I just got back from a 5-day work trip to Costa Mesa, California. While I was there to work a three day trade show at the Costa Mesa fair grounds, there was enough free time to get out and about to do some sight-seeing in the surrounding area. From a woodworking point of view, Laguna … Continue reading California
Pondering the Start of a Business
It's been about three years since I left high school. When I left school, I said that I would take one year off to see where life would lead. That year went by so fast. And the two subsequent years went by just as fast if not faster. So now I've decided to take the … Continue reading Pondering the Start of a Business
Wood – My Weakness
Offer me a piece of wood and I will accept. Consequently, my side yard contains the following: One holly log, approximately 14" diameter and 5′ long; A large stack of 2" to 3" thick spalted maple; and An assortment of turning blanks. Currently, maple, black walnut and acacia make up my stash. Just recently, I realized that 7' … Continue reading Wood – My Weakness
The Evolution of Sharpening
When I started woodworking six or seven years ago, all my tools were usually dull. I sharpened them will a mill file. Yes a mill file. I clamped the tool in my metal working vise and went at it. Maybe that was a blessing because I learned to sharpen with a steady hand. Anyhow, the … Continue reading The Evolution of Sharpening
Progress on The Workbench
Well, it's been two months since my last posting. And the bench has come a long way, though there's still a long way to go. I ended up having the Douglas fir resawn in half. Many thanks to my friend and fellow woodworker Doug Ward. I've now laminated the bench top and flattened it. I … Continue reading Progress on The Workbench
No Holds Workbench
Well, it's been a while since I've posted here. I've been so awfully busy lately. I can't even count how many projects I have on the go. And most of them are for clients. But one is for me and only me. I need a new workbench and have been dreaming of one for years. … Continue reading No Holds Workbench
No Rest For The Weary
It seems that the idea of starting my business this year might just become a reality. While my weekly hours at Lee Valley hover around 40, my shop hours are probably over 20. On days where I work at Lee Valley, I spend little time in the shop as I am often too tired to … Continue reading No Rest For The Weary
Heirloom Tool Chest – The Planning Stage
Inspired by the handcrafted tool chest on the back of Fine Woodworking's latest issue of tools and shops with french-fitted compartments for frequently used hand tools, I have challenged myself to build one for myself. Before any tool is lifted or wood is selected, I needed to design the chest. And the best way to … Continue reading Heirloom Tool Chest – The Planning Stage
Food for Thought
For the past month or so, I've spent nearly every waking hour in my shop building a Dogwood dining room table for a friend (and sawyer) by the name of Dave Kilpatrick. It totals a little more that 60 hours, but it feels like a whole lot longer. It's still a lot of fun though … Continue reading Food for Thought
Dedication to Woodworking
Some of you who regularly check for updates on this site have been reminding me that I haven't added anything new in a few months. The reason: all my free time is dedicated to woodworking. You see, while I punch these keys to form the words you are now reading, I am also letting a … Continue reading Dedication to Woodworking
