Author Archives: PopwoodBlogAdmin1

With 2011 already 10 days old, I’m happily anticipating some noteworthy Popular Woodworking Books that will be going on sale this year. I thought I’d take a minute and share some of those titles with you. First up is “Backyard Projects” (available in early March, but available for pre-sale now). Seasoned project author and professional … Read more »

For some time I’ve toyed with the idea of putting together something I call the “Apprentice Sketchbook,” a series of drawing exercises to train the eye and illuminate important design principles. This is nothing new. Scores of period design books begin with a charge to study architecture and the classic orders. Most follow with wonderfully … Read more »

A “Trick of the Trade” from the February 2011 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine: Here is a trick that I’ve developed to help keep holes perpendicular to the surface when drilling by hand, either with a brace and bit or with an electric drill. I’m not very good at lining up my drill with a … Read more »

New year’s resolutions come and go, and that doesn’t mean setting goals for the year ahead is a bad idea, but why not set a goal that will continue to give back? Many of us feel comfortable with many aspects of our progress in the woodworking world, and that’s as it should be as we … Read more »

As we’re wrapping up 2010, any good company takes a look at what products sold well during the year. We’re doing the same, and it’s an interesting mix of the 10 top-selling books of the last year. The list tells us what our readers are interested in, and what it may tell you is what … Read more »

A “Trick of the Trade” from the December 2010 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine: Most of the time, the end vise on my workbench is more than adequate to secure workpieces between bench dogs. Occasionally, though, I need to work with thin wood at the front edge of the bench (such as when using a … Read more »

I’ve never felt the pull toward wood turning. In general, most woodworkers tend to fit into either the “flat” or “round” category. I guess I’m a flat woodworker. Yes, I know how to turn … basically. I can knock out a simple spindle or handle for a tool. But woodworkers who turn have a different … Read more »