Arts & Mysteries Blog
Rust Prevention for Woodworkers
Just got this month’s PW and in it was a letter to the editor about preventing rust. Megan answered saying use was an excellent means of rust prevention, regular oiling, and for long term storage, petroleum jelly is a good idea. All good answers, but in my opinion, missing a few details: Climate control: If Continue reading»
Woodworking Fundamentals
I’m focusing on basic skills in PW. Know that this isn’t news from the mountain top, but rather my very real commitment to fundamentals in my own shop. “Fundamentals” could mean different things to different people. Here’s what the word means to me: My goal is to: 1) Be able to measure and mark rough Continue reading»
Still learning
The day I stop learning how to work wood is the day I hang up my saws for the last time. After more years than I care to admit, I’m still making mistakes and learning new things about wood, my tools and myself. This past weekend, I was preparing 1/2″ stock for the sides of Continue reading»
Old-school Rule
Starrett 414 Ruler Review I recently bought myself this Starrett 414 ruler on a whim. Maybe I was smitten by its name: “English Pattern Utility Rule.” Just sounds 18th century, doesn’t it? I also liked the hardware store wooden yardstick-style hash marks. Rulers divided into 64ths or 50ths may be impressive in their accuracy, but Continue reading»
Secret to planing end grain?
Is there a secret to planing end grain? Is a low-angle block plane required? I don’t think so. My trusty wooden smoother does a good enough job for me. What you need to plane end grain is a SHARP plane. If that’s your block plane, use that. If I had to come up with a Continue reading»
Wmsburg Conference Wrap up
My coverage of the conference was hampered by CW’s policy of photography for “Personal Use Only.” I understand why they are doing this. They don’t want the presenters, who may be working on books or videos, to complain about having their content raided by the woodworking paparazzi. On the flip side (my side), attendance will Continue reading»
Day 2 of the Wmsburg Conference
Tuesday morning saw the continuation of the bureau table by Kaare. He assembled the drawer dividers, with the case together added the feet and a few nailed on parts and then started adding the moldings across the bottom. After Kaare, Dan Faia from the N. Bennett St. school looked at stringing and banding, as well Continue reading»
