Australian Woodsmith

After purchasing a new table saw, I needed to make extra zero-clearance table inserts. The problem was adjusting the table insert to be flush with the top of the table. I decided to drill oversized holes in each corner, which ended up being about one

Gravity always wins is my introductory statement when demonstrating how to craft hand-cut dovetails. Over the years I have always tilted the tailpiece in the vice so the cut is vertical. I start the cut with the saw perpendicular to the surface and t

The P-Flux 3 Laguna dust extractor is a game changer in the world of dust extraction. Laguna has gone back to basics and redesigned their already excellent dust extraction system from the ground up. The amount of air that this machine sucks in create

When you hear folks say you can never have enough clamps, it usually means they’ve been through the experience of making something without considering how they’re finally going to put it together. As resourceful as we are, even the most dextrous of u

Washi translates as Wa (Japanese) Shi (paper). It has been made in Japan for at least 1300 years and is the preferred paper for calligraphy, certificates, origami, shoji screens and lampshades. The craft of making paper from the inner bark of the pap

Crafting joinery and connecting pieces of wood into larger assemblies is the part of woodworking I enjoy most. Learning different joinery methods can enhance your enjoyment of woodworking and even open up new possibilities. I gravitate to a few well-

This project describes the construction of a set of simple steps, with newel posts, handrail balustrade and spindles. This formed part of a kitchen extension, and was subject to Building Regulations. The information presented here should provide you

Mortise and tenons might be my favourite joint. They’re strong, reliable and easy to hide if you don’t want to see them (though I’ve always enjoyed the look of through tenons myself). Tenons aren’t too hard to make most of the time. I tend to cut my

In our next issue we visit Japanese Tools Australia and investigate how Christian uses a pottery wheel as a lapping station! The techniques we look into include mixed media inlaying and cutting grooves and slots. The weekend project is a neat little

I have been fascinated with Kumiko panels for a while and had made a few square lamp shades, but square would not do in this situation… it had to be round. My research yielded nothing and so I headed out on a voyage of discovery, and you are welcome

This simple but sturdy workbench ticks all the boxes when it comes to a reliable workcentre. It’s made of a trio of fairly economical materials — 90 x 45 Douglas fir framing stock forms the skeleton, pegboard in the sides and MDF for the shelf and th

My challenge this month is to make a Singapore ball. I have been aware of these for many years but have never even considered making one. It’s an interesting puzzle where small points protrude from a ball, but the points have enough space to move aro

David Barron’s small chest of drawers on page 62 inspired me to make the most of a piece of aromatic rosewood I had squirrelled away in the workshop. The curved sides and scalloped top are both eye catching and sensuous. The organic design is so deli

My favourite plane has to be my Veritas shooting plane. The PM-V11 blade keeps its edge for ages and it can be used free-hand as well as in a shooting board. Sadly, last time I went to use it, I noticed that all the planes in my plane drawer had star

Panelbeaters leather sandbags are an option worth looking at if you are in the market for sandbags (Hare & Forbes has them in stock). You can make your own out of heavy-duty cotton if you know your way around a sewing machine, however the leather-cov

$80 for subscribers or upgrade your current disc/USB for only $25* Now is your chance to own 150 issues of Australian Woodsmith on USB. Every project, every tip and every technique from Issue 1 to 150 has been reproduced on this fully searchable and

Simply subscribe or renew your subscription to go into the draw to win a Gifkins Dovetail Jig Package. The Gifkins dovetail jig Solo Beginner Pack is their hero piece - designed to introduce you to the easiest jig on the market today! • a standard ji