A couple days ago, I started building some shelves on which to display some of my smaller projects. They will be floating shelves, with no visible attachment point. I could have made them a basic rectangular prism, but if you know me, you know there's no way I would leave them that simple. I decided … Continue reading Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
Deciding what to get someone is the hard part; wrapping them up is usually easy... unless you're trying to disguise a hockey stick. But don't overlook the creative opportunities available to you in the wrapping process. I've done some pretty crazy wrapping jobs in the past - some just awesome, others tacky but definitely fun. … Continue reading A Unique Way to Wrap Presents
I'd like some more Jet parallel bar clamps and a dust collector that will draw some amps. A couple more screwdrivers and a froe to split wood fibers. A sliding tail vise on my bench would be nice. A trammel to draw round things and a rip handsaw that sings. Some steel-toes with better soles … Continue reading What I Want For Christmas (More Woodworking Poetry)
I am truly devoted to woodworking. If you don't believe me, ask any of my friends. In fact, I am so devoted to woodworking, some of my smart ass friends (you know who you are!) might reply, "Chris has friends?" Most of the friends I didn't meet in school, I met because we share a … Continue reading My name is Chris and I’m a Die-Hard Woodworker
This is a woodworking-focused post, as they all are, but first there's something I need to say: I hate how commercialized Christmas has become. There, I said it. I feel a bit better now. First of all, Christmas should not be about giving and receiving gifts. I don't like malls or their line-ups. I especially … Continue reading Make, Don’t Buy Gifts
If you don't have any scars, I would venture to guess that you lead a very conservative lifestyle free of peril, risk, adrenaline rushes, and interest. Yes, I have a few scars, each with a story and often a lesson learned as well. Scars can be reminders of epic tales of struggle, heroism, pain and … Continue reading Every Scar Has a Story, But Not Every Story Has a Scar
Woodwork is my favourite magazine, hands down. In fact, I purchased all the back issues and now own the complete set. I am now reading my way forward from #1 released in 1989. As the magazine describes itself, Woodwork is "a magazine for all woodworkers". Most magazines prefer to focus on the how-to side of … Continue reading Woodwork Magazine – 2011 Issue
When I am working, especially with hand tools, I sometimes notice unique and special shavings or chips or other side products in my shaping of a piece. While wasting away material with a bench chisel, I noticed the interesting fractured chip that was being produced simultaneously. I saved four of them and later cut a … Continue reading Preserving Odd Bits of Wood
We all know that it is important to have sharp edges when working. They cut more cleanly and require less force to use, either saving us effort or strain on the motor. Knowing how to sharpen is certainly an important skill, but just as important is recognizing when a tool requires sharpening. With enough experience, … Continue reading Recognizing Sharpness
Though I sometimes grumble about my shop (mostly that it seems to be in a constant state of disarray - my fault), I really do love it. Sure, there are things I want to change, improve, or get rid of, but on the other hand, there are some things I really do love and have … Continue reading No Place Like Home
