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Colin Simpson’s attractive turned pansy bowl

Without further ado let me welcome you to our brand-new October issue, which is now on sale. As usual, we aim to deliver the usual mix of inspirational projects and technical articles that will help you to develop new skills, as well as honing existing ones. We also have an array of interesting features as well as tests on the latest kit from some of the leading manufacturers.

Kicking off our projects section is Shaun Newman, who brings us the final part of his early Viennese guitar build, before Glenn Perry reflects back on the steps he took to create a charming two-seater chair in the Windsor style, which also happens to be featured on this month’s front cover. Next, With a toddler on the move, Mitch Wilmoth decides to make a custom DIY baby gate to perfectly fit the space at the top of his stairs, and Phil Davy shows us how to make a straightforward stud partition wall.

In turning, taking inspiration from his neighbour’s colourful pansy patch, Colin Simpson goes about replicating the flower in turned form; Les Thorne creates a lidded pot in beautiful burr oak with an additional threaded ebony finial and base; and we also have a one-off carving article for you from Jake Williams, who takes you through the simple steps for creating your own wooden spoon for the kitchen.

The UJK Parf Guide System in use

In our technical section, we have the first of a brand-new series on woodworking fundamentals by new author Richard Chaloner, who this month tackles the subject of sharpening tools and techniques, and following his review of the Axminster MB1931 bench-top thicknesser, Colin Simpson explains why snipe occurs as well as offering various suggestions on what can be done to reduce it. Carrying on from the last issue, Peter Bishop further discusses workshop setup and this time looks at the types of tools required, and we also have a very interesting article from Peter Parfitt, inventor of the UJK Parf Guide System, who shows how you can create MFT3 style bench tops and custom track saw cutting stations using just a few simple tools.

Join us in Porthtowan, Cornwall as we meet professional surfboard maker James Otter

In terms of this month’s features, we speak to Peter Sefton Furniture School graduate Noah Morris, who, inspired by his two woodwork-loving grandfathers, explains how this influence paved a way for him to discover a love of furniture making for himself. Also, in archive, Robin Gates finds an echo of the space age in a pair of floor and table lamps from 1961 but suggests our enthusiasm for building with electricity has been dimmed by regulations, and in ‘me & my workshop’, we meet professional Cornish surfboard maker, James Otter.

The Mirka DEOS is ideal for sanding all manner of cabinetry, such as these oak veneer kitchen cabinets

In ‘on test’, Colin Simpson joins our panel this month as he takes a look at the Axminster MB1931 bench-top thicknesser, which as he explains, is a serious piece of kit. Blade setting is easy and the machine also leaves a great surface finish, and the thee-year guarantee also helps to sweeten the deal. Next up, Jamie Smith puts the Mirka DEOS 353CV orbital sander through its paces and is incredibly impressed with its performance and dust-free sanding ability, so much so that he awarded it five stars. And if you’re in the market for some useful bench aids, then take a look at the workshop duster brush from Workshop Heaven.

As usual, we also have a fantastic competition for you to enter, which this month comes courtesy of Wood Workers Workshop, and gives you the chance to win an INCRA MagnaLOCK™ router plate 621625-T – worth £129.95, plus a 15% discount code for readers. And time is running out for you to submit your top workshop hints and tips, so be sure to email in and send a few photos - each month’s lucky winner will receive a fantastic Veritas low-angle jack plane, worth over £250, so don’t miss out. You can also find your usual favourite pages, including news and courses, welcome, marketplace, next month and letters. All this and much more in the October edition of The Woodworker incorporating Good Woodworking, which is now on sale!

Enjoy!
Tegan Foley, Editor

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