Magazines

A modern shepherd’s hut - the perfect rural idyll on wheels

Well, the festive season is almost upon us and you could say Christmas has come early, such is the veritable range of woodworking treats we’ve got in store for you! High on our list of gifts would be Robin Gates’ hand-crafted ditty box, which sees him reclaiming old oak for the sides and ends, cutting rebates by saw and chisel, as well as finding a sweet technique for restoring a rusty saw - and join Robin next month as he completes the build. Sadly, we also have the last in Gary Cook’s ‘tool collector’ series, although he happily goes out on a high, presenting his impressive collection of chisels and gouges that he stores in purpose-made tool trays to keep them looking their best. Also the subject of this month’s cover is Peter Bishop’s latest commission - a metamorphic table and stool, which also doubles up as a coffee table - three for the price of one; what’s not to like! If you’re anything like us then we really enjoy being outdoors (although not so much at this time of year), and if you share in our love of the rural life then take a look at Charles Lyster and Jeremy Harris’ beautiful shepherd’s huts, each of which is made by hand, displaying traditional features but having evolved to meet the requirements of the 21st century - John Greeves brings us the full story. Rick Wheaton was out and about again this month meeting members of his local Men’s Sheds Association premises. Greeted by a warm welcome, he discovers that each is doing their bit for charity while practising what they love – woodworking, and continuing with a new series, this month we step inside the workshop of furniture restorer Linda Kemp to find out what she couldn’t do without. We also learn how David Hatherley’s library-style bookcases let the books do the talking, and when the big names of European Modernist design met a brave new British company the result was Isokon, as Mark Gould reports. And last but not least, we bring you a fantastic project by Ian Hawthorne, who’s stunning fuchsia decorated marquetry box presents a real challenge.

Andrew Hall shows you how to turn your very own smoking snowman!

In turning, we have a fantastic Christmas-themed project (come on, it’s our December issue!) from Andrew Hall, who shows you how to create your very own smoking snowman, which is sure to be loved and admired by all! And if you fancy getting even more creative, then Colin Simpson’s doughnut chuck-turned offcentre platter would make an ideal gift for a loved one.

This excerpt from The Woodworker of August 1944 shows how to make a portable tool case, which is still relevant to this day

Sadly, we also bring you the last in Stan Clark’s ladder making diary series, as we learn how an advancement in aluminium ladders and mechanisation sadly led to the end of Mr Ward’s ladder making business. In Archive, nearly 70 years on, we show you a tool case project from The Woodworker of August 1944, which should still prove inspiring, and we also have some great letters from you showing projects you’ve made from old editions.

With the lid securely in place, the Toolovation Magic Glue Dispenser allows glue to stay fresh, ready for the next use

Test-wise, we have some top kit that will definitely make you want to part with your Christmas pennies, including the great new Bosch GHO 12V-20 Professional compact planer, which although small, delivers impressive results and is light and easy to handle. Similarly, the new Makita JV102D 10.8V cordless CXT brushless jigsaw is also a contender, ticks all the boxes and is comfortable, efficient and powerful to boot. In terms of accessories, we take a look at the Trend DWS/KIT/B diamond honing/polishing kit, which has everything you need to sharpen, hone and polish your tools while delivering fast and repeatable results every time, and for the turning enthusiasts, the Crown Mini Spiralling Tool allows you to add a unique textured appearance to your turnings – so go on, experiment away! We also have a fantastic little workshop gadget for you (awarded five stars) - the Toolovation Magic Glue Dispenser - which is a must-have for any woodworker who does regular glue-ups, and it can be yours for under a tenner!

As well as the wide range of excellent content above, we also have your usual favourites, including AOB, courses, timber directory and next month, which allows you to take a sneak peek at what we’ve got in store for our first issue of 2018!

All this and much more in the December issue of The Woodworker, which is now on sale!