I recently learned that the fine print doesn't always contain the most important, critical information. First I Researched I've been experimenting with casting using the Smooth-On's Crystal Clear resin and did my first pour in the making of Deconstructed. The resin wasn't cheap and casting was new to me, so I did my research before purchasing the … Continue reading How to Read Instructions
On Preparation
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. - Benjamin Franklin Preparing is not the same as planning. I think of planning as forethought specific to a task or project, such as creating detailed drawings, cut lists, or mock-ups. I would also include organizing construction steps in a logical sequence, which is often the extent … Continue reading On Preparation
Deconstructed, Session 5
In Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 and Session 4 I began working on an exploded shelf I'm calling Deconstructed. I finished the last session by filling in air bubbles with epoxy. Today, in the final session of this Tweet-Along, I completed the shelf, including applying the first coat of finish. As always, I documented my progress live on Twitter … Continue reading Deconstructed, Session 5
Deconstructed, Session 4
In Session 1, Session 2, and Session 3 I began working on an exploded shelf I'm calling Deconstructed. I finished the last session by pouring clear resin around the wood parts set in a mould made of waxed melamine. Tuesday, I unmoulded the casting. If everything had gone perfectly, all that would have been required would have … Continue reading Deconstructed, Session 4
Hardware Inspires Me
Experienced woodworkers know that one of the keys to a successful project is to have the hardware that will be used on-hand before the planning stage is complete and building begins. While having a thorough (and accurate) understanding of the hardware is one reason to explore what is available, I also study hardware for inspiration. … Continue reading Hardware Inspires Me
Measuring
While touring California and Arizona last month, I must have been asked about eight times whether I use the Metric or Imperial system of measurement in my woodworking. Here's my stance: neither, if I can help it. If I absolutely need to measure something, I'll use the Imperial system because nearly all my measuring tools … Continue reading Measuring
Exactly as Precise as Required
If it looks right, it's probably right. In my work, I've always tried to avoid numbers. Mostly, I used numbers to communicate with the rest of the world. For example, it was more helpful to tell you that Relationship Study was about 45 inches wide than to gesture with my hands. Recently, I made a … Continue reading Exactly as Precise as Required
Black Locust Wall Table, Part III: Testing Blind Mounting Hardware
In Part I and Part II, I built this prototype table which was to be mounted on a wall. The next step in the design and construction of the table was to install hardware that would allow it to be mounted to a wall. The simplest way to attach the table would have been a pair of big … Continue reading Black Locust Wall Table, Part III: Testing Blind Mounting Hardware
Black Locust Wall Table, Part II: Putting it Together
In Part I - Visualizing in Wood, I selected and prepared the table components. Part II - Putting it Together covers everything else - joinery, sculpting, and assembly. To facilitate laying out and cutting the long tusk tenon, I first flattened one face of the upright. I used three round, wooden bench dogs to immobilize … Continue reading Black Locust Wall Table, Part II: Putting it Together
Woodworking-Themed Jack-O-Lanterns
Last year, Festool USA sponsored a contest to find the best Festool-themed Jack-O-Lantern. I started with this: And transformed it into this: To carve this Fest-oo-Lantern, I used drew my design on the pumpkin with a washable marker, then used a carving knife to outline the areas to be removed. I used a shallow and … Continue reading Woodworking-Themed Jack-O-Lanterns
