Rob Johnstone

Rob Johnstone has been part of Woodworker's Journal's since 1997, becoming editor of the print magazine in 1998 and editor in chief in 2007. He began woodworking at age 13 in his family-owned cabinet shop and, as an adult, trained to become an accomplished luthier. He eventually opened his own cabinetry and custom fine woodworking business. Rob has brought many of the most well-known authors in woodworking to the Journal's pages and introduced Woodworker's Journal Online Survey. When, in his free time, Rob isn't woodworking, he enjoys hunting for sharp-tailed grouse with his bird dog, playing music and/or listening to his son's rock band and cooking on his high-tech stove.

Articles from Rob Johnstone

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  How to Build a Toy Airplane

  Woodworker’s Journal editor Rob Johnstone perfects a toy airplane project he’s been working on since the 80s, making a perfect holiday gift.

  
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  How to Build a Maple Wood Shaker-Style End Table

  This table plan is based off an original table build in the 1850s, updated by Woodworker’s Journal editor Rob Johnstone and including some beautifully designed maple wood.

  
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  How to Sharpen and Hone Chisel Blades Using Grinding Wheels and Stones

  Sharpening the bevel edges of your chisels are actually a two step process, repairing the blade with the wheel and honing it on a stone.

  
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  Furniture Making Techniques: Creating Projects on a Spindle Lathe

  Creating long, thin pieces like legs and candle sticks, require you to expand your lathing skills, and for furniture making spindle lathing is a key technique to learn.

  
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  How to Use a Drill Bit on Your Tailstock’s Morse Taper to Improve Your Turning

  Woodworker’s Journal Editor Rob Johnstone offers his advice on the best way to get turnings started on your lathe by mounting a drill bit.

  
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  How to Use Sandpaper, Scrapers and Planes to Smooth Wood for Finishing

  Woodworker’s Journal editor Rob Johnstone reviews the most used shop techniques and discusses the issues with the various methods of smoothening wood.

  
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  Leigh Industries Super FMT Router Jig Makes Tenon Cutting Easy and Less Expensive

  Leigh Tools’ Super FMT router jig makes cutting multiple mortise and tenon joints simple and at half the price of the original FMT jigs.

  
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  How to Square-Up Projects Using Corner-to-Corner Diagonal Measurements

  When woodworkers measure to square up small projects, they often measure out by diagonal instead of just using a square, Woodworker’s Journal editor Rob Johnstone explains why.

  
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  How to Create an Arts & Crafts White Oak Finish with Gel Stain Instead of Ammonia Fuming

  Trying to get a Stickly-style finish on white oak is difficult and dangerous with old-style ammonia fuming, so Woodworker’s Journal editor Rob Johnstone suggests a more modern, but just as attractive alternative.

  
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  How to Renovate a Wall Cabinet with Maple Veneers and Paneling

  Woodworker’s Journal editor-in-chief Rob Johnstone tackles a home renovation project, updating his built-in wall cabinet to the 21st century.