Most hobbyist woodworkers are impressed when they see my saw. It's a big piece of machinery, especially with the 5' sliding table and outrigger. And for many of them, it's something they've never seen, or even imagined before. When I tell someone who has seen this type of machine before, they nod in approval and … Continue reading Why a Sliding Table Saw with Scoring Blade?
A few months ago, I picked up a Festool Domino Joiner (#574308) for myself. I had been considering it for a few years while also looking at other options such as a mortising block, horizontal slot mortiser or hollow chisel mortiser to name a few. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I would want … Continue reading Festool Domino
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
The scraper is a thing of beauty! It's everything I ever dreamt of. It's shiny and square, with keen edges and a perfectly even burr across the finely ground edge. In my hand, while thin and precious, it also feels strong and resilient when I gently bow it with my thumbs. I watch the light reflecting … Continue reading Praise for the Card Scraper
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
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
I am truly devoted to woodworking. If you don't believe me, ask any of my friends. In fact, I am so devoted to woodworking, some of my smart ass friends (you know who you are!) might reply, "Chris has friends?" Most of the friends I didn't meet in school, I met because we share a … Continue reading My name is Chris and I’m a Die-Hard Woodworker
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
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
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
