eLetter: The magic behind sharpening

The latest news from FineWoodworking.com - March 26th, 2022 [View in Browser]( [Fine Woodworking Logo]( [Subscribe]( Hello, {EMAIL}! [Chris Gochnour's sharpening process]( So many times I’ve heard, “You have a dream job. I’d wish I could do it too.” I used to awkwardly deflect these confessions, but I’ve stopped. I get it, after all: This gig’s a unicorn. For me, the shiniest part of that unicorn–the biggest benefit–is watching high-level pros woodwork in real time. The benefit plays out in two stages. First, it reminds me that these people aren’t magicians. Watch someone tap a tablesaw fence over five times just to blow past their desired dimension and have to shoot over–that’ll bring anyone back to earth. But that’s when the second stage starts: Magical furniture doesn’t require magicians, just knowledge and patience. Because when the author does get that setting right, the project starts to come together in front of me, giving a clear picture of what’s to come without belying how it’s going to get there. It’s heartening because I’m no magician, and yet thanks to these experiences I’ve become a far better woodworker. So, that real-time woodworking is what I try to share with readers when I get the chance. Take, for example, this video of Chris Gochnour sharpening. On the surface, it’s super mundane–but so’s tapping a tablesaw fence, so don’t dismiss it. It’s 6:32 of seeing how Chris gets laser sharp, including what he slows down for and what he breezes through. Most importantly, Chris employs no magic. The video’s just a dude sharpening–a dude with decades of accumulated knowledge and practiced patience. The video will make you a better woodworker. Plus, you get to peek at his gear. That’s another perk of my job. (My job has a lot of perks.) —Barry NM Dima, Associate Editor [Watch Now]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [When furniture makers make crates]( Furniture maker Megan Fitzpatrick demonstrates how to make a crate that gets the job done (and Bean the Shop Cat approves). [Read More]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [When furniture makers make crates]( [Where to buy denatured alcohol?]( As regulations evolve, finding this solvent is going to require some creativity. [Read More]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [Where to buy denatured alcohol?]( [Tool review: Zenni Optical prescription safety glasses]( Anissa Kapsales tries on prescription safety glasses. [Read More]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [Tool review: Zenni Optical prescription safety glasses]( [New shops and old movies]( How do we decide what’s important in our workspaces, what’s too much, and what’s not enough? [Read More]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [New shops and old movies]( [Video: How to hang DIY floating shelves without special hardware]( Black iron pipe is the solution. Just be prepared to patch some holes. [Watch Now]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [Video: How to hang DIY floating shelves without special hardware]( [Workshop tip: Quick way to sharpen a wheel-type marking gauge]( Use a drill press and a small diamond honing plate. [Read More]( [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [pinterest]( [Workshop tip: Quick way to sharpen a wheel-type marking gauge]( [Pedestal Dining Table Plans]( With its cluster of center posts and its cantilevered top, this table makes a great dining table, whether you choose to make a round top or an oval one. [Shop]( [Boxes - Spring 2022]( Whether you are just embarking on your woodworking journey or have been making furniture for so many years that your house won’t hold even one more chair, a wooden box is the perfect project. [Shop]( [Fine Woodworking]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [BECOME A MEMBER]( [pinterest]( [instagram]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [youtube]( [TAUNTON STORE]( | [ABOUT]( | [CUSTOMER SERVICE]( | [CONTACT]( | [PRIVACY POLICY]( [COPYRIGHT]( | [TERMS OF USE]( | [ACCESSIBILITY]( | [CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS]( 63 South Main Street | Newtown, CT 06470 You received this message because you are a Taunton customer or have registered at Taunton.com. This email was sent to you by The Taunton Press. [Click here]( to unsubscribe or to update your email preferences.