Spring Workshops                        TBD
                                     Spring Seminar                             TBD
                                     Turning "bee"                                5/12
                                     Summer Picnic                              6/23
                                     Fall Seminar                                  TBD
                                    Coffee County Fair                        9/20-22
                                     Christmas Party                             12/7

                                    As the seasons change, so will the dimensions of your
                                   wood. But, just as you survive the seasons by living in a
                                   temperature-controlled house, you can help your wood
                                           weather nature's ups and downs, too.

                                STRATEGY 3: As much as possible, control the temperature and
                                humidity level in your shop and wood-storage area so they
                                approximate the environment where your project ultimately will be
                                located. Basement and garage shops in many areas of the country
                                typically require dehumidification in the summer and heating during
                                the winter months. This will help minimize wood movement that
                                might occur after you move the project to its final destination in your
                                home or elsewhere.

                                STRATEGY 4: Take delivery of your wood at least one week
                                before you begin working with it. This gives it time to acclimate to
                                your shop environment. If the wood is being delivered from another
                                part of the country, where the humidity level may be drastically
                                different, give the wood a full month to acclimate. For the wood to
                                adapt properly to its new surroundings you should store it at least 1'
                                off the floor, with evenly spaced stickers that allow air to circulate
                                freely as shown below.

                                STRATEGY 5: If you're building a project under humid
                                conditions, such as during the middle of summer, assume that the
                                workpiece probably will not swell much more. So, in high-humidity
                                conditions you can size frame-and-panel doors and drawer fronts
                                so they're only about 1/16" smaller in width and length than their
                                openings.

                                 However, during the winter, when the air is typically as dry as it will
                                 get during the course of the year, you will have to plan for more
                                 clearance. Under these conditions, an average frame-and-panel
                                 cabinet door should be about 3/16" smaller in width and length than
                                 its opening (3/32" clearance all around). Likewise, a drawer front
                                 should be about 3/16" smaller across its width than its opening.
                                 Because it won't move along its length, you can make the drawer
                                 only 1/16" smaller in this dimension.

   TIPS

Make sure you buy the Shaker pegs (E) before you purchase the rest of the wood for the project. Otherwise, you may not be able to find Shaker pegs to match your choice of wood. A number of mail order sources offer Shaker pegs, but they are available in limited sizes and wood types. Also, be sure to drill the holes in the back (B) to custom fit the pegs.

   CONSTRUCTION

   Begin by cutting all of the project parts to their overall widths and lengths. Make sure to joint all of the edges on your stationary jointer from longer material lengths.

Lay out the grid for the contours in the sides (C),and mark the points where the design intersectseach grid line  Connect the points with a French curve, and then cut out the shape with a band saw.
 
 

   Secure the back, top and sides to one another with No. 8 by 1-1/2" flathead wood screws and carpenter’s glue. You must predrill the holes. Note that the holes in the top should be countersunk, while those in the sides should be counterbored.  As you assemble the sides to the top and the back, make sure to install the dowel (D). Apply a little dab of glue on each end of the dowel.

   After securing the top, plug the hole recesses in the sides and sand flush. Complete the project by gluing and installing the Shaker pegs.

   Give the project a fine sanding and apply a stain of your choice. Next, give the project a complete coat of polyurethane sealer, sanding when dry. Then give it a final coat of polyurethane. A satin finish polyurethane is preferred.

   When mounting the shelf, try to find the wall studs The shelf should be mounted to at least one stud.   Mark two mounting holes onto the back of the shelf, and drill these out to accommodate No. 10 by 2-1/2" flathead wood screws. Counterbore the holes, and then use two plugs or buttons to fill the hole recesses. It is not necessary to glue these buttons in place. If the shelf is not mounted to a wall stud, substitute the screws with an appropriate fastener and wall anchor.
 
 

As announced at the February meeting Jim Van Cleave and Henry Davis will hold a hands-on workshop on sharping and use of the Hand Scraper.  The workshop will be held on Saturday April 7 at Henry’s shop in Tullahoma.   Jim and Henry would like those interested to come to Henry’s shop in groups of four or less at one hour intervals. They figure it should not take over about 45 minutes for you to master using this unique tool.
There has been some questions about just what type scraper the workshop will cover. There are paint scrapers, cabinet scrapers, hand scrapers and probably some other type scrapers.  This workshop will be on the flat rectangular ones that you hold in your hands as opposed to the scrapers that are mounted in a frame or holder of some type.
 Jim and Henry ask that you bring your own scraper.  You do not need to bring files, burnishers, sharping stones, etc.   If you do not have a scraper they are available in most woodworking supply catalogs. On page 68 of the Feb. 01 issue of WOODWORKER’S SUPPLY they are listed as Cabinet scrapers, the straight scraper is listed at $4.50.    ROCKLER list them on page 24 in their Spring 1 2001 catalog as SANDVIK SCAPERS at $8.99. It was reported that this type scraper was available at Lowe’s, but they could not be located there.
 If you are interest in attending this workshop call Henry at 393-3191 or see him at the March meeting to schedule your time.  If you have questions about scrapers and their use or need more information about the workshop feel free to call Jim at 455-8150 or Henry.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft

WOOD ONLINE newsletter

Falls Mill

Appalachain Center for the Arts

Forest Products Lab. 1999 Wood Handbook

Jim DelToro

Highland Hardware

Woodworker's Journal

John C Campbell Folkschool
 

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