Even in a small shop, I sometimes find that the power cords for my tools aren't long enough to work where I want. I've pondered this for several years and developed some possible solutions before finding a commercially-made product that checks all the boxes. https://youtu.be/onYw_1EdPMI
The Incineration Plane
Using a hand plane to shave down a piece of timber is a delightful experience for all, regardless of age, woodworking ability or interest. There is something so satisfying about it. The slow pace of running a plane over a board can even be therapeutic. Cleaning up shavings, however, is not exactly fun. The curly … Continue reading The Incineration Plane
Good Tools Work for You, Not Against You
Nearly every tool is designed with compromises. In some cases, the compromise is made to increase the ease of production (and therefore lower cost). Other times, the compromise is made to make the tool more appealing to a broader audience. After using a tool for a while, these compromises become very clear. You'll think, "I … Continue reading Good Tools Work for You, Not Against You
My Tripot: Turning the Base
Fascinated with the form of the tripot, and interested to see what was involved in making one, I have started my own. I couldn't think of a better way to understand and appreciate it than to make one myself. In my first article about making my tripot, I showed how I shaped most of the … Continue reading My Tripot: Turning the Base
My Tripot: Shaping the Exterior
Fascinated with the form of the tripot, and interested to see what was involved in making one, I have started my own. I couldn't think of a better way to understand and appreciate it than to make one myself. Loosely following an article in Woodwork by Hugh McKay on his process of making a pentapot … Continue reading My Tripot: Shaping the Exterior
Stacked Veneer Experiment with a Shocking Lesson
You're probably aware that I like to incorporate a twist in my designs. For some time, I've had this idea to laminate a stack of veneer in a twisted manner, so each subsequent piece of veneer is rotated just a degree or two. I suspected that, due to the difference in appearance between long grain … Continue reading Stacked Veneer Experiment with a Shocking Lesson
Featured by Canadian Woodworking Woodworking Magazine
I am featured in Canadian Woodworking Magazine's June/July issue! Pick up your copy today, get a digital subscription online, or preview the issue on the magazine's website. The magazine also produced an accompanying slideshow. Watch it here.
Mounting Shelves and Pictures on Walls
Since moving into our new house last year, I have hung dozens of pictures and shelves. Okay, maybe not dozens, but very likely a dozen. Every time, the challenges are the same: what is the best location, where are the studs, and is it level? While not immediately obvious, we always do reach a consensus … Continue reading Mounting Shelves and Pictures on Walls
Working Efficiently in a Small Shop
It can be a challenge to work efficiently in a small shop, but I have arranged the equipment in the space of a 1-car garage to allow me to build with components up to five feet in length without having to rearrange. In fact, the only machine that is on wheels is my 13" thickness … Continue reading Working Efficiently in a Small Shop
Simpler Edge Joints
Quite often, I need a wider board than what I have available. Usually, that means gluing up two or more boards edge to edge. Since, in this situation, I am usually making a highly visible part such as a table top or cabinet side, I am very careful to match not only the grain pattern … Continue reading Simpler Edge Joints
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 