Go over the entire piece and make sure that everything is very smooth. Don’t skip on this part of the tutorial. If you want to learn more about finishing, my 10 Step Guide to Wood Finishing is a free PDF that explains how to use hand applied finishes. There is no fancy equipment to buy, and anyone can learn how to apply a great finish.

Finally, if you want a glossier finish, use a buffing wheel. I use the Beall Wood Buff System in my shop, and had I know how nice it was I would have bought it a long time ago. Buff the piece with Tripoli, then use the White Diamond compound. Then, buff with Carnauba Wax for a little more shine. Finally, inspect the piece for an even sheen, and touch up any spots that need it. or 25mm Flat wood drill bit - this is necessary as a minimum to drill thumb holes. I'm female and the 22mm hole is fine, but males or anyone with bigger hands may need 25mm +. However, if possible, try to use a Forstner bit instead for a cleaner cut. Readers with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or muscular dystrophy find it especially hard to read their favorite books without constantly losing their place when the book accidentally snaps closed. But for speed and accuracy around the curves, I used a belt sander upside down as this one is so heavy, it doesn't move about. Or you could use a bench sander.Another good alternative is, of course, to switch over to ebooks that you can read on a tab or e-reader. These are very easy to navigate and books are generally more affordable. With these devices, you do have thousands of books available at your fingertips at any given moment. To prevent a tear out while drilling your thumb holes, only drill until the pointy end is poking on the other side, then do it from the reverse. Or you could clamp a sacrificial piece below. The Fellowes wire stand is the best book holder if you want something that allows you to carry your book in one hand or put it down in a standing position for easy reading. This little reader is quite affordable, simple to use, and it is very light. Best For Cookbooks Safety goggles& ear defenders - if you're using power tools, then wear your PPE! Also, if you're sanding lots, I recommend a dust mask to protect your lungs!

Have you got any advice on cutting hardwood to prevent the blade from turning? You may need to tighten the tension on your blade and that it's close to the bearings. Also, ensure the guard is as low as possible (close to the project as possible) to prevent the blade from wobbling. This project was created as part of my 12 Days of Giftmas series and includes a how-to video you can follow along. Jump to: I cut mine with a bandsaw, but if you don't have one, you could clamp the waste of the material to a workbench and use a jigsaw. Only serious readers will understand the struggle of trying to hold a book in one hand without it constantly closing on you.Bench sander or heavy belt sander upside down - To tidy your cuts, you'll need to do a lot of sanding. If you don't have either of these, I have been known to hand-sand things while watching TV 😂 And sandpaper for the thumb hole is a good idea!