Wisconsin Woods Woodworking

October and November in Wisconsin is hunting season. For those enthusiasts (myself included) I wanted to find a couple of projects that could combine woodworking with this great outdoors sport.

The first project is one I wanted to build for a while. After getting in hot water for scratching the kitchen table while working on firearms, I needed something to securely hold a rifle or shotgun for cleaning and maintenance. After looking at various options I happened across a set of plans by Norman (Mac) McBurney.

After constructing my own version, I was very pleased with the results and not finding anything to improve upon, with Mac's permission here is a link to his web site and plans:

Mac's Gun Vise Plans

Convertible Display and Gun Cabinet Plans

It's your call which version of this handsome cabinet to build. One displays your hunting rifles and shotguns, and the other showcases glassware or collectibles. Used as a gun cabinet, the case will hold six rifles or shotguns. Two pull-out trays under the display provide hidden storage.

Convertible gun / display cabinet plans

Gunstock Carving

Want to take your firearms to the next level? What better way to add your own personal touch to your firearms. This book provides everything a carver needs to get started in the art of gunstock carving. The author offers an overview on the special tools required, a reference section on gunstocks and wood, a step-by-step demonstration in full color photography, and over 25 patterns including:

• Deer
• Elk
• Duck
• Hunting Dogs
• Rams
• Big Game: Elephants, Rhinoceros, Lions, and Gazelle
• And more

Gun Stock Carving Guide

Rockler Insty-Drive Review

Recently I needed another set of drill / countersink bits. For years I have been using one of the standard sets where you drill and countersink, then flip it over and drive the screw. While for the most part adequate, one failing of this type of system is that while it drills the pilot hole, there is not provision for a clearance drill. Also when going from one size screw to another, usually this is a bit involved with having to switch out the drill/countersink portion of the assembly.

Looking at various alternatives I happened across the "Insty-Drive" line from Rockler. While similar in appearance to other countersinks drill combos, the Insty-drives use a tapered drill bit. I purchased both the set illustrated to the right, as well as the additional magnetic bit holding sleeve.

I have used these bits on several occasions, including on the Gun vise I built and have been quite pleased. Having a dedicated and well marked bit for each size screw is convenient, and the tapered drill bits do a good job of providing both clearance and pilot holes in one shot. With the gun vise I did find because my end caps were built from white oak, that I had to back up and drill in a couple of shots to avoid burning, but no more so than with my other drill bits (trust me that was some hard wood!!). The clearance portion does a good job and even with the hard wood, I had no problem with either the screws binding, or with the top piece not screwing tightly to the bottom workpiece.

The additional magnetic sleeve is convenient to slip on to drive the screw, and being magnetic makes changing the screwdriver bit a snap. Definitely would recommend this tool.

Rockler Insty-Drive Set

Decorative Christmas Gifts

Check out these limited edition wildlife sculptures for the ideal gift for the outdoor enthusiast.

Loon Lake Decoy Collectibles

More - For the Fishing Enthusiast

These limited edition full size lures are just the ticket for the fisherman in the family.

Fishing Collectibles

Special Offer

A treo of Workshop magazines

This essential treo of magazines has enough storage, jigs, organizers, tips and ideas to keep you in projects for quite some time. Now available with a limit time offer

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