooo Aruclrs wtrH EasE

An odd angle, such as the outside corner of an angled r e q u i r e sn o s p e c i a lj i g g i n g w h e n y o u u s e countertop, the tilt base.First,adjust the base to match the corner's a n g l e a n d t r i m t h e f i r s t p i e c e o f p - l a m e d g i n g .T h e n apply the second piece and trim it using the same setup. The tilt base replacesthe regular base on the trim router and can b e a n g l e df r o m 4 5 t o 1 3 5d e g r e e s .
Usr lr FoR \ruooD, Too

A trim router is also great for light-duty wood routing, i t ' sc o m p a c ta n d l i g h t w e i g h tl.t c a n e a s i l yh a n d l ea because s m a l l p r o f i l eb i t f o r e d g et r i m m i n g o r e v e n a s m a l ls t r a i g h t bit for shallow grooving.lt's a handy router and wotlh havi n g a r o u n dt h e s h o p ,e v e n i f y o u n e v e rd o a n y p - l a mw o r k . basesfor some trim routers.The You can even get oversize oversize base provides more stability when working on largesurfaces.
The oversize base that comes with Ryobi's you srovides t r i m r o u t e rh a st w o h a n d l e s . T h i p with the same two-handed control you get with a midsizerouter.
American \A/ooclworker MAY 2oo5
33
ScnrerNc rs Allosr
AuroMATtc
An offset base is greatfor scribinga backsplash to the wall. start with the backsplash 3/4 in. out from the desiredfinal location.Thesmall end of the offset base follows the wall while a straight router bit trims the backedge of the backsplash.Theoffset basecan also be used to scribea cabinet to a wall.
The offset base uses a small belt to drive the offset router shaft.The wedge-shaped base plateenablesyou to get up closealong walls.
Easv Tnrvuvrlc tN TtcHT OuARTERS

Trimming in tight areas and close to a wall is no problem with an offset base. In the photo at right, it,s being used to put the final bevel trim on a backsplash.The angled end of the baseallows moving in closeat insidecorners.
Sources Bosch (8771267-2499 www.boschtools.com 5.7-amplaminate routerwith straightbase,#PR10E, $100 5.7-amplaminate routerkit, includesstraight,offset and tilt bases,#PR1 0ElNK.$200. Freud (800)334-4107 www.freudtools.com 6.6-amplaminate routerwith straightbase,#FT750T, $100 7.5-amplaminaterouter kit, includes straight, tilt ano two-handled plungebases, #FT1000EK $.1 4 0 . PorterCable (800)321-9443 www.portercable.com S.Gamplaminate routerwith s t r a i g hb t ase, # 7 3 1 0 ,$ 1 1 5 5.6-amplaminaterouter kit, includesstraight,offset and tilt bases,#9731 1, $230. RYobi (800)525-2579 www.ryobitools.com 4.5-amplaminate routerwith straightand two-handledoversize bases,TR45K.$80. DeWalt (800)433-9258 www.dewalt.com 5.6-amplaminate routerwith straightbase,#DW670,$110 5.6-amplaminate routerkit, includes additlonal bases. #DW673K, $180. Craftsman (8001377-7414 wvwv.sears.com 3.8-amplaminate routerwith straightbase,#27512,$100. Makita (8001462-5482 www.makita.com 4.4-amplaminaterouter with straightbase,#3707FC, $150 4.4-amplaminaterouter with tilt base,#3708FC, $160.
34
American Woodworker MAy 2oo5
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A Clnsstc PnECtstoN Souanr

he most reliable and useful precision square in my shop is a Starrett 12-in. combination sqrnre ($0+, see Sources, below). Many other finicky woodworkers have told me that they, too, treasrlre one of these tools. I put my initials on my square ar-rdkeep it safe in its own special drawer compartment. Many combination squares aren't very accrlrate, but this one is made to extremely precise tolerances and is indiviclually checked before it leaves the factory. A good 12-in. sqllare, like this one, should be l-ro more than .002 in. out of square at the end of the blade (for comparison, a piece of paper is about.003 in. thick). l,ook for a published rolerance this small when you shop for any type of precision square.
1r1"
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90 No matter where you slide the head, this angle is as close to a perfect 90 degrees as you'll ever need.
Super-straight blade This edge is ground flat to within .0001in.
Most precisionsquares d o n ' t h a v et h i s m i t e r checking feature. Removablerule I often take the b l a d eo u t a n d f l i p i t t o a n o t h e rs c a l eo r use it loose as a precision ruler. Hardened blade T h i s b l a d ew i l l s t a y s m o o t ha n d s t r a i g h t . N o t e v e na m a r k i n g knife can scratchit.
Easy-to-read scale T h i s s a t i nf i n i s h i s m u c h e a s i e ro n t h e e y e s t h a n a s h i n y f i n i s h .T h e r u l e r h a s four fractional scales: 118,1116, 1132and 1 1 6 4i n . T o a v o i d m a k i n g m i s t a k e s a n d c o u n t i n gu n n e c e s s a r y l i n e s ,u s e t h e s c a l e w i t h t h e s a m e f r a c t i o ny o u ' r e m e a s u r i n g .
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Sources MSC (800)645-7270, www.mscdirecr.com S t a r r e t1 t 2 - i nc . o m b i n a t i os nq u a r e# , 86400637 ,6 4 $ M a c h i n i s t 's sq u a r e4 , - i n .b l a d e # , 06508048 ,, 1 0 $ 6 - i n .b l a d e # , 06508063 ,1 2 $ 1 2 - i nb . l a d e# , 06508121 $,3 3 Double s q u a r e4 , - i n .b l a d e # , 06504674 ,3 0 . $ BridgeCityTools (800)253-3332, www.bridgecitytoots.com C S - 66 - i n .c o m b i n a t i os nq u a r e# , 1 ' l 0 l - 1 2 5 E$ . 84.
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A 6-in. precision combination square is v e r y c o n v e n i e n tt o c a r r y i n a n a p r o n p o c k e t . T h i s i l i c o nb r a s sa n d r o s e w o o d jewel is made by Bridge CityTools(see Sources,left).
38
How Souane ls YouR Souanr?

No matter how fancy a square looks, when it comes to accuracy, I've got to see it to believe it. Inexpensive models, like a 12-in. fixed-blade machinist's square ($32, see Sources, page 38), should alwaysbe tested. Here's a new variation on an old method of testing any square .
Cut a line down the middle I of a piece of tape attachedto a melamine board.The bottom edge of the board must be absolutely straight. Check the board'sedge againstthe top of your tablesaw.
-l
QPeel off the right-handside the tape. The contrast lof between the blue tape and bright white melaminemakes the precisely cut edge easy to see.
QFlip the square and butt it r-,lagainst the tape.They should match perfectly.A gap at top or bottom shows you twice the amount that the square is in error.
40 American Woodworker MAy 2oo5
Two FlRsr-Rnrc
SounREs FoR PnEclstoN SrruPs
Caution:Unplug your jointer before placing your square anlrwhere near the blade.
I always set up my machines with one of two kinds of precision squares. For the tablesaw,I pull out my l2-in. Starrett combination for its long stock and adjustable blade. For the bandsaw jointer and nearly everything else, I turn to a pcicket-size 4.in. double square ($gO,seeSources,page 38). Its blade slidesjust like a combination square, so I can use it for layout work, too. A 4in. machinist's square is a lessexPensive substitute.
12-in. Starrett combination
How ro SoUAREA JoINTERFerucE

stopon my jointer's trustedthe 90-degree l've neverreally bolt,the fence fence.Everytime I tightenthe lock-down jointers havethis problem, Lots of other shifts position. too. The only solutionis to beginwith the fence slightly out of squareand stop tighteningat the point that the is square. fenceactually
American Woodworker MAY 2oo5 41
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D o y o u r e l y o n t h e p o s i t i v es t o p s o n y o u r m i t e r g a u g e ? I don't. To accurately a d j u s tm y g a u g e ,I h o l d t h e l a r g e s q u a r ea g a i n s t h e g a u g e ' s b a r ef a c e ,r a i s et h e s a w b l a d e f u l l h e i g h t , p l a c e t h e s q u a r e ' sb l a d e b e t w e e n t w o s a w t e e t h a n d e x t e n di t a l m o s tt h e f u l l w i d t h o f t h e s a w b l a o e .
42 Arner-ican \\/ooclrvorkel MAy 2oo5
How ro SounnE A SAW Blaor

I u s e d t o s i m p l ys t a n dm y s q u a r eo n t h e t a b l e ,b u t a g o o d pal showed me this method. lt's twice as accurate, y o u ' r ec h e c k i n g because t w i c e a s m u c h b l a d e .y o u h a v e t o s e e d o w n i n t o t h e b o w e l so f t h e s a w , s o a f l a s h l i g h its r e a l l yh a n d y . A s w i t h t h e m i t e r g a u g e ,t h e s q u a r e ' s blade r u n s b e t w e e nt h e s a w ' s t e e t h .
How To CHECKAN EocE FoR Souanr

Accurately setting up your machines is only half the battle. The acid test comes when you actually test the boards themselves. I always use my 12-in. square for checking boards that I've crosscut on the tablesaw. For checking ajointed edge, I pull out a smaller square' The easiest method is to look for light between the square's blade and a jointed edge. Sometimes this isn't practical, though. It's hard to hold a long or hear,y board so that there's a good light source behind the square. I really can't trust what I can barely see, so I rely on a feel test with a small, lightweight square that's easy to balance.
,t'l'trirjrirlltt'l'i!i'i'1,1'l'i'i'r'l't,i't'1,Ii'r,lrr!i.lri!i'irlijrili rorzftz91 8 i 958t0t
Firmly rest the square'sbeam againstthe board's left I face. Lower the bladeto the jointed edge'When it contacts the edge, try to rock the square.lt should nest perfectly.lf it doesn't,you'll know the left side is high'
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ff Rock the square on the other side of the board' Now, 1vo, can tell whetherthe right side is high. I always checkboth sides before l'm satisfiedthat my boards are perfectlysquare. fW
American Woodrvorker MAY 2oo5 43
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TimJohnson
An elegant structure rruith super-strong joinery

ere's a project that's guaranteed to add romance to your garden: an inviting gateway that promises beauty and tranquility to all who pass through. Building this arbor is a big undertaking, because of its complex design and grand scale, but it isn't a difficult project. All the parts go together with simple joinery and basic tools. The arbor's components are modular. You build them in your workshop and then assemble the arbor on site. The posts will stay straight because they're gluedtogether hollow boxes. These lightweight posts are much easier to lift and maneuver than solid posts. You'll create sturdy structures with strong joints by stacking and gluing pieces in layers. You'll fashion attractive curves and stylish ogees. Best of all, when you've found the perfect spot, I'll show you step by step how to install your arbor there. You can build this arbor in No. 3 cedar for about
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$500. Omitting the gates saves$100. I built the Cadillac version you see here using D-grade cedar, which has very few knots. D-grade cedar is expensive and usually isn't available at home centers. I had to go to a full-service lumberyard to find it, and I spent nearly $1,100. Knots are common in No. 3 cedar, so using it will make the arbor look more rustic. Knots also make No. 3 cedar harder to work with, so select boards with the fewest knots. Cedar is sold as dimensional lumber (1x4, 1x6, etc.). I bought rough l-in. stock. It comes with one side surfaced and is usually about 7 /8 in. thick. I milled all my l-in. cedar down to a3/4lin thickness by surfacing the rough side. The 2-in. cedar came surfaced on all four sides (S4S), milled to a|-L/2-in. thickness. I cut off the rounded-over corners on the S4S cedar.
American Woodworker MAY 2oos 45
Materials: 1 0 8f t . o f 1 x 4 c e d a r 2 1 6 f t .o f 1 x 6c e d a r 1 8f t . o f 1 x 8c e d a r 46 ft. of 2x8 cedar 1 0f t . o f 1 x i 0 c e d a r Two 1Z-ft.4x4treatedtimbers Waterproofglue Four50-lb.bagsof peagravel
Toofs: Bandsaw Tablesaw Planer Jointer Plunge routerwith edgeguide
314-in. straightbit Jigsaw Circular saw Bradnailer Beltsander Drill
pipe clamps Six 4-ft.-capacity Adjustable clamps Flat4 x 8-ft.assembly table 2-ft.and 4-ft.levels Hardware: Four6-in.T-hinges Totalcost:$1,140
1-112" x2" NOTCH
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Build this arbor usinp simple ioinerv anJ n*i.or,rols.

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Arnerican \{trodrvorkel MAy 2oo5
Burlo rHE SloE PnTELS

The side panels (A, Fig. A, page 46) are threelayer sandwiches, with vertical pickets (A1 and A2) held between horizontal rails (A3 through ,{6). Assembly is easy because the pieces are simply stacked, glued and screwed. The top rail is three layers thick. Its inside rail covers the tops of the pickets to protect the end grain. The other rails are fastened to the outside, so moistrlre can drain between the pickets. Glue these panels together on a flat surface, so they aren't twisted. Use waterProof glue. 1. Cut all the pieces to width. 2. Cut the rails and the two outer pickets to length, with the ends squarely cut. 3. Make patterns for the curved profiles in the top rails (Fig. B, below) by swinging arcs on7/4-.in.thick scrap stock and bandsawing. Use the patterns and reference points A and B to transfer the arcs to the top rail blanks (A3 and A4). Then saw out the rails. 4. Glue and screw the inside top rail to one of the outside rails. Make sttre the ends align and the glue joint is tight. Remove any squeezed-out glue. 5. Tack the frame together (Photo 1). The two outer pickets protrude beyond the rails by 3/8 in. to form tongues (Detail 1, page 53). Draw layout lines on these pickets to indicate the ends of the rails. Lay the pickets on the top and bottom rails. Butt the pickets against the inside top rail and align the other ends with the bottom edge of the bottom rail. Apply glue and tack the corners. 6. Square the frame and then screw it together with 1-l/4=in. deck screws. Drill countersunk pilot holes first, so the screws don't split the wood. Work fast, so you finish before the glue sets up. Positionthe inner pickets, using spacers,and then fastenthem with glue and screws through predrilledholes' Remove the spacersand completethe side panel by gluing and clamping the outsiderails. The side panelsare layeredlike a sandwich.Lay the outer pickets in position on top of the rails to make the frame, Apply glue and tack the piecestogether with a pin nail in each corner. Squarethe frame by adjustingit until both diagonalmeasurements are the same.Thenscrew the stilesto the rails.
A.rnerican Woodworker
MAY 2oo5
47
7. Use your layout lines to attach one middle rail to the bottom side of the frame. Make sure its ends align with the top and bottom rails. 8. Install the inner pickers, using 2-l/2-in.wide spacers(Photo 2). Cut the pickes to length as you go. Fasten them with glue and screws in predrilled holes. 9. Glue and clamp the remaining top, middle and bottom outside rails. Make sure the ends align. 10. Smooth the curve on the top rails using a belt sander or a sanding drum chucked in a drill.
The posts are built as hollow boxes.Theyweigh a lot less than solid timbers and are more stable.The front piece is shorter, creating a ledge to support the arbor's horizontal beams.The attachedscrew block anchors the beam's mounting screws.
BUILDTHE Posrs
The posts (B) are hollow, made from four pieces that are simply butted, glued and clamped (Photo 3). ll. Cut the post pieces (Bl through B3) to width and length. The sides are narrower, so butting them between the front and back pieces createsa square post. 12. Glue and clamp the sidesto the back piece. Remove any squeezed-out glue. 13. Glue and screw a block (B4) to the back side of the front piece. 14. Glue and clamp the front piece to complete the post; make sure the bottom edges are flush. Remove any squeezed-out glue. 15. Rout a stopped groove in the back of each post, centered and sized to fit the side panel's picket tongues (Photo 4). Square the bottom end of each groove 4 in. from the post's bottom edge.
Rout a groove on each post's back face, sized to fit the protruding picketson the side panels.Tongue-and-groove joints secure the side panels to the posts.
Glue Up rHE Eruo AssrvrBLtES

Each side panel mounts between two postswi*r tongue-andgroove joints (Photo 5). These end assembliesare large, so enlist a friend to help. Work on a flat surface, so you don't glue a nvist into the assembly. 16. Lay the posts on top of three pipe clamps, spaced far enough apart for the side panel to fit between them. Position the clamps so they'll be right under the side panel rails. . 17. Position the side panel between the posts. Set it on blocks, so the picket tongues align with the grooves. 18. Test-fit thejoint. Add three clamps on top of the posts, directly over the panel rails, and slowly draw the joint together. Square the assemblyby making sure the panel sits 4 in. from the bottom of each post. Apply even clamping pressure above and below each joint. The panel's rail shoulders Should fit tightly against the posts. 19. Disassemble the joints, apply glue to the tongues and grooves and draw the assembly back together. Remove any squeezedout glue. If gluing
Glue each side panel between h,voposts.These end assemblies are about the same size as a 4xB sheet of plywood, so before you glue, make sure you'll be able to move the glued-up assemblyout of your shop.
tt8
American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
both tongue-and-groove joints at once is too nerve-wracking, glue one joint at a time.
Marcr rHE Bravs

AND RNTTTNS
The beams and rafters (C and D) lock together with half-lap joints. The notches have to be located precisely, so the assembled beams and rafters will fit properly around the posts at the top of the arbor. 20. Cut the beams and rafters to width and length. 21. Clamp the two beams together and lay out the nvo outer notches (Detail 2, page 53). Make sure the ends of the beams are flush. Otherwise, the notches won't line up correctly. Lay out the inner notches. They're evenly spaced between the outer notches. 22. Crtt the notches using a circular saw, with the blade set to cut to the bottom of the notch (Photo 6). Use a chisel to clear the waste and smooth the bottom of the notches (Photo 7). 23. Gang the five rafters together and cut the notches in them the same way. The rafters have only two notches; they're 40-7/4 in. apart. 24. Make a pattern (Detail 2) and mark the ogee profiles on the beams and rafters. On the beams, the notches are at the top; on the rafters, the notches go at the bottom. Saw out the profiles (Photo 8).
CLAMP-ED BEAII/|S
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Cut notches in the beams and rafters. Clamping the pieces together allows you to cut perfectly aligned notches.Use a speed square to make straight cuts' Establishthe shoulders f i r s t . T h e nm a k e c u t s i n t h e m i d d l e u n t i l o n l y t h i n p i e c e sr e m a i n ,
BUILD THE GanEs

The gates (E) are layered,just like the side panels, but they go together differently and feature robust mortise-and-tenon j oints. 25. Cut the hinge and latch stile components (El through Ea) to length and width. Cut the loose tenons (E5) to size, too. The last I-t/Z in. of their top edges slope I in. to shed moisture. 26. Glue the hinge and latch stiles by sandwiching an inside stile and a loose tenon benveen the outside stiles. Keep all the pieces aligned and the edges flush when you clamp. It helps to tack *re pieces in place as you stack them together. After clamping, remove the squeezed-out glue-don't forget the bottom of the mortises. After gluing, you'll have three-layer stiles with flush edges, oPen mortises at the top and tenons protruding from the bottom. 27. Cut the bottom gate rails (E8) to width and length. 28. Make an arched pattern for the outside top gate rails (E6, Fig. C, page 50). 29. Cut blanks for the outside top gate rails. Cut the ends of these blanks at T0degree angles, spaced 18-3/4 in. These angled top rail blanks must be the same length as the bottom rails. 30. Use reference points A and B on Fig. C to Ctear the waste by twisting a chisel against the thin pieces. of their short grain'After Thesepiecesbreakout easilybecause you've removedthe waste, clean up the bottoms of the notches with your chisel.
Saw profileson the ends of the beamsand rafters'First,cut the curve.Then cut the straight shoulder. Hold the waste piece while you cut, so it doesn'ttear away.
American Woodworker
MAY 2oo5
49
Glue the gate together. Apply glue, assemble the frame, squareit and clamp the joints.Thelayeredstilesand upper rail are glued together prior to assembly. After you installthe pickets, glue and clamp the remainingtop and bottom rails.
position your pattern on the blank. Transfer the archesand cut out the rail. 31. Make an arched partern and cut the blank for the inside top gate rail (E7, Fig. C, below). This rail extends beyond the outside top rails to create the tenons. Cut the ends of this blank at 70 degrees,spaced 25-3/4 in. This rail is as long as the gate is wide. 32. Use reference points A and B on Fig. C to position your pattern and transfer the arches. Establish the two renons by extending lines at 90-degree angles from the edges. Cut out the inside top rail. 33. Glue the inside top rail to one of the outside rails. 34. Glue the gate frames together (photo 9). Clamp one bottom rail between the stiles, under the protruding tenons. Apply glue inside the mortisesat the top of the stilesand to the tenons on the two-layertop rail. Install the top rail. Make sure the gate is square. Clamp the mortise-and-tenonjoints at the top and glue and screwthe tenons to the bottom rail. 35. Install the pickets (E9), using spacers,and fasten them with glue and screws. Then glue and clamp the remaining top and bottom rails. 36. Seal the exposed end grain on the tops of the gateswith epoxy or thinned waterproof glue.
lrusrnll THE Aneon

37. Install the anchor posts (Photo l0). Treated timbers are never straight. So that they'll seat flush inside the hollow posts, joint adjacent faces of each 4x4to create aflat, square corner. Rout a clearance chamfer to avoid hardened glue inside the post. Slide the 4x4 halfi,vay into the hollow post, leaving 36 in. exposed, and fasten it to the inside corner wrth 2-l/2-in. deck screws on both sides (Detail 3, page 53). For longest life, orient the 4x4s so the "factory" ends go in the ground and the ends you've sawn go inside the posts. 38. Determine the arbor's position in your garden and dig 8-in.-dia. x 40-in.-deep holes for the posts. First, drive a stake to mark the center of each hole. Establish the holes by spading down about 6 in. on all four sides of the stake. Then go to town with a post-hole digger. Using a level, determine the ground's slope and mark the hole that sits at the highest grade. 39. Install the first end assembly (Photo 1l). Plumb the post that goes in the hole at the highest grade (Photo 12). Startingwith this post assures that all four posts will be above grade. When the first post is staked in position,level the assemblyfront to back (Photo l3). Then plumb the second post. 40. Use this staked assembly to install the other end assemblylevel, plumb and square (Photos 14 and lb).
Plumb the first post. Raisethe end assemblyon blocks,so the bottom edges of the cedar rest a couple inchesabove t h e g r o u n d .S t a k et h e p o s t i n p o s i t i o n ,u s i n g a l e v e l a n d a -l Slip one end assembly into the holes you've I O r g . E v e nt h o u g h t h i s a s s e m b l yi s h u g e ,i t ' s r easy to maneuver,becauseit doesn't weigh m u c h a n d i s n ' tt o p - h e a v y .
diagonal brace.
f ) L e v e lt h e a s s e m b l yw i t h s h i m s . T h e np l u m b fltne second post and stake it in position, I . ith this end .|-J u s i n ga s e c o n dd i a g o n a lb r a c e W a s s e m b l y p l u m , l e v e l a n d s t a k e d ,y o u ' r e r e a d y t o i n s t a l lt h e o t h e r o n e . 1
Install the second end assembly on blocks ana level it with the first, side to side and I lfront to back.You'll need two levels,a pair of l o n g , s t r a i g h tb o a r d sa n d m o r e s h i m s . 1 I | /l
P l u m b t h e s e c o n de n d a s s e m b l yb y f a s t e n i n gi t t o t h e f i r s t with bracestop and bottom, each cut to match the arbor's until and makeadjustments w i d t h . M e a s u r et h e d i a g o n a l s i n s t a l la d i a g o n a lb r a c et o k e e p i t t h e r e . t h e b a s ei s s q u a r e . T h e n
Anrerican \Aloodworkcr MAY 2oo5
51
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Install the outside rafters. Supporled by the h a l f - l a pj o i n t s , t h e y n e s t a g a i n s t t h e s i d e s o f t h e p o s t s . I n s t a l lt h e i n s i d e r a f t e r s l a s t ,
C l a m p t h e b e a m s i n p o s i t i o n b y r e p l a c i n gt h e u p p e r b r a c e s o n e a t a t i m e . R e s tt h e b e a m o n t h e p o s t s ' b u i l t - i n l e d g e s . A l i g n t h e n o t c h e sw i t h t h e s i d e o f t h e o o s t s .
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Cap the posts to cover the end grain. Form a weather_tight seal with silicone caulk. Fasten the caps with screws. Left unprotected, end grain wicks moisture, which a c c e l e r a t e sd e c a y .
Fill the post holes with pea gravel. lt,smuch e a s i e rt o u s e t h a n c o n c r e t ea n d l e s s m e s s v . Tamp the gravelaround the poststo secure_ ly anchorthe structure.
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Install the gates. Clamp them flush with the back faces of the posts, using shims at all f o u r h i n g e l o c a t i o n st o e s t a b l i s he v e n g a p s a l l a r o u n d .T h e n s c r e w o n t h e h i n q e s .
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41. Install the beams ancl rafters (Photos 16 and 17)' and plugs. Fasten thern to the posts with scr-ews 42. Screw on the post caps after sealing the joints with silicoue caulk (B5, Photo 18). 43. Fill and tamp the post holes (Photo 19). 44. Make and install the post trim (Photo 20). 45. Install the gates (Photo 21). Make sure the gap between the gates is large enottgh, at least | / Lin., so they swing freely. Install a latch to close the gates. I used a large hook and eye screw combination mounted on the back of the gates for appearance' To hold the gates open, I installed a second hook to one side panel and a second eye screw to the other. 46.lf you want to maintain the look of the fresh cedar, apply a finish. I used Penofiu's Western Red Cedar exterior stain. Yott shotrld plan to recoat any exterior finish biennially. Without finish, the cedar u'ill weather to gray within one or two seasons' /W
x 96"H : 1"Wx 69-1/4"D O v e r a l lD i m e n s i o n s9 (footprint: 47-3/4"x 62") Part A 41 A2 A3 A4 A5 AO B 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 C D E E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 Eg Name S i d ep a n e l Outerpickets I n n e rp i c k e t s O u t s i d et o p r a i l I n s i d et o p r a i l M i d d l er a i l Bottom rail Post Side Front Back Screw block Cap Trim Anchor Beam Rafter Gate O u t s i d eh i n g e s t i l e I n s i d eh i n g es t i l e O u t s i d el a t c hs t i l e l n s i d e l a t c hs t i l e L o o s et e n o n O u t s i d et o p g a t e r a i l I n s i d et o p g a t e r a i l B o t t o mg a t e r a i l Gate pickets Number 2 4 10 4 2 4 4 4 I 4 4 4 4 16 4 2 5 2 4 2 4 2 4 4 2 4 6 Stock 1x4 1x4 1x8 1x6 1x6 1xG 1x6 1x6 1x6 2x8 1x6 1x4 4x4** 2x8 2x8 1x6 1x6 1x6 1x6 1x6 1x10 1x8 1xG 1x4 Final dimension x 65" 2 - 1 1 4x "32-112" x 2 - 1 1 2 "x 6 3 - 1 1 2 " 314" x 2 - 1 1 2 "x 6 3 " * 314" x 31-314" 314"x 6-314" x 31-314" 314"x 4-314" x31-314" 314" x3-112" 314"x 4" x 31-314" 5"x5"x92" 3 1 4 "x 3 - 1 1 2 "x 9 2 " 3/4" x 5" x 86" x5" x92" 314" x 10" x 3-112" 1-112" x5-114" 314"x 4-112" x 6-112" 314"x 1-118" x72" 3 - 1 1 4x " 3-114" x 7" x 91" 1-112" x7" x 69-114" 1-112" x48" 2 - 1 1 4x "25-314" x 48" 314"x 3-112" x 40" 314"x 3-112" x38" x3-112" 314" x 3 - 1 1 2 "x 3 2 " 314" 314"x 4" x 5' 3/4" x 8" x 18-314" x7" x25-314" 314" 314"x 4" x 18-314" x 42"* 314"x 2-112"
*cut to length Anrcricirn \\'r>oclr,olker *treated
ui
MAY 2oo5
53
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TWo primary types of plastic lumber are available. One is all plastic. The other is a cornposite made of plastic and n'ood fibe r. Some of the plastic that goes into this lurnber is new, but most cornes from recycled rnilkjugs, pop bottles, grocery bags and similar waste plastic. The rnanufacturers of the compositeplastic lunlber add ground-up waste wood. This makes the lurnber stiffer than the all-plastic type. You may find flecks of other colored plastic on the ir-rsideof some all-plastic boards. This is due to the rec,vcled nature of the rnaterial. Also, when you cut the all-plastic material, you will notice air btrbbles of varying sizesin the core of some boards. One board rlay have r-robtrbbles, but another rnay have man)/.
Lors oF CoLoRS AND Slzes Ane AvaILABLE

Plastic lumber corles in a rvide assortment of colors and sizes.The selection varies arnong brands (see Chart, page 59). Cornposite plastic lumber colnes mainly in subduecl eartl-r tones; the all-plastic products come in a range of bold colors. Both types offer sizes cornp:rrable to constrtrction ltrmber. Yotr rvill find, for exarnple, 1x, 2x and 5/4 boards, even 4x4 and 6x6 posts. Most rnan trfactrlrers offer lensths up to 16 ft. Ancl 4 x 8-ft. sheet stock is also available in 1,/4-ir-r. or sreatel'thickltesses.
'\rnclicirn \\irodworker
MAy 2oos
-'..i ,t., I
PLASTIC
CnuloN: lr Ceru Snc

All-plastic lumber bends easily ttnder rveight. The wood fibers make the composite-plastic lumber stiffer, but not as stiff as the real stuff. Adeqllate stlpport is important when you're building with all-plastic or composite lumber. Most manufacturers recommend 16 in. as the maximum span for 5/Lthick material rvhen you Llseit as decking material. Becartse of its flexibilit1,, plastic ltttnber shotrlcl ltevef be trsed in a strltctural applicatiot-t, sttch as joists or a stlpportir-rs wall. High summel- temperatures calt also cattse saggir-rg. Wher-r using plastic ltrmber to btrild otltdoor fttruitttre, yotr should plar-rto beef tlp yotlr design to avoid flexing or sagging; yotr may have to experirrlellt a bit.
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The majority of plastic lumber is manufactured with some kind
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At 4 to 5 lbs. per bd. ft., plastic wood is heavier than oak. Here are some nlrmbers for comparison: r {,1r-ru:-** 1.5 lbs./bd. ft. Fis"t+*
of texture on at least one side. Some types have wood grain; others have a random pattern' These textures offer visual appeal and provide traction for decking use. A number of the manufacturers make a board that has a "flip side," with wood grain on one side and a smoother pattern on the other. These textures are only on the surface, so if you don't like either face, you can : plane them off. I find this a big plus when building furniture. It gives you design options: textured, smooth or planed
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Ir's FuwTo Brruo

I had a lot of fun bending plastic lumber. The all-plastic material in particular is unbelievably bendable when heated. Becauseof this, it works very well for decorative projects, such as a garden trellis (see photo, below left). One really cool method is to use a heat gun on the allplastic stuff and bend or twist it as you would wrought iron. Using a form, you can create some pretty intricate shapes. Obviously, the smaller the stock, the sharper the bend you can make. You have to thoroughly heat the material until the surface starts to bubble slightly and look almost liquid for it to become really pliable. Also, leave the bent piece in the form until it has completely cooled or it will spring back. This heat gun technique doesn't work on the composite lumber, though, because the wood fiber starts to burn before the part becomes bendable. To bend larger boards (photo at right), you can make an inexpensive heating oven (see bottom photo). The plastic lumber needs to be heated to l?b degrees to its core, which can take an hour or two. You can then bend the board around a form Llntil it's cool. Plastic lumber will spring back Bending t h i n s t r i p so f p l a s t i c l u m b e ri s when you take it off the form, so you should very easy.With a heat gun, a bending do some experimenting first and bend it to a jig and a little creativity, you can open tighter radius than you want. The composite up a world of possibilities. lumber is not as bendable as the all-plastic lumber and will break like particleboard if you bend it too far.
FURNACE AIR DUCT
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this simple6METAL * RODS>\^/ ft.-longoven from tl hardware-store materials ,a to heat larger boardsfor bendr'. ing. Note: l've cut an opening in the top only to show you what the insidelookslike.
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This bent 1x4 allplasticboard was heated in the oven, bent by hand around a form and then clamped in place to cool. lt sprang back about 50 percent when I took it out of the form.
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-:, plastic shavinp;s, which tend to pick up a static charge ar-rd stick to everything, including clothes. To get all tl're shar ings off, I had to vacutlm lny
Yotr can plane it, saw it-Vou pame it. ':' Plastic lumber can be cut and shaped using ordinary woodworkir-rg tools. I tried some common hand planes, chisels, tools-hand 52qrs-2p61 found little difference from using them on wood. OK, l-rand-planing a piece of plastic does seem inherently weird, but it works quite well and there's no to worry grain direction about. Using hand tools on the composite lumber was slightly more difficult than using them on all-plastic
clothes. Screwing ancl bolting are the preferred fastenir-rgmethods. Gluing is generally not recommended, becaltse lto available glues stick very well to this tlpe of plastic. I had some success with epoxy, btrt the test joints I tried still broke more easily than a similar wood joint. Epoxy rnight be useful in some sitttations, btrt you should still secure the joint with screws or bolts if it pieces. will be exposed to any stress. Plastic lumber machines Screws can be driven withotrt great with power tools. It's just as easy as wood! Power predrilling, bttt the material tends to pucker arottnd the tools ,ip right through it. head and rnay crack when When rottting, yotr will get screwed near the edge. clean, crisp edses and no Predrilling and cottntersinkIt's comparable splintering. ing remove the risk of crackto working with pine or poplar. It is more abrasive ing and will prodttce a cleauthan wood, though, so Lrse er look around the heacl. Stainlesssteel or coated deck carbide tools. I found dust screws are the best choices collection to be very imporfor outdoor use. tant. It's needed not only to also the collect the dust btrt
Ir's GnEAT FoR THE Pnrlo

This bench may not end up in an art museum, but it'll be great on the patio by the barbecue. All the parts are composite-plastic lumber. I beefed up the design by using all5/4 materials and adding the center leg for extra support. I avoided visible fasteners on the top and apron by pocket-screwing from underneath. lW
Source Taylor's Recycled Plastic Products Inc. (8771939-6072 www.taylorsplasticlumber. com White Adironack chair(shownon pageb5),$185.
60
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CircleNo. 140
CircleNo. 163
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I designed this chest to keep out both the elements and unwelcome anirnals.
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THe rop sHEDS RATNFALL and its hinge because t h e l i d h a s a b r o a do v e r h a n g createsa gentle slope.
torage is like money; we never seem to have enough. Well, I can't help you much with your finances, but I can give you a hand on the storage front. A frequently overlooked storage area is outdoors. I'm not talking about another tool shed, but a beautiful chest designed to store the smaller outdoor amenities we use everyday, such as cushions for deck furniture, pool toys or even gardening supplies. This elegant chest is a real eye-catcher with ample storage designed to keep the contents dry and clean. I used cypressto build this chest. It's a beautiful, cream-colored wood similar in appearance to a light-colored cedar or fir. Cypress is about 50 percent harder than clear cedar but about half the cost (see Sources,page 68). Cypressis a rot-resistant member of the pine family native to swampy areas in the Southern United States. It's a stable wood, meaning it won't
RAIL A cHnIUFERED BorroM prevents rainwater from pooling and eventually causingdecay.
A oecr-LrKE BorroM with gaps betweenthe boards allows air to circumetal lateto preventmold or mildew.A galvanized screencalled hardwarecloth is mounted under the deckingto keep unwantedcrittersout.
expand and contract a lot with the seasons. Cypress also machines well and takes anv finish.
American Woodworker MAY 2oo5
63
Burlo rHE Lecs AND Rnus

If your lumber is kiln-dried and your chest will be kept outdoors, I recommend stacking your lumber in a covered area outside for several weeks before you build. Kiln-dried cypress will have around 8 percent moisture content;you can expect it to stabilize around 12 percent after it's been outside. 1. Sort your wood and select the best-looking pieces for the lid (A) and front panel (B). Rough-cur your stock according to the Cutting List (see page 68), but This entire project, even its stout legs, is built with rotI resistantcypress, a lightweight, weatherproof wood. To m a k e t h e l e g b l a n k s ,g l u e t h r e e p i e c e st o g e t h e ra n d c u t t h e stackon the bandsaw.Guide the cut with a 1l2-in.-tall fence that will contactonly the bottom board. -l leave everything oversize by at least l/Z-in. in length. Parts made from glued-up stock (G through L) should initially be cut an extra 7/2 in. wide. 2. Use a waterproof glue, like Titebond III, to faceglue three pieces of 3/ 4.in. stock for each leg (G). Glue up two pieces for the rail stock (H through L). Make an extra leg blank and an extra rail to test setups. Mark the bestlooking face on each piece. 3. Tiim the leg blanks to size after the glue has dried (Photo 1). Don't cut the tapers yer. The grooves and mortises are cut while the leg blank is still square. 4. Lay out the groove location and the taper (Figs. B and C, page 66) on each leg. Position the legs on your bench just as they'll be on the chest to make sure you've got everything oriented correctly. 5. Cut the stopped grooves on each leg (Photo 2; Fig. B). It takes two fence settings to complete the two grooves.
ROUTER BIT MARK
The first groove is cut with an outside face against the fence. The other groove is cut with the newly grooved edge against the fence. Be sure both grooves are equally set back on the legs. 6. Use a 7/2-in. chisel to square the corners where each routed groove ends. 7.Head to the drill press to cur rhe morrises (Photo 3; Fig. C). The mortise is really just a deeper part of the groove that accepts the tenon. 8. To finish machining the legs, cut the taper on the bandsaw. This can easily be done freehand. Use a l/2-in. or wider blade and follow the line carefully. Sand the sawn surface smooth. Note: Save the offcuts to use as clamp pads during assembly. 9. Now that the legs are finished, turn your attention to the rails. Lay out the tenons (Figs. D and E, page 66) on each end and cut them on the tablesaw. Use a test piece to check the fit of the tenons in the leg grooves. Shoot for a snug fit accomplished without a mallet. 10. Lay out and cut the tenon haunches on the bandsaw (Photo 4). 11. Dry-fit all the legs and rails to ensure all goes well at assembly.If a tenon bottoms out in the mortise before the joint is tight, trim 1/1Gin. off the renon length. It's
Q Rout stopped grooveson the legs to housethe panelsand I t h e r a i l ' st e n o n s . T h eg r o o v e sa r e t o o l o n g t o u s e a s t o p block.Instead, mark where the groove ends on the edge of the l e g . M a k e a n o t h e rm a r k o n t h e r o u t e rt a b l e a c r o s sf r o m t h e front of the bit.When the two marks meet,stop the router and removethe leg.
Q Cut the mortises on the drill press with a mortising attachr.,f ment and a 112-in. chisel and bit. The groove guides the chiselso you don't get slightly staggeredholes.A stop block ensureseach mortise is the same distancefrom the end.
a good practice to put a slight chamfer on the tenon's ends to help it slide into the mortise.
American Woodworker M,Ay 2oo5
SCREW ELONGATED HOLE
CHAMFER
\
#8x1-114"
Materials: 80 bd. ft. of 414 cvpress Tools: Routertable, router,bandsaw,drill press or a mortising attachment with a mortising x 3/8-in. machineand tablesaw,a 114-in. router bit set tongue-and-groove Hardware: Pair of heavy-duty brass strap hinges, b r a s s c l a s p ,l i d s u p p o r t s ,b r a s s s c r e w s , steel or galvah a r d w a r ec l o t h , s t a i n l e s s nized screws, brass screws Total Cost: $400
114"D x 3/8"W RABBET
2-114"
#8 x 3/4" BRASS SCREW #8 x 1-1/4"
114" HARDWARE CLOTH
3-114"
Anrer-ican \{roocl*,orket' MAY 2oo5
65
MecHtNE THE PaTELS

12. Machine the rongue-and-groove joints in all the panel pieces (Photo 5; Fig. F, page 67). 13. Don't forget to machine the groove in the bottom of the upper rail (Fig. D) and to pur a 3O-degree bevel on each bottom panel board where it mates with the 30-degree bevel on the bottom rail (Fig. F). 14. On the tablesaw, shave 7/8 in. off the length of each tongue. This is necessary to make room for the Space Balls (see Sources, page 68) that fit between each tongue-and-groove panel board. Cypress is a stable wood, but it still moves, and these panels are trapped in their frames. Space Balls are like little rubber blueberries that keep an even gap between the boards but allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood. 15. Cut rabbets on the ends of each panel board so they fit snugly into the leg grooves (Fig. F).
HAUNCH
Tltne raits have haunched tenons. The haunch fills the I groove made on the routertable and strengthens the joint by increasing the glue surface. Cut the tenonson the tablesaw; then bandsaw a notch to createthe haunchon eachtenon,
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f,, Cut the panel boards with a tongue-and-grooverouter bit r-./ set. Use a chamfer bit to easethe edges where the boards meet. Featherboards keepthe stockflat on the table to ensure straighttongues and grooves.
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114"x318" GROOVE
66
American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
A s s e v B L E T H EC H e
16. Sand all the box parts ' through f 20 grir O
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v O 18. After the tr,vo end a panels are complete, assemblethe rest of the chest in the same fashion. Set both front and back rails and panels into one end panel, add the second end panel and clamp. Be sure to check that your assemblyis square.
B u r L DT H E L l o
19. While the glue dries, edge-glue the boards for the tid. Thke care to align each board flush. It's best to glue one board at a time for this operation. 20. Sand the top to 120 grit. 21. Cut the battens (E) and chamfer the outside edges (Fig. A, page 65). 22. Predrill countersunk holes in each batten on the drill press. Note: Be sure to elongate the screw holes on the ends of each batten to allow the lid to expand and contract (Fig. A). 23. Attach the battens to the lid with screws.
f, Assemble the chest upside down. Glue the top rail into Ll one leg.Then stackthe panel boards adding three or four SpaceBalls in each groove. Space Ballsare little rubber balls that compress and expand to compensatefor seasonalwood movement. Slip the bottom rail into the leg, add the second leg and clamp the assembly.
lrusralL THEBorrovt
24. Cut the hardware cloth and screw it onto the bottom of the deck cleats. 25. Cut the deck cleats (F) and install them with screws along the bottom edge of the bottom rails (Fig. A). 26. Cut the decking (D) to fit. Predrill countersunk holes in the ends of each deck board and attach to the
deck cleats (Photo 7).
down the decking using 1/4-in.-thickspacers to ?S"r"/ maintain even gaps. Hardware cloth is screwed to the bottom of the deck cleats to keep critters out of your chest, yet allow air circulation.
American Woodworker
MAY 2oos
67
Aoo rHE HanDWARE

27. Mount the hinges on the chest (Photo 8). 28. Glue the clasp backer (M) to the upper panel board and add the clasp (Fig. A, Detail 1). 29. Position and attach the lid closers. 30. I painted the bottom of each leg rvith a couple coats of two-part epoxy. This seals the leg ends and keeps them from wicking Llp any moisture. This is especially important if the chest sits on a concrete or brick patio. 31. You mav choose to leave the wood raw. Cypress will age to a beautiful silver-gray color. If you want to preserve the coloq look at some of the outdoor finishes designed for decks. Just remember, these finishes require frequent maintenance to keep their good looks. If you plan to put the chest in an enclosed porch, you're free to use your favorite finish. /W
Sources Woodworkers Source (800J423-2450, www.woodworkerssou rce.com 80 bd. ft. of 4/4 cypress, $4 per bd. ft., $320. Lee Valley Tools -8158, www.leevalley.com (800)871 P a i ro f 4 x 8 - i n .b r a s s T-hinges #,0 1 H 1 4 . 3 0 ,3 7 $ 1-118 x 4 - i n .b r a s ss a f e t yh a s p , #01H15.04 ,1 2 $ T w o p a i r so f f l a p s t a y s , #00U06.01 ,2 8 . $ Mcfeely's (800)443-7937, www.mcfeelys.com S p a c eB a l l s , 1 0 0p a c k ,# P B S - I 0 0 0 - C $,5 8 x 1-114-iN n .o - C o - R o d fe lat-head s c r e w s ,10 0 p a c k , #0812-FNC , $5 8 x S/B-in. No-Co-Rode self-drilling washer-heao screws, #0805-wNC, $5 8 x 3/4-in.brassflat-head screws,25 pack,#0806-FSW, $2 1 0 x 3 / 4 - i nb . rass flat-head screws, 2 5 p a c k ,# 1 0 0 6 - F S W $,2 . MLCS (800)533-9298, www.mlcswoodworkrng.com O n e t o n g u e - a n d - g r o oa vs es e m b l y1 , / 2 - i ns . hank, #i844,$40: 1 / 4 - i ns . hank, #5544, $40.
BRASS SCREW
QMount the hinges L,fwith steel screws f i r s t .T h e n r e o l a c e them with the brassscrews. The steel screws pave t h e w a y , m a k i n gi t e a s i er to drive the softer brassscrewswithout breaking them.
O v e r a l l D i m e n s i o n s :2 9 " H x 4 4 - 1 / 2 " W x 2 G - 1 1 2 " D
Part B
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Name Lid gue-a Ton panel nd-groove Tongue-and-g roovepanel Decking Lid batten D e c kc l e a t
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Qtv. 1 12 12 12
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Dimensions 3l4"x26-314'x44-314" 3/4" x 3-3/8 x 36-3/4" 314" x 3-3/8"x19-314" 314"x2-314'x19-112" 314"x2"x18" 314"x1-112"x60" 2-1 x 2B-1 14'x 3-114" 14" 1-112"xx 43 8 " 1-112 x" 4"x21" 1-112"x3"x38 1-112"x3 x"2 1 " 'l 1/4"x 1-318" x 9
D E F
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Bottomrailfront and back Bottomrailside Top railfront and back Top railside Clasp backer
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American
\4looclrvorker
MAy 2oos
o I
on the
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Simple improvements make a mortising attachment rnrork great.
DyTimJohnson
Two-piece mortising chiselscut square holes.Theauger bit fits insidethe chiseland protrudesslightly. Duringoperation,the auger drills a round ..i{' hole and the four-sidedchisel squares the corners. Cut side by side, square holes create mortises (see photo, below). *f
AUGER BIT
DT
$2oo or more. I'll show you how to tune any ourof-the-box mortising attachment so it's easy to install and ajoy to use. Mortising attachments are available for almost every drill press. Although they vary in appearance, they all have three basic components: a fence, a chisel holder and a hold-down. Upgrading these parts to stabilize the workpiece and operating the drill press at the optimal speed are the keys to success. I get first-class results with my tuned-up mortising attachment. That means I don't have to store a large, heavy mortiser that I would only use occasionally. On the drill press, I can slow the speed way down, too, so I don't overheat my bits. Drillpress mortising is slower, but'it's much more pleasant, a lot quieter and much less nerve-wracking than using a mortiser. Square mortises require special bits, which can be bought individually or in sets. Bits range in price from $10 to more than $50 apiece. Inexpensive bits usually won't stay sharp as long (see "start sharp, Stay Sharp," page Z4), but dropping one on the concrete floor won't give you a heart attack, either.
70 American Woodworker MAy 2oo5
ven though the only power-tool option tises. A drill-press mortising less: $30 to $80 instead of
they're sexy, benchtop mortising machines aren't when it comes to cutting square-shouldered morattachment can bejust as effective and it costs a lot
Mclrtisingon the Drill Press
I Slow down. Mortising chiselswork best at slow speeds, I b e t w e e n1 , 0 0 0r p m a n d 1 , 5 0 0r p m , d e p e n d i n g on the mortise sizeand the wood density. Within this range,use trial and error to find the speedthat works best.
Q Mount the mortising fence on a separate base, rather I than fastening it directly to the drill-presstable. Then c l a m p t h e b a s et o t h e d r i l l - p r e s s t a b l e . T h i ss e t u p m a k e st h e fenceeasyto adjust,so positioningthe workpieceis a breeze.
Q Install the chisel and bit. The chisel r--l holderw , h i c h c l a m p so n t o t h e q u i l l , centersthe chisel directly beneath the chuck. Lock the chisel with its collar t i g h t l ya g a i n s t ' t h e holder.Then s l i d et h e bit into the chuck.
teave a gap. Positionthe auger bit with its cutting head about 1/16 in. away from the domed inside surfaceof the hollow chisel.Don't jam these two parts together. This gap is essential, becauseit allows shavings cut by the auger to be lifted into the hollow chisel a n d e j e c t e d .l f t h e g a p i s t o o s m a l l o r too large, the trapped shavings will bindthe bit.
y' -f
( tuUricatethe auger bit after making r.-f sure it spins freely insidethe chisel, lf the bit squealswhen you power up, it isn't centered precisely.Shut off the power, rotate the chisel 90 (or 180 or 270l, degrees and retest. tf the squeal persists,loosen the chisel holder and rotate it slightly.Then reposition the chisel.
72
Fft ) POOR
your hold-down. lf it doesn't sit flat on the workCl Ctrect< t - I p i e c e , g r i n d o r f i l e i t u n t i l i t d o e s .A p o o r l y f i t t i n g h o l d d o w n w o n ' t h o l d t h e w o r k p i e c ef i r m l y e n o u g h a g a i n s tt h e b a s e .W h i l e y o u ' r e m o f t i s i n g ,a n y w o r k p i e c em o v e m e n tc a n b i n d t h e b i t i n t h e m o r t i s ea n d w r e c ky o u r s e t u p - o r t h e b i t .
tr] Clamp a fence in front of the workpieceto hold it firmly ith the hold-down, er d a g a i n s t h e f e n c ea s s e m b l y . T o g e t h w during operat h i s f e n c e c a p t u r e st h e w o r k p i e c ee f f e c t i v e l y t i o n , e l i m i n a t i n ga n y m o v e m e n t .W h e n y o u r e p o s i t i o nt h e aligned. b e t w e e nc u t s ,t h i s f e n c ek e e p si t c o r r e c t l y workpiece
Q Stiffen trre t . ) t a b l ew i t h a b r a c e .O n m a n y drill presses, mortisingexerts e n o u g hd o w n w a r d pressureto flex t h e t a b l e .L i k e workpiecemovem e n t ,a n y t a b l e m o v e m e n tw i l l c a u s et r o u b l e .l f t h e t a b l ef l e x e s , t h e c h i s ew l ill bind A in the mortise. two-part adjustable b r a c ei s m u c h e a s i e rt o i n s t a l l .
to be paral{ } Sqr"t" the chisel. For the mortise shoulders I lel,the chisel must be perpendicularto the fence' Loosen " the chisel, rotate it flush against the squarely cut end of your workpiece and retighten.
Mortisin on the Drill Press
1n I\,/
Set the depth of the cut.The top of the chisel'sarch indicatesthe bottom of the square mortise.
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I eosition the workpiece for mortising. First, clamp the base and II fence assemblyso the center point of the auger bit is on the centerline of the mortise.Then slide the workpiecebetweenthe fencesuntil the outer edge of the hollow chiselaligns with the mortise end line.
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Establishthe ends of the mortise first.Then clear out the middle. 1g Lh Always engage all four sides of the chisel or two opposite sides. Apply steady pressureand advancethe cut slowly. Don't push too hard. Matbh your feed rate to the cutting action of the auger by watching the flow of chips exiting the chisel.Easy-but firmly-does it. IW
74 American Woodworker MAy 2oob
tablesaw is a lot safer and easier to use when it's equipped table. outfeed with an Whether you're ripping long boards or crosscutting big shees of plywood, you really need more support than just the top of your saw. Lots of folks have a huge oufeed table thatsits permanentlybehind the saw,but that's impractical in my compact shop. I've gone small and mobile instead. I built tr,vo tables, which offer a lot of flexibility. I can butt them right up to the back of my contractor's saw because the folding wings span the saw's motor. When I rip a long board, I can put one table in front of the saw and one behind. When I crosscut a big piece of plywood, I can roll one of the tables to the left side of the saw. When I need more open space around the saw, I fold down the wings and push the tables out of the way. As a bonus, these tables are great shop carts. They're perfect for wheeling project parts from machine to machine. I also use them for glue-ups and assembly. Sweet!
Burlo rHE CAsE

l. Cut the sides (A), subtop, bottom and shelf (B) and back (C) to size. Cut rabbets for the subtop, bottom and back. Cut dadoes for the sheH. Assemble the case and check it for square. 2. Cut the face frame parts (D, E, F) to size. When assembled, the face frame should be l/16 in. longer and wider than the case. Use screw pockets tojoin the face frame rails to the stiles. Position the center rail so its top edge is even with the shelf. 3. Glue and clamp the f,ace frame to the cabinet. Trim it flush after the glue is dry (Photo l).
Marce Dnawens AND Doons

4. Make a big pile of edge banding. The entire project takes almost 90 lineal feet. front 5. Make the drawer box sides (G), and back (H) and bottom 0). Cutting the drawer front and back pieces to just the right length ensures that the drawer slides will travel without
CusrovrzE YouR
TaeLE's Our HETcHT are dimensions designed for a saw of standard height about 34 in. The 3Yl/2 table adjusts from to 3#l/4 in. high.
This allows you to fine-tune the exact height of the table to match your saw after the table is built. In addition, you can easily tilt the table's top to compensate for an uneven floor. If you need a table with a different range (to include the height of a mobile base, for example), adjust the cabinet and door dimensions.
American Woodworker
MAY 2oob
83
114"-20 x 4" L
SCREW
Tools: Tablesaw,dado set, planer, screw-pocketjig, router, flush-trim router bit, 1/8-in.round-over bit Materials for two tables: TWo sheets of 3/4-in. cabinet-gradeplywood One sheet of 314-in. melamine 10 bd. ft. of 3/4-in.hardwood 1l4--in. hardboard Hardware for two tables:Eight locking casters,eight folding supports,four 1 l2-in. overlay hinges, four pairs of 16-in.drawer slides, six pairs of drawer and door pulls,various nuts and bolts
:..
NYLOC NUT
114"-20 WING NUT
Total cost: $400 for two tables (or $260 for stripped-down versions; see "Cost-Saving Options;' below left)
1/2" OVERLAYHINGE
q
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SWIVELING CASTER
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#8x1-112" L FH SCREW
Simple face-frame and box joinery makes this project easy to build. Build the face frame glue it to the cabinetand trim slightly oversize, it with a flush-trimbit.Thisshortcutis a lot easier than trying to build a face frame that exactly fits the size of the cabinet.
Start with oversize panels when you apply edge banding.Glue two piecesof bandingon first, making sure they're shy of one edge of the panel. Rip the opposite side.Turn the panel around and rip the other side. Now you've got two perfectlyflush edges on which to glue the other edge banding.
binding. To calculate this length, start by measuring the face frame opening. Next, subtract I to l-l/16 in., which is the space needed for two metal slides. Finally, subtract another L-t/Z in. or, more exactly, the combined thickness of two drawer sides. fusemble the drawers. 6. Make the drawer slide fillers (K). Plane them to be flush with the inside edge of the face frame. Screw and glue the fillers to the case. 7. Cut and edge-band the drawer fronts (L, Photo 2). Drill screw holes for the pulls. 8. Cut and edge-band the doors (N). Check the width of the doors, allowing for the l/2-in. overlay hinges, edge banding and a 3/32-in. gap between the doors. Drill for and fasten the pulls.
pockets into the inside face of the small rails. Glue and screw the small rails to the large rails, flush with the unbanded top edge. 10. Cut and edge-band the melamine top (T) and wings (U).
Saruo AND FtrursH

ll. Ease all the corners with a l/&in. roundover Finish-sand the wooden parts. 12. Apply a finish to all the wooden surfaces. bit.
AssevreLE THE Doons AND DRnwERs

13. Screw the casters to the cabinetbottom. Position and screw the case slide component inside the case and the drawer-box slide component on the drawer box (Photo 3). 14. Slip the drawer boxes into the cabinet and lay the case on its back. Put the hinges on the doors and hang the doors on the face frame. 15. Position the drawer fronts over the drawer boxes, and fasten the fronts to the drawer boxes (Photo 4). Stand the cabinet up.
Mnrr rHE ToP

9. Cut the large and small rim rails (Q and S). Edgeband two ends and one side of the large rails. Drill screw
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16. Drill and countersink holes for the leveling screws through the main table. Use a drill press to ensure a plumb hole. 17. Center the rim assembly under the melamine table top. Fix the rim assembly to the top by driving screws through the screw pockes. 18. Screw the folding brackets to the bottom of the wings and then to the large rim rails. It's easiest to do this with the table's top assembly upside down on your tablesaw. The tablesaw's flat surface helps align the parts.
American Woodworker MAY 2oos 85
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3/4'MELAMINE
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3/4" PLYWOOD
Position each drawer slide with a wood spacer. It's a lot easier to use a scrap of plywood than a tape measureto level a slide. Installthe top slide first with a wide spacer;then use a narrower one for the bottom slide.
Install the drawer fronts with the cabinet on its back. Drive temporary screws through the pull holes into the drawer boxes underneath.Remove each drawer and permanently screw the box to the drawer front from the inside.
19. Place the top assembly on the cabinet, Insert the four leveling screws and tap each one with a hammer to dimple the subtop. This locates the holes for the T:nuts. Remove the top assembly. Drill and mount the T:nuts in the cabinet. 20. Push the leveling screws through the top and put fender washers and Nyloc nuts on from the underside. (Nyloc nuts are the kind with nylon rirgr inside them.)
The nuts should be snug but not so tight that you can't turn the leveling screw by hand. 21. Set the top assembly on the cabinet. Tirrn each machine screw until it engages the T:nut. Adjust each screw a little at a time so the top doesn't bind. 22. Position the oufeed tables behind your saw and span a straightedge from the saw to the table top. kvel the top to the saw by turning the leveling screws up or down; then lock the screws using the fender washers and wing nuts. The *irg nuts allow you to lift the cart by its top without yanking out the T:nuts. A'V Source Woodworker's Hardware (800) 383-01 30,www.wwhardware.com 2-'ll2-in. locking casters, #JH25 SB,$5 ea. 1/2-in. overlay hinges, #40755088, a pair $1.60 1Gin. drawer slides, #KV8400 816,$11a pair Folding L brackets, #KV0206 ZC12,$15ea. pulls, 2-in. birch #400814 WD,$1.50 a pair.
Dimensions:24"D x 48"W x33-112" to 35-1/4"H
Part A B
Name Side Subtop, bottom and shelf
otv.
4 6 2 4 4
Dimensions
Material
:;i: !-; ';
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D E F G H
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Back
Face frame stile Face frame rail
Faceframe top rail Drawer box side Drawer box fronVback Drawer bottom
Drawer slide filler Drawer front
2
8 8 4 8 4 4
17-114" x 29" 16-112x21-314" 21-314x 29" 1-112x29-1116" 1-112x 19-9/16" 3" x 19-9/16"
3/4" plywood
3/4" plvwood
3/4" plywood
3/4" solid wood

3/4" solid wood
3/4" solid wood
K L M
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Drawerfront bandinq Door

Door bandinq Rim rail, larqe
5" x 16" 3/4" melamine 5" x16-718" 3/4" melamine 16" x 18-112" 1/4" hardboard 2-112" x 16-112" 3/4" solid wood 5-112x 20" 3/4" plvwood 314"x 20' 1/4" solid wood 9-11/16" x 11-112" 3 /4" plywood 314"x 16' 1/4"solid wood
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8" x 17-518" 3/4" plywood 314"x 10' 1/4" solid wood 3" x24-118" 3/4" solid wood 23-112 x 23-518" 3/4" melamine 23-112" x 11-112" 3/4" melamine 314"x 42' 1/4" solid wood
2-ll2 locking casters Folding supports 112"overlay hinges 16" drawer slides Door and drawer pulls 114"-20 x 4" machine screws 1/4"T-nuts 1/4" fender washers 114-20 Nyloc nuts 114"-20 wing nuts
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o 88 American Woodworker MAy 2oos
lU
Larur AND D r s c S a T D E RC o M B o
Thanks to my new sanding table, ffiY lathe doubles as a disc sander. I really like this setup, because I can adjust the speed of the disc to the job and the material. The table is glued to a hollow box that bolts onto the bedjust like the tool rest and tailstock. A keyed bottom centers the box on the bed. Bolts extend through the key to mounting plates below. Tightening the bolts draws the plates against the bed bottom. Access to the forward bolt is through a hole in the table. Removing rhe dust collection port grants access to the back bolt. I used melamine for the disc. which I mounted to an 8-in.-dia. faceplate. Melamine is flat, and sanding discs adhere to it well, yet are easy to remove. I always lock the table in position within 1/16 in of the disc for safety. Dust collection with my shop vac works great. The hollow box nuzzles up close to the disc, because it's flush with the front edge of the table. Ed Shalfer
"EventhoughFatherknewbestmostof the time, Motherintroduced him to BRMAX Shehad usedit for yearsto polishher furnishingslong beforeFather everstartedbuilding and finishing what are nowmy antiques. Like Father,I too,am a "Do-It-Yourselfer." I useBRMAX to finish all my unfinished woodprojects,for faux finishing, marble refurbishing,and more. Finishingor refiubishingof woodflooringandcabinets are madesimplewith BRMAXs time. testedblendofthe finestbeeswax and selected Carnauba waxes. Because polishes, it cleans, andprotects in oneeasy application, BRMAX is alsogreatfor granite, plaster, stucco, concrete anduntreated metals. Nowwith seven shades fromwhichto choose. Motherwouldbeiealous!" pmiectsond_r_l.Le-se-o#r_er:_Erylr_c_cfj_o-r.s-l Unfinished {ire-{ilh_eo-npie,ts!_lJ_!-pw Wood ir lVood Cabinets Jt Wood Paneling * Wood Flooring * * * Concrete Marble & Granite Untreated Metals * Plaster * Stucco :k Faux Finishes
NowAvailable in Clear & 7 Great Colors:
For Information
on BRIWAX:
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Pgnrrcr HoLES FoR RourER-Blr Tnav

I decided to organize my router bits by making atray from a scrap block ofwood. But I soon discovered that my L/2-in. shank bits wouldn't fit into l/2-in.dia. holes-the holes needed to be slightly larger. Unfortunately, I didn't have a larger bit. After learning that a 33/64in. bit was going to cost $15, I did a bit of headscratching. It occurred to me that shimming my l/z-irr bit would make it spin slightly off centet thus creating a larger hole. After experimenting, I settled on folding a piece of notebook paper into six layers and holding it against one of the jaws when I tightened the chuck. This offset worked perfectly for drilling the 7-l/4in.-deep holes. Now my bits slip in and out easily. lW Richard Tbndick
92 American Woodworker MAy 2oob
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American Woodworker
MAy 2oos
a a a
MAKE MONEY- 9Oo/o FASTER than hand-sanding SAVEMONEV L/3 LESS COST than wide belt sanders - Efficient,affordabte, TOPEARVTTVCS highestquatity
*W(XTDMAS|ER [Drum Sander] Gets My Top Vote!" - Fine Woodworking Magazine review vs. Performaf,& Grizlf . AflASf-aFAST. ENDORSED BY CABTNETMAKERSI PRACTICAL & AFFORDABLE"l calleda cabinetmaker who'downed sanding solution for '91 problems. since with no Thatsoldme." production cabinetmakers w & - Robert Prueher,Ramsey,MN shops! Slash hand-sanding WqrDwoil$trc Aoi|{ilnfiEDHtM to a minimum. Get widebelt FINE performance in Fine Wood& quality "The reviewof Woodmaster working Magazine and commentson internet aII/3 thecost. good." forumswerealways PAYS FOR ITSELF woodworking - Gary Newby,Boise, lD in earnings & savings.
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I work in Southeast Asia and don't have an indoor workshop. Instead I do my woodworking under a shed roof. The threat of malaria is real and constant, so I take precautions by using bug spray to keep the mosquitoes off me. It doesn't take much to work up a real sweat, so I have to reapply the spray several times during p '\ the dav. After one such reapplication, I realized that my hairy legs didn't quite feel right. It was only then that I noticed how similar my can of bug repellant was to my can of spray lacquer! Glenn Cffibb
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If you have a woodworkingblunder Y37 Y that you're willing to share, send it to us. You'll receive $100 for each one we print. Send it to AW Oops!, American Woodworker, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121, or e'mail to o ops@ readersdigest. com. Submissions can't be returned and become our property upon acceptance and payment. We may edit submissions and use them in all print and electronic media.
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I found a real bargain while shopping for birdseed-a large suet cake that was much cheaper than an equivalent number of smaller cakes. This bargain cake was too big to fit any of our suet baskets, but I figured I could cut it to size with my new bandsaw. I was right-the cake cut like butter. I proudly sawed a custom-size chunk for each suet basket. Later, when I tried to resaw some wood, the blade hardly cut. The wood just smoked and burned. Standing forlornly amid the smoke, I surmised that something in the suet had completely gummed rp the blade, causing excessive friction and heat, which dulled the teeth. Saving $5 on birdseed cost me a $30 bandsaw blade. My only consolation was that for weeks afterward, whenever I used the bandsaw my shop smelled like freshly baked molasses cookies! Jay McClzllnn
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American Woodworker
MAY 2oos

American Woodworker - 114 (May 2005)

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lr A 10 THlrucs V-l+You Neeoro

r-, I KruOW ABOUT

RC)cvpness Lrh Gnesr

MoerLe Ourreeo TeeLe

Production Ofiice Administrative

Manager Artist Manager

Technical Manager Reader Service Specialist Administrative Assistants

Dawn Zier ReneeJordan Lou Sassano

Neu Srzr EoUIvALENTS

2-112 16-gauge nails

2" 16o r 1 8-gauge nai l s

1-112" 18-gauge brads

1" 18-gauge brads

RourER Tnele Mtrcn JoTNTS

Fnov Oun RTnDERS

support that the fence offers. Frank Pen'icha

y"g t"b.lg:1[_+,: Convert Me

Circle No. 136

Arnerican \4boclu,orker MAy 2oo5

BrrucHToP Boann Clavrp

tDt AIB-TEGil and Dust-Force

Toplace anorderor for thedealer youcallustoll free. 1{m48G7269 nearest

CenalDE-lrusenr Jorruren Krurves

28-Vor-r ConolEss Tools

than a typicallS-voltNiCd or NiMH. And, accordingto the

RourER Nrw MULTt-Base

Golonial SawGompany, Inc.

EAST 1-888-777-272s wEsT 1-800-252-6355

American Woodworker MAy 2oos

Ensrrn TnSLESAW Blnor

Source H r q oL l .C. (800)729-9366, www.saw-jaw.com )aw-Jaw. b | /.

American \4/oodrvorker MAy 2oos

Q:Howmanyjigs does it take?

Pnorecr rne Pueslc Levrruare

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American Woodworker MAy 2oo5

Arnerican Woorlrvorker- MAy 2oos

A Clnsstc PnECtstoN Souanr

Super-straight blade This edge is ground flat to within .0001in.

A 6-in. precision combination square is v e r y c o n v e n i e n tt o c a r r y i n a n a p r o n p o c k e t . T h i s i l i c o nb r a s sa n d r o s e w o o d jewel is made by Bridge CityTools(see Sources,left).

American Woodworker MAy 2oo5

How Souane ls YouR Souanr?

SounREs FoR PnEclstoN SrruPs

12-in. Starrett combination

How ro SoUAREA JoINTERFerucE

ffilnkahofi own0[si[8ss.., affinwny

How ro Sounnr n Mrrrn GnucE

How ro SounnE A SAW Blaor

How To CHECKAN EocE FoR Souanr

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An elegant structure rruith super-strong joinery

Materials: 1 0 8f t . o f 1 x 4 c e d a r 2 1 6 f t .o f 1 x 6c e d a r 1 8f t . o f 1 x 8c e d a r 46 ft. of 2x8 cedar 1 0f t . o f 1 x i 0 c e d a r Two 1Z-ft.4x4treatedtimbers Waterproofglue Four50-lb.bagsof peagravel

Toofs: Bandsaw Tablesaw Planer Jointer Plunge routerwith edgeguide

314-in. straightbit Jigsaw Circular saw Bradnailer Beltsander Drill

1-112" x2" NOTCH