May 2001
Issue 57

Shop-tested tips to solve common woodworking problems.

Plastic parts bins are great for storing hardware and other items. But how do you keep the dust out? The answer is a shop-made storage cabinet with a see-through, flip-up lid.

With a large worksurface, an adjustable fence and stop, and storage space, this will be the last drill press table you'll ever need. Plus it doubles as a drum sanding station with replaceable inserts and a built-in shop vacuum hookup.

Tuned up your plane and still aren't getting the results you expect? A new blade may be just what your plane needs.

With a hand-held router and this handy jig, you can rout a wide variety of decorative designs in your projects. A metal pin and a shop-made template guide the workpiece while you rout the design.

Fine tools, collectibles, and valued keepsakes deserve special storage. And a custom-fitted case is the answer. We show you step-by-step how to build one -- working from the inside out.

Water-based finishes have a lot going for them. They're easy to use, there's no messy cleanup, and they're tough and long-lasting. We share what we've learned in our shop about buying and using water-based finishes.