Overflow XX

This is a nice, lightweight fret saw with a 12"-deep throat for increased cutting capacity. It is a German-made saw and can be purchased new from Lee Valley Tools Ltd. A pair of thumbscrews secure the standard 5" pin-less blades which are tensioned by the lightweight frame. Overall, I do like this saw, but not as much … Continue reading Overflow XX

High Tide – The Biggest Overflow Ever

After a busy Christmas season, I found some time to do some cleaning and organizing. I tackled the storage room, which houses parts, supplies, and infrequently-used tools. In an effort to consolidate, I have sorted through my inventory and filled up a number of boxes of things I didn't need. Many of the items would … Continue reading High Tide – The Biggest Overflow Ever

Two New Yew Cribbage Boards

Orders have been coming in steadily and I have just completed two new cribbage boards in time for Christmas orders. Both are made of Pacific yew and feature very unique live edges. Each board has three full tracks and a scoring field, and comes with a set of metal cribbage pegs. Click on either image … Continue reading Two New Yew Cribbage Boards

Cutting a 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

People have always been fascinated by my 3D wooden jigsaw puzzles. "Wow! Is that ever cool?" they marvel. "How on Earth did you make this?" "They are little gems.  I dared to unlock a few pieces from one puzzle and was pleasantly surprised to find that they are unexpectedly puzzling!  Devilish and nicely done!" - Jonathan, … Continue reading Cutting a 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

January-April 2014 Seminars at Lee Valley Coquitlam

The next season of seminars at Lee Valley Tools Ltd. Coquitlam begins the day after New Years Day with Make Your Own Smoothing Plane taught by yours truly. Together, we will be making wooden, laminated smoothing planes while I regale you with tips, theory, options, alternate techniques and stories of goofs that I've made in … Continue reading January-April 2014 Seminars at Lee Valley Coquitlam

Hole Boring Bits with a 1/4″ Hex Drive

The Vancouver area is a great place to be a woodworker. There are literally dozens of quality lumber suppliers, a handful of big box stores, a scattering of specialty woodworking stores, and even toolmaking companies. One of those toolmaking companies is MEGAPRO, which specializes in making screwdrivers and bits, including three very unique bits - … Continue reading Hole Boring Bits with a 1/4″ Hex Drive

Coffee Table Build-Off

Just last weekend, I announced a new box build-off hosted by Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine. Today, I'm writing again to tell you about another build-off coming up in the near future. Neil Cronk of The Cronkwright Woodshop (and winner of the Shop Stool Build-Off) is hosting the Coffee Table Build-Off from November 1 (five weeks … Continue reading Coffee Table Build-Off

Woodworking In America Recap (The Chris Edition)

The weekend before last, I was in Winston-Salem, NC for Popular Woodworking's show, Woodworking in America. It was a great weekend with lots of opportunities to learn and connect with other woodworkers (named Chris or otherwise). I was there to represent my other company, Time Warp Tool Works. I showed and talked to attendees about our … Continue reading Woodworking In America Recap (The Chris Edition)

Some Basics About Wood

While I feel like I'm near saturation point for reading about wood, tools and techniques, I still enjoy perusing articles with useful information and interesting ideas. This "fun fact" sheet about woods from around the world caught my eye (from Furniture UK). Here's another helpful graphic about wood identification. I hope you learned at least … Continue reading Some Basics About Wood