The Woodworker - August 2017 - What is in it...

A very nice badger plane made by John Arnold at his Bloomsbury premises, sometime between 1831-1846
A very nice badger plane made by John Arnold at his Bloomsbury premises, sometime between 1831-1846

We’ve got a great issue in store for you in this, our August edition. We have a brand-new series from tool collector specialist Gary Cook, which sees him taking a closer look at a badger plane dating back from 1831-1846, and as always, we have a great range of projects for you to try this month, including Phil Davy’s Mission-style coat rack, which would make a handsome addition to any hall way, and Iain Whittington, needing protection from the gusty Dartmoor winds, sets about making a Victorian-style cross-boarded oak plank door. In turning, Bob Chapman’s turned version of a 13th-century Chinese jar is a real delight, but it remains to be seen if it will survive for as long as its pottery counterpart, and James Trimble suggests some great tips for turning pens and takes you through the process of turning your own nonconformist version.

Robin Gates craning over the bow saw to monitor progress
Robin Gates craning over the bow saw to monitor progress

Robin Gates also returns and delivers a bundle of branch wood projects requiring only basic hand tools; Andy King’s guide to mastering hand-held saws provides you with some central tenets that will be sure to see your skills improve; and in the absence of a lathe – or the skills to use one – how do you turn legs, rails and spindles? Jeff Gorman reaches for a ’shop-made rounding plane.

The Editor is all smiles after trying his hand at tree climbing
The Editor is all smiles after trying his hand at tree climbing

We also have some great features for you to enjoy, including the Editor telling us why he loves a woodfair so much. Casting his mind back to last year’s Bentley Woodfair, he shares his thoughts on all the wonderful things on offer and shows how these events really are a great day out for all the family. We also find out more about Shropshire-based traditional timber framer Adam Barker, who runs courses from his premises as well as providing various traditional woodworking services, as Colin Eden-Eadon discovers first hand. We also take a look at Barn the Spoon’s brand-new book, which is truly impressive and will surely remain the spoon maker's favourite guide for many years to come, and lastly, we bring you a fantastic new series from Stan Clark, which sees him being transported back to the world of traditional ladder making in the 1950s.

The 150mm Empire True Blue combi square is a versatile and useful measuring device, which slips easily into the apron pocket when you’re working
The 150mm Empire True Blue combi square is a versatile and useful measuring device, which slips easily into the apron pocket when you’re working

On the test bench this month is a varied selection, but we’re confident there’s something to suit everyone’s pocket. Whether you’re in the market for a new sander, or a natty little plane, we’ve got it covered, starting with the Kamasa adjustable clamp, which features extendable arms that are perfect for holding all manner of wooden objects. Ian Wilkie also looks at two tools, one of which he’s sure will last a good many years, and Wera’s new bit sets put in exemplary performance. The Skil F0157226AE Fox 2-in-1 sander has strong ergonomic credentials and is great value, while the Veritas detail palm planes are ideal for intricate shaping jobs.

In this excerpt from The Woodworker of April 1925, we look at plans for an Adam-style extending dining table, which remains a very useful item to this day
In this excerpt from The Woodworker of April 1925, we look at plans for an Adam-style extending dining table, which remains a very useful item to this day

We also have all your favourite regular pages, including welcome from the Editor, before taking a look at a selection of your letters, an  excerpt from The Woodworker of 1925, letting you know all the latest woodworking news and events, and also giving you a glimpse at our September issue.

Enjoy!

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