Basics

Easy Curvaceous Edge Joints

Last winter, I was puzzling out a way to make edge joints that are just the opposite of what we normally want – perfectly straight. I wanted free-flowing curves and I wanted to join contrasting colors of wood species. So the question was how to match the two joint lines on the different pieces of Continue reading»

New: 'The Quick-start Guide to Woodworking'

In "The Quick-start Guide to Woodworking," we've pulled together articles from 11 years of Popular Woodworking Magazine and Woodworking Magazine with everything the beginning woodworker needs to get started in woodworking the right way – and fill in some critical information that might be missing for the self-taught woodworker. In chapters on Setting Up Shop, Continue reading»

I Can Do That: Pirate Chest

Masonry nails and two XXL leather belts impart the ‘arghh!’ in this build.

By Megan Fitzpatrick
Page: 24-25

From the February 2011 issue #188
Buy this issue now

Don’t let the curved top of this “pirate chest” scare you. It’s a lot less tricky than it may appear – and it’s excellent practice with your block plane.
In Our Store: Every aspiring pirate needs "The Pirate Primer."
Plan: Download the free SketchUp plan for the Pirate Chest.
Articles: All the "I can Do That" articles are free online.

The Chisel-Hatchet and Scalpel In One

Here's my theory: if you get good using one tool, learning the next tool you pick up will be easier. Good woodworkers connect a piece of wood on the bench and their brain through their hands and the tools in their hands. Learn how to make that connection and you will easily pick up new Continue reading»

And Now for the Chisel

Working on this little block has been an interesting experience, and I hope you'll give it a try. Explaining it on the blog has made me think about a lot of basic things that have become habit over the years. The Gottshall block is a hand tool education, and one of the lessons is that Continue reading»

Better Than a Pencil

One of the things that can overwhelm a beginning woodworker is the sheer number of choices to make about the simplest things. It doesn't help that there is always someone waiting to tell you that there is a better, faster, easier, or morally superior way to do it. That improved method usually involves a new Continue reading»

Exercise in Layout and Marking

If you've taken the bait and are willing to make a Gottshall block, I suggest you ask yourself two questions before you start. What kind of woodworker do you want to be, and how will you know when you get there? There aren't any right or wrong answers; this is something we do for fun Continue reading»