Products From The Mind of Chris Wong
Looking for extraordinary? Do it with Flair Woodworks & Design.
Woodwork is my favourite magazine, hands down. In fact, I purchased all the back issues and now own the complete set. I am now reading my way forward from #1 released in 1989. As the magazine describes itself, Woodwork is "a magazine for all woodworkers". Most magazines prefer to focus on the how-to side of … Continue reading Woodwork Magazine – 2011 Issue
When I am working, especially with hand tools, I sometimes notice unique and special shavings or chips or other side products in my shaping of a piece. While wasting away material with a bench chisel, I noticed the interesting fractured chip that was being produced simultaneously. I saved four of them and later cut a … Continue reading Preserving Odd Bits of Wood
We all know that it is important to have sharp edges when working. They cut more cleanly and require less force to use, either saving us effort or strain on the motor. Knowing how to sharpen is certainly an important skill, but just as important is recognizing when a tool requires sharpening. With enough experience, … Continue reading Recognizing Sharpness
Though I sometimes grumble about my shop (mostly that it seems to be in a constant state of disarray - my fault), I really do love it. Sure, there are things I want to change, improve, or get rid of, but on the other hand, there are some things I really do love and have … Continue reading No Place Like Home
I'm down in Costa Mesa, California to work at the Lee Valley booth at The Woodworking Show. After we set up our booth on Thursday, we had the remainder of the day to do whatever we wanted and, being woodworkers, we decided to visit the local woodworking store. Our first stop was Woodcraft where we … Continue reading The Slippery Slope of Festool
Last week, I obtained a mobile set of drawers full of hardware. Awesome. To transport it back to my shop, I removed all the drawers and laid the unit down in the back of my truck and stacked the drawers against the truck's cab. Then, to get it down to my shop, I carried down one … Continue reading Reality Check
I'm not one who typically bad-mouths, but in this case it was so bad it was laughable – even satirical that I can't not share what I witnessed today. Since this transpired, I've had Treble Charger's Brand New Low stuck in my head. So click the link, listen to the music, and read the rest … Continue reading A Brand New Low
We Canadians have long understood the value of the Robertson screw, invented by one Peter L. Robertson in 1907. Unlike Phillips- and slot-head screws, they don't cam out or strip easily. Also, with a well-made bit and well-made screws, the screw will stay securely on the tip of the driver. How well? These two pictures … Continue reading Peter Roberston Is My Hero
One thing that I force myself to do is to inspect the various cutting edges in my shop regularly. Because they are constantly subject to wear, their cutting abilities are gradually diminished and eventually, the cut becomes labourious. With power tools, cutters dull as they cut, but another enemy is heat build-up. A fast feed … Continue reading Clean Your Blades and Bits!
