Table of Contents

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November 2014
ShopNotes No. 30
Features
Shop Project
4 / Assembly Table
No matter what size project you’re building, this assembly table makes it easy to put it together. Raise or lower the table to hold projects at a comfortable working height. And flip up two wings to expand the work surface.
Feature Project
16 / Small Workbench
Don’t let its small size fool you. This sturdy workbench features two shop-made vises that provide more clamping options than many benches twice its size. There’s even an optional cabinet for storing tools and supplies.
Shop Project
24 / Drop-Down Tool Tray
You can take advantage of the unused space under your bench with this handy tool tray. The lid drops down to provide quick access to your tools. And a set of unique tool holders keeps everything safely in place.
Departments
Selecting Tools
10 / Plunge Routers
ShopNotes puts eight heavy-duty plunge routers to the test. Which one is best? And what are the key things to look for when you’re buying a plunge router?
Readers' Tips
28 / Shop Solutions
Our readers offer their own shop-tested tips: Locking Tool Base, Band Saw Shelf, Box Joint Tip, a Shop-Vacuum Handle, plus three quick tips.
Lumberyard
30 / Wood Moisture
Using wood with the right moisture content can make or break a project. That’s because the amount of moisture affects everything from the fit of the joints to the finish.
Finishing Room
31 / Spray Painting a Finish
There’s more to applying a spray-painted finish than just shaking up a can of paint. Especially if you want to produce a durable finish that looks good too.