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
Blog
Praise for the Card Scraper
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
Sharpening Should NOT be Difficult or Time-Consuming
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
Hand Planes
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
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
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
A Unique Way to Wrap Presents
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
What I Want For Christmas (More Woodworking Poetry)
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)
My name is Chris and I’m a Die-Hard Woodworker
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
Make, Don’t Buy Gifts
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
Every Scar Has a Story, But Not Every Story Has a Scar
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