Woodworker's Journal eZine - From America's Leading Woodworking Authority

Keep it Moving!

Rob-Portrait As you click through the pages of the eZine this time out, you may notice a theme of sorts. Wooden bicycles and carved motorcycles -- transportation hits the woodshop. For me, transportation in the shop has a more plebeian orientation: I put everything I can in my shop on wheels. Casters are the gift that keeps on giving, in my opinion. My benchtop planer? On casters. My chop saw? On a cart — with casters. Table saw, band saw, lathe, bigger band saw, planer/jointer combo tool — all on casters.

That's just how I roll.

I admit, my addiction to all things casters may be a bit of overkill. I do tend to run an idea right into the ground. (My rolling lumber rack … turned out to be just a bit too big to actually roll.) So what about you? Are you going mobile in your shop or are you firmly planted to the ground? As always, your feedback will be shared with the gang.

Rob Johnstone, Woodworker's Journal

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Satisfaction from the Simplest of Tools

Cleaning up the surface of his workbench with a scraper was a good chance for Chris Marshall to get back to basics with one of woodworking's simplest tools.

Tile-Topped Coffee Table

This reader-submitted coffee table features hand-made joinery and a clever use of tile for the tabletop. I wanted to share this project that I'm so proud of: a custom built coffee table with marble stone tiles on top. To use stone tiles for the top of a table is a great way to give furniture [...]

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Downloadable Plans

ONLY $1.00!

Early American Style Curio Shelf

This traditional Early American design is as useful today as it was 200 years ago. It's perfect for displaying curios or any other small items. Ours is made from bird's-eye maple, but walnut, cherry, and pine are other appropriate woods.

Father Christmas Woodcarving

This figure lacks the jolly smile of modern Santas. Instead he has a somber expression typical of many older St. Nicholas figures. His thoughtful look reflects the Saint's role as judge of the deeds of children and adults over the past year.

Step Stool

There's no arguing the value of a step stool in the home. The trouble is, most step stools just aren't meant to be seen. That's why, when we discovered this handsome step stool, we knew it was something special.

Bandsawn Heart Box

These lovely heart-shaped boxes will make perfect Valentine's Day gifts. They are made almost entirely with the band saw, and with a refined procedure of only a few basic steps, you'll find these boxes surprisingly easy to make.

Grasshopper Pull Toy

When in close proximity to this Grasshopper Pull Toy, small faces tend to break out in wide smiles. Even adults may have trouble suppressing little muscles pulling at the corners of the mouth. It's altogether too goofy looking to take with a straight face.

Workbench Helper

Generations of craftsmen have used these handy helpers to hold the other end of the board. They're especially useful for hand planing or jointing boards too long for a vise to support. Once you make this shop project, you'll wonder how you got along without it.

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