When I set out to design something, I sometimes find it helpful to make a list of requirements. If designing a chair, my list might look like this: the seat must be at an appropriate height and shaped or upholstered for comfort; the chair must bear the weight of the user; it should have a … Continue reading Designing from Scratch
Insanity 2: The Price of Pushing the Limits
When working on a project as involving as Insanity 2, I find it difficult to detach myself from the project at the end of the day. As a result, I just stare into space, unable to really focus on or enjoy anything. I make for terrible company. If I want to continue doing this type … Continue reading Insanity 2: The Price of Pushing the Limits
Elm Table Top
A couple of months ago, a local couple approached me looking for a characterful table top for a metal base they were having made. I invited them to visit my shop and they picked out this slab of elm. I flattened the top side of the slab and filled the voids with resin. I inlaid … Continue reading Elm Table Top
Insanity 2: Doors
As you saw in my last post, I had created two doors with curved frames for Insanity 2. The curved edges eliminated most of the conventional options of attaching doors to a cabinet, so I sat down with my sketch book to come up with other ways. Here are the sketches that I drew. Their … Continue reading Insanity 2: Doors
Insanity 2
Insanity 2 is the working name for my latest speculative project. As with most, I'm designing it as I go and using the materials as my primary inspiration. Every project starts with an inspiration This piece of ash was the inspiration. It's been sitting in my shop for years waiting for me to do something … Continue reading Insanity 2
September Seminar Summary
Fundamentals of Hand Tool Joinery lived up to high expectations Yesterday, I taught my third seminar of the month at Lee Valley Tools Coquitlam - Fundamentals of Hand Tool Joinery. Like the previous two (Jigs for the Bandsaw and Jigs for the Table Saw), this one was also sold out completely. We started with some … Continue reading September Seminar Summary
Why I Value the Ability to Cut Joints By Hand
Being able to cut a dovetail joint using only hand tools has become recognized as a level of achievement. But there are other reasons to learn how to cut joinery by hand besides proving yourself and, for me, the biggest reason is being able to deal with unique situations. The joint below on the left … Continue reading Why I Value the Ability to Cut Joints By Hand
Interior Design Show West 2013
On Saturday, I attended the Interior Design Show West, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Future Masters Although I enjoyed the whole show, Future Masters, which showcases the work of design students and recent graduates, was the highlight for me. Although this can be partially attributed to the fact that I was already familiar with the … Continue reading Interior Design Show West 2013
My First Commission Was Also One of My Favourites
My first commission, in 2008, was a 12-foot long bubinga table which later became known as Flow. It was a part of a backyard renovation in Arizona which was recently featured in a Phoenix Home & Garden article. The extensive and elaborate project was led by 2012 Master of the Southwest Morgan Holt of EarthArt Landscape & … Continue reading My First Commission Was Also One of My Favourites
You Don’t Need to Know What You Are Doing
Knowledge is good, but sometimes it can be blinding. It can lead to incorrect assumptions and closed minds. Currently, I'm reading The New Furniture which addresses how technology is changing the woodworking industry. In the book, Ken Susnjara made this comment on how his company, Thermwood, came to invent the first CNC control. In truth, this … Continue reading You Don’t Need to Know What You Are Doing
