A Federal Bow-front table from Frank Vucolo is our cover story for the December 2014 issue; his article not only shows you how to build this form that appears in many furniture styles, but how to add the veneer, banding and stringing that are hallmarks of the Federal period. You’ll learn how to sharpen your own handsaws and backsaws from Matt “the Saw Wright” Cianci as he takes you step by step through the four steps of setting, jointing, filing and stoning.
From Glen D. Huey, you get plans, measured drawings and instruction on making a “Not-so Ordinary Router Cabinet” (that would also look at home in the house, with a few tweaks). Mary May shares her carving expertise in “Woodcarving Basics,” with everything you know to get started with V-tools and gouges, as she teaches you techniques for shallow-relief and applied carving. And from Christopher Schwarz, learn a clever and simple way to align your dovetails for easy transfer from pins to tails (or tails to pins); all you need is a cheap wooden ruler and a couple tacks.
In this month’s Tool Test, we review the Earlex 6003 spray system, a 3-stage turbine that is plenty powerful for most finishing needs; the Shenandoah Tool Works Birdcage Awl; and the Jet JWBS-14SF-3 band saw. George Walker gives us his thoughts on handsome toppers (that is, how to let function and proportion guide you to a good-looking top); Peter Follansbee shares his thoughts on “green” woodworking in the Arts & Mysteries column; and in End Grain, Lee Dye shows how us how a tree became a whale.
Plus Tricks of the Trade, reader letters and more.