Quercus Magazine, Issue 5

edited by Nick Gibbs

A quarterly publication celebrating the art and craft of woodworking by hand, Quercus features the voices of craftspeople and makers from around the world. Named for the genus to which oak belongs, the magazine highlights workmanship and design, woodworking techniques, tools and traditions spanning the centuries.

In this issue, John Williams explains the history and crafting techniques used in the making of traditional Devon stave baskets, Phoebe Everill interviews Australian chairmaker Bern Chandley, and Drew Langsner gives an in-depth comparison of the strengths and disadvantages of shaving horses old and new.

Robin Gates considers what qualities make the best chair for chair dancing, as well as giving a detailed description of making a 1960s-style jam-jar shelf from reclaimed wood. Rex Krueger investigates the history of “lost” planes made by the Gage company, and Richard Arnold analyzes and attempts to reconstruct a 19th century wood-bodied jack plane. Tim Brown (aka The Wireless Woodworker) describes the process of making a Japanese castle joint, while Dylan Iwakuni helps dismantle a 92-year-old Japanese house.

Among other articles, it includes an excerpt on the history of axes from Brett McLeod’s book American Axe, a short treatise on the anatomy and construction of drawers, and a restoration of a Millers Falls No. 1 cigar spokeshave.

Printed on thin recycled paper with color photos. Sold as a single issue, not a subscription.

Softcover, 63 pages, 2021.