If you recall, a few weeks ago, I wrote about the unexpected repair job I performed on one of our newly bought solid mahogany chairs (read parts one and two here). What I didn’t expect is that I would have to revisit one of our misfortunate chairs on such short notice – yet again.  This…

On this week’s episode of the Podcast, Phil and John give the latest update on the Woodsmith World and discuss the things in the shop we avoid doing.

On this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, John, and Logan, are talking about transitioning your shop to cold weather work, an update on Logan’s new shop building, and some fun new tools and projects going on in the Woodsmith Shop. Check out all of the Shopnotes Podcast episodes here.

Way back in 2020 our sister publication Woodsmith launched new podcast called the ShopNotes Podcast, which included then-Woodsmith editor Logan Wittmer. Logan has been in charge here at Popular Woodworking for over a year now, but we never got around to sharing those podcasts with you here. We’re finally remedying that now, with episode 134:…

Make your own copy of this precision vintage tool. Even after two years of working alone, I can still hear the visitors to my museum shop where I worked for 20 years: “My grandpa was a carpenter….” It’s a line I heard a lot. I used to wish for a secret button I could step…

Many woodworkers have mixed feelings about modern design in woodworking. Traditional style plans outsell our modern furniture plans by at least 3:1, and the appearance of modern furniture in our magazine is sporadic at best. Take a look at current home furniture trends though, and modern is all the rage. Whether is Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian,…

Sometimes a little talking-to (and video surveillance) is all it takes. I have noticed three things about tools and kids. Kids can find tools even if it requires tunneling under the garage wall. Kids can claim complete innocence when asked why tools are missing. Two days after the tools go missing the same kids manage…

Forget the stockpile of wood; what about the stock of partial projects? When building furniture, some woodworkers keep a stockpile of lumber on hand and draw from their stacks as they begin a new project. Others buy enough lumber (with some extra) for each piece they are planning to build, often working from a list…

No sick days, no paid vacations and no IT department – but it’s worth it. Ah, going pro – telling your boss to take your day job and stick it in his ear while you go off to earn your living doing what you love best. There is not a woodworker who, while looking at…