So I'm actually looking for a warped piece of wood in my shop, and do you think I can find one?!? I'm working on a technique demonstration to share with you.
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Why Not a SawStop?
First of all, if you are not familiar with SawStop technology you should look into it. Basically, the saw detects when the blade comes in contact with something conductive such as your finger. When that happens, the aluminum brake is rammed into the blade stopping the blade's rotation, saving your fingers. This video shows how … Continue reading Why Not a SawStop?
Why a Sliding Table Saw with Scoring Blade?
Most hobbyist woodworkers are impressed when they see my saw. It's a big piece of machinery, especially with the 5' sliding table and outrigger. And for many of them, it's something they've never seen, or even imagined before. When I tell someone who has seen this type of machine before, they nod in approval and … Continue reading Why a Sliding Table Saw with Scoring Blade?
Router Collets Provide a Firm Grip
A collet is something that most of us take for granted. Besides knowing that it is sized to hold the bit, what else is there to know? Recently, I took the time to have a closer look at collets... after I dropped one on the floor... Most routers sold today come with a self-releasing collet. … Continue reading Router Collets Provide a Firm Grip
The Joy of Sanding
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
Festool Domino
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
Featured in a New Book!
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!
Working with Melamine Particle Board
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
Custom Knife Scales
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
Horsepower
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
