Woodworking Crafts December 2017 PDF

Issue 34 December 2017
HAND, POWER & GREEN WOODWORKING TURNING RESTORATION DIY
The reasons why

you need
a router!
PROJECTS
Snowflake shelves
Routed puzzle table
Turn a christmas cracker
TECHNIQUES
Carved barge boards
Board handling technique
Carving with a Swiss army knife
CONTEMPORARY HALL TABLE FOX HEAD WALKING STICK FRENCH TOOL MUSEUM
WWC34 COVER FINAL.indd 1 17/11/2017 10:01
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IFC_001_WWC_034.indd 2 10/25/17 11:16 AM

Community
Welcome
to the December issue of
Woodworking Crafts
S
easons greetings to all our readers wherever
you are in the world.
The news headlines never make for
comfortable reading there are too many bad things
going on at a time of year when it should be peace
and goodwill to all and we should feel safe. Last
Christmas I played Santa to a group of international Hmm, too much Christmas
students who were studying at the University of pud Ed
Sussex. Five minutes in a silly red costume with my
charming elfin assistant and a sack of cheap presents
was a humbling reminder that not everyone has our good fortune a brief
but joyful experience that will stay with those lovely young people for a long
time to come.
So we need and deserve a bit of escapism and a chance to enjoy the things that
6
matter to us friends, family, a welcome break and, of course, whatever hobby or
interest that floats our boat, in this case the multifarious crafts that can claim to be
that wonderful activity of woodworking.
Contrary to views expressed elsewhere in the magazine I am not known as
Mr Scrooge and must dissociate myself from those unnecessarily inflammatory
remarks. Indeed I have gone out of my way to bring you a bountiful selection of
articles, many with a festive theme, entering into the spirit of Christmas. I do hope
you enjoy this issue and stay safe if you do venture into the workshop.
Myself and our team would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a
prosperous New Year 2018.
Jan Morgan Designer

Anthony Bailey Editor
Email: anthonyb@thegmcgroup.com
58
33
Mark Baker Group Editor
Simon Rodway Illustrator

Karen Scott Senior
Editorial Assistant 67
2 www.woodworkersinstitute.com
WWC34_2_3_CONTENTS_&_LEADER.indd SUBBED.indd 2 01/11/2017 10:31

44
In the
December issue...
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
5 Design inspiration 6 Contemporary hall table
27 This months contributors 16 Fox-head walking stick
28 Woodland ways Christmas 33 Turned Christmas crackers
wreaths and greenery
50 Projects of Christmas past
32 Woodworking glossary G
44 Feature French Tool 62 Plans 4 you Snowflake
Museum, Troyes shelves 50
58 Feature Willow workshop 67 Puzzle table
64 Festive library Book

reviews TECHNIQUES
79 Trees for life Sweet
chestnut 11 My hand plane heaven
82 Ask the experts 37 Swiss army knife whittling
88 Feature Lapland wooden 54 Router vs The Rest
shelter
61 Tricks of the trade
KIT & TOOLS 71 Safe board handling
22 Christmas gift round-up 76 Ornate barge boards
Woodwork on the web

To find more great projects, tests and techniques like these, visit our fantastic website
at: www.woodworkersinstitute.com 16
Woodworking Crafts issue 34 3
WWC34_2_3_CONTENTS_&_LEADER.indd SUBBED.indd 3 01/11/2017 10:31

More freedom of movement for
better sanding.
The new cordless compact sanders
RTSC 400, DTSC 400 and ETSC 125.
Cordless mobility. Performance thats like working with a mains-powered

tool.
The new cordless compact sanders boast powerful material removal and
endurance thanks to the 18 V Ergo battery pack and brushless EC-TEC
motor. They are lightweight, with an optimised centre of gravity for cordless
comfort. And they have the exibility to allow them to be quickly converted
to a mains-powered machine for continuous work using a plug-it adapter.
Do you want to experience rst-hand these new hybrid sanders? Then head
to your specialist retailer or visit
www.festool.co.uk/cordless-sander
004_WWC_034.indd 4 11/3/17 2:40 PM

Community
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GMC/ANTHONY BAILEY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

Design
INSPIRATION Long, low
and retro
with drop-
ring handles.
Functional but
A hallway generally needs a table impressive
to put things on keys, letters,

hats etc. It needs to look stylish
and yet be slim in depth
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

A highly ornate
demi-lune table
is perfect, but a
simpler, clean-lined Oriental themed, very
version would look square, controlled
equally good design with precise
detail inlays,
by Robert Ingham
Contemporary
chrome tube with
a wooden drawer
unit on top makes
a variation
PHOTOGRAPH BY EDDIE REYNOLDS
PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT INGHAM

A slender, elegant
piece with delicate
tapered legs and
arched cross pieces in
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREA HARGREAVES
a traditional style, by
Eddie Reynolds
PHOTOGRAPH BY GMC/ANTHONY BAILEY
A simple wood design

with a discreet drawer
for bits and bobs
An exceptional curve-on-curve
console table with very
highly figured grain, by Suzanne Hodgson
WWC34_5_DESIGN_INSPIRATION SUBBED.indd 5 01/11/2017 10:44

Project
HALL TABLE
Less is definitely more as
Brendan Devitt-Spooner
explains in his latest project
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GMC/ANTHONY BAILEY
WWC34_6_10_HALL TABLE.indd SUBBED.indd 6 01/11/2017 10:47

Project
Design statement
Designing and making a range of
bespoke furniture enables me to
construct everything from a single
small box to large, complex room
schemes involving many individual
pieces. All are exciting and all have
particular requirements. This article
concerns a small hall table. In many
ways it is the ideal commission it is
complex enough to make it interesting
to make, it does not have a large
appetite for materials, it is reasonably
quick to make, it does not take up
too much space in the workshop and
it is easy to deliver and manhandle
on ones own. The piece started
as a result of a woman visiting my Shallow drawers required the shortest runners
workshop having recently moved
into the area. She had her property Making them involved machining Both ends were then glued up, making
refurbished in a contemporary way so the two sets of parts 1mm thicker sure that no excess glue remained on
she was looking for a table to grace than the final thickness and then the outer glue lines. After they were
her hallway. After visiting her, seeing glueing them together. Using pieces dry the next step was to clean up the
the hall and establishing the sizes and of 4 x 2 as protectors and load inner flat surfaces. This can be done in
timbers to be used, I returned a couple spreaders I could use as many many ways. Having a wide belt sander
of weeks later with a design proposal. G-clamps as necessary. After they in the workshop makes this process
The whole thing was to be made from were dry they were re-machined to very straightforward and also much
wenge and sycamore, the two timbers the final width and thickness, which easier, particularly if the wenge has a
complemented her colour scheme was thinner than the two outside wild grain it is not the easiest timber
and also added a hint of the Orient of parts. All the parts are joined together to hand plane.
which she was keen. by ply tongues. I formed the grooves
using a in groover in a spindle Making rails
Simplicity itself moulder. With birch ply being around With the two ends completed the
Simply, the wenge top was supported 6.5mm thick I used a jointer plane to next stage was to prepare the rails,
by two ends made up from wenge and reduce the thickness slightly, which which would join the two ends, which
sycamore. Underneath the top were to produced a snug fit. It is a good were in sycamore. The back one was
be hung two drawers separated by a idea not to make the fit too snug as joined with double tenons, the lower
panel. As the drawers would be quite applying the glue, in this case PVA, front one with twin tenons and the
short in depth I decided to hang them will result in the ply swelling slightly, upper front rail with single lapped
on full extension runners. enough to cause anxious moments dovetails. The two front rails were inset
while clamping them together. Before by the thickness of the drawer fronts
End construction glueing I sanded and finished the so as to create a flush front. The rear
Each end was made up from four sycamore face as it would be very rail was as wide as the drawer fronts
pieces, the two outer parts of wenge difficult to do so after assembly. The this was particularly important as
were joined together by a thinner inner edges of the wenge outer parts it provides most of the rigidity of the
sandwich of wenge and sycamore. were given a small rebate detail. finished piece.
Tradi onal runners could not be used as the drawers would

End rail joints fall out

Project
Joint work
Cutting joints can be done in many
ways. Available tools or machinery can
influence the method selected. For the
rear double mortises I set up a router
with a 10mm cutter and plunge cut
them, then used a chisel to square
the rounded ends. I always form the
mortises first it is easier to adjust
the size of the tenon than the mortise.
Cutting the tenons I used a tenoner,
but a tablesaw or bandsaw would do
the job equally well. The twin tenons Centre sec on detail
and single lapped dovetails were cut
using a router and bandsaw for the
former and handsaw and chisels for was glued. Before any glueing was lines with hand-cut dovetails joining
the latter. Although machines and done all the components were sanded the corners and a groove formed
power tools are great I always cut and finished. It is much easier to do on the sides and front to allow for
dovetails by hand. this before assembly than having to a slide-in cedar of Lebanon base. At
get into difficult corners afterwards. this point, before cutting the timber,
Assembly preparation it is most important to measure the
After all the joints had been cut, the Glue up distance where the drawer will fit.
sides and rails were dry clamped to Clamping up is often a time when This measurement will then have
ensure that everything fitted and was things go awry you cannot find the the thickness of the drawer runners
square. At this point attention was softwood blocks to protect the finished subtracted. Although a conventional
focused on the sub-frame, which surfaces, the phone rings or a visitor drawer will have quite thin sides, in
carried the inner drawer runners and pops in. I always arrange the clamps this case they had to be thicker to
the front panel. Quite simply, it was a ready for use and make sure there is accommodate the screws which attach
four-sided frame which was screwed enough glue in the pot with protective the drawer runners. After fitting the
and plugged and the same depth as blocks at the ready. Glue was applied to sub-frame and wenge fronts the
the distance between the two front the mortises and the back and bottom
rails. This was fitted into the rails using front rails inserted. After standing the
screws (see the drawing for detail). table upright the top front rail was fitted
The front panel was a piece of wenge from the top. With all the rails in place,
screwed on. I found it very useful at a final check with a trysquare to ensure
this point to have an angled drilling everything was as it should be and
attachment to enable perpendicular the excess glue was wiped away with
holes to be accurately made. Before a damp cloth. I set the frame aside to
any of the rails could be glued in allow it to dry and turned my attention
place, holes were drilled enabling the to the drawer components.
top to be attached by screws. These
were sized for no.8 brass screws and Drawer construction
countersunk. Remembering to do it at These were made in sycamore with a
this point would prevent the hassle of planted-on front. The drawer boxes
trying to form them when everything were constructed along traditional The drawer fronts were planted on
The drawer base is only held cap ve at the rear end The internal construc on

Project
drawers could be fitted using the

full extension runners. With the
drawer boxes installed, the planted-on
fronts were attached using screws
from the inside of the drawer. Because
the front extends down below the
bottom rail there is no need to have
a handle as the drawer could be pulled
open from below.
Inlaid top
The top of the table was in wenge with
a decorative inlaid square of sycamore
in each of the front corners. I made
the top up from three planks that were
joined with ply tongues in stopped
grooves. Before these were glued
together the top was dry clamped.
Finding out that the plywood is slightly
too wide when it is at this stage is a
lot less alarming than when glue has
been added. When it had dried I ran The inlaid top detail reflects the drawer shapes
it through my wide belt sander again
and then trimmed it to length and of the waste to a depth of 2mm. With sycamore squares tapped in. With a
width. Forming the recesses for the a wide chisel the remaining waste softwood block above and below, a
inlays can be scary as, more often than was carefully cut out. However, fitting small G-clamp was applied to ensure
not, this will be the first thing people the sycamore squares was reasonably the inlay was seated properly. After the
will inspect, so it has to be visually straightforward. I made them very inlays were dry, once again I passed
perfect. I marked out the squares using slightly oversized and carefully planed the top through the sander and then
a mortise gauge along grain and a a slight taper to allow them to enter finished it off on a pad sander with a
knife for the cross-grain lines. Using a the recess easily, but then tighten up 240 grit paper. The edge details on
hand-held router and an 18mm straight to form a clean fit. To fit them glue the top, the sides and the front panel
cutter I carefully removed the majority was applied to the recess and the were in the form of small rebates.
These were formed with a router, a
straight cutter and a fence, running it
the wrong way (climb cut) seemed
to lessen the break-out and made for
a better finish. I cleaned them up with
a range of abrasive papers wrapped
around a square block of wood. Finally
the top was attached using brass screws
inserted from inside the drawer areas,
making sure the screw slots were
aligned with each other as I am fussy
about such detail. I finished the whole
piece with Danish oil, cutting back with
180 grit paper three times. The final
finish was Vaseline applied with 0000
wire wool. This was then rubbed off
with a clean cloth. Vaseline was also
applied to the cedar of Lebanon drawer
bases as it does not affect the aroma.
The finished table was well received
by the client as it fitted in perfectly with
her contemporary dcor.
Safety note
Brendan mentions climb cutting in
the last section of the article. This is
not a recommended practice unless
you understand the risks involved.
In short not for beginners.
A very clean architectural form

Technique
A veteran No.6
showing why it
is The Boss
My hand plane
heaven
A selection of planes from the Editors own collection
Forget the basics
To do general carpentry and cabinetwork you need a limited number of
planes a block plane, a smoothing plane and a jack plane. Once
youve gone beyond the basics though, there is so much
more. Where do you stop? Or should you even stop
collecting? My display cabinets are full of all sorts of hand
planes, I just pick out the one I need for a particular
job. Here is my own quirky take on planes that I love
using and why.
A dinky but damaged
Victorian treasure no.3C Victorian no.4, still capable
My favourite for many smaller tasks is
a late 19th century no.3C Stanley with
a corrugated sole. The castings are
so thin someone previously repaired
a split on one side with a piece of The missing links holding
bicycle chain. I found a corresponding the casting together
split on the other side so a judicious
repair with a thin piece of brass shim
and epoxy resin mended this poor old
soldier and it works a treat. A coat of
black enamel completed the job and The unusual
corrugations intended for working corrugated sole
on resinous pine dont interfere with with a bit of
normal planing tasks. mouth damage
WWC34_11_14_MY HAND PLANE HEAVEN SUBBED.indd 11 01/11/2017 10:48

Technique
Super Jack no.6

I bought a secondhand no.6 Fore plane, often
touted as a site tool for bigger jobs because it is
relatively carriable. In fact, this meaty piece of metal is
more often found on my bench because its weight and L-R: Squirrel tail, modern
heft make it a great weapon of choice when working on adjustable block plane,
medium to large components held in the vice. Its another Record no.4, Stanley
Stanley a name hard to avoid in the world of vintage Teen no.4, Stanley
tools because of its ubiquity. It is important to let the no.5 and Stanley no.6
tool do the work so there is less effort and no pressure as (note length and width
forward motion just carries it along the workpiece. increase over a no.5)
A well Gaged no. 5

When I first bought this jack plane I
wondered if I had made a mistake. It
was dull and looked a bit ugly and to
me aesthetics do matter even if I want
a tool that works well. Then I gave
it a general clean up, but not trying
to make it shiny and new looking, I
always restore sympathetically or not
at all. Then the subtle beauty of its
design dawned on me. The low-swept,
wave profile of the sides was matched
by an ingenious blade adjustment
method unique to Gage planes, that
The clean, swept lines of a self-setting sold me. It handles really well and
blade, Stanley Gage jack plane is a firm favourite for everyday
planing tasks.
The unusual but easily set Gage blade mechanism Beautiful curly shavings that are produced by this vintage plane

Technique
Schooldays T5
When I was a lad at technical high school our
standard bench plane was the Record Technical No wonder this T5 was
Jack T5. Designed for schools and colleges, it cheap, but they are
was a much-abused model in untutored hands, sought after, so.
no doubt hitting the workshop floor a few times
which, combined with rather economical casting,
means many of these have slight cracks and bulges
around the mouth on the sole. It is deliberately
light and slimmer for use in young hands and,
usefully, has threaded holes on the sides to take
a shooting handle often missing now, but you
can turn a new one. My own T5 has a straight-
edged blade, not so much for planing edges but
for trimming end grain on a shooting board very
useful indeed.
...it finally ended up restored like this. It

just needs a shooting handle to be turned
Perfect for really precise end grain shooting

with the convenience of the shooting handle
My Stanley Sweetheart
This Stanley No.412 is heavy for its size but ideal
for final levelling of wide boards removing all
the hollows cut by a no.5 jack with a cambered
blade. The blade is marked Stanley Sweetheart
and appears original. The frog casting that the
blade sits on is cast and ground differently to
give allegedly better support to the blade, but
was probably more to do with higher pricing
when it was new. Very late 19th century, it
has the typical squat knob and small diameter
thumbwheel of that period. Early 20th-century
planes have taller, more slender front knobs.
Stanley Sweetheart no.4 complete with original blade The blade stamping shows it is the genuine article

Technique
Had I really let them get this bad?

Time for an overhaul (see top of
page 12 for condition now)
Teen years no.4 and no.5 planes

A couple of years ago I restored both of these planes, derusting,
cleaning, removing hard cracked lacquer from the woodwork and
replacing the blades with modern Ray Iles thick, carbon steel blades.
As I was cleaning them it occurred to me that, despite all the changes
in my life, these two had stayed with me since my teenage years
when I bought them from a toolshop in our nearest town. That
makes them 50 years old? Blimey, that scares me a little to think of
all the years that have flashed past. I felt I owed it to these lifelong The new thick carbon steel Ray
companions to bring them back to tip-top condition and they work Iles replacement blade at the top
even better for having superior cutting edges.
My pet squirrel tail

A squirrel tail plane is Thumb planes can be very handy for small tasks but a
nicer to use than one squirrel tail or palm plane is much more comfortable
without the tail to hold and more controllable. When I ran an antique
restoration business I used this baby plane all the time for
trimming newly-added boxwood stringing on the damaged
edges of chest of drawers and the like, without cutting
into the adjacent veneers or even marring the patina of the
French polish. Unfortunately, when my children were small
one young miscreant put this plane in our garden bonfire
I found it the next day minus its black livery, but thankfully a
repaint and blade treatment brought it back to life again.
Monster Mash no.8

o.8
There really is no excuse for a plane this big, this heavy
ointer available today is a no.7
or this long. The largest jointer
seful in the age of the planer
and even that is hardly useful
thicknesser. But I had to have one and it always impresses
ering in my display cabinets. For
hand-tool enthusiasts peering
anyone who isnt aware, cast iron bends and even after
conditioning and grinding,ng, a long plane sole is
unlikely to be entirely flatt and true, but
it never stopped craftsmenen of yore A lovely object but a no.8
sults.
producing spectacular results. is not for serious use, to be honest
Thats my pick of the planes, but it wont be long before I

revisit planing technique.
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015_WWC_034.indd 15 10/30/17 5:18 PM

Project
Fox
clever!
Paul Purnell gets
crafty with his latest
walking stick project
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL PURNELL UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Tools
Bandsaw
Rotary carving tool
Coarse-toothed cutters
Fine carbide cutters
Selection of diamond burrs
Ceramic cutters for texturing
Carving knife or scalpel
Junior hacksaw
13mm wood drill
Cushioned drum sander
Split-mandrel sander
Materials
Piece of lime (Tilia europaea): Fox clever Foxes have whiskers on their wrists
100mm x 100mm The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) belongs to that they use as feelers, much the
Special, 7mm, vertical-slit pupil, the dog family. It is a resourceful and same as cats do with their facial
glass eyes adaptable animal, which has colonised whiskers. This helps the fox move
Shank of your choice and size a wide range of environmental around more efficiently in the dark.
10mm spacer or several that conditions, from sub-tropical to the Thanks to these whiskers and good
approximate to this thickness Arctic tundra. eyesight, foxes are formidable night-
Cloth-backed sandpaper 120 The pupils of a foxs eyes have time predators.
through 400 grit vertical slits. These allow the eyes
Brass ferrule to open very wide and gather more Carving the head
Epoxy putty light. Their eyes are especially adapted Before starting to carve, ensure you
Epoxy glue for night-time vision. Behind the have plenty of reference material giving
Sanding sealer light-sensitive cells in the eye, another a view of a fox head from all angles.
Finishing oil layer, called the tapetum lucidum,
Assorted acrylic paints reflects light back through the eye.
This doubles the intensity of images
received.
1 Prepare cardboard templates from
the sketch. Use the side template to
bandsaw the blank.
WWC34_16_21_FOX HEAD WALKING STICK SUBBED.indd 16 27/10/2017 14:24

Project
2 Draw a centre line around the

head. Mark the centre point at the
bottom of the blank. Draw a 32mm
square around this point. This head is
for a 30mm shank with a 2mm safety
margin. Adjust this according to the
size of your shank.
Use a 13mm wood drill to drill a hole
in the bottom of the neck to a depth
of 45mm. Although there is no danger
of the drill breaking through in this
project, it is advisable to mark the drill
with a piece of masking tape to the
depth required.
Drill the spacer(s). For this project, I
have used two padauk and two African
blackwood slices that I cut on the
bandsaw. You can use one or more
spacers of the material of your choice.
3 Using a coarse burr in the rotary

tool, reduce the sides of the neck.
Do not cut into the square marked out
in the previous step.
Draw on the rough placement of the
ears. Use the same burr to define them
by removing material from between
and behind. Round over the back of
the ears.
4 Use a burr to shape the neckline

then pencil in the shape of the
cheek line.
5 Using a coarse burr, define the

cheek line.
6 Profile the skull in front of the ears.
1 2 3
4 5 6

Project
Draw the features on the head to

help visualise the next stages.
7 Use a medium cylinder burr to

round over the snout. Outline the
position of the nose and carve the
indentation behind the fleshy pad of
the whiskers.
Using the same burr, round over the
top of the head down the foreface to
where it meets the snout, known as the
stop. Draw reference lines of 5mm to
help maintain symmetry.
Redraw the centre line after every
step if the carving process erases it.
7 8
8 Prepare the shank for the head

using the dowel method. (Refer to
WWC 21 for the full process.) Once
you are happy with the fit, mark the
positions of all components.
9 Glue the spacer(s) to the shank with

epoxy glue do not glue the head.
Allow to cure overnight.
Temporarily replace the head on
the shank. Use the coarse burr to carve
the spacers to fit the profile of the
shank. Do not remove any material
from the neck.
9 10
10 Use a flamed-head carbide burr

to add some folds around the
throat and neck.
11 Give the head a rough sand with

120 grit paper on a cushioned-
drum sander. Check how the carving
looks. At this point, you want the head
to be close to its finished shape. Locate
the position of the eyes.
12 Refine the nose shape with a

carving knife.
Use 240 grit paper on a split-mandrel
sander to round over the edges.
11 12
13 Draw on the shape of the
mouth. The overlap at the
corner of the mouth seen on most
dogs is not prominent on the fox.
Once again, draw reference lines at
5mm increments. Using a carving knife,
place a stop-cut around the outline.
Now cut at about 45 to the first
cut and from below. This will relieve
the lower jaw that sits inside the
upper jaw.
Sand the edges with 240 grit paper
on the split-mandrel sander. Sand a
small dimple at the corners.
14 Return to the nose and carve the

nostrils. They are comma-shaped 13 14

Project
with a split at the sides. These splits

create the alar flaps, which open when
the fox is running and needs to draw in
more air or when scenting. Use a mm
dental burr to create the hole.
Then use a scalpel to define the split
that runs from the nostril to halfway up
the side of the nose.
The last part of the nose to carve is
the philtrum. This is the line separating
the left and right parts of the nostril.
Define the philtrum with the scalpel
or carving knife.
15 16
15 Next, define the triangular-
shaped bulge caused by the
hyoid bone and muscles at the base of
the lower jaw. This bone is attached to
the tongue and helps with swallowing
food. Use a 4mm diamond ball to
outline, then sand with 240 grit paper
on the split-mandrel sander.
16 Draw on the shape of the inner

ears and open the inside with a
3mm fluted ball. Aim to open up the
socket well down into the head to give
the impression of depth.
Sand the inside of the ears with the
split-mandrel and 240 grit paper.
17 18
17 Now for the eyes. These are

7mm, special fox eyes with
a vertically split iris. They are dark
orange. Take care when working
on the eyes, as they are the most
important focal point of the head
On this head, the inner edge is
approximately 10mm from the centre
line. Draw a 7mm line from the inner
edge. Insert a coloured pin into the
centre point. Use another pin to locate
the other eye. Check alignment from
both front and top.
18 Pencil on the almond shape of

the eyes and drill a 3mm pilot 19 20
hole at the centre point. Did you
know?
19 Open up the socket with the
3mm fluted ball and a 2mm
diamond burr. To keep the rough
Foxes are born blind
and deaf. Adults can
climb trees and
almond shape, you will need to carve adjustments to the eye shape with settle on low
behind the upper and lower edges epoxy putty once inserted. branches.
of the sockets. To fit the eye later on Using a 4mm diamond ball, create a
into an opening that is less than 7mm, shallow groove from the inner edge of
you will need to insert the eye into the eyes towards the nose. Sand with
the upper part of the socket and then 240 grit paper.
push the bottom of the eye into place.
Alternatively, you can drill out a 7mm
circular socket and use epoxy putty to
create the almond shape. Check the
20 Use a scalpel or knife to remove
a triangular pip of wood from
the outside edges of the eyes. Shape
fit of the eye as you carve. As you will and sand to give the impression the
paint this carving, you can make small lower eyelid fits under the top.

Project
21 Use a 2mm diamond ball to

define the eyebrow ridges.
Sand with 240 grit.
22 Refit the head to the shank.

Wrap a turn of masking tape
around the shank for protection.
Sand with 240 grit paper.
23 Remove the head. Add some

folds around the back of the
cheek with the 4mm diamond ball. Add
more definition to the neck folds. Sand
with 240 grit paper.
21 22
24 Fix the eyes into their sockets

with epoxy putty. Work the
putty on the outside of the eye to
achieve the required shape.
This finishes the shaping of the
head. Sand with 240, 320 and 400 grit
paper to prepare for texturing. Use a
combination of the cushioned drum,
split-mandrel and hand sanding.
25 Use your reference material

to draw on the flow lines of
the hair. Using a 2mm cylinder, blue
ceramic stone, start the texturing with
the ears. Use small C and S strokes. 23 24
Next, texture the distinct hair flow
around the eyes.
26 To protect the eyes while

texturing, use a piece of
plasticine, modelling clay or you can
cut a piece from a self-adhesive, anti-
scratch pad used to protect furniture.
27 Texture the folds behind the

cheeks. Move on to texture the
muzzle to join up with the cheeks and
eyes. Now work the top of the head to
join up with the texturing of the ears.
Texture underneath the lower jaw
and the back of the head. 25 26
28 To add an extra dimension

to the thicker fur around the
neck, using a blue ceramic, inverted
cone to apply deeper cuts.
Use the 2mm cylinder to apply
another layer of texture on the neck.
Check over the head for any area
missed. Finish with a soft brush in
the rotary tool to remove any dust
or tiny particles.
The texturing is now finished.
Apply two coats of sanding sealer
to the entire head.
27 28

Project
Painting and finishing The painting is now complete.
29 Now it is time to paint the

fox using acrylic paints. Apply
several coats with the consistency of
Carefully remove the paint from over
the eyes. The carving is now finished.
Paint mixes
Quinacridone
skimmed milk. If you apply the paint
in thick coats, it will fill up the
texturing. As there are only three
30 A view from the back showing
the detail of the fur and the
colour change on the ears.
gold + sienna +
Titanium white
colours, I have included the paint

mixes in the script. Alternatively,
you can use a colour swatch.
First, use Titanium white on the
31 For this project I have used
a yew shank. However, these
are uncommon. Hazel is the most 1 + hint of
underside of the mouth and down the commonly used wood for a shank. Paynes grey
chest area. Apply the orangey-brown Apply several coats of your choice of
base coat to the remainder of the head. finishing oil to the shank and spacers.
This is a mix of Quinacridone gold, Use epoxy glue to join the head to the
raw sienna and a hint of Paynes grey. shank. Make sure there is not an air
Add a touch of Paynes grey to the pocket trapped, as this can cause the 1 + extra
above mix and darken the colour head to push up as it is drying. Fit a Paynes grey
around the eyes. Add varying amounts brass ferrule and your walking stick is
of grey to this mix to add random finished completely.
highlights. Add further highlights with
titanium white. Use Paynes grey on the
nose, the smudge across the muzzle,
ears, around the eyes and for other
random highlights.
Handy p
When texturing the head leave a small
section around 15-20mm untouched
at the bottom of the neck where it joins
the shank. This will differentiate your
stick as being a unique carving from
wood and not resin.
29 30
31

Kit & Tools
Fun Christmas ideas

Drop a few big hints and who knows what
might end up in Santas sack
FUJI INSTAX CAMERAS

Remember Polaroid instant film? Well, Fuji has brought this
concept up to date with a series of cameras and accessories which
are massive fun but with a serious side too. The model weve
CHOCOLATE SAW BLADE AND PINCERS chosen has a square picture format you take instant photos and
We picked just one of a wide selection of ridiculously save them to a Micro SD card at the same time.
real-looking chocolate objects from this company 249.99 10-shot film pack 8.99
and yes, they do make a chocolate coffee pot www.shop.fujifilm.co.uk/instax-sq10-instant-camera.html
14.00
www.thechocolateworkshop.co.uk
PERSONALISED COOKIE MUG

CHRISTMAS BALLOTIN GIFT SET You dont get quite so much tea or coffee in this
Not sure what to buy your long-suffering partner? Get mug but it does have space for a couple of biscuits
them in the festive spirit with this delightful, almost underneath. Whats more you can have the mug
good enough to eat (but dont!) bath set. personalised to the thirst acquirer.
11.50 7.00
www.allbeauty.com www.personalisedgi sshop.co.uk
WWC34_22_25_CHRISTMAS ROUNDUP SUBBED.indd 22 27/10/2017 14:29

Kit & Tools
Please note there may be postage or shipping costs on

these items, check relevant website for details
CLEO MESSOGRAF
MECHANICAL PENCIL 0.7
The original tool pencil,
it combines ruler, vernier
calliper gauge, tyre tread
depth gauge, thread scale
and pencil. Made in Germany.
19.99
www.cultpens.com
PERSONALISED FAMILY TREE RUSTIC TREE SLICE

A tree slice engraved with the recipients surname and
the names of family members. A lovely memorable gift
that can be displayed around the home.
19.99
www.thegi experience.co.uk
CAITHNESS WW1 COLLECTION

POPPY PAPERWEIGHT
A beautiful, quite meaningful
object, for which you can even
purchase an optional lightbox to
stand it on for best effect.
33.60 Lightbox 3.60
www.kingsandqueens.org.uk
SPIRIT OF THE YEAR 2017 GIFT SET
5x3cl bottles from the Whisky Exchange that give the lucky
whisky lover the chance to try and mix various whiskies,
perfect after Christmas or Boxing Day dinner.
39.95
www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Kit & Tools
PERSONALISED WOODEN
ENGRAVED HAMMER
From Darkling Design10 perfect for
the man or woman about the house.
8.00
www.etsy.com/uk
KIDS GARDENING GLOVES

Need a helping hand in the garden?
Give the kids some nice, bright,
protective gardening gloves so they can
be really useful little helpers.
2.99 pair
www.briersltd.co.uk/collec ons/kids
LEGO CITY ADVENT CALENDER

Is this seriously for kids? Surely some mistake its fun
for adults too. Hands off my lovely advent calendar!
19.49
www.jadlamracingmodels.com
HAYNES EXPLAINS SPITFIRE QUAY WOODCRAFT CONSTRUCTION KIT FSC

BARBARA AND MIKES MARRIAGE Unlike some World War II aircraft made of wood the Spitfire
We all have at least one Haynes car manual lurking was actually built from aluminium. However you can now make
somewhere but heres the one you really do need. your own wooden model of this fighter classic.
12.99 5.75
www.thegi experience.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk

Kit & Tools
JOINT
JOIN
JOINT
T SE
SENI
SENIOR
NIOR
OR AANNUAL
NNUA
NN UALL EN
ENGL
ENGLISH
GLIS
ISH
H HE
HERI
HERITAGE
RITA
TAGE
GE MMEMBERSHIP
EMBE
EM BERS
RSHI
HIP
P
For two people over 60, this gives you one years membership to
more than 400 English Heritage sites plus various benefits including
reduced entry to associated attractions and up to six children go free.
70
www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
CAUTIOUS BEGINNERS
SCYTHING SET
SWAROVSKI SNOWFLAKE TREE DECORATION Ever fancied trying your
Lets be crystal clear, this is the genuine article and it can hand at scything just like
have an engraving added if you wish. Poldark, but with your
59.00 shirt on? Well, you can and
www.swarovski.com the best way is to buy The
Cautious Beginners Set,
with peening jig and your
choice of 75cm or under-
size blade.
148
www.thescytheshop.co.uk
BREW BUNDLE: FOR ONE

The aptly named Workshop Coffee Company does several
brew bundles but this is perfect for the very fussy coffee WETTERLINGS HUDSON BAY AXE
drinker in the workshop or out on site. Contains a Porlex Everyone needs an axe right? This 60cm long axe with
hand grinder, AeroPress coffee maker and a 250g bag of a carbon steel blade is perfect for plenty of chopping and
beans. Just add boiling water and cup. splitting tasks and comes with a protective leather sheath.
70.00 95.00
www.workshopcoee.com www.woodandmeadow.com

The UKs last remaining traditional saw manufacturers.
Now also manufacturing Clifton Planes
026_WWC_034.indd 26 11/2/17 3:16 PM

Community
Meet the contributors...

We put all of this months professional and reader contributors
here, so you know exactly who they are and what they do
Louise Biggs Michael T Collins

Having completed her City & Guilds, British-born Michael has been working
Louise trained for a further four years with wood off and on for 40 years. He
at the London College of Furniture. She moved to New York in 1996 and, over
joined a London firm working for top the years, has made bespoke furniture,
antique dealers and interior designers including clocks, inlay work, Adams
in London before starting her own fireplaces, book cases and reproduction
business designing and making bespoke furniture.
furniture and restoring furniture. Web: www.sawdustandwoodchips.com
Web: www.anthemion-furniture.co.uk
Brendan Devitt-Spooner Lucy Bailey

Brendan has been involved with wood Lucy Bailey is a craft maker, artist, writer,
since at school, first as a teacher of blogger and much-in-demand project
crafts in the 70/80s and then as a manager. She is usually found facilitating
furniture designer/maker working community arts projects, travelling
from his workshop in Angmering, West the world, or in her workshop on a
Sussex. He exhibits his work mainly in potters wheel and, more recently, green
the South-east but most work comes woodworking. She has a keen interest in
through the showroom at his workshop. environmental and social issues.
Web: www.brendandevi-spooner.co.uk k Web: www.theceramicsapprence.com
Simon Rodway Gary Marshall

Simon Rodway has been an illustrator Gary has had a life-long interest in
for our magazine since the dawn of woodlands and the countryside. He
time itself, drawing on his experience trained in countryside management
in the field of architecture. He also and subsequently ran a company
runs LineMine, a website with articles working with the local County Councils
and online courses on drawing and Unitary Authority and their
software. A new course, SketchUp for Countryside and Rights of Way Teams,
Woodworkers, is proving really popular. as well as a wide range of conservation
Web: www.linemine.com/courses organisations.
Your face and details could appear here in our rogues gallery if you write an
article for the magazine, and you could be rewarded for your efforts too.
Editor Anthony Bailey Email: anthonyb@thegmcgroup.com, Designer Jan Morgan, Head of SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes postage & packing)
Woodworking Design Oliver Prentice, Senior Editorial Administrator Karen Scott, Illustrator UK Europe Rest of World
Simon Rodway (www.linemine.com), Chief Photographer Anthony Bailey, Group Editor, 12 issues: 51.00 63.75 71.40
Woodworking Mark Baker, Production Manager Jim Bulley, Production Controller Amanda 24 issues: 102.00 127.50 142.80
Allsopp Email: repro@thegmcgroup.com, Publisher Jonathan Grogan, Advertising Sales Executive
Russell Higgins Email: russellh@thegmcgroup.com, US customers should call the Subscription Department for subscription rates in USD ($).
Marketing Anne Guillot, Subscriptions Helen Johnson Tel: 01273 402 873 Fax: 01273 478 606
Cheques made payable to: GMC Publications Ltd.
Email: helenj@thegmcgroup.com
Current subscribers will automatically receive a renewal notice (excludes direct debit
Printed in the UK by Stephens and George Print Group, Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd
subscribers). Post your order to: The Subscription Department, GMC Publications Ltd, 166
Tel: 020 7429 4000 WOODWORKING CRAFTS (ISSN 2057-3456) is published every four weeks
High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1273 488 005 Fax: +44 (0) 1273
by GMC Publications Ltd, 86 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XN
402866 Email: pubs@thegmcgroup.com Web: www.thegmcgroup.com
Woodworking is an inherently dangerous pursuit. Readers should not attempt the procedures described herein without seeking training and information on the safe use of tools and machines, and all readers should
observe current safety legislation. Views and comments expressed by individuals in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers and no legal responsibility can be accepted for the results of
the use by readers of information or advice of whatever kind given in this publication, either in editorial or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd.
WWC34_27_CONTRIBUTORS SUBBED.indd 27 07/11/2017 14:32

Community
Woodland ways

Christmas
greenery
Garlands, wreaths, greenery and other seasonal
snippets from Woodland Ways
Wreaths on a backdrop of firethorn
The holly and the ivy
S
earching for some good berried
holly to include in my Christmas Everyone rates holly and there are
wreaths I noticed a fine swag seasonal songs about it but ivy and
of ivy hanging down, suitable for other ever-greenery doesnt get much of
draping across a ceiling beam. Theres a mention. Some folks are superstitious
so much greenery out there even in about ivy. Clergy have not always
the winter. Just look around you. Ivy allowed it in church for instance it
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARY MARSHALL UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
drapes and encircles vegetation living having devilish connotations. Medieval

and dead. Silver and green holly makes cathedrals are adorned with naturalistic
seasonal displays in shrubberies. Old carvings of leafy garlands particularly
sheds, outhouses and garages can be fine examples are to be seen at
blinged up with a few natural garlands Southwell Minster in Nottinghamshire
filched from nature...and how about and Wells in Somerset. No superstition
reversing the norm: displaying wreaths of ivy here! The Old English derivation
on a backdrop of firethorn berries? I of wreath and the verb wreathe comes
wouldnt recommend bringing such from writha writhing with serpent-
vegetation into the house for the like allusions. How long for and
season unless you live at around 5C why have we been decking our
as berries, leaves and all manner of halls during our ever-warming bleak
hibernating critters are liable to adorn mid-winters?
Ivy naturally adorns a dead elder your rooms too! Wreaths of all sorts were worn
WWC34_28_29_WOODLAND WAYS SUBBED.indd 28 27/10/2017 14:30

Community
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
Natural outdoor decoraons: silver-edged Scandinavian-influenced ered horizontal

holly with ivy behind wreaths
in Romano-Greco-Etruscan times destructive forces but on Christmas Eve
including olives, laurel and bay and a spooky monk has apparently been
Decking the garage with boughs of ivy
could be used to denote a citizens witnessed trying to rebuild the altar.
(and holly)
occupation or status. Candlelit wreaths Garlands of evergreens no doubt
within the Advent period were used signify life everlasting and the hope
to commemorate St Lucys Day (13th of the coming of spring. If the birds
December). She is alleged to have have left them, the berries of holly and
wandered the catacombs wearing a other plants give welcome colour to
candlelit wreath so her hands were free what can be a rather monochrome time
to carry as much food as possible to of year outside. Of course there is a
imprisoned Christians. folksy carol that lauds the significance
of the holly, poor old ivy though has
Kissing under the mistletoe had a bad press. Many estates wont
Ive written of mistletoe and holly in tolerate its strangling ways although
past articles but not necessarily of the it doesnt actually strangle trees. It
seasonal lore that surrounds them. Of does, however, rely on vertical trunks
course theres much and new and for support, in its search for light and
old age mystics have been keen to keep dominance its luxurious mature
the often bizarre myths, superstitions growth also provides a wonderful
and beliefs going. The old European micro-habitat. A wreath to welcome Christmas guests
mythologies count yew as a sacred With a warming of our climate, we
tree but many churches leave its see introduced evergreen species Ivy completely
greenery outside, supposedly to keep thriving in the British Isles. How soon dominang
storm-raising witches at bay. At Strata before we too can make olive wreaths a hedgerow
Florida Abbey in Cardiganshire (or like our Roman predecessors? Enjoy alder
Ceredigion in Welsh) a yew allegedly this Christmas and New Year season.
marks the grave of Daffydd ap Gwilym, Dig out last years Yule log throw it on
the renowned Welsh language poet. the fire and raise a glass of Glgi as
The abbey was victim to Henry VIIIs they do in the land of Santa Claus.
Strange but true?

The best wood for rolling pins is said by
some to be ivy wood the pastry wont
stick to it (I have no proof of this I think
ours is made of beech!)
Mistletoe berries Mistletoe in branch of hybrid poplar
WWC34_28_29_WOODLAND WAYS SUBBED.indd 29 27/10/2017 14:31

GIVES THE SHARPEST EDGES.
BUILT TO LAST.
The specially developed Stainless steel main shaft

rubber on the zinc drive with EzyLock makes it easy to
wheel ensures a constant change stones without using
speed, even under full load. any tools.
The sleeves are integrated The powerful industrial

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minimises play for the Universal
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030_WWC_034.indd 30 10/25/17 11:18 AM

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031_WWC_034.indd 31 11/3/17 10:05 AM

Community
A woodworking glossary
The letter G
GABLE The triangular end of a surfaces with fewer runs and on woods GRAVEL BOARD A board stood on
building from the eaves to the ridge. that are difficult to stain, such as pine edge along the bottom of a fence to
and poplar. The thicker consistency of keep the fence off the ground.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
gel stains is supposed to prevent the
G
stain from absorbing unevenly, which GREEN WOOD Unseasoned wood,
causes ugly blotching. freshly harvested timber, with a high
moisture content. For most purposes it
GLUE-UP The act of assembling wood needs to be dried before use.
components with glue and clamps.
Good preparation is essential as it can GRIT The grade of particles in
sometimes be a stressful experience sandpaper or sharpening stones,
fitting everything together. which determines the aggressiveness
of the cut. Certain mediums, such as
GOING The horizontal distance diamond stones, have mesh grades,
Mary, Lady Guildford, wearing a gable
between any two risers in a staircase. not grit.
hood (Hans Holbein the younger)
It also refers to the horizontal distance
GARNET PAPER A traditional type of from the first riser to the last riser in a GROOVE A slot or channel made in
abrasive paper with orange-coloured flight of stairs. the surface of wood and made with a
grit which is friable, i.e. the particles router or other tool. Usually made to
break down with use. GOUGE A turning or carving tool accept another component.
which is available in a variety of
PHOTOGRAPH BY LOUISE BIGGS

profiles at the cutting edge. Usually
several gouges are needed to create
various shapes.
Gunstock rails (horizontal) instead of

Garnet paper is no longer commonly s les (ver cal)
available
GUNSTOCK STILE A stile in a door
GATELEG TABLE A type of table with Carving tools L-R: Spoon gouge, frame or gate where it diminishes in
drop leaves that are supported by a leg V par ng tool, sweep gouge width, usually from the frame section
that swings out. GRAIN A rather inaccurate and below to the upper section above.
subjective descriptive term for the
GEL STAIN An oil-based, pigmented surface appearance of wood. Used as a GUSSET A block or plate used to
stain that is thicker in consistency than common noun, as in short grain, wild strengthen a joint between two
traditional oil-based stains. Gel stains grain, working with the grain, figured components.
are formulated to work well on vertical grain, etc.
Applying gel stain for a strong darkening Limed oak grain has a striking appearance Gusset plates used to hold roof trusses
eect together
WWC34_32_GLOSSARY G SUBBED.indd 32 06/11/2017 15:27

Project
Turn
Christmas crackers
Sue Harkers step-by-step TOOLS USED
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUE HARKER

guide to turning personalised TOP TO BOTTOM: 19mm (in) spindle roughing gouge,
Christmas crackers 3mm (1/8in) parting tool, 1.5mm (116in) parting tool, RS200KT
with rounded end cutter attached, 13mm (in) skew chisel,
10mm (38in) spindle gouge, spiralling tool and a selection of
S
ome years ago I had the idea of making a Christmas
Forstner bits 28mm (118in), 32mm (114in) and 38mm (112in)
cracker for a club competition but I never got round to
plus a 12mm drill bit
it. I was then trying to think of something differentt forr
rtuniity
an article and it occurred to me that now was my opportunity
to make one.
I sat down to consider size, proportions, colour, timberber
choice etc. As you can see, I have made two types one e hass
been decorated (the prototype) and the other one has been n
left with its natural colour and a patterned section.
The coloured cracker is made from ash (Fraxinus
excelsior), coloured with spirit dye and a gilt cream hass
been rubbed in to fill the grain. Once dry, the finished piec
piecece
he
was given several coats of finishing oil. This removed the
excess gilt cream and gives a lovely shine to the piece.
The plain version has a criss-cross pattern, created withh
a spiralling tool, and has been finished with melamine
and buffed to a shine with carnauba wax to produce a high high-h-
gloss finish.
I have two young granddaughters so they will be able e to
use them this Christmas. I have written their names on a ta ag
tag
and the gifts inside have been chosen especially for them, m, so
s
this year we will have a more personalised Christmas.
WWC34_33_35__CHRISTMAS CRACKERS SUBBED.indd 33 27/10/2017 14:33

Project
95mm (3 3 4 in) o/all 114mm (4 1 2 in) o/all
70mm (2 3 4 in) x 20mm ( 3 4 in) wide 91mm (319 32 in) x 20mm ( 3 4 in) wide
14mm 50mm (2in) 70mm (2 3 4 in)

50mm (2in) ( 9 16 in) Vee groove Vee groove
Vee C/L
38mm 38mm
12mm
(1 1 2 in) (11 2 in)
( 1 2 in)
dia dia
dia
Vee 22mm 20mm Vee

5mm (3 16 in) ( 3 4 in)
( 7 8 in) Matching half Vees
1
52mm (2 8 in) dia 4mm ( 5
32 in) 59mm (2 5 16 in) 80mm (3 5
32 in)
13mm C/L
( 1 2 in) of assembly
NOTE:
All joints are half the wall thickness (7mm or 1/4in) with all ends
shorter on one component than on the other to ensure the half
chamfers will be flush together when assembled.
1 Mount a piece of wood 228mm

(9in) x 58mm (2in) x 58mm
(2in) on the lathe between centres
and turn to round. Cut chucking
spigots at both ends, then mount in
the chuck and part off around 95mm
(3in) and put to one side.
2 Reduce the first 20mm (in) of the

remaining timber in diameter to
approximately 46mm (1in). This is
for the centre of the cracker and will
hold the pieces together.
1
3 Drill a hole 38mm (1in) diameter

to a depth of 70mm (2in). I
used three different Forstner bits or
sawtooth cutters the first is 28mm
(11/8in), the second 32mm (1in) and
the third 38mm (1in). Use a 12mm
(1/2in) drill bit to approximately 25mm
(1in) short of the full depth. Shape the
bottom of the hole by cutting from the
centre hole and tapering back towards
the inside wall. I used an RS200 with a
rounded end cutter.
4 Use a skew chisel to make a

reference cut approximately 90mm
(31/2in) from the end. Draw pencil
2 3
lines 10mm (3/8in) either side of this.
From the pencil lines, shape the timber
towards the centre reference cut to
form the gathered area where you
will hold the cracker to pull it. Sand
the inside using a piece of sandpaper
wrapped round a length of dowel. At
no time should you put your fingers
inside the revolving piece of work.
5 Mount the second piece of the main

body and drill a 38mm (11/2in) hole
to a depth of approximately 50mm
(2in) using the same procedure as
for piece one. Using a skew chisel,
4 5

Project
6 7 8
9 10 11
cut a rebate 20mm (3/4in) deep to fit the cracker. Repeat this process for the
the spigot on piece one. Cut the cove second section, but this time use a jam
shape as shown in steps 6 and 7. Make chuck to mount.
the skew chisel reference cut around
70mm (23/4in) along its length. When
the two pieces are fitted together, both
ends should match.
9 For the two end sections, turn a
piece of timber approx 125mm
(5in) x 58mm (2in) x 58mm (2in)
into the round and cut a chucking
6 Fit the two pieces together and

bring the tailstock up for support.
Skim over with a roughing gouge to
spigot at one end. Mount in the chuck
and make several sizing cuts using
callipers set to the diameter of the
ensure a parallel cylinder. Starting main body of the cracker.
at 180 grit, sand the piece working
12
through 240, 320 and finishing with
400 grit. Starting around 10mm
(3/8in) away from one coved area and
10 Using a roughing gouge, reduce
the cylinder to these reference
ce
e
ral
cuts. Sand the section and cut a spiral
finishing 10mm (3/8in) from the other, pattern to match the main body along ong
cut a pattern using the spiral texturing amine
the whole length. Finish with melamine e
tool with a spiralling cog fitted. For and buff to a shine with carnauba wax if i
this cracker I made two passes one pth of
you wish. Drill the centre to a depth
with the tool set at number two to 115mm (4in) using the same drilling
the left and another with the tool set method as before. Cut a rebate to fit
at number two to the right. The lathe ntre
the spigot on the end of the centre
speed is set at around 500rpm. 2in)
section and part off a 50mm (2in)
section. Cut another rebate to fit the
7 Using V-cuts, define the patterned

area and make reference cuts
for parting off. Then apply a coat of
second end of the main bodyy and part
off a further 50mm (2in).
melamine and buff to a shine with

carnauba wax. 11 Reverse-mount the pieces in the
chuck using the rebate. Take
care not to over tighten. Taper the cut
13
8 Fasten masking tape round the

middle joint for extra support while
the chucking point is removed and
edges to give a thinner appearance. I
used a spindle gouge with a fingernail
profile for this. Sand the pieces
12 Now glue the two end sections
on to the main body.
shaped. Cut a spigot 45mm (13/4in)

diameter to receive the end piece of
carefully before removing them from
the lathe. 13 The finished crackers filled with
festive fun.

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036_WWC_034.indd 36 10/26/17 11:40 AM

Technique
Swiss Victorinox
Swiss army
knife whittling
army knife
book
By Chris Lubkemann
ISBN:
978-1-56523-909-8
Price: 8.99
An introduction to whittling with a penknife Published by: Fox Chapel Publishing
GETTING STARTED
Whether you are new to whittling or an experienced carver, its
always a good idea to start with the basics or, if you are in the
latter category, to at least review the basics. In the following
pages Ive described a few tips and techniques that I think will
make your whittling easier and more enjoyable. Well talk about
choosing a knife, sharpening it, the basic cuts youll make with
it, the types of wood youll use it on, and the other supplies
youll need to complete the projects in this book.
The most important rule for carving, and one I cant
emphasise enough, is that your knife must be sharp really
sharp, not sort of sharp. It is definitely safer, easier and more
fun to carve with a truly sharp knife. Please take my word on it.
Choosing a knife
I have been carving for almost 50 years. I started with
an inexpensive pocketknife from the country store and
have acquired dozens of different pocketknives since
then. But for nearly 20 years my main carving knife
has been a Victorinox Tinker Swiss army. (I use the
Recruit and Hiker, too.)
There are several reasons I really appreciate,
use, and recommend Swiss army knives. The
models I use have at least two blades: a small
blade that is 1112in (2538mm) long and a
larger one that is 2212in (51mm61mm) long.
I use the small blade for the majority of
my carving, but the larger one comes in
handy, too. Ive found the stainless steel to
be excellent, the blades sharpen well and
hold an edge. These knives are built with a
strong handle and tight connections between
the handle and blades. And, while the main
working parts of my knives are the blades,
I constantly use the other features the awl,
screwdrivers, saw (on the Hiker), and, after
lunch, the toothpick. Finally, these knives are
available in many stores at a reasonable price
for such high-quality and extremely useful
pocketknives/multi-tools.
WWC34_37_41_SWISS ARMY KNIFE SUBBED.indd 37 06/11/2017 15:31

Technique
Modifications
I doubt that most people will end up
carving as much as I have, and many
of you will be happy to leave the knife
just as it is and merely learn how to
keep the blades whittling sharp.
However, if you do find yourself
carving a lot, and especially if you want
to make really miniature pieces, there
are two modifications I make to my
knives. Both are simple and practical;
one is related to comfort and the other
to actual cutting:
2 Taper the blades point. A thinner
point is better for carving tight
1 Remove the key ring. If youre going

to use the small blade a lot, the way
turns. Use a sharpening stone to
(gently) taper the top and bottom
you will in carving, the key ring will get of the small blade to a thinner point. Left: A new Tinker, fresh from the box.
in your way. Remove the ring and saw Then, follow my instructions on Right: My Tinker, modified for carving.
off the little tab that holds it, then file pages 3841 to resharpen and hone Note the difference in the shapes of the
off any sharp edges. the blade. blades
SWISS ARMY KNIVES FOR CARVING
Recruit
Carving features:
3 14in (83mm) handle
Tinker Hiker Small knife blade
Carving features: Large knife blade
Carving features:
3 2in (89mm) handle
1 3 12in (89mm) handle
Small knife blade Small knife blade
Large knife blade Large knife blade
Reamer/punch Reamer/punch
Wood saw
Other useful tools: Other useful tools: Other useful tools:

Phillips screwdriver, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, large screwdriver, Large screwdriver, small screwdriver,
small screwdriver, bottle opener, small screwdriver, bottle opener, bottle opener, tweezers, can opener,
tweezers, can opener, wire stripper, tweezers, can opener, wire stripper, wire stripper, plastic toothpick
plastic toothpick plastic toothpick
A note about the

smallest knives Sharpening tools
Some knives, such as those in the Classic (left to right):
series, are terrific for carrying in your Two double-
pocket or on your key chain, but the sided sharpening
214in (57mm)-long handle is pretty small stones; wet-or-
for carving. Save these for light duty and dry sandpaper
use a larger knife for carving. in 320, 400, and
600 grits; block
for the sandpaper;
Sharpening and honing and leather strop
The first and most important rule of with stropping
carving is that your knife must be sharp. compound. One
The Victorinox Swiss army knives are stone is sufficient.
among the few pocketknives that Ive I just happen to have
found to be sharp enough right out of two and both snuck
the box to do decent carving. into the photo.

Technique
However, as with any good-quality

knife, you will need to know how to
sharpen and hone the blades in order
to do the most precise and detailed
carving.
There are all kinds of methods and
devices for sharpening knives. I will
share with you my own very simple
sharpening system, but feel free to
experiment and find what works best
for you. Like any method or system,
mine takes a little practice, but it does
work, and Ive been satisfied with it for
quite a few years. The price is pretty
1 With the blade not quite flat, move
it across the coarse side of the stone
using a circular motion. Then, make a
2 Place wet-or-dry sandpaper on top
of a block of wood and repeat the
sharpening motions you used in step
good, too practically nothing, after a
few slicing motions across the stone. 1. Be sure to turn the blade over to get
very small initial investment. Dont lift or turn the blade as it goes both sides.
If Im starting out with a totally dull across the stone. Flip the stone to the
knife, or even a new one thats not finer side and repeat.
sharp, I use a two-sided sharpening
stone to start the process. See step 1,
then follow steps 24 to hone, polish,
and strop the blade so its ready to
carve. If Im starting with a blade that
only needs a touch of sharpening, Ill
start with the finest grit of wet-or-dry
sandpaper (step 3) and finish with
a few strops on the leather. Either
way, be sure to wash your hands after
sharpening and honing your knife. The
grey residue on your hands will end up
smudging your carving project.
3 Go through the grits from coarser

(lower numbers) to finer (higher
numbers). Even if your pieces of
4 Finally, strop (wipe) the blade on a
piece of leather. The rough backside
of an old leather belt works fine. Apply
There are more than 100 styles sandpaper are virtually smooth, theyll a little bit of stropping compound to the
of Victorinox Swiss army knives. still work to polish the edge of the blade. strop. With the blade flat against the
All of them have a lifetime I have used some of my little beat-up strop, stroke it away from the edge a few
warranty against defects in sheets for 10 years and they are still times on each side. Wipe the blade clean
materials and workmanship. working. and youre ready to carve.
BASIC CUTTING STROKES

There are many ways to cut with a knife. These are the
strokes I use the most often. I am demonstrating them for
right-handed carvers. Left-handers, of course, will reverse
the hands, following a mirror image of the photographs.
Safety
I have been carving for many years and rarely, if ever, cut
myself, largely because I constantly keep in mind a three-
word rule: Air, not meat. The knife blade doesnt know the
difference between wood (what youre carving) and meat
(any part of you). So when you hold the wood and cut it, While I dont like to have
position your hands (and other parts) so the blade hits air anything on my hand or fingers
on its follow-through, not meat. You wont believe how while carving, some instructors
much this simple rule helps. recommend protective gear, such as
these carving gloves, for beginners
Next, make small, controlled cuts. Dont be too aggressive
when you cut into the wood. And finally, keep your knife
sharp. A sharp knife is much easier to control because you knife. They suggest an inexpensive gardening glove and a
wont have to shove or tug it through the wood, and it wont leather thumb guard (or even a piece of duct tape wrapped
have the tendency to skid as youre cutting. around your thumb). I dont like to have anything on my
Some carving instructors recommend that beginner hand or fingers (and I always remember my three-word
carvers wear protective gear while they get used to their rule), but I feel I should pass on these suggestions.

Technique
WOOD
Assorted blanks
Twigs and branches of all sizes are the
main raw material I use for carving.
They are abundantly available in my
area, as well as in most of the world I
suspect and they are usually free. I
also enjoy carving bits of wood when
Im on vacation or teaching a class in a
new area. Ive had the fun of whittling
wood in many countries of Europe
Straightaway cutting: This cut is good for Draw cutting: Hold the wood in your and all over the United States, Canada
removing a lot of wood or bark quickly. left hand and the knife in your right. Cut
and Mexico, and have even worked
Hold the wood in your left hand and, towards yourself (sort of like peeling an
on some great wood in Japan and the
using long, firm strokes, cut away from orange) with short strokes, using your
yourself with your right hand. Lock your right thumb as a brace against the wood. Philippines.
right wrist so it doesnt bend during the Keep your right thumb braced on your I definitely dont mean to imply
cutting stroke. Dont dig too deeply into left thumb, not on top of the wood itself. that only branches will work for these
the wood on these strokes. Youll find it That way you dont run the risk of the projects. If you dont have immediate
easier to make shallower strokes, even if blade cutting into your right thumb when access to any good branches but do
it takes a few more slices to remove the it clears the end of the wood. have a supply of straight-grained milled
same amount of wood. wood scraps, go ahead and experiment
with what you have. I have also carved
dowels, chopsticks, tongue depressors,
craft sticks, and even toothpicks.
Characteristics of good
branches
Im guessing that I have carved more
than 80 varieties of wood, the majority
of them hardwoods. Some of my
favourites include birch (any kind),
maple, cherry, holly, beech, certain
oaks, citrus wood, myrtle, olive,
zambujeiro and lentisco (Portugal),
alnos (Philippines) and guava. Because
most of the branches I carve are
Thumb pushing: This particular stroke is V-notch: A combination of strokes, the relatively small and on the greenish
practical for small cuts where you need V-notch is an extremely common and side, the hardness of the wood hasnt
precise control and dont want to overcut. useful cut. Hold the knife at an angle been a problem.
Hold the wood in the four fingers of your towards the centre of the cut and thumb More important than the variety are
left hand, leaving your left thumb free. push into the wood. Turn either the knife the characteristics of the branch in
Grip the knife in your right hand, keeping or the project and make a second cut your hand. Even if you dont have the
your right thumb against the back of the that meets the first in the bottom of the slightest idea of what species the wood
blade. With your left thumb, push either V the chip should pop right out. Make a is, see if it passes the following four
the back of the blade or the back of your series of connected V-notches to cut tests.
right thumb. a groove.
Straight grain: Most of the projects in
this book call for straight-grained wood
without a bunch of knots. If you find
a curved branch, no problem; carve a
beautiful letter opener with a curved
Wash your branches blade.
If your branches are covered
in soot, dust, mould,
fungus, or dirt, just wash
the bark. I use a rag, brush
or scrubber, and a bucket
of water. No sense getting
the outside dirt on the clean
inside wood as you carve.

Technique
Small pith: The spongy part in the

centRE of a branch should be small, as
shown above left. For instance, a 12in
(13mm)-diameter branch should have
a pith that is 116in (2mm) in diameter
or smaller. A large pith (far right) will
crumble when carved.
No sticky sap: This is one reason I

avoid fresh pine. If I carved it, Id be
spending a lot of time cleaning sap
off of my knife and hands. However,
I often use kiln-dried, milled pine to Small pith Large pith
make letter openers and plaques.
To keep twigs and branches from can carve it. Often, its easier to look
Fairly fresh: Because I work mainly drying out too much, especially during for a new branch.
with hardwoods, I prefer to carve wood the warmest months of the year, I cut
that has some moisture in it. Some them up and store them in plastic bags Note: You can cut wood at any time of
wood, such as beech, oak, and some in the freezer. They can last for years the year. Even winter is great because
fruitwoods, are very hard and need that way. When a branch has become its easy to spot the best-shaped
to be worked while theyre still quite too hard or dry, you can soak it in branches, and most woodland critters,
fresh. Others, including most birches, water for a day or two, but then you such as snakes and ticks, are tucked
carve nicely when theyve dried a bit. have to let it partially re-dry before you away sleeping or whatever they do.
OTHER TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Besides a good knife, there are a probably one of the reasons we get
number of other tools and supplies along so well and have lasted so long.)
youll need to finish the projects in
this book. Many of them you probably Any good wood glue: Cyanoacrylate
already have. Ill cover some of the (CA) glue. I like to seal some projects,
tools I use, but feel free to customise especially those with curls (flowers,
the list based on your preferences. trees, fancy feathers, etc.), with CA
glue, such as Super Glue. The glue
Pencil and permanent markers: penetrates the wood to seal and Good-quality paintbrushes last longer
You will need a pencil for occasional harden the thin curls. It also allows and do a better job than cheap ones,
drawing and marking. You can use me to use water-based paints on parts and they wont shed bristles on to
permanent markers of various colours that would otherwise uncurl, such as your project.
for colouring some of the small flower petals.
woodburned designs youll make. Clear finish: Most projects dont call
Woodburner: This tool is one of my for any finish, but polyurethane or a
Sandpaper: Choose a number of favourites for personalising projects clear acrylic spray are good choices
different grits in the fine to very fine with names, dates, and designs. I use when you want to protect a piece.
range. For sharpening and honing, I it constantly. If youre just getting Note: Especially in humid conditions,
use automotive wet-or-dry sandpaper, started, a woodburner from the craft never apply a water-based product
which comes in much finer grits than store will work fine, although its (polyurethane or acrylic) to a rooster
regular sandpaper does. worth paying a little more to get the tail or other fine curl it will uncurl
kind with adjustable heat. If you find before your eyes. Either use an oil-
A large, dark cloth: This could be yourself doing a lot of woodburning, based product or wait until youre in
an old tablecloth, a piece of fabric, consider investing in a better-quality dry conditions and lightly spray on the
or an old bath towel. Although we machine that gets hotter they are clear acrylic.
photographed the projects in this easier to use. Ive found I can do
book against a white background, pretty much everything I want with a Handsaw: Its absolutely amazing what
out in the real world its much easier writing tip. the saw blade on the Swiss army Hiker
to see what youre doing against a will cut. I once used it to cut the entire
dark background. Most wood is light Oil or acrylic paints and length of an 8ft sheet of masonite.
coloured inside, so its much easier to paintbrushes: Oil paints wont However, if youre cutting a thick
see the details of the carving if I hold uncurl petals on projects like flowers. board or branch, youll find a small
my projects against a dark-coloured Acrylics work well on curls if used handsaw useful. I also enjoy
background. Plus, its easier to clean in conjunction with CA glue, and they the Japanese pull saw, which is
your chips if you catch them in a towel. are much easier to clean up than oil particularly useful for making the little
(I think my wife has swept up my chips paints. I use brushes ranging in size slices for checkers, magnets, knitting
only three or so times in 48 years from #00 to #2. needles, etc.

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042_043_WWC_034.indd 42 10/25/17 11:23 AM

Community
MOPO
IMAGES COURTESY OF MOPO UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Maison de lOutil et
de la Pense Ouvrire
Roughly translated the title of this feature means House of Tools
and Worker Thought we pay a visit to this house of wonder
The compagnon
S
ituated in the commune of Troyes, capital of the
department of Aube in north central France, MOPO is The Compagnons, or Compagnons du Devoir, or the
the most remarkable collection of traditional hand tools Compagnons du Tour de France are words referring to the
and repository of documents relating to crafts that you could artisans who were, or are, part of the movement regardless
ever wish to encounter. It has a fascinating history, and a visit of which actual movement. The word Compagnonnage
by RER train or by car can only bring it more alive when you refers to the concept of what it means to be a Compagnon
inspect this large and diverse collection at first hand. learning a trade, travelling, and handing skills over to the
youth. They were mostly organised in corporations during
The founder history. Several attempts to gather everyone in a single
Paul Feller was a priest born in 1913 who started to organisation resulted in the three major movements still
collect books and tools in every corner of France. He active today which are as follows:
wanted apprentices learning a trade to become interested Union Compagnonnique des Compagnon du Tour de
in knowing the history of trades and increase their own France des Devoirs Unis, created in 1889.
working knowledge. At the end of his life, he left his Fdration Compagnonnique des Mtiers du Btiment,
collection to the Compagnons du Devoir du Tour de France created in 1952.
(Companions of Duty and Tour de France) in order to show Association Ouvrire des Compagnon du Devoir du Tour
it in this museum. de France, created in 1941 by Jean Bernard.
The Compagnons du Devoir is a French organisation These three organisations do more or less the same things,
of craftsmen and artisans dating from the Middle Ages. they are just organised differently and differ mostly on
Their traditional and technical education includes taking political matters.
a tour around France and doing apprenticeships with The last one mentioned is the biggest, at least the
masters. They provide a traditional way to learn a trade most famous and commonly known. It can be called the
while developing character by experiencing community Compagnons du Devoir as a diminutive. It is this which
life and travelling. The museum opened in 1974, and the manages the museum and owns the collections of tools and
Compagnons du Devoir still manage it today. books on display. It also designates a compagnon as director
WWC34_44_47_FRENCH TOOL MUSEUM SUBBED.indd 44 01/11/2017 11:05

Community
Cobblers dividers
The Masterpiece of the Joiners today
Compagnon celebraon 1911 carrying

the Masterpiece of the Joiners (centre)
IMAGE COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
The old town area of Troyes European Museums night
of the museum. It presides over our association and gives du Devoir because they help with practical demonstrations
it a grant (along with the City Council of Troyes and the in the museum. From time to time, it organises activities
French Department of the Aube where Troyes is located). where people can discover one or more trades, with
The beginning of the museum was an understanding demonstrations performed by the Compagnons du Devoir.
between the City of Troyes, Paul Feller, the priest who The last one was during the Nuit Europennes des Muses
began the collection, and Jean Bernard, first president of the (European Museums night) when four coopers showed
Compagnons du Devoir. their skills the traditional way without any machines.
Paul decided to give his collection to the Compagnons It was beautiful to see because they were inside the
du Devoir because he shared a lot of moral aims with them. enclosed yard all evening, in the shining light created by the
He asked them to show tools in a museum for people to fire pits used for making barrels.
see and, of course, continue to increase the collection. The What is uncanny is that Troyes was historically a really big
Compagnons du Devoir had money to do so, unlike Paul place for Compagnons. The first known written vestige of
Feller who was a priest and had taken a vow of poverty. their existence dates from 1419, written by King Charles VI
Meanwhile, Jean Bernard met with the City of Troyes. about the Compagnons cobblers of the city of Troyes.
In 1969 the city bought the Htel Mauroy, which is the Today, Compagnons are still travelling all around France
Renaissance building hosting the museum, but didnt know staying in what they call Compagnons houses. They provide
what to do with it. It decided to loan it to the Compagnons the training and the plan of the journey for every student
du Devoir in order to renovate it and transform it into the during their apprenticeship. Students are employed and
museum, which it remains today. paid according to their titles and skills. But what we called
The museum is constantly in touch with the Compagnons Compagnonnage is not only learning a trade, every stage

Community
The file and the rasp
of the Tour de France is an opportunity to improve

their mind and their humanity thanks to rituals and
community life.
A Compagnon should, alongside their professional
The saddler skills, be dignified, capable and cultivate a spirit of giving
and generosity.
The museum building

The museum is housed in one of Troyes most beautiful
buildings, the Htel Mauroy. Destroyed by a fire in 1524,
the building was rebuilt in 1556 by Jean Mauroy, a
rich merchant of the city. He undertook important
transformation works and turned it into the Hopital et
Collge de la Trinit, a hospital and college for orphans
based on the model of the Enfants de la Trinit in Paris,
in order to teach them a trade.
That is why the street is still called Rue de la Trinit today.
The city of Troyes bought the building back in 1969. The
htel Mauroy is an architectural jewel in Troyes historical
heritage, at the heart of a fully restored city centre, with
which it shares many architectural similarities. A place of
wonder for those who walk through its doors, the htel
The mason
Mauroy hosts many exhibitions and cultural activities linked
to the MOPO.
The boilermaker The collection

This is probably the biggest collection of European
handmade tools in the world. More than being just a
beautiful object, a tool carries a mans life story, a story of
craftsmanship and culture. It is essential for the observer,
the collector or the visitor at the MOPO to reflect on the
person who was behind that tool, even before asking about
the tools purpose.
The MOPO, by highlighting craftsmen and craftswomen,
also highlights their knowledge, expertise and life skills.
The museums purpose is not to be a guardian of those
tools, but to use the past to understand the present and
the future. It allows the visitor to understand that craftsmen

Community
Compasses
The bookbinder
The htel Mauroy, which houses the museum
and craftswomen arent just people using their hands

every action they make, every gesture, every piece of
work is the result of an intellectual deed and a rich
sensitivity.
The technical library

With close to 32,000 old and contemporary books, the
MOPO hosts Frances second largest technical library. The locksmith
Mainly made up of technical books covering a variety of
themes tools, the history of trades, techniques, fine art,
worker and farmer writers the library holds very rare
ancient books as well, such as the 35 volumes of the first
edition of Diderot and dAlemberts Encyclopdie (1751-
1780), the second edition of Vitruvius De Architectura
(all 10 books), dating back to 1572, considering the first
complete treatise of antiquity.
A contemporary collection, numerous current magazines
as well as specialised software constitute a learning centre
for professionals and the curious alike. Studying the
contemporary collection is free and open to anyone wishing
to access it, but cannot be lent out. There is also a youth
department and gift shop which sells a six-volume series,
Becoming a Companion, that covers 20 trade professions
under the auspice of the Compagnons du Devoir.
Open to all The wheelwright

Not only is the Maison a museum and reference library,
it also hosts conference, seminars, cultural events with
spaces available to hire.
Find out more

There is a beautifully crafted YouTube video we
recommend you to watch: simply key in mopo, troyes.
Plan you own visit to MOPO: Maison de lOutil
et de la Pense Ouvrire, 7, rue de la Trinit,
10000, Troyes, France.
Visit www.mopo3.com for prices, admission times,
disabled access and transport links.

SUBSCRIBE TO
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(pay less than 3 an issue!)
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Free early
delivery direct
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Project
IMAGE COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

Projects of
Christmas past
The Editor, a.k.a Mr Scrooge, decides to
turn the past into the present
Ashen-faced Scrooge marked

out his cheapskate ash
chequers board in squares,
using a well-thumbed quill Our friend Ebenezer had
pen (er, Sharpie) and then once-happy memories of
painted black dye on the childhood when he turned
alternate squares and applied to this ancient and solitary
a very light varnish of truth game of cup and ball.
a shame he has only himself Remembering, no doubt,
with whom to play when the ball once hit him
in the eye perhaps that is
when the bitterness set in?
WWC34_50_53__PROJECTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST SUBBED.indd 50 27/10/2017 14:43

Project

PICTURE FRAME AND SCROLL IMAGES COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
Scrooge used his

wretched fingers to
create this delightful
Masur birch pendant,
working on his foot-
powered lathe, then
reapplying it in offset The charming Isabel
manner, using sealing seldom receives a visit
wax (hot-melt glue) in from her mean-hearted
order to make the hole. uncle Scrooge, which is
just as well because she
is clearly having much
fun in the snow on her
lightweight sledge with its
laminated birch runners.
Be not fooled this

Christmas star is but fools
gold. Our financially
acquisitive fellow would
hardly lavish the real thing
on something as lifeless as
a Christmas tree, using
common gilt paint and
packing board instead.
The attraction of this tealight

holder is to make it from
scraps of wood, perfect for
illuminating the desks of
Scrooge and Bob Cratchit
& JULIE BYRNE
PHOTOGRAPH BY FRED
Jacob Marleys desk, of

course, remains unlit, pending
his ghostly return but do
remember to fit metal liners
lest your premises burn down.


Project
A fiendishly fiery
phenomenon for anyone
with a burning desire
to create their own very
personal gift tags, but
you can be forgiven for
leaving one irascible
individual off your
Christmas list.
PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON EASTON

Glass baubles are worth a
princely sum so the meanest
man in the City of London,
with ill nature, fashioned
decorations with a treadle
fretsaw for the Christmas
tree now sitting in the bay
window of the office of
Scrooge & Marley.
Att h
A his
is llathe
is a once more,
E
Eb
Ebenezerben
enez
e e has perfected the
a
ar
art r t off tturning
u a fruit tazza,
made
ma ade
de iin n three economical
PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK ARNULL
pparts,
pa
part artts,
s, iinto
n which no doubt
w
wi
willllll bbee pplaced a solitary
ppe
pear ea
arr oorr a apple, his one
cco oonc
ncces
n esssiio to the festive
concession
sseeas
asoon
season. n. T That and lighting
tthe
th
he of fffiice
office c fire of course...
Harking back to childhood
once more, Scrooge espies
happy ruddy-faced
children in the street
PHOTOGRAPH BY SUE HARKER
outside making a snowman

with lumps of coal for eyes.
Not to be outdone he has
fashioned his own as a
money box in which to salt
away his savings.
Hard to believe that Mr
Mean was once very much
in love, but it turned as
sour as his curled-up lip.
However this spalted birch
bangle, which he fashioned
on his lathe at dead of
night, would sit daintily
on any ladys wrist.

Project
The Christian basis for our

winter celebrations is not to
be denied, but do we need
all the excess of present
giving, fancy crackers, fine
sherry and much laughter
on Boxing Day? Mr
Scrooge thinks not.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRED & JULIE BYRNE

Much festive cheer is to
be had from such natural,
turned Christmas tree
hangings, but of course, if you
can run to the expense, you
may apply such fripperies
as paint and glitter to your
ne
ew
wlly
ly fa
newly ffashioned
sh
hio
ione
ned ba
bbauble.
au
ubble
le.
e.
What
Wh
W hatt aare
re tthese
re hese
hese
he se gghastly
hastly
hast
ha stly
st ly AD Di
Dickensian
ick
ken
ensi
sian
iaan
n Christmas
iin
ncca
ncaarn
r na
attio
tiioon
incarnations nss ooff snow
ssnow,
snnow
ow,
ow, would not be complete
made
made
ma de m an
man? n? IItt iiss a without snowfall and
perfect waste of both food what better way to remind
and fuel that would keep ourselves of Christmases
the poor alive instead of past than with a simple
bellyaching as much as snowflake, unique among
they do. the many millions that
will surely fall
If you would care to make

any of these trinkets, youum mayayy
att tthe
a
get in touch in order that hee
h
oou
article may be sent to you u iinn
veen
electronic form for not even n
the cost of a penny.
PHOTOGRAPH BY FRED & JULIE BYRNE
anthonyb@thegmcgroup.com p.ccoom
m
And finally I suppose I must

musstt
mu
wish you all a very merryry
bbu
Christmas - Bah, humbug! ugg!!

Technique
ROUTER VTHE REST

Is it better fast and furious

or should you take it slow
and steady? Theres only
one way to find out...
WWC34_54-57_ROUTER V THE REST SUBBED.indd 54 27/10/2017 14:48

Technique
THE ROUTER
A friend to some but a villain to others, the router can inspire admiration
for its speed and versatility or hated for the dust and noise. Lets stack
up a few features and failings just to get it clear in our minds
For Against
A quick way to get the job done Noisy, especially when it starts
nothing else matches it for speed machining
Many different cutters, more than Dust-producing, it appears from
you will ever need everywhere
Very versatile what cant it do? Unnerving if you arent used to all that Great in their day, but just museum
(Make the tea Ed) va va voom pieces now, which is a shame
Perfect skill not required, just use A bit of a palaver to get set up and
a straight fence or jigs ready to cut
Can be small and light or big, a bit Trailing cable and extraction hose to
like a spindle moulder trip over
The best thing since sliced bread Can go wrong on you rather quickly
(I think youll find it pre-dates the damaged wood
sliced Chorleywood loaf Ed, again)
Rebuttal the past were good, very good indeed.

OK, OK some fair and some unfair So for speed, the router wins.
points, for and against. Lets go
through them and contrast and CUTTERS The router, large or small,
compare with other methods shall we? can tackle joints, mouldings or both Only a router can do this simple but
Lets start with the fors. in a combination set and drilling consistently precise operation
too. The only things limiting you are
Fors the capacity of a particular machine greater percentage of machining
SPEED Routers are quick but and your wallet. Look at any cutter potential than any other piece of kit. A
with provisos if you compare with catalogue and dream. But dont forget, portable saw, a cordless drill, a jigsaw
alternatives, starting with the moulding making the right cutter choice can all have their place but having cut or
plane. Very much a creature of the allow you to do multiple passes using shaped your work you still need to
19th century, there are still quite a more than one cutter to get the right mould it or fit it together and that
few for sale in flea markets and they effect. The only machine that can is exactly what a router can do. If
make great ornaments or you can glue best a router for bigger work is the you need to make a line of holes for
several together to make bookends. industrial spindle moulder. There are discreet shelf supports, with a jig the
Unfortunately each profile is unique other ways to joint, such as the biscuit router can do that too.
and you need an expansive set to have jointer, but that is more money unless
a reasonably useful selection. They you are really keen. JIGS AND TEMPLATES It is true
are devilishly hard to get just the right that using a router is less like being
amount of cutter projection and trying VERSATILITY There are, of course, a craftsman and more like being an
to make nice even moulding shapes is many types of hand tool and power operator. However, you still need to
really hard work those craftsmen of tool but the router embodies a far devise solutions to problems and make
All kinds of everything there are thousands of cutters to You can get as jiggy as you want with a router, creating
choose from unique devices

Technique
jigs and templates and use guidebushes

and the like. Half the fun can be
devising making such jigs. So you still
need to aim to be as good as possible
but you dont need the same level of
hand skill compared to old-fashioned
hand methods.
A MINI SPINDLE MOULDER

The router is the only machine that
comes close to the capability of a
spindle moulder and yet still remains
portable and easily manoeuvrable.
Indeed, it was first developed as a
more responsive machine that could
be taken to the work rather than the
other way about. The largest cutters
are bordering on the size of small
spindle tooling and, used correctly, can A router can do quite a lot without resorting to a big spindle moulder
substitute for its big brother, making
up doors, panels, skirting and the like. and lungs. It can be easy and cheap to
overlook in the short term but latency
THE BEST THING SINCE Apart from the gradual development of effects
being a fallacious statement, after a such as tinnitus and lung conditions
bout of routing you should have more can take years to become apparent.
time and feel less exhausted than There are some jobs where hand work
working by hand methods. You will is desirable and effective, of course.
welcome the break so you can indeed There is real skill in cutting dovetails
sit and have your tea and sandwiches, and a joy when you get it right. Hand
hopefully made of a more wholesome planing needs few resources just a
loaf than the aforementioned cheap good, sharp, well-adjusted blade and
supermarket staple. good hand-eye coordination. Again, a
skill worth learning if you dont already Workshop teabreak deserves wholesome
Againsts have it. But these techniques are slow, refreshment, not the ersatz kind
NOISY Yes, and it gets worse under except that they do not require the
load so you should, of course, wear extra time needed for making jigs and
adequate PPE to protect your ears, eyes doing test cuts.
DUST Routing creates chippings large

and small and used on materials such
as MDF it will produce dust. The rule
with machining is extract at source, so
the first thing is to make sure you use
an extraction spout whenever possible
linked to a HPLV (High Pressure Low
Volume) extractor, preferably with
auto switching for convenience. A
router table has the advantage not only Extraction should be used as standard
of control using the fence but also and wear a dustmask as well
consistent extraction through the fence
opening. It can be a useful addition need it. Make sure cutters are always
having an ambient air filter hanging properly installed in the collet, with
from the ceiling. This helps to remove at least 19mm of cutter shank inserted
fine floating dust particles in the as this will help reduce vibration. Do
workshop atmosphere. take multiple passes to depth, each
pass should be no more than the shank
UNNERVING If you arent used to diameter and, in the case of large
the sound and background vibration cutters, less as you are attempting to
of a high-speed motor and more remove quite large sections of wood.
particularly when it is under load, then
yes, it is a bit scary to get used to. It A PALAVER A lovely word. There is a
is better to start routing using a small certain amount of setting up, doing test
Ear defence is often overlooked but machine with small cutters and work cuts, changing cutters making jigs etc.
hearing loss or tinnitus can be for life up to a bigger machine later on if you Half the fun perhaps? It certainly beats

the old-fashioned ways hands down
so maybe the extra effort isnt such a
bad thing. An important point is that
the wood you are machining should be
properly prepared some of the trials
and tribulations come from trying to
match components that arent the same
size or thickness when they should be.
UMBILICUS Trailing cables and hoses

are a real nuisance and a hazard.
Make sure you have convenient socket
outlets near where you are working. To help avoid vibration, make sure the Test cuts cant be avoided so you always
In a workshop it is worth paying to cutter shank is far enough in the collet need some extra test work pieces
get an electrician to fit a ring circuit
PHOTOGRAPH BY RON FOX/SAM MCCARTHY FOX

using industrial metal-clad sockets and use a decent means of control such
ducting so it cant get damaged and the as a guidebush and jig. If you use a
supply is always nearby. For some jobs straight fence, pull the router towards
you can use a bungee or lashing rope you or it will wander. Always try to cut
to suspend the offending item out of into waste areas so any mistake will be
the way above you very handy if you where it doesnt matter.
are trying to machine circles in wood.
Summing Up
DAMAGED WORK Power Hand tools need time and dedication
woodworking has the capacity to to learn the skills you need. They are
screw things up very quickly and none skills worth learning. However, the
more so than the router. Make sure router does much more than any other
cutters are tight but not over-tight in hand or power tool can so why not Hitch flex and hose out of the way to
the collet, dont take deep passes and master the beast? make routing operations easier
Pull dont push, so the router stays on course if you a using a It must be nearly Christmas! these are made on a homemade
straight fence router lathe

Community
Willow workshop
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LUCY BAILEY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Lucy Bailey gets her

hands on our truly
versatile native willow
Reconnecting with nature
I have always been interested in the
use of natural, foraged materials, so
easily accessible to us and yet near
oblivious to the modern-day human
with our busy, interconnected lives
filled with technology. I, like many
others, have begun a quiet rebellion
against this pace of life and am The completed willow bark contain
ers
looking to reconnect in some way
with nature. I first encountered Native
Hands and founder Ruby Taylor when work
rke
ed at the
ed
worked th
he time
ttiime
me and
and
n fformer
orme
orme
or er T he wo
The w rk
ksh
shop
workshopop
p sspanned
pan
nnned ttwo
wo
I decided to attend her Wild Pottery home of the bohemian and artistic evenings and took place in the
course in June last year. The course Bloomsbury Group, to lead the same caf situated at the front of the
took place in a sheltered woodland workshop as part of the expanding shop, around a large table. The
in East Sussex, where we spent two community programme. class was small, only six, allowing
days outside, come rain or shine, for individual teaching and the
digging clay straight from the ground Mixed up media opportunity to connect as a group.
and transforming this unprocessed Ruby, an artist and maker, works Beside us was a display of Rubys
material into a beautiful, decorative predominantly with plant fibres and own hand-crafted baskets and
object, fired in an open bonfire and clay, exploring origin, connection containers.
speckled with smoke marks from and the process of making. Rubys
PHOTOGRAPH BY RUBY TAYLOR

the firing. work uses foraged materials to create
During the weekend I was drawn vessel forms, drawing inspiration
to Rubys ability to create not just from archaeological and historical
a back to basics experience, but evidence, while remaining simple
by the slowing of time and genuine and beautiful. I am always cautious
appreciation of natural materials, of the use of the word authentic
process and space. Following the in relation to craft, but Rubys work
workshop, I invited Ruby to come epitomises it in its simplicity and
to Charleston, the museum where I practicality while also being incredibly
beautiful. Whenever I see Rubys
PHOTOGRAPH BY
work, I want to handle and touch it.

A woven basket
Forest Row
Following the Wild Pottery course,
CUR
I decided to book a place on Rubys

TIS JAMES
W
Willow Bark Containers course at One
the Square in Forest Row, East Sussex,
a deceptively large artisan caf and
shop selling individual makers wares,
alongside creative work spaces, from
where Magda, the owner, teaches
classes on woodblock-printed fabric
and hand-painted furniture. It was
an inspiring venue and contrasting
to my previous experience of Rubys
workshops in sheltered woodland
Ruby foraging plant fibres beside a roaring fire. A display of Rubys work
WWC34_58-59_WILLOW WORKSHOP SUBBED.indd 58 01/11/2017 11:12

Community
Skinning the bark from the branches The cut and folded bark Showing the fold on the boom
Clamping in a round shape Demonstrang the lacing An even more rusc example
The making process as if lacing a shoe. We then

The final outcome from the two inserted a piece of bark at
sessions was to be a small container, the top of the container for
made of willow bark. The bark would additional support around
form both the main container and the rim, and chose how to
the cord which holds it together. weave the top in place. I
The willow we were using had been settled upon a simple design n
freshly harvested by Ruby and was of two lines of willow,
thicker than any willow I have worked creating a running stitch
with before. The bark was still green. around the rim, rather than
Our first task was to use a knife to anything more elaborate.
gently cut and remove the bark in Once finished the container
a large rectangle shape without it was still green, but since
cracking, although I will confess that completing the workshop, Finished and dry. The laces
I loved the aesthetic of the mistakenly I think mine has grown need re-ghtening
broken bark as it began to curl. more beautiful with age as
For this first attempt, the size was urll
ur
the bark begins to darken, curl
determined by the size of the bark and crack.
we managed to remove intact, which
proved easier than I was expecting, Tea and courses
with the use of additional sprays of Herbal tea and cake were distributed
water when the bark began to dry. throughout the evening, and the
We used a small wooden tool with a appearance of the resident One the
chiselled 45 edge to gently push the Square kitten in one of the containerss
bark away from the branch. made the experience.
We then scored our chosen shape Native Hands offers a range of
of the base into the centre of the courses, from Wild Pottery to Rush
bark before gently folding the sides Baskets and Willow Bark Containers.
to create a concave base. Using an For further information visit:
electric drill, I created the holes down www.nativehands.co.uk
the two sides of the containers ready One the Square is a caf, shop and
to weave them together in place. offers a range of creative workshops.
Using some of the spare bark we Visit www.onethesquare.co.uk or
cut it into 0.5cm strips which could call 01342 826465 or email
be woven from one side to the other, info@onethesquare.co.uk One the Square caf and shop
WWC34_58-59_WILLOW WORKSHOP SUBBED.indd 59 06/11/2017 15:36

060_WWC_034.indd 60 11/3/17 2:44 PM
Technique
NEW
Tricks SERIE
S
If you need to make
yyour mark, always
make it good
m
of the trade Blurred lines

The absolute key to precise
woodworking is marking out. If you
dont get that right dont expect the
rest of the process to follow smoothly.
There is a place for pencil but make
sure, whether you are using an ordinary
pencil or carpenters pencil with its
rectangular cross section, that you
sharpen to a chisel tip. This gives a
much finer, more long-lasting line.
The grade of pencil is important. A
soft pencil B, or blue for a carpenters
pencil, is fine for rough-marking of
boards, including indicating defects,
because they wont dent the wood.
HB or red are general purpose for
things like face and edge marks or
basic carpentry. Green or H or 2H
are meant for precise lines that will
scratch the surface of the wood and
wont remove without sanding so they
need to be correct and are best suited
to cabinetwork, especially making out
joints. In fact, if you do need to erase
pencil marks from wood, a piece of

medium grit abrasive is the only way
to do it and clean off all the smudges
as well. For really exact joint work you
need to use a sharp marking knife, but
even here a pencil can help by running
A standard the point along each knife line to
pencil point highlight it and then do pencil hatch
wont last long marks across each waste area so you
when used on cut away the correct piece. To give a
wood and it pencil a sharp, chisel-edge tip, sharpen
becomes less two opposing sides so it becomes more
precise as it chisel shaped then run those faces on a
blunts
piece of fine abrasive paper to bring the
graphite to a nice crisp edge.
A chisel-tipped carpenters pencil will last a lot longer and Precise cabinetwork really needs a decent marking knife with a
therefore give precise lines for a longer time sharp edge for a thin line
wwc34_61_TRICKS OF THE TRADE SUBBED.indd 61 27/10/2017 14:57

Project
PLANS 4YOU
Snowflake shelves
Simon Rodway is one e
in a million, just like
ke
every little snowflake k
A
s an image for the magicic oof
mas,
winter and even Christmas, a
the crystal structure of thee
snowflake with its beautiful and d
unique pattern is pretty hard to o
beat. In fact, recent research hasas
revealed that snowflakes fall
into one of 35 basic shapes,
so not quite so unique after
all, although you might have
to examine millions to find
an exact match. However, this
really does not detract from the e
wonder of these hexagonal or
six-sided miracles.
35 basic varieties
Turning the delicate outline off theh
snowflake into something semi- i-
practical like shelves does rule outu
quite a lot of those 35 types of course
course,
o s
mss with
and this pattern of six main arms t
branches near the ends and a star ar
bably
shape nearer the centre is probably b tthe
best option and gives you the greatest
e
number of workable horizontal al
urfaces
f e
surfaces. The non-horizontal surfaces
rations
i s
are great for just tucking decorations
or presents into, and there are lotso o of
places to hang things from as well. ll T
The
h
timber I have used, which is 18mm symmetrical. To do this a small amount cut a 30 degree angle from that point.
by 94mm, should be readily available of precise setting out is required; Place each of the branches on their
locally, and from somewhere like firstly draw a centre line across the intersections (Point A or equivalent)
Wickes the total cost of three 2.4metre main shelf vertically, and then from in turn and mark off the ends by
lengths is around 15, not including the centre of this line draw four more extending the centre line of the main
glue and nails or screws. lines at 30 degrees up and down to shelf. Trim each end.
The construction is very simple as intersect the top and bottom edges of The angles on the snowflake
long as you have a mitre saw to cut the the shelf. One of these intersections will make proper fixings between
30 degree angles needed on the ends is shown in the diagram, as Point A. the components tricky. Obviously
of lots of the components. The main Measure from point A to the end of everything will be glued, and if you
horizontal shelf is the primary support the horizontal shelf (B in the diagram). have a nail gun you could nail the
for the whole thing, and the four This will give you the length of the joints together as well. I find nailing
branches are centred on this, so that shorter side of each angled branch( A-C these kind of things with an old
the lines carry through from bottom in the diagram). Then just measure this fashioned hammer tends to break
to top and the snowflake is truly length along each branch and draw and things apart as much as join them
WWC34_62_63_PLANS FOR YOU_SNOWFLAKE SHELVES SUBBED.indd 62 01/11/2017 11:14

Community
Festive library
Books are always a welcome gift if they are well chosen. So we
have put together a goodly selection of arts and crafts books
which we think would make excellent presents
Foundations of Drawing A practical guide to art Perspective
history, tools, techniques and styles
In Action
By Al Gury
Creating
exercises for
Drawing is sometimes thought of as an incomplete or depicting spatial
unfinished art form, but Al Gury goes to great lengths to show representation
us how complicated and diverse it really can be. Starting from the
with the history of drawing down the ages, he explains about Renaissance to
the various different drawing media, such as pastel, crayon, the Digital Age
cil,
charcoal, pencil, By David Chelsea
marker, digital, etc. and the typess of The qualifying cover text just about
paper. Perspective and composition ion says it all. Everything you ever needed
techniques and aesthetics, life to know about perspective but were
drawing, still life and drawing too afraid to ask. It is much more
from photographs, with plenty off than just perspective, though. It
fine examples of various artists uses a clear, fun, comic book style
work make this a worthy and throughout that makes it visually very
inspiring book. enjoyable to read. Starting with the
ISBN: 978-0-307-98718-1 basics, the author then explains how
21.99 perspective in art was first understood
Watson-Guptill Publications in Roman times and became more
sophisticated over the centuries.
Chapter topics include: anamorphosis,
Pyrography Workshop cabinets of wonder, six-point
A complete guide to the art of perspective, stereo perspective and
woodburning
motion perspective. Geometry figures
By Sue Walters
large, as you might expect with such
This tome certainly lives up to its name. sophisticated concepts. A fun but very
It is complete, covering everything you instructive book for the budding artist.
need to know equipment, work area and ISBN: 978-1-60774-946-2
safety, preparing wood and transferring 18.99
designs, different types of pyrography, nib Watson-Guptill Publications
choice and maintenance, an amazing texturing chart, fantastic
designs, how to achieve detail, patterns, troubleshooting
and a gallery of wonderful pyrography work. A very inspiring
book for the beginner or more advanced pyrographer.
ISBN: 978-1-56523-258-7
14.99
Fox Chapel Publishing
WWC34_64_65_BOOK REVIEW FESTIVE LIBRARY SUBBED.indd 64 27/10/2017 15:01

Community
Ultimate Snitte The Danish art of whittling

Woodwork Bible Beautiful wooden birds to make
A complete reference By Frank Egholm
with step-by-step This compact hardback book is an absolutely charming
techniques introduction to snitte Danish whittling with a folk art
By Phil Davy and Ben Plewes charm about it. The sort of faceted effect carved birds
I think it is fair to say this are remarkably convincing, helped by some simple but
is a book for the serious skilful paint work which completes the effect. There is
beginner. It contains a chapter showing various carving techniques and how
everything you could possibly wish to know in to work safely. All you need is a good sharp carving
order to get started. An advanced woodworker knife, a safety glove and a shaped block of any suitable softish wood such
would find it perhaps less useful, although it as lime, poplar or alder. The author uses
has a lot of information within its pages. The a bandsaw to cut out the blocks but after
style is for big chapter-opening photographs that it is very much down to knife work
and then lots of very clear, precise drawings to achieve the result. The finished
to illustrate each sequence. It talks about birds can be displayed in different
setting up a workshop, how to buy tools (this ways, on prepared branches,
can be a minefield) machines, wood and on a carefully shaped nest, in a
other materials, project design, construction birdhouse or even a pop-up toy,
methods, adhesives and assembly, shaping and lots of fun ideas and all shown in
bending, surface preparation and finishing a postcard style layout.
and, finally, hardware. ISBN: 978-1-84994-440-3
Im always dubious about using superlatives 9.99
to describe anything, including books. Batsford
Perhaps the missing title tle word is beginners
beginners
bible for which it doess extremely
well, explaining the Woodland Craft
quirky world of By Ben Law
woodworking. An
excellent book for This is the softback version of
the aspirant woody. the best-selling book on green
ISBN: 978-1-911163- woodworking with a foreword
43-5 by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
14.99 of TVs River Cottage fame.
BACKGROUND IMAGE COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

Collins & Brown With plenty of photographs
and drawings throughout and printed on a matt
paper often favoured by green and eco-based
books, Ben takes us on a rapid journey through a
whole variety of woodland crafts and activities. A
50 Things to Do with a Penknife directory of homegrown trees describes them in
By Matt Collins detail and he discusses woodland management
The title suggests an invitation to misbehave for and resources. From then we can study crafts for
which objective no.12, Slingshot, would seem to home and garden, wood fuel, crafts for building,
admirably fulfil. It is, in fact, 50 different simple domestic crafts and tools and devices for carrying
projects carved with a penknife. I wont write them out woodland crafts. There is a fascinating
all down it would take too long but they are amount of good content that unfortunately
grouped in chapters entitled Quick Things, Into leaves you wanting more, but I suspect the only
The Woods, Around The House, Cork Creations, answer is to get
Ornamental Carving Kitchen Carving and The Natural World. It starts out there and d
with sharpening a pencil properly, something that escapes me, or en
live the green
you could make a willow whistle, a hairpin, a cork stamp, a spinning life just as
top, an apple candle or tap a Ben Law hass
birch ttree to extract the sweet for more
syrupy sap. At the beginning than 25
of the book it tells what you years in
need and how to use it, so it Prickly Nut
is a very complete knifers Wood!
ha
handbook. ISBN: 978-1-78494-
78494-
IISBN: 978-1-911216-86-5 396-7
9.99 16.99
Pavilion Books GMC Books
All books are available from: GMC Publications www.thegmcgroup.com 01273 488005
A
WWC34_64_65_BOOK REVIEW FESTIVE LIBRARY SUBBED.indd 65 01/11/2017 11:16

DISTRIBUTORS OF QUALITY PRODUCTS
Chisel and plane iron sharpener - take Quality range of woodworking hand tools
anywhere and sharpen in seconds. made in Europe.
TOMAHAWK
TOOL S
A quality range of professional tools and

A quality range of professional Drill bits accessories.
and accessories from Germany.
Quality cutting tool range which includes

Router cutters, Spindle Moulding, saw
Range of the toughest tool bags with a 5 blades, holesaws and many more from
year downtime warranty. Italy.
FOR YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST VISIT

www.tomaco.co.uk
066_WWC_034.indd 66 11/2/17 10:18 AM
Project
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL T COLLINS

Puzzle table
Once youve read this article it should all fall
neatly into place
S
everal weeks ago, a friend of table the puzzle was in putting it prototype, I did not include these and
mine, knowing my obsession together. I just had to make one. found that they were indeed essential.
with all things wood, said: I have In this short article I am going to Care needs to be taken when placing
a puzzle table I think youd like. As a diverge from my usual in-depth project the pins so that they align in the
child growing up we were constantly and simply give you some clues and correct location. Of course, you could
doing jigsaw puzzles and it generally diagrams to create your very own make this puzzle table doubly hard
involved taking over the kitchen table puzzle table. by having them in slightly different
for several days and having to eat in the I only had the table for a couple of locations.
living room. So, I was expecting a table days so I quickly made a template using The lap joint make sure that this is
that could in some way be used to hold 6mm MDF. just slightly wider than the thickness of
a puzzle or even store a puzzle. Are I used two pieces of construction the wood.
you interested in seeing it? she asked. lumber 304mm x 32mm x 2438mm This is a fun project and can
Yes, why not? Some of the curious aspects of the be adapted in a variety of ways.
Several days later I was presented design were the semi-circle scooped Experiment with the leg design.
with a wine box containing pieces of areas at the foot of each tenon I It would be so easy to adapt this to
very old, well-loved pine wood. Once surmised this was to allow the two a larger scale and make a stowable
the pieces were unpacked it was clear top sections to seat firmly and create dining table for a small flat or tiny
to see that these were five parts of a a closer fit. When I made the first house the possibilities are endless.
WWC34_67_69_PUZZLE TABLE SUBBED.indd 67 27/10/2017 15:02

Project
6 7
8 9 10
6 How the top will look the

cut-out will accept the cross-leg
pieces.
7 The template for the centrepiece of

the puzzle, which will need to be a
good fit.
8 Using a roundover cutter to soften

the edges and make it easier to
assemble.
9 The workshop dog Biggles, thinks it

is all a bit of a puzzle
11 12
10 The legs are halved over each
other, then the whole assembly
can be checked.
11 Dowels are glued into the

opposite halves of the top.
12 The dowels are received in holes

drilled in the cross-leg.
13 Note the scoop out at the foot of

the tenon, which helps it all fit
together easily.
14 The finished table now ready

to be separated and give
someone a chance to put it back
together again. 13 14
WWC34_67_69_PUZZLE TABLE SUBBED.indd 69 06/11/2017 15:37

READ
ANYWHERE
Shutterstock/Africa Studio
DOWNLOAD FROM
ONLY
2.15
PER ISSUE
16-248 WWC App Ad.indd 70 11/3/17 10:53 AM

Technique
Board
handling
Its big, but its not clever

moving boards without
taking care, that is
Handling trouble most of our requirements. To avoid of board presents safe handling issues.
You have a big project to make, so you the risk of under selling, the boards are Thin boards bend quite easily, making
may need big boards. The standard 2mm larger in both dimensions while them too difficult to carry around single
manufactured board, irrespective of thicknesses can vary from 3mm up to handed, especially if there is a wind
whether it is ply, MDF, blockboard, 40mm for MDF, but vary with other blowing. Thicker boards can be quite
chipboard, hardboard, etc. is 2440mm material types. heavy and are better carried by two
x 1220mm in size. There are larger but people, and any board can be awkward
much less common sizes used by the
trade but for general use the standard
8 x 4, as it is commonly called, does
1 Standard board thicknesses of 6,
9, 12, 15 and 18mm get used for a
variety of work. Unfortunately this size
if you are trying to manoeuvre indoors.
What board to use and when

2 Choosing the correct board for the
job matters. If you want to build a
model railway layout then Sundeala
board, which has a soft, smooth finish
and is light to carry and accept track
pins, is the perfect choice. However,
if the location of a layout is in an area
with restricted access, such as a loft, it
will need to be cut to size first.
2
1
Lightweight board is easy to handle, easy
Boards come in a wide variety of types, finish and sizes all better handled by two to fix into and perfect for transportable
people rather than one model railway layouts and displays
WWC34_71_74_BOARD HANDLING SUBBED.indd 71 01/11/2017 11:30

Technique
3
A track saw or professional wall saw can
cut melamine-faced board cleanly but
you can buy pre-edged stock in a variety
of set widths
4
3 For another example, a modern,
clean-lined wardrobe might be
best made from white melamine-faced
Stage scenery needs to be as light as practicable, but rigid once fixed in position using
stabilising battens or stage weights and arms (Newick Amateur Dramatic Society)
chipboard in 18mm thickness. Here
again, installation and the need to drawers for a desk or mattress width list which expresses every item the
keep the area as clean, tidy and dust- for a bed, all feed into a finished design same way. This will be something like:
free as possible mean it makes sense that can then be translated into wood. thickness x length x width x number
to pre-cut to size and apply matching Simple CAD programmes or Google of, usually written as off (the amount
edging before taking it to the bedroom Sketchup make the process relatively needed of each). The beauty of this
it will be installed in, although you can easy or my preferred old-fashioned consistent way of writing a list is that
buy pre-sized, edged boards saving all way, using technical ink pens and not only you can understand it but
the effort. a drawing board. You can buy hard so can a machinist or yard man at
fibre tip pens which do the same job the timberyard if they are pre-cutting
4 If you were building stage scenery

for amateur dramatics then a full-
sheet size would almost certainly be
without the inky mess.
Cutting lists
boards for you.
How and where to order

needed, but in this instance would
be as light as possible using 6mm
hardboard on a batten framework.
6 Although it can seem a mite tedious
working out in detail what exact
sizes you need, it really saves time
7 DIY stores only stock small panel
sizes. These are often cheaper
grade,d bowed out of shape and
So, the common theme is that and effort at the making stage. If you over-priced per panel size. It is better
installed furniture needs boards pre- draw a scaled-down board shape, say to go to a timberyard which is also a
cut for use while bigger undertakings at 1:10 size, on a piece of paper, you panel and board stockist. It is worth
need boards in one whole piece. This can tape tracing paper on top and draw making a couple of trips, one to ask
helps us decide how to order and deal in the shapes of all the components for information and prices so you
with large, unwieldy boards. and change the tracing paper if it can decide what and how much you
isnt right or you order more than really need and a second trip to order
Design one board. That way you can work the boards. It makes sense to do
5 Not always our strongest point, but

accurate design taken from a series
of critical measurements, e.g. location,
out the most economical cuts and
how grain direction, in the case of
veneered board, will affect the waste
some research, checking on different
suppliers, because the board types
stocked may vary and the services
purpose, height, length, width, etc., factor. Now turn this into a cutting offered may too.
and specific requirements such as filing
ILLUSTRATION BY SIMON RODWAY
5
Google Sketchup has proved very
popular, not least because it is a free
6
programme and the ease with which 3D Drawing out all the board components shows you how to minimise waste and cost
drawing is possible before doing the cutting list

Technique
7
Timberyards keep large stocks of full-
sized boards. They should be happy to
advise you on the right materials to suit
your project and give you an idea of cost
Cut to size
8 If you need boards cut to size let
the yard do it for you. If it has a
8
panel saw and you have an accurate A wall saw gives repetition accuracy and
cutting list, the yard can save you a saves you a lot of effort and back strain by
lot of time and effort and make board cutting to size. You get to keep the waste
handling much safer. You may have piece too
to pay a cutting charge for each cut or
board but some wont charge at all, with dirt and watermarking. Laying
so again it is worth checking. A wall board flat indoors takes up room and,
saw or other panel saw will cut your unless properly supported, they will The Gorilla
boards cleanly and to matching sizes distort and pick up damp and dirt. Lift is one
without causing breakout and without Vertical but leaning is preferable but of a number
any domestic dust hazard. There is the you need to make sure they are stowed of devices
inevitable delivery charge and the need safely and cannot fall over. Lay several to help with
to be in to receive the goods, unless battens on the floor for them to rest safe board
you have a vehicle suitable for the job, on and, if necessary with a rough or handling
such as an estate car with the seats uneven wall, fix battens or a rail for 9
folded down. them to rest against without bending. If
you often need to store board it might
Moving boards be worth fixing floor-to-ceiling timbers Safety Note
9 Moving boards around can present at least 300mm away from the wall so Carrying cut-to-size or uncut boards
and timber can be a serious hazard
problems. You need to move you can slide boards in and be able to
if it is not correctly stowed in
them from the delivery point to the flip through them for selection without
or on the vehicle. High winds or
workshop or area where you are going any falling over. sudden braking can contribute to
to work on them, such as outdoors an incident with potentially serious
on a level, hard surface. You need consequences. Paying to have
help from someone who is strong materials delivered is the cheaper,
enough and coordinates well as a safer option by far and wont dent
team member that you can rely on to your car insurance.
anticipate manoeuvres and hazards.
It isnt a good idea to use bare hands
sticky gloves or rigger gloves are
sensible so you can maintain grip and
avoid hurting your hands. In the case
of MDF, veneered or melamine board
edges can shed splinters or chips which
are massively painful and need careful
extraction from the fingers.
Storing board
10 Keeping boards ready for use
presents problems in a small Board material can easily get marked or
workshop or a garage. Leaving them damaged and it is expensive, so it is worth
outside wrapped in a tarpaulin is a no- storing safely in clean, dry conditions
no as they will degrade quite quickly 10

Technique
Preparing to cut
11 Every piece of board, without
exception, needs a minimum
of three supports two to rest the
section you want to use and another
for the waste piece you are about to
cut off. You need a level surface and if
you dont have the luxury of an empty
garage space or a big workshop, then
a dry and hopefully sunny day on a
concrete hardstanding or a patio is
ideal. There are fairly cheap fold-up
plastic work supports sold in pairs,
but they are only suitable for working
on smaller panel sizes as they fall over
quite easily. You may need to fabricate
some softwood stands, including
the vital third one to carry the waste
sections.
Making the cut

12 The edges of manufactured
board tend to get a bit damaged
in transit and storage so you need to
check that the edge you are marking off
11 12
is in decent condition. If it needs to be This work support is easy to put together A router and straight edge being used
trimmed to give a clean edge then your but very solid you just need another to clean up the manufacturers original
best option is a router and straight bit two for full-board support system board edge
running against a clamped-on batten
for a fence. and a health risk, so a good quality cut finish. A major plus compared to
dustmask and, if available, a mountable a conventional portable saw running
13 Cutting by hand using a sharp

hardpoint handsaw is doable
but, aside from the effort and the need
bowl-type extraction outlet under the
router connected to an extractor is
advisable.
against a fence is there is no cut offset
to take into account as the blade runs
along the edge of the track which is
to reach over and kneel on the board, placed against the cutting marks on the
the edge finish is not going to be great.
Take account of this and allow a couple
of millimetres extra for trimming with
14 The best method of board
cutting is using a dedicated track
saw and aluminium track that clamps
board.
The next time you are planning a big

the router. Dust is ejected sideways on the board. It is quick and easy to project you can work better, safer and
and MDF in particular can be very fine use, it gives accurate sizes and a good accurately using the correct methods.
13
14
Handsawing with a modern hardpoint
saw is relatively quick, but still an effort The perfect answer is a tracksaw for quick, precise results. With minimal blade
and the sawn edges will still be rough projection the board can be rested on battens for cutting

Community
Coming next month in

ISSUE 35
ON SALE
21 DEC
Make an Arts & Crafts

style bookshelf
stick
Stackable
ckable tool cases
Fold-down
d-down workbench
Recycled pallet stool
DIY sink unit
PLUS: Scrollsaw technique Feature Koru eco architects

Ask the Experts Trees for life Elm Plans 4 You coee table
WWC34_75_COMING NEXT MONTH SUBBED.indd 75 01/11/2017 11:33

Technique
Shaping
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOUISE BIGGS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

Tool List
Flexi curve
Jigsaw
Spokeshaves flat and round
Chisels various sizes
barge boards
Plane
Rasps
Louise Biggs creates beautiful
Square
Router preferably 12in shank
barge boards for a gable end
Ovolo cutter with bearing wheel
Carving gouges/chisels to suit
Needle rasps
Carving by Rob Lewis
www.lewiswoodcarving.co.uk
Fitting of the barge boards by
Barry Boutall building specialist
07770 850401
T
his has been another joint
project for one of my special
customers, between his
building specialist, Barry Boutall, Original barge board on a house in Suolk Barge boards laid out for discussion
woodcarver Rob Lewis and myself.
New barge boards made from Douglas Marking out the design each joint edge in order for a down-
fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were to be My client had marked out the key facing finial to be placed over the
fitted on to one section of his house positions for the line of the hopper, joint when fitted in place. Knowing
and he had seen a design he liked on the inside edge of the fascia and some the length of the finial block, the end
a period house in Suffolk, which was idea of where he wanted the curves curves were to start from the bottom
to form the basis of his design with the to start on either end. If possible he point of the block.
carving reflecting grapes and vines. wanted double points not singles and
After initial discussions as to how to
move the project forward, Barry was
tasked with doing the initial fitting
three sets of points if they looked right
with the curves. 3 Marking the double points and the
curves, chickens and eggs came to
mind the one needed the other for
of the asymmetrical barge boards,
marking the necessary intersections
with gutters and hoppers, cutting the
1 Using a flexi curve I decided to
establish the bottom end curve on
the left board first, the right board
positions. In the end, to find some
sort of starting point, I cut out of card
three triangles with two concave edges.
joints and marking the end angles. being longer would stay a straight line These would form the cut-out between
At this point Rob and I visited to see with the point rounded off. the points. I then positioned one at the
the boards laid out and to discuss the centre point and roughly positioned
moulded edge shape and carving and
how best to end the design around the
bottom angles. Once they were in my
2 Moving to the other end of the
boards, where an angled joint
would join the two boards at the peak,
the other two in from the ends about
half the envisaged pattern. The central
one was marked with a centreline and
workshop work began. a 30mm border had to be left clear on marked on both boards.
WWC34_76_78_BARGE BOARDS SUBBED.indd 76 27/10/2017 15:12

Technique
4 In between the double points,

I marked a central point which
would be the widest point of the
convex curves. Laying card over
one barge board the flexi curve was
manipulated until the shape looked
right working back from the double
point to the widest point of the convex
curve. Flexi curves are ideal for this
type of work as they manipulate easily
and hold their curves, allowing you to
draw around them without needing
multiple pairs of hands.
1 2
5 With the template cut out the
curves were marked out on to the
barge boards, the concave half of the
template was used and manipulated
slightly to mark in the final curves
at the ends. With the barge boards
marked out and echoing the original
design in the photos the client was
called in to see what he thought.
Cutting and routing the

initial shape
6 The barge boards were 25mm thick
so spanning each board between
work benches I used a jigsaw to cut
out the shapes on the waste side of
the line. Once cut all the edges were 3 4
cleaned up square to the face using
a spokeshave, a round bottom for
concave curves and flat bottom for the
convex curves. Following this the edges
were abraded through the grits down
to 240.
7 To clean up the edges within the

double points I used a chisel to
clean up centre of the V shape and
rasps to clean up the remainder of
the curves. These were then finished
with abrasive papers as before. This
cleaning up made sure the edges
were completely smooth for the roller
bearing on the router cutter to follow 5 6
the curves cleanly.
8 An ovolo cutter of the required

radius and bearing size was sourced
with a 12in shank for more strength.
With the boards tightly clamped to the
workbenches the edges of the boards
were routed, cutting out the shape
with two passes of the router to put
less strain on the cutter. The cuts at
the top end were stopped as required
and around the V shapes the size of the
roller bearing restricted the amount
cut. The cutter was run along the
straight edge of the right-hand board
and on both boards around the
curved ends. 7 8

Technique
Shaping the double points

9 To finish shaping the V between the
double points the curve formed by
the router had to be extended using
a pencil until the two lines met at the
centreline forming the shape.
10 Using a selection of carving

chisels the shape was cut out
in steps, the first being to cut along
the pencil line with a gouge of the
correct radius before angling the gouge
in order to chip away the edge line
forming the first step of the ovolo.
9 10
11 To finish forming the step the

necessary shaped gouges were
used to get right into the point of the V
while starting to shape the top of
the quadrant.
12 Next, a straight gouge was

used to cut a centreline on the
quadrant, following the curve. This
gave a stop line when working in from
each side and prevented the gouges
tearing out timber on the other side.
13 Using gouges and finishing with

fine needle rasps, the remaining
quadrant shape was formed keeping a 11 12
defined centreline down the middle.
The last step of the ovolo moulding
was then cut out. With the double
points complete the stopped moulding
at the top centre joints was cut out in
the same way forming a straight edge
on the moulding where it would meet
the down-facing finial.
14 The remainder of the moulded

ovolo to the ends of the boards
was cleaned up with abrasives as
before and my stage of the project
was completed.
15 The barge boards were

transported to Rob the
woodcarver and the design was
13 14
drawn on to the barge boards before

being carved. The background was
textured with woodcarving background
punches.
16 The barge boards have now

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ROBERT LEWIS
been installed on the house and

the other necessary work completed
to finish the project. In a change from
the original idea of painting the barge
boards they have now been limed so as
not to lose the detail of the carving.
I would like to thank Rob and Barry for

their craftsmanship in this project. 15 16

Community
Trees
for life
The sweet chestnut
Say chestnut and an instant
picture comes to mind of
playing conkers or roasting
them. But of course there is
more to it than that
A mature field chestnut tree
T
he sweet chestnut (Castanea name is the town of Kastania in
sativa) belongs to the same Thessaly, Greece, as the chestnut
family of trees as the oaks was the most common tree growing
and beeches. It produces edible there. Kastania is located on one
nuts that can be roasted and eaten. of the relatively few sedimentary
The completely unrelated horse or siliceous outcrops in the region.
chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) They grow so abundantly there it
produces the larger, rounder is likely their presence would have
conkers that children use for a game determined the name of the place.
of conkers these are mildly toxic The sweet chestnut is a fast-
and should not be eaten. growing species to around 35m high
and can live up to 700 years old.
Sweet chestnut The bark is grey-purple and smooth,
The name chestnut is derived from and develops vertical fissures with
an earlier English term, chesten age. The twigs are purple-brown
nut, which descends from the Old and buds are plum, red-brown
French word chastain. The name and oval in shape. The leaves are
Castanea probably derives from the oblong and toothed with a pointed
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
old name for the sweet chestnut, tip, and feature around 20 pairs of
either in Latin or in ancient Greek. prominent parallel veins. There are
It is possible the source of the teeth around the edges of leaves
which are widely spaced. Flowers
Did you
are long, yellow catkins, mostly
male, with female flowers at the
The edible chestnut know?
For early Christians
base. Sweet chestnut is monoecious,
meaning both male and female chestnuts
flowers are found on the same tree. symbolised
After pollination by insects, female chastity.
flowers develop into shiny red-
brown fruits wrapped in a green,
spiky case. The trees begin to bear
fruit when they are about 25
Sweet chestnut bark years old.
WWC34_79_81_TREES FOR LIFE SUBBED.indd 79 27/10/2017 15:17

Community
Typical uses
Chestnut wood production is done by coppice systems,
cut on a 12-year rotation to provide smaller timber
which does not split as badly as large logs. In southern
England, particularly in Kent, sweet chestnut has been
traditionally grown as coppices, being re-cut every 10
years or so, to be used for firewood, fence posts and
chestnut paling and poles to support the strings when
hops are grown.
Chestnut, being the same family as oak, contains many
tannins which render it very durable, giving it excellent
natural outdoor resistance and saving the need for other
protection treatment. It corrodes iron slowly, although
copper, brass, or stainless metals are not affected.
Chestnut timber is decorative, with a light-brown
Chestnut is o en chosen for barrels
colour, sometimes confused with oak. In a growing

stage with very little sap wood, a chestnut tree contains
more timber of a durable quality than an oak of the same
dimensions. Young chestnut wood has proved more

durable than oak when it has to be partly in the ground,
such as for stakes and fences. Chestnut wood loses much
of its durability when the tree is more than 50 years
old. It is uncommon to find large pieces of chestnut in
building structures, but it has always been highly valued
for small outdoor furniture pieces, fencing and shingles
for covering buildings, and pit-props. Chestnut firewood
is best burned in an enclosed log-burner because of its
The grain and colour are perfect for furniture tendency to spit in an open fire.
Food Delicious roasted

The sweet chestnut was introduced into Europe from Sardis, in Asia
Minor, and was then called the Sardian nut. It has been a staple
food in southern Europe, Turkey, and south western and eastern
Asia for millennia in place of cereals where these would not grow
in mountainous Mediterranean areas. There is evidence of its
cultivation by man since around 2000BC. Alexander the Great and
the Romans planted chestnut trees across Europe while on their
various campaigns. A Greek army is supposed to have survived
retreat from Asia Minor in 401399BC thanks to its chestnut
stores. In some parts of Italy, a cake made of chestnuts is used as
a substitute for potatoes. In France the marron glac is a candied
chestnut involving 16 different processes in typically French cooking
style and always served at Christmas and on New Years Eve.
Medicine
The ancient Greeks wrote of chestnuts medicinal properties and

also the flatulence-inducing effect of eating too many.
Chestnuts have
been eaten down
the millennia
Leek and chestnut mixture for a savoury tart

Community
Working characteristics
PHOTOGRAPH BY JANE ARNULL

PHOTOGRAPH BY BY ANDY STANDING
It has a medium crushing strength, very
low stiffness and resistance to shock
loads and has good steam-bending
properties. Contact with iron will cause
blue-black staining. It works well with
hand and machine tools with only a
slight dulling effect on cutting edges.
Sweet chestnut takes screws, nails,
glues and stains well. The wood can be
polished or varnished to an excellent
finish. Chestnut ocuts A wood that turns well
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDY STANDING

Beau ful figure A streaky chestnut desk set
and colour
Other
her uses
ses
Chestnut wood is a useful source of natural
tannin and was used for tanning leather
before the introduction of synthetic tannins.
Chestnut-tanned leathers are elastic, light-fast,
resistant to traction and abrasion, and have a
warm colour.
Fabric can be starched and lightened with
chestnut meal. The leaves and the skins of the
fruits provide a hair shampoo.
Wildlife
The flowers provide an important source of The familiar spiky green cases
nectar and pollen to bees and other insects and
red squirrels eat the nuts. A large number of Pests and diseases England, mention the famous
micro-moths feed on the leaves and nuts. Sweet chestnut has been found to Tortworth chestnut tree in South
be susceptible to fungal diseases. Gloucestershire as a landmark.
Chestnut blight has recently This tree measured more than
arrived in the UK, which causes 15m in circumference at 1.5m
bark cankers and can lead to from the ground in 1720.
dieback and death. Young trees
can also suffer from squirrel Did you know?
damage. Attacks by the chestnut In George Orwells 1984, a
leaf mining moth causes early leaf nightmarish vision of a totalitarian
drop but does not affect the health state, a telescreen begins
of the tree. singing Under a spreading
chestnut tree the chestnut
History tree reference being a literary
Boundary records compiled device used a number of times
The flowers provide bees with pollen in the reign of John, King of throughout the book.

Community
ANTHONY BAILEY
Ask the experts Editor,

Woodworking
Crafts magazine
MARK BAKER
Group Editor,
Another selection of awkward questions GMC woodworking
for our experts to answer magazines
A SAW POINT
QUE
STAR

STIO
N
I decided to splash out on a seriously

expensive tenon saw from the US to improve
my joint technique. Its really nice to use or
at least it was until I lent it to a friend to try,
a bit trepidatiously, in case they wanted to
buy one. I did ask them to take care with
it. Big mistake it doesnt seem to cut as
cleanly as it did before even though the teeth
seem alright. What should I do?
Barry Neville

Anthony replies: You havent mentioned
the brand, maybe out of embarrassment
for the damage caused to their lovely
product? Anyway, Im afraid the simple
answer is to get in touch with the
manufacturer by email, explain what has
happened and for money, unfortunately
they will resharpen it and return. Rather
expensive including shipping in both
directions. A salutary lesson learned. Saw sharpening isnt for the faint hearted
CUT TO THE CHASE
PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS GRACE

I have read repeatedly, in different places, that a bandsaw
is the first machine to buy and it doesnt take up a lot of room.
Is that the best choice to make? At the moment Im trying to
make space in the garage for a bench and hopefully a bit more
for something with a plug on, but everyone I know has bought
either a cheap tablesaw or a chopsaw.
Den Harvey

Anthony replies: The standard piece of wisdom is the
bandsaw is the best all-rounder, which is kind of true, but
for decent cuts it needs a good sharp blade and the machine
needs to be good quality. Apart from curved components
you can do crosscutting and joints so its pretty good.
However, Ive found I go to my Dewalt compound mitre saw
at least as many times as the bandsaw because it can cross- Even small pieces can be cut if done correctly
cut prepared timber and shelf-width boards as well as doing
mitre and compound cuts and it can be set to do trenching.
If a tablesaw has enough power it will rip down both thick, lot, they just do it differently and the bandsaw can do curved
solid timber and man-made board, cross-cut and cut mitres cuts which the others cannot. It rather depends on what
and with a fine tooth blade can produce a planer cut finish, you expect to be doing. Im tempted to say the compound
so it too is pretty versatile. mitre saw as you can buy prepared timber, it just needs clean
There isnt a perfect answer because they can all do quite a cutting to size
WWC34_82_83_ASK THE EXPERTS SUBBED.indd 82 01/11/2017 11:42

Community
COMPLETELY FLOORED CRAZY STUFF
The other day I accidentally pulled

the cutlery drawer in an old pine kitchen
unit right out and it fell on the floor,
completely full of heavy cutlery and
I have a Victorian dining chair
mahogany, I think. The finish is dull
and a bit matt looking and there are
crazed patterns over some parts.
narrowly missing my feet and ankles. Ive What is the best treatment to get
it looking better?
now removed a lot of the unused stuff to
make it lighter so hopefully it wont be
quite such a disaster next time. However,
Ive now got a dent in the hardwood
Jeanie Bruscot

Anthony replies: Over time the Cleaning off old French polish with
meths and wire wool
French polish can become dull,
parquet floor. Is there some way of especially if it is exposed to an it to a professional restorer to deal
repairing the dent so it doesnt show?
Jenny Pilbeam
unsuitable atmosphere. The crazing
effect is what is often referred to as
Chinese writing because of its strange
appearance. That is the result of the
with. It needs to be cleaned down with
methylated spirits and medium wire
wool. Wear protective chemical gloves
and work in the open air because of
Anthony replies: Im glad you top layers of French polish shrinking the fumes and no naked lights either.
didnt get hurt its very easy to store back and cracking open. It can be Gradually the French polish will soften
things that dont get used unless you the result of too much French polish and come off, you can elect to leave
happen to be hosting a banquet. A which then hardens over the years, or some areas less scrubbed than others,
steaming kettle can work on vertical perhaps a dry atmosphere. I suspect which will give a more aged effect.
surfaces but in this instance it is the it was in a rather cold, humid Victorian Leave it to dry overnight and then
floor so your only option is a steam property with the fire lit from time apply French polish with a polishing
iron. Place it on a damp cloth and set to time causing alternating stresses rubber(a pad of wadding) with a
on highest temperature and steam on the shellac finish. But we can cotton cover or with a soft mop brush
setting. Hopefully it may lift the dent only guess until you have built up a good level of
although it may not level completely If it isnt too valuable to you, then finish. You can use fine wire wool and
because a dense hardwood floor is there is no reason why you cant tackle wax to give a more satiny sheen.
unlikely to un-crush in the way that it yourself. If it is very precious take
softer timbers can. Be aware that the
surrounding floor will be affected
PLAY IT AGAIN

by the steam and may need some
rewaxing. It is better not to try filling
and colouring out the dent as it wont
last and may not look very good, so
the steaming route is best.
I was interested to read the short article
about utility furniture in the last issue and
the Utility 3a chair which has a rexine seat
covering I believe. I have bought, for a song,
an old vintage portable record player but
sadly one panel of the rexine covering has
been badly damaged. Do you know where I
can buy it? No one seems to still stock it.
Andy Fellows
There is a mini industry in restoring
vintage record players
Anthony replies: Rexine leathercloth ceased being manufactured in 2005. It

was very much a product of its time, being made from cellulose nitrate (which
is otherwise used as a propellant in firearms rounds), camphor oil, pigment
and alcohol. However, all is not lost. Get in touch with Ratchford Ltd, which
A steam iron and a damp cloth is the manufactures its own leathercloth in a variety of colours similar to the original
best option range. Hopefully it will be able to help.

T Tool Marketing Company, or TOMACO, as it is
The receive a Narex six-piece chisel set worth 79.95 and all
R
STA ION known, which sells a variety of tool brands, including
k other published questions will receive a 20mm half-round
S T
QUE RIZE
COLT,
C Sharp Edge and Narex Tools, is pleased to be fine cut Narex rasp worth 20.95.
P sponsoring
s the Ask the Experts section in collaboration For more information see
with GMC Publications. Each issues Star Question will
w www.tomaco.co.uk
N.B. If you do need help or advice you can email me: anthonyb@thegmcgroup.com or visit:
www.woodworkersinstitute.com where there are lots of useful articles, either way the service is free!
By submitting your questions and photos, you agree that GMC Publications may publish your work in our magazines, websites, electronic or any other mediums known now or invented in the future.
In addition GMC may sell or distribute the work, on its own, or with other related material. This material must not have been submitted for publication elsewhere.
WWC34_82_83_ASK THE EXPERTS SUBBED.indd 83 27/10/2017 15:20

Issue 32 October 2017 Issue 31 Autumn 2017
HAND, POWER & GREEN WOODWORKING OTURNING ORESTORATION ODIY HAND, POWER & GREEN WOODWORKING OTURNING ORESTORATION ODIY
From bed How to use

to bench guidebushes
make a
recycled seat
The small, smart,
swiss army toolkit
TECHNIQUES
Powermatic chisel Glue tech
mortiser on test Drilling on the lathe
Feature Picture frame repair
TECHNIQUES Classical order Fitting out box interiors
Painting MDF What have the Greeks
Glue tech part II and Romans given us?
?
NOTCHED STACKING CHAIRS GLUE TECHNIQUE KITCHEN CUTTING BOARD SEAHORSE LETTER OPENER RUSTIC TEALIGHT HOLDERS BLOCK PRINTS
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WWC_Classifieds.indd 87 11/3/17 11:20 AM

Community
Focus on

A Finnish
laavu or
wilderness hut
A place to rest...
T
his is a variant of the Finnish laavu, in the rest three walls. The fourth side is left open this one has a
of Scandinavia known as a Swedish gapskjul or handy step-through. It is only intended to provide a safe
slogbod, or Norwegian gapahuk. All these are small, place to sleep during fishing or hiking trips. Visitors have to
traditional buildings intended for temporary residence bring their own sleeping bags, as there are no other sleeping
during hiking or fishing trips in the Arctic wilderness. Laavus facilities. The construction is from coniferous forest timber
are commonly found in Finnish Lapland near popular fishing nearby, jointed together in same way that log cabins are
rivers and in national parks, where this was photographed built but without any wool insulation between the logs.
on a Santa Special trip some years ago. It is a simplified Most laavus also have a place to set a camp fire in front of
version of a wilderness hut laavus are not kept warm, them, but because they are open they cannot provide proper
and may not be reserved specifically for anyone. Unlike a warmth for the night. However, the sight of the fire is still
wilderness hut, a laavu lacks doors or windows. It is about very welcome, especially with a hot mug in your hands,
10sq m in area and 2m high, consisting of a roof, floor and drinking in the starkly beautiful Arctic scenery beyond.
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Issue 34 December 2017

HAND, POWER & GREEN WOODWORKING TURNING RESTORATION DIY

The reasons why

8.99 INC VAT

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Jan Morgan Designer

Mark Baker Group Editor

Simon Rodway Illustrator

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64 Festive library Book

Woodwork on the web

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Cordless mobility. Performance thats like working with a mains-powered

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY GMC/ANTHONY BAILEY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

to put things on keys, letters,

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT INGHAM

A simple wood design

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 5

WWC34_5_DESIGN_INSPIRATION SUBBED.indd 5 01/11/2017 10:44

WWC34_6_10_HALL TABLE.indd SUBBED.indd 6 01/11/2017 10:47

Tradi onal runners could not be used as the drawers would

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 7

WWC34_6_10_HALL TABLE.indd SUBBED.indd 7 01/11/2017 10:47

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 9

WWC34_6_10_HALL TABLE.indd SUBBED.indd 9 01/11/2017 10:47

drawers could be fitted using the

WWC34_6_10_HALL TABLE.indd SUBBED.indd 10 01/11/2017 10:47

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 11

WWC34_11_14_MY HAND PLANE HEAVEN SUBBED.indd 11 01/11/2017 10:48

Super Jack no.6

A well Gaged no. 5

WWC34_11_14_MY HAND PLANE HEAVEN SUBBED.indd 12 06/11/2017 15:25

...it finally ended up restored like this. It

Perfect for really precise end grain shooting

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 13

WWC34_11_14_MY HAND PLANE HEAVEN SUBBED.indd 13 27/10/2017 14:24

Had I really let them get this bad?

Teen years no.4 and no.5 planes

My pet squirrel tail

Monster Mash no.8

Thats my pick of the planes, but it wont be long before I

WWC34_11_14_MY HAND PLANE HEAVEN SUBBED.indd 14 27/10/2017 14:24

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Precision Micro Adjustable 300mm Beam Trammel Clip-in 20mm

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015_WWC_034.indd 15 10/30/17 5:18 PM

WWC34_16_21_FOX HEAD WALKING STICK SUBBED.indd 16 27/10/2017 14:24

2 Draw a centre line around the

3 Using a coarse burr in the rotary

4 Use a burr to shape the neckline

5 Using a coarse burr, define the

6 Profile the skull in front of the ears.

Woodworking Crafts issue 34 17

WWC34_16_21_FOX HEAD WALKING STICK SUBBED.indd 17 27/10/2017 14:25

Draw the features on the head to

7 Use a medium cylinder burr to

8 Prepare the shank for the head

9 Glue the spacer(s) to the shank with

10 Use a flamed-head carbide burr

11 Give the head a rough sand with

12 Refine the nose shape with a