Products From The Mind of Chris Wong
Looking for extraordinary? Do it with Flair Woodworks & Design.
When I set out to create this table I knew that I wanted to use plain wood for the base and figured wood for the top. I knew that straight-grained wood would be easier to carve, and complements the carving well; curvy grain would distract from the linear design. I expected that using figured wood … Continue reading Construction of “Table with a Twist” – Part 1: Legs
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 collet is something that most of us take for granted. Besides knowing that it is sized to hold the bit, what else is there to know? Recently, I took the time to have a closer look at collets... after I dropped one on the floor... Most routers sold today come with a self-releasing collet. … Continue reading Router Collets Provide a Firm Grip
I started this sculpture in January 2009. I used to despise sanding. To avoid sanding, I learned to use hand planes and scrapers. I thought that, having learned how to sharpen and use these tools, I would not have to use sandpaper. For a while, I thought that I was too good to use sandpaper. … Continue reading The Joy of Sanding
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
Manufacturers claimed horsepower ratings are usually inaccurate. Often the rating stated is the peak HP. Peak HP is achieved in an ideal situation for just a fraction of a second when the motor is started. This vacuum has 5.0 HP in big, bold letters, with the word PEAK in small font. If you look more … Continue reading Horsepower
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
It's been said a thousand times that a sharp tool is a safe tool. Sharp tools require less effort to use and as a result the user has greater control and is less likely to slip and injure themselves or damage something. A sharp tool also cuts more cleanly, leaving a surface requiring less … Continue reading Sharpening Should NOT be Difficult or Time-Consuming
First, some more woodworking poetry. Pretty soon, I'll have enough to fill a book! One plane, two planes, Three planes, four. I work until My arms are sore. Today, I spent a good part of the day at Coquitlam Lee Valley showroom (where I work part-time) for their Plane Days event. I talked to lots … Continue reading Hand Planes
