Multi-sleeve Rolling Pin
One of the more interesting articles I have written, this rolling pin features a central hex shaft that allows one pin to use multiple sleeves. So there can be a flat one for rolling out dough, and sleeves with different grooves to cut noodles from pasta.
The sleeves were formed using a Bird’s Mouth Bit then the outsides rounded over. While the lathe can be used to round the sleeves and cut the grooves, not everyone has a lathe, so I built a milling box that uses a hand router in place of the lathe.
This article first appeared in the April 2010 issue of Woodworker’s Journal Magazine.
Edwardian Envelope Table
This article, first published in the Woodworker's Journal October 2010 issue, is a lovely occasional table that converts into a game table with a hidden twist.
Edwardian Envelope Table
From occasional table...............To game table!
This elegant 22" square side table unfolds into a 31" square game table when friends arrive. Featuring stringing, small moldings and crossbanded inlays, it is an intermediate, highly useful woodworking project that is sure to be a feature piece in your home. First published in Woodworker's Journal, Oct. 2010.
Download Edwardian Envelope Table Article PDF (8.52 MB)
This project requires a few special parts that we've located for you:
Get additional plan details, instructions and expanded drawings with our Edwardian Envelope Game Table Plans, available for purchase in our Plans Store.
Sushi Tray
This elegant hardwood and bamboo sushi tray is based on a traditional design - with a modern flair. Breadboard ends with butterfly splines, dovetailed legs, and built-in chopstick rests are created utilizing dovetail joinery techniques. Article includes instructions, photographs, detailed drawings, and a cut list. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, March 2007.
A new twist on a traditional sushi tray using butterfly keys as structural and design elements. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, March 2007.
Sushi Tray Article, Woodcraft Magazine, March 2007
Download Sushi Tray Article PDF (3.7 MB)
Our Bamboo Sushi Serving Tray Plans, available for purchase in our Plans Store, expands upon the article and includes updated and expanded instructions and drawings.
Miterless Picture Frames
Originally published in Woodcraft Magazine, January 2007, this article walks you through how to create mission-style frames using half-laps rather than miters to join the corners. Article includes instructions and helpful photographs.
A unique frame design made with half-laps rather than miters. The simple jig allows you to make any size picture frame from the same setup. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, January 2007.
Miterless Picture Frames Article, Woodcraft Magazine, January 2007
Download Miterless Picture Frames Article PDF (892 KB)
Visit our Plans Store to purchase our No-Miter Picture Frames Plan, including expanded instructions and updated drawings.
Work Sharp Review
Work Sharp, The Wood Tool Sharpener, is made by the same company that manufactures the Drill Doctor. This all-in-one sharpening system is promoted as an air-cooled woodworking tool sharpening system that grinds, sharpens and hones without cumbersome jigs - but is that how it really functions? Ralph Bagnall used the Work Sharp in his shop and shares his results in this September 2007 article from Woodcraft Magazine.
Ralph puts the Work Sharp, The Wood Tool Sharpener from Professional Tool Manufacturing, through it's paces. Does it consistently grind, sharpen and hone as advertised? Find out what Ralph thinks in this article published in Woodcraft Magazine, September 2007.
Work Sharp, The Wood Tool Sharpener, Review, Woodcraft Magazine, September 2007
Download the Work Sharp Review PDF (1.94 MB)
Travel Game Table
Bring your chess or checkers game with you wherever you go! This charming game table, based on a British Campaign era piece, is designed to fold up and store the detachable stand inside its case. Article includes drawings, detailed instructions with photographs, a cut list and design template. Originally published in Woodcraft Magazine, March 2006.
A clever little table from the British Colonial period, it folds up into its own small case so you can play on the go. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, March 2006.
Travel game Table, Woodcraft Magazine, March 2006
Locking Bits
In this article, Ralph Bagnall shows you how to use lock-miter bits and drawer-lock bits to create solid joinery using your router table. Detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs guide you through learning how to set up and create perfect-fitting joinery using locking bits. Originally published in Woodcraft Magazine, January 2006.
Lock-miter bits and drawer-lock bits are highly useful, but the set up can be complex and difficult to get right. Learn how to set them up and adjust your technique to get great results. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, January 2006.
Locking Bits Article, Woodcraft Magazine, January 2006
Download Locking Bits Article PDF (1.9 MB)
CarveWright CompuCarve Review
Ralph Bagnall reviews the CarveWright CompuCarve compact CNC Carving Machine in this article from the May 2007 issue of Woodcraft Magazine. The CompuCarve CNC Carving Machine was sold by Sears under the Craftsman brand. Learn what works - and what doesn't in this little machine.
Published in Woodcraft Magazine, May 2007, this is one of the first reviews of CarveWright's CompuCarve compact CNC carving machine.
CarveWright CompuCarve Review, Woodcraft Magazine, May 2007
Modular Drawer Organizer
Tidy up nearly any drawer in your home or shop with this easy to build modular drawer organizer. Designed to be adjustable, this organizer will meet your storage needs as they evolve over time. Article includes detailed instructions and materials list. Published in Woodcraft magazine, January 2006.
An easy to make, adjustable system of dividers, perfect for organizing your kitchen utensil drawer, bathroom vanity drawer, and dresser drawers.
Drawer Organizer Article, Woodcraft Magazine, January 2006
Magswitch Switchable Magnets Review
Magswitch has created "switchable" magnets - magnets that can be set in place unmagnetized, then switched on by turning a knob. Discover why Ralph is very pleased with how these powerful magnets work in his shop. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, July 2007.
Magswitch has applied switching ability to powerful magnets. In this article from the July 2007 issue of Woodcraft Magazine, Ralph reviews their early offerings, including Magjigs, Magsquares and magnetic featherboards.
Download Magswitch Review PDF (433 KB)
Built-Up Moldings
Learn how to make moldings in your home woodworking shop with a few basic bits - no expensive cutters or specialized molding machine needed! Article includes instructions and numerous photographs. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, November 2005.
Use common router bits and TS Cove cuts to make large, complex moldings for your projects. First Published in Woodcraft Magazine, Nov. 2005.
Built-Up Moldings Article, Woodcraft Magazine, November 2005
Nested Tables
Based on an antique set of nested tables, this ensemble's unique slide-in design makes it easy to store and move as a unit or separate and enjoy three small easily portable tables anywhere in the home. Article includes step-by-step instructions, detailed drawings and a material cut list. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, September 2005.
Few homes have too many occasional tables, and this handsome nested table set makes a great wedding or housewarming gift. Published in Woodcraft Magazine, Sept. 2005.
Nested Tables Article, Woodcraft Magazine, September 2005
Download Nested Tables Article PDF (1.25 MB)
Adjustable Box Joint Jig
Although most box joint jigs are single-use items, the shop-built adjustable box joint jig in Ralph's article from the 2004 Winter Collector's Edition of Woodworker's Journal has the distinct advantage of being reusable.
Use just one jig to make all of your box joints. The indexing key adjusts side to side for different fingers and a replaceable backer prevents tearout. Published in Woodworker's Journal, Feb 2002.
Adjustable Box Joint Jig Article, Woodworker's Journal, Winter 2004 Collector's Edition
Hoosier Step Stool
A versatile kitchen accessory originally designed to complement the Hoosier Cabinets of the 1920s, this step stool makes an excellent extra seat in your kitchen - and it becomes an handy stool when you need one too! Published in Woodworker's Journal, June 2002.
A great gift project, or keep one for around the house. This update of a classic Hoosier design can be used for sitting or flipped over to be used as a step stool. Published in Woodworker's Journal, June 2002.
Hoosier Step Stool, Woodworker's Journal, June 2002
Download Hoosier Step Stool Article PDF (762 KB)
Expanded instructions and drawings along with full-color PDF Reproduction Hoosier Step Saver Plans are also available through our Plans Store.
Fluting Jig
Plow decorative flutes with accuracy and ease using this ingenious jig. Its unique "springy" movable fence makes this jig a highly effective router accessory. Article includes detailed drawings and material list. Published in Woodworker's Journal, June 2003.
An adjustable, spring-loaded secondary fence keeps this jig dead straight when milling flutes with the router. This article by Ralph Bagnall first appeared in the June 2003 issue of Woodworker's Journal.
Fluting Jig Article, Woodworker's Journal, June 2003
Download Fluting Jig Article PDF (744 KB)
Adjustable Dado Jig
Make perfect-fitting dados in just two passes - every time. This Woodworker's Journal article from December 2001 walks you through how to create this easy to build jig in your shop.
This ingenious dado jig adjusts quickly and easily and allows you to cut beautifully snug dados using a single straight edge guide. Published in Woodworker's Journal, Dec 2001, this article includes detailed drawings and a complete materials list.
Adjustable Dado Jig Article, Woodworker's Journal, December 2001
Download Adjustable Dado Jig Article (527 KB)
Want expanded drawings and instructions? Check out the Adjustable Dado Jig Plans for sale in our Plans Store.
Hinge Mortising Jig
From the October 2001 issue of Woodworker's Journal, this article provides all the details, including drawings, to create a shop-built adjustable hinge mortising jig.
This is Ralph's first published article!
Hinge Mortising Jig Article, Woodworker's Journal, October 2001
A straight-forward jig that quickly adjusts to accommodate cutting hinge mortises of various sizes. From Woodworker's Journal, Oct 2001.