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
Last August, I got word of a call for submissions from Taunton Press for a new book on blanket chests. A few years earlier, I had built a small chest with compound-tapered sides and a coopered top. I had also forged the hardware myself, including the handles and strap hinges. I completed it the night … Continue reading Featured in a New Book!
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
I like folding knives. I am always on the lookout for folding knives from which I can easily strip the aluminum scales and replace them with pretty wooden ones. I particularly like the type with a frame lock where one side of the metal frame is bent inwards and upon opening the blade, it engages … Continue reading Custom Knife Scales
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
I've added a new page to my website titled, "Quotes from Woodwork". As I read through all the back issues of my favourite magazine, I am making a list of interesting quotes. You can view the list I've compiled so far by clicking on the link just below the banner here on my blog or … Continue reading New Page: Quotes from Woodwork
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
