Working with Melamine Particle Board

Furniture is what I primarily make, and I think that solid wood is the best choice of materials.  No two pieces are identical, and its consistent nature lends itself well to carving - there is no risk of cutting through one layer into another creating an ugly seam. But solid wood is not always the … Continue reading Working with Melamine Particle Board

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

A couple days ago, I started building some shelves on which to display some of my smaller projects.  They will be floating shelves, with no visible attachment point.  I could have made them a basic rectangular prism, but if you know me, you know there's no way I would leave them that simple.  I decided … Continue reading Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

A Unique Way to Wrap Presents

Deciding what to get someone is the hard part; wrapping them up is usually easy... unless you're trying to disguise a hockey stick.  But don't overlook the creative opportunities available to you in the wrapping process. I've done some pretty crazy wrapping jobs in the past - some just awesome, others tacky but definitely fun. … Continue reading A Unique Way to Wrap Presents

Make, Don’t Buy Gifts

This is a woodworking-focused post, as they all are, but first there's something I need to say: I hate how commercialized Christmas has become.  There, I said it.  I feel a bit better now. First of all, Christmas should not be about giving and receiving gifts.  I don't like malls or their line-ups.  I especially … Continue reading Make, Don’t Buy Gifts

Every Scar Has a Story, But Not Every Story Has a Scar

If you don't have any scars, I would venture to guess that you lead a very conservative lifestyle free of peril, risk, adrenaline rushes, and interest. Yes, I have a few scars, each with a story and often a lesson learned as well. Scars can be reminders of epic tales of struggle, heroism, pain and … Continue reading Every Scar Has a Story, But Not Every Story Has a Scar

Preserving Odd Bits of Wood

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

Marking and Measuring Tool Cabinet

I know that my posting here has been sporadic at best. From now on, I will strive to make one entry per week. Check back every Monday morning and you should find at least one new post. My various marking and measuring tools used to be live all over the shop. I'd find them wherever … Continue reading Marking and Measuring Tool Cabinet

A Box Called “Necessessity?”

This is a long post. If you only have a few minutes, look at the pictures and read "The Point" which is almost half way through. I would also like to hear your reaction whatever it may be. The purpose of this piece is to encourage us to examine the use of precision instruments in woodworking, … Continue reading A Box Called “Necessessity?”