As I stated in the last newsletter, our library was enhanced recently by the addition of six new instructional DVD's featuring various well known experts.  I picked three and described them last month.  This article describes the remaining three in the set.

DVD number four is entitled "Router Joinery" by Gary Rogowski.  This DVD runs approximately one hour and takes you through quite an array of items, all used to stress how versatile a router can be for furniture construction.  Throughout his demonstrations, Gary covers all of the steps necessary to complete a joint, including suggestions on router selection, stock preparation, jigs and setup, etc.  Just about every common connection is referenced; rabbets, dadoes, grooves, mortise & tenons, dovetailing, etc.  He has also authored several books on the subject; the "Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery", and "Router Joinery".

Gary is an affable host.  This is probably the most entertaining DVD of all those we've acquired, simply due to the amusing comments he makes during his delivery.  There are many examples of his light-hearted approach throughout his instruction.  He seems like a very down-to-earth type of guy, and I think his choice of tooling exemplifies his approach to woodworking.  Namely, that it's available to everyone, and you don't necessarily need the biggest and most expensive equipment to produce fine joinery through the use of power tools.

The fifth DVD is entitled "Dovetail a Drawer" by Frank Klausz.  I'm sure you recognize the name, and you may realize that we've had this instructional material in our library for some time in VHS format.  Seems to me that "fine dovetailing" and Mr. Klausz are essentially synonymous.  He's an European-trained cabinetmaker with well over 30 years experience.  In fact, this presentation was actually taped back in the early 1980's, and re-released recently on DVD.  He's also been featured time and again in high-end publications such as Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, and others.

In this DVD, Mr. Klausz dispels the idea that you need jigs and/or templates to cut precise dovetails.  I wonder how many of us in the Guild have ever set pins and tails by eye?  I have to admit, my joinery has been limited to butt joints and pocket screws!  He begins his instruction by addressing stock preparation, and then demonstrates by cutting drawer sides for a desk in progress.  He uses the table saw for mundane work like preparing stock, then shuts it down and completes his work with marking gauges, saws, and chisels.  Mr. Klausz really knows how to use handtools with precision - wait 'till you see him pop waste out of a dovetailed edge!  And, he's quick - he stresses speed is of the essence in order to make a living at this type of work.  Once assembled, the drawer is snug in the desk.  He adjusts the fit with several quick "whisks" of a smoothing plane and, wah-lah, a perfect fit.  Awesome!

The final DVD in the set is entitled "Mastering Woodworking Machines" by Mark Duginske.  You should be familiar with Mark, as we have another DVD by him that I described last month.  Additionally he has written several books about woodworking machines;  "Mastering Woodworking Machines", and "Bandsaw Handbook" (I have this last one at home - it's great!).  This particular DVD is all about getting precise cuts from major power tools using inexpensive gauges.  The instruction takes place in his workshop (in the country - what views!) for a complete "hands-on" demonstration of how to setup, tune, and use a variety of equipment.

Mark has a special devotion to simple, precise jigs.  It's fascinating to watch him bring a fence to close tolerance, then "micro-adjust" with a handful of "Post-It" notes.  He stresses the use of inexpensive aids like this so a woodworker can devote his savings to buying the best machine he can get.  The instruction and the cuts produced are the product of good solid machines and precise adjustments.    He has also developed some power tool accessories, but does not really bother "pitching" them in the DVD.  He delivers what I think is a very enlightening presentation.

As I stated last month, I'm thrilled to see these DVD's in our library; they provide an alternate means of education towards our hobby, and are ideal if you're short on time.  Although technology is a wonderful thing (when it works!), there's nothing like a good hard-copy, especially in the heat of battle when you're stuck on a particular phase of a project.  I mentioned several books in this article that we currently don 't have in our library.  If you are interested in any of these, let me know.  I love to hear about what the membership wants to read.