Table of Contents

This symbol lets you know there’s more information here at ShopNotes.com. You’ll see step-by-step videos, technique and project animation, bonus cutting diagrams, and a lot more.
- Previous issue:
September 1997 - Next issue:
January 1998 - Current issue:
November 2014
ShopNotes No. 36
Features
Jigs & Accessories
6 / Picture Frame Clamping Jig
This simple clamping jig uses an ordinary band clamp to keep the mitered corners of a picture frame from slipping out of alignment during glue-up.
In The Shop
8 / Tuning Up a Block Plane
All it takes to turn your block plane into a precision tool is a simple tune-up. Here’s our step-by-step approach.
Selecting Tools
12 / Sabre Saws
Our team of woodworkers tests six popular sabre saws and offers practical suggestions on the best one to buy.
Feature Project
16 / Miter Trimmer
It’s easy to get a perfect-fitting miter joint with this shop-made miter trimmer. With a built-in clamp holding the workpiece at a 45° angle, just take a thin shaving with a block plane to “true up” the mitered end.
Hands-On Project
22 / Desktop Picture Frames
You can build both of these desktop picture frames in a weekend. But with their intricate looking profiles and contrasting strips of wood, no one would ever guess.
Technique
26 / Strengthening Miter Joints
Three shop-tested techniques to strengthen the end grain to end grain glue surface of a miter joint. Also, three fasteners for making a strong mechanical connection.
Departments
4 / Readers' Tips
Our readers offer their own shop-tested tips for solving some of the most common woodworking problems.
Tips From Our Shop
28 / Shop Solutions
Use these tips from the guys in our shop to get professional-looking results on the projects in this issue.
30 / New Products
Here’s a quick look at three new woodworking products that have earned a well-deserved place in our shop.