A cost-effective and efficient way to take green boards to usable lumber. By John Wilson Pages: 74-79 From the December 2006 issue #159 Buy this issue now The solar drying kiln is the most cost-effective way for the craftsman to get quality boards for woodworking from green lumber. Today there are many band saw operators … Read more
A slab from green wood, some sturdy legs and a sylvan setting are all you need. By John Wilson Pages: 70-75 From the June 2006 issue #155 Buy this issue now “A slab like that can make up into a garden bench. Being white oak, they last.” The sawyer was making conversation while cutting my … Read more
A simple gift for the holidays. By John Wilson Pages: 74-79 From the November 2007 issue #165 Buy this issue now Two Shaker accomplishments were prolific song writing (there are more than 10,000 extant songs) and gracefully fingered oval boxes. This music box combines both. The song “Simple Gifts” is familiar to many from Aaron … Read more
Make this tool in your workshop using scrap wood and a piece of tool steel. By John Wilson Pages: 60-65 From the October 2007 issue #164 Buy this issue now If you have been reading these pages during the past few years, you have been introduced to the traditional spokeshave. I’m going to show you … Read more
While not traditional, this form echoes the look of iconic Shaker box tops. By John Wilson Pages: 66-71 From the December 2008 Issue #173 Buy this issue now I have never seen an oval tray at a Shaker village, but these examples are certainly in the Shaker style. Trays are an extension of a well-known … Read more
Save money and get better results by making your own blades. By John Wilson Pages: 62-65 From the June 2008 issue #169 Buy this issue now I was on the road teaching a woodworking course recently when my band saw blade broke. Not carrying a spare meant buying a replacement locally. It had been 20 … Read more
Oval boxes with handles were traditionally used as sewing baskets. By John Wilson Pages: 48-53 From the November 2009 issue #179 Buy this issue now The craftsmen of the Shaker community were known in their day for quality workmanship of utilitarian designs. This project represents one of their adaptations of the oval box in a … Read more
