AW Extra - Woeful Woodworking Tales for the Ides of March

• Oops! Biscuit Slots Refuse to Align
• Oops! Router Bit Gouges Template
• Win a Tablesaw!
• Oops! Kink Sinks Saw Blade
• Oops! Tongues Refuse to Fit Grooves
• Start Planning Your Spring Projects!

I was cutting biscuit slots for a long edge joint the other day and everything was humming right along. But when I put the boards together, they didn’t line up worth a darn! Boy, my plate joiner technique could sure use some tips.

While making a template-guided cut on my router table, the router bit slipped in the collet. As a result, the bit's bearing missed the template and the cutting flutes gouged it instead. Fixing the damage was no biggie, because I'd just read a story that was chock full of template routing tips.

While making a pull cut with my Japanese saw, the blade came out of the kerf. Trying to immediately push that thin blade back into the kerf was a big mistake. The blade bent at an awful angle and now it's as useful as burnt toast. I guess I need to learn more about using Japanese Dozuki saws.

I created this cool looking door panel by making cove cuts on my tablesaw. Cool looking, yes, but the panel’s tongue profiles swelled right at the end, so they wouldn't fit the grooves in the door’s stiles and rails. Go figure. Fortunately, I found the solution and learned a lot more about the process from an excellent how-to story on making coved doors on the tablesaw.

The American Woodworker Bookstore has everything you need to start spring projects, from bookshelves and keepsake boxes to nesting trays and coffee tables. For just $3.99 you’ll get complete how-to instructions for an enjoyable woodworking project. Be sure to check back each week, as new projects and plans will be added throughout the spring season. Shop Now!