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From Rob's Bench:

U.K. awards and ugly furniture or me bragging?

I sometimes think if it weren’t for Mark Salusbury I’d have nothing to write about. He sent me a Daily Mail link to the Heritage Crafts and Axminster Tools’ Woodworker of the Year contest happening in the U.K. right now.

Free Project Plan:

Hobbit bed

The bed is made from solid ash. The carving on the headboard is in keeping with the “Hobbit” design, and the native bird is the builder's own personal seal.

Contest:

Win a FEIN TURBO I Set dust extractor

There are shop vacuums, and then there is the FEIN TURBO I Set dust extractor. Its powerful 1,100-watt motor delivers 151 cfm of air flow with 98.4″ of static water lift, providing an outstanding ability to suck up dust. An auto-start outlet turns the dust extractor on automatically when you start a connected power tool, while a power-on delay feature prevents current spikes. Includes a 19 ft power cord, 13 ft vacuum hose and accessory set. Contest ends October 30, 2022.

Enter now

Tips/Techniques:

Working without numbers

Working without numbers is all about minimizing the risk of mistakes. Rather than using graduated scales to transfer measurements, use a few simple tools and tricks to take the frustration out of woodworking.

Featured Product:

Sundstrom air-purifying respirator

The Sundstrom SR 500/570 is a battery-powered fan that, together with a filter and an approved head top can be used as an alternative to filter respirators.

Design Basics:

Painting with wood: knife cutting marquetry basics

There’s no better way to add style and originality to a piece of furniture than with marquetry. This craft has been around for thousands of years, so maybe it’s about time for you to give it a try.

Meet the Maker:

Rob Brown

Peterborough, Ontario based studio furniture maker (and editor of Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement magazine) Rob Brown on dovetails, his hatred of red oak and making furniture that tells a story.