After tackling more pressing projects, Norm is finally getting around to building a mantelpiece for the master bedroom in his home. Though his home is filled with the beautiful furniture he has made over the years at the New Yankee Workshop, somehow he never took the time to complete the most defining architectural element in his bedroom - the fireplace mantel. Now, instead of waking up to an unfinished brick and plaster wall, he looks at a beautiful Colonial mantelpiece that frames the master bedroom's fireplace. The project involves using the router table to produce the frames to receive the m.d.o. plywood panels and make a moulding, some precise work with the mitre saw, and installation of the completed mantelpiece. As always, Norm makes this project seem within reach of most average woodworkers.

• Russell Morash

• Norm Abram