Ask Smitty_Page 3



		*ISSUE ARCHIVES*

	*MAY/ JUNE 2001* Volume 44 / Issue 3 IN THIS ISSUE Project Articles Curio Cabinet Pot-Holding Garden Planter Kitchen Pasta Tools *DEPARTMENTS* Ask Smitty Owner’s Gallery Letters from Owners Academy Notes Gluing-Up Tips How to Set-up and Use your Shopsmith Complete Cabinet Set Shaper Cutters Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH Service Pointers Table Saw Service Pointers -- Rip Fence, Miter Gauge & Extension Table Troubleshooting Safety Tips Do’s and Don’ts *SURF’S UP* The Shopsmith Hollow Chisel Mortising Attachment Specials & Online Catalog Links Worth Visiting Find A Shopsmith MARK V Demo Near You *FREE FROM SHOPSMITH* Free Woodworking Tips Request Accessory Catalog Request MARK V Information Package *FEEDBACK* Contacting Shopsmith Copyright 2001. Shopsmith, Inc. All Rights Reserved


	Just Ask Smitty


	ASK SMITTY! Here are the questions . . . and SMITTY’S answers for this issue!


	No woodworker (except SMITTY, of course) has ALL the answers. From time-to-time, everyone hits a snag, trying to figure out some sort of in-shop problem. If you're having trouble with a project or a woodworking technique, ASK SMITTY! Just use the special e-mail link directly below to send your questions to SMITTY. He’ll do his best to get back to you soon, with the answers to those questions.


	If you're having a problem setting-up, aligning or maintaining your Shopsmith equipment, you should contact Shopsmith's Technical Support Staff (NOT Smitty). Call TOLL-FREE, 1-800-762-7555 during normal business hours to speak directly with a Shopsmith Technical Support Representative.


	Seeking inexpensive cabinet wood From Pat Cantwell (“Proud owner of a Shopsmith for over 40 years”), via e-mail I would like to make some raised panel doors and have read your directions on the Shopsmith web site. However, my problem is not with the manufacturing process, but rather, with the material. My cabinets will be made of Maple/Birch plywood with birch trim. Because these cabinets will be stained and lacquered, I would like to obtain a less expensive “white wood” for the raised panels. They don’t need to be maple or birch. What material would you suggest? I would suggest using poplar. It’s often called “Poor Man’s” . . . walnut, maple, cherry, etc. . . . .because its grain pattern is so similar to so many other woods. As a result, depending on the stain you use, it can mimic many of these other, more expensive woods quite nicely. Poplar is also very inexpensive and easy to work with. Do note, however, that poplar is softer than most of the woods it mimics, so a hard, clear over-finish (such as polyurethane or varnish) is usually a good idea for protection. Continue . . .

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