131+ Fine Woodworking Magazine Plans ~ My Wood Blog

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Opening: Build Your Own Classic Magazine Rack Tired of magazines cluttering your coffee table? This simple, elegant magazine rack project, inspired by designs featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine, offers a stylish and practical solution. Perfect for beginners to intermediate woodworkers, this guide will walk you through the steps to build your own magazine rack.

Materials and Tools Needed: Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools. This will make the building process smoother and more efficient.

Wood: Approximately 1 board foot of hardwood (cherry, walnut, maple, or your preferred species) for the sides, bottom, and handle. Choose lumber that is at least 3/4" thick.
Fasteners: Wood glue, screws (appropriate length for your wood thickness), and optionally brad nails or small tacks.
Finishing Supplies: Sandpaper (various grits from 120 to 220), wood stain (optional), and a protective finish like polyurethane or varnish.
Tools: Saw (table saw or hand saw), drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, square, clamps, sander (optional), and a router with a roundover bit (optional).

Step 1: Prepare the Wood Begin by milling your lumber to the desired dimensions. Common dimensions for a magazine rack of this style are:

Sides: Two pieces, approximately 12" wide x 14" high.
Bottom: One piece, approximately 12" wide x 16" long.
Handle: One piece, approximately 1 1/2" wide x 12" long x 3/4" thick.

Square up all edges and surfaces using a jointer and planer if available, or by carefully hand planing. Accurate dimensions are crucial for a professional-looking finished product.

Step 2: Cut the Side Profiles Shape the sides of the magazine rack. Many designs incorporate a gentle curve or taper. You can use a template (printed from a plan or one you design yourself) to trace the desired shape onto the sides. Use a bandsaw or jigsaw to cut out the profiles. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper or a file.

Step 3: Assemble the Sides and Bottom Attach the sides to the bottom piece. Apply wood glue to the edges where the sides meet the bottom. Clamp the pieces together securely, ensuring they are square. Reinforce the glue joint with screws driven from the bottom into the sides. Countersink the screws for a cleaner look. You may choose to use brad nails or tacks to secure the pieces while the glue dries.

Step 4: Shape and Attach the Handle Shape the handle for comfortable grip and aesthetics. You can round over the edges with a router or sand them smooth by hand. Position the handle on the top edges of the sides, centered along the width. Attach the handle using glue and screws. Ensure the screws are countersunk and do not protrude.

Step 5: Sanding and Finishing Thoroughly sand the entire magazine rack, starting with coarser grits (120) and progressing to finer grits (220). This will remove any imperfections and prepare the wood for finishing. Consider rounding over all edges for a smoother, more comfortable feel. Apply wood stain if desired, following the manufacturer's instructions. Once the stain is dry, apply several coats of a protective finish like polyurethane or varnish, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth, durable surface.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Handcrafted Magazine Rack Congratulations! You have successfully built your own magazine rack. This project demonstrates fundamental woodworking skills and provides a beautiful, functional piece for your home. Experiment with different wood species, designs, and finishes to personalize your magazine rack and make it a true reflection of your style.