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Lance Winter’s wooden bar clamp

Well, April is finally here and while that means spring is knocking on the door, it’s also a great time to start getting back into the workshop and dusting off those woodworking tools. So, in terms of what we have in store for you this month, we start off with a fantastic range of projects and turning articles, including John English showing that turning with carbide tools is an approachable method for any turner, and in his article he makes a number of legs for a foot stool. Next up, Lance Winter shows you how to make your very own wooden clamp, using threaded rod and rare earth magnets; also, with some cunning fakery Phil Davy conjures up an extra view; while Dave Roberts completes his classically inspired miniature folly; Glen Scott uses pieces of pre-dimensioned timber to make an effective bookshelf and storage solution, and last but not least, paying homage to internationally acclaimed woodturner Ray Key, Les Thorne finishes one of his part-turned pieces and also makes a tribute piece in his distinctive style.

Bob Guy lowers the iron press’ platen on its wrist-thick thread with a characteristic sweep of the bar

If technical articles are more your bag, then take a look at Dave Roberts’ next ‘Borderlands’ instalment, which details his meeting with wood engraver, Bob Guy; next, in the final part of his series, Michael Forster shows you how to cut some seriously impressive London and houndstooth dovetails; in ‘Home truths’ Edward Hopkins draws with birch ply; and in the second instalment of ‘woodworker’s encyclopaedia’, Peter Bishop looks at everyday terms and phrases used within and about the timber industry.

The Bursledon Windmill restoration

We also have some interesting and varied features for you, such as Robin Gates’ next ‘Archive’ piece, which looks at the making of a mallet, and was first published in February 1902; Anselm Fraser, principal of The Chippendale International School of Furniture, suggests a range of ways in which we can seek inspiration to further our woodworking endeavours; retired head gardener Tony Bryant’s spare bedroom workshop contains all he needs to continue his woodworking journey, before John Greeves talks to Malcolm Cooper about his work as a millwright with particular focus on the Bursledon Windmill restoration.

Using the Makita DBO180Z 18V Li-ion LXT cordless random orbital sander on oak kitchen worktops

Test-wise we have a whole lot in store for you, including a piece of five-star rated kit from Makita - their DBO180Z 18V Li-ion LXT cordless random orbital sander. Phil Davy calls it ‘a dream to use’, and is incredibly impressed with its excellent ergonomics and fantastic, swirl-free finish. He also puts the Axminster Ultimate Edge Deluxe Variable Speed Sharpening System through its paces and as he finds, while it’s an expensive piece of kit, it does offer a new way of sharpening, linishing and polishing. Next, Jonathan Salisbury finds the Triton TTS1400KIT700 1,400W track saw kit to deliver impressive results, although the lack of dust extraction and noise generated is a disadvantage; and Edward Hopkins is delighted with the Triton TSPS450 oscillating bobbin and belt sander.

For our competition this month, we’re back with Dickies as we help them celebrate the recent launch of their ‘Hard Working Since 1922’ range. As a result, they’re giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win one of their Dennison T-shirts - so see inside the issue for further details. As well as this, you can also expect to find all your usual favourite pages, including news and courses, welcome, marketplace, next month, letters and readers’ tips. All this and much more in the April 2019 issue of The Woodworker & Good Woodworking, which is now on sale!

Enjoy!
Tegan Foley, Editor