Magazines

Learn how to make Phil Davy’s practical planter

We’re well into our summer issues and pleased to announce that the number of projects, technical articles and features is in full flow, so we hope there’s something that will appeal to every woodworker or woodturner. For example, project-wise, Rik Middleton’s design for a good, solid woodworking workbench is suitable for any craftsman including experienced cabinetmakers, and in his next article, Andrew Hall takes inspiration from an old German woodcarving video to create a lidded bowl with finial, which houses laid eggs. Next up, whether practical or decorative, plain or ornamental, knobs and finials lend a project detail, interest and proportion, as woodturner Dave Roberts shows; also, originally inspired by the work of French woodturner Benoît Averly, Les Thorne sets about making his own version of a classic piece; and last but not least, Mitch Wilmoth works to commission and creates a bespoke headboard in a farmhouse style.

When the lid of the box is slid forward slightly, as Denis Whittaker demonstrates, the lid will drop onto the steps ready for polishing

Moving on to our technical section, we deal with a vast range of subjects in this issue, starting with internationally renowned chairmaker Mike Dunbar discussing the making and design of a number of different North American Windsor chairs, before Peter Bishop moves from bodgers to books and bows to bright stuff in the next instalment of his ‘Woodworker’s encyclopaedia’ series. Next up, Denis Whittaker shares the steps he takes when making a basic box complete with inlay, feet and hardware, and in his next ‘Borderlands’ article, Dave Roberts meets Helen Robinson, a stained-glass artist whose alchemy transforms silica and base oxides into liquid gold, and cobalt, and ruby, and turquoise…

Kwakiutl carver Ellen Neel carving a totem pole

Our features section is particularly inspiring and looks at everything from blind woodturners to totem pole carving, to the concept of designing furniture by design. Robin Gates is first up with his next ‘Archive’ piece, which sees him reconsidering our underused senses after finding blind woodturner Sidney Goodrum featured in the July 1965 issue of The Woodworker. Next, Paul Greer takes a closer look at the carving of totem poles through the ages as well as how they are made, with a focus on celebrated totem pole makers of our time; in ‘Me & my workshop’ we’re in Lancashire as we learn more about blind woodturner, Chris Fisher; and in ‘Modern woodworking’, the best way to connect with customers, says Anselm Fraser, principal of The Chippendale International School of Furniture, is to inject a little piece of your DNA into your furniture.

The DeWalt DCS577 XR FLEXVOLT circular saw features two large handles, which helps to control the tool

We also have some great kit on our test bench, including a few great products from Triton Tools: the TSPS370 oscillating tilting table spindle sander and the MOF001 dual mode precision plunge router. Compact enough to store under the bench in a small workshop, Phil Davy found the TSPS370 to be efficient, a cinch to use and most importantly, it produces a decent finish. Moving on to the MOF001, Jonathan Salisbury was a particular fan and found it to include excellent safety features, was very easy to set up and also competitively priced. And last but not least, Phil Davy had fun taking the new DeWalt DCS577 XR FLEXVOLT circular saw for a spin, and despite not really being a machine for the workshop, for carpentry and first-fix work he found it to be superb, with a huge amount of power.

Be in with the chance of winning 1 of 2 Triton TSPS370 oscillating tilting table spindle sanders - worth £177 each

This month, we’ve also teamed up with Triton Tools to give two lucky winners the chance to get their hands on the same TSPS370 oscillating tilting table spindle sander tested in this issue, which has a prize value of £177. See inside for details on how you can enter - good luck! As well as this great competition, 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 July 2019 issue of The Woodworker & Good Woodworking, which is now on sale!

Enjoy!
Tegan Foley, Editor