Earlier this month, I sat down for Shop Talk with Andrew Detloff of Ravinheart Renditions. Our topic of discussion was Blended Woodworking which is about using a combination of hand and power tools. (Audio with images. Duration: 28:22.)
Blog
My Tall Workbench with Flair
This bench was inspired after the Joinery Bench that Shannon Rogers brought to Woodworking in America. It was intended to simply be a taller workbench and I honestly did not know how useful I would find it (ask me in half a year). This small bench was built taller than normal (39.5") to allow joinery … Continue reading My Tall Workbench with Flair
Success and Growth
If you choose to do something that you know you are good at, you are setting yourself up for success. If you choose to do something that you know you are not good at, you are setting yourself up for growth.
Review of the Mirka CEROS
Background I have had the 6" Mirka CEROS (Compact Electric Random Orbit Sander) for about a year. Although I have not used it in a production shop environment, I used it extensively for sanding sculptural work and, to a lesser degree, for flat surfaces. I have had absolutely no issues with it. When I purchased the Mirka … Continue reading Review of the Mirka CEROS
Laser-Like Accuracy from a Mitre Saw
When setting your mitre saw to match the line you’ve drawn on your workpiece, a laser can be helpful. However, my mitre saw doesn’t have a laser so my usual method is to simply take a test cut, then adjust, take another test cut and repeat until I get it set correctly. Serge describes a … Continue reading Laser-Like Accuracy from a Mitre Saw
Upcoming Review: Mirka CEROS
When the Mirka CEROS (Compact Electric Random Orbit Sander) was released in North America about a year ago, I purchased the 6" model. I plan to do a review of the sander, which I use with Mirka's Abranet discs and a Festool dust extractor. If you have any questions about the sander which you would like me … Continue reading Upcoming Review: Mirka CEROS
Stephen Gleasner – There You Are
Artist Name: Stephen Gleasner Title: There You Are Details: circa 2010 - Plywood, 30" x 48" Why It's Notable: While most woodworkers try to hide the layers of plywood, Stephen Gleasner embraces them. He carves into the face of plywood to reveal patterns reminiscent of a topographic map, then applies dyes to the surface to enhance the … Continue reading Stephen Gleasner – There You Are
Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane
I have many hand planes, but this Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane is among my most-used. This plane is a very simple tool. The investment-cast steel body incorporates a squirrel-tail handle that nestles in my palm and a divot on the toe where I can set my index finger. The mouth width is non-adjustable. Both the plane's sole and blade's … Continue reading Squirrel-Tail Palm Plane
Adapting a Porter Cable 890-Series Plunge Router to fit a Festool D27 Dust Extraction Hose
Since I don't yet own a Festool router, my Porter-Cable 890 Plunge Router showed the most promise of containing the mess. Dust and chips were drawn into the port built into the base (located behind the depth stop turret) and up through the column. My only shop vacuum/dust extractor was a Festool CT26 and I … Continue reading Adapting a Porter Cable 890-Series Plunge Router to fit a Festool D27 Dust Extraction Hose
Overflow, Part VI
This time, I am giving away one Makita BO3700 Finishing Sander which has seen a minimal amount of use. It uses 1/3 of a standard 9x11" sandpaper sheet which is held in place by a spring-loaded clamp at each end of the pad. The soft pad has eight holes for dust extraction. The steel plate … Continue reading Overflow, Part VI
