Blog

Unforeseen Challenges

After a day of work at Lee Valley Tools, I came home and found myself in my shop with a bit of time. I had a simple project already started and only a little more work remained before assembly. I finished cutting the 6mm mortises with my Festool Domino Joiner and began the glue-up, which … Continue reading Unforeseen Challenges

A Different Kind of Scrolled Sign

I recently completed this sign for my friend Mike. It bears his and his wife's names, and those of his three dogs. I created the layout using a computer, then printed it out and adhered it to a sheet of Baltic birch plywood. I cut out the waste around the letters with my scroll saw and dyed … Continue reading A Different Kind of Scrolled Sign

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

Make a Monstrous Mallet

Part of my work as a seminar presenter at Lee Valley Tools Ltd. is to develop new seminar ideas. In the soon-to-be-released January to April 2015 season of seminars, I am teaching four seminars, three of which are brand new. This one didn't make the cut. Make a Monstrous Mallet Are you currently considering clobbering your … Continue reading Make a Monstrous Mallet

Come See My Work at Port Moody Arts Centre’s Winter Treasures Exhibition

I just signed a contract with the Port Moody Arts Centre to participate in their Winter Treasures exhibition, their holiday exhibition and sale! The exhibit starts on Thursday, November 20th and runs until Thursday, December 18, 2014. It takes place at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. Johns Street) in the Canadian Pacific Gallery, 3D Gallery, … Continue reading Come See My Work at Port Moody Arts Centre’s Winter Treasures Exhibition