Hand planes can be divided several ways. One of the more common ways is by length. There are of course block planes, which are the shortest, at around 6-7". Then come smooth planes, which typically measure 9-10". They are followed by jack (fore) planes at 14-15" and finally jointer (try) planes which are about 18-22" … Continue reading The Problem with Hand Planes Today
Sharpening a Card Scraper
Of all the techniques related to woodworking, this sharpening a card scraper tends to generate the most interest. This is my method: Remove the old burr if necessary by rubbing the face of the scraper on a stone. I use my diamond stone as not to scar my water stones. Clamp the scraper in a … Continue reading Sharpening a Card Scraper
Feels Like Summertime
Yes, I realize that the temperature is hovering around 5 degrees, there's still snow on the ground, and the sun doesn't come out much. But what I mean by summertime is that I can spend my day out in the yard doing my darnedest to cover the ground with sawdust and wood chips. I started … Continue reading Feels Like Summertime
Out of a Jamb
I am proud of myself. In the past week, I have finished several projects which have been waiting for a while. Some for a week, some more than six months. That I am not proud of. But it's a fact of life. Stuff gets put on the back burner and is left there. While I … Continue reading Out of a Jamb
Bubinga Dining Room Table, Part II
Currently, I'm down in Phoenix, Arizona, working for Morgan Holt of EarthArt Landscape & Designs, Inc. on a massive dining table being made from one large slab of bubinga. Yesterday was an edgy day, so to speak. The previous day, I had carved the edges with the angle grinder equipped with an Arbortech wood-carving wheel. … Continue reading Bubinga Dining Room Table, Part II
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
A Weekend That Turned Out Well
I had this past weekend off, and I made the most of it, turning a total of five bowls, all from green wood. I slept in until 10:00am on Saturday. I had a quick breakfast and headed down to the shop. The first bowl was a result of a co-worker giving me a section of … Continue reading A Weekend That Turned Out Well
