Workbench Slave (aka Deadman) a la Tage Frid
A stout “deadman” or “bench slave” is one of simplest jigs you can build, and it can be an invaluable addition to any workbench with a tail vise. You clamp this fixture, [...]
Furniture Design Tools: The Versatile Eraser Shield
At around $1 an eraser shield is one of the best buys in your drafting toolkit. This little bit of punched stainless steel if often in my hand when I am drawing a set of plans and is invaluable [...]
Hand Drafting Skill-builder FAQ
Q: Is there ever a time in the hand drafting process when you use paper with lines on it, such as graph paper? A: If I am out in the field and do not have a portable drafting setup, then …
A great box to have dinner with…
What discussion of shop-made boxes would be complete without something dovetailed? A common project for many woodworkers is a dovetailed box. It’s a great warmup for making drawers and [...]
Working in the Round
As we continue to explore customized storage solutions from the workshop, a fun way to make an interesting container is to turn one. If you have (or have access to) a lathe and a little bit of [...]
Aging 100 Years in a Day
Building customized storage solutions is one of the joys of being a woodworker. I never seem to have enough storage at home or in the shop. On days when I don’t have a lot of time in the [...]
Winding Laths – Improve How You Flatten a Board
A good pair of winding laths or winding sticks is sometimes hard to find – I suspect not many have survived the burn pile. The good news is that a new set is easily made in a few minutes at …
Woodworking Ideas – Customizing Your Tool Chest From the Inside Out
Bill Rainford, traditional joiner, has been writing guest posts for us this summer. Thanks for all of these amazing woodworking ideas, Bill! Today we are featuring a piece on the principles [...]
Sloyd Tool List Spreadsheet
Tool Pricing Analysis, 1900-2013 (Complete Sloyd List) Tool Original Price Original Price in Today’s $ Today’s Price 2′ Folding Wood Rule $0.15 $4.05 $24.00 6″ Metal Blade [...]
How Many Woodworking Hand Tools do I Really Need? – The Sloyd Tool List
It’s Independence Day this week. Why not do something that makes you a little more independent in your tool-buying decisions? In this guest perspective from Bill Rainford, traditional [...]
Beginning Woodworking – Secrets of Sloyd
Bill Rainford is a young and driven craftsman in whom I think you’ll find a lot in common. Voraciously self-taught at first, Bill went on to graduate from the Preservation Carpentry Program [...]
