Shop Blog

This morning we were messing around with the band saw blades and got into a discussion of how to fold and unfold them properly. I was taught to use my...

Yesterday’s post on developing basic skills generated a lot of response. In addition to the comments, I received several e-mails. One that got my attention came from saw-maker [...]

As complicated as we sometimes try to make it, woodworking isn’t that difficult. Or is it? Great woodworkers don’t possess magic powers or some great gift; they have mastered some...

I don’t relish handing out bad reviews of tools. But as someone who gets stoned occasionally by an angry mob, I know that a critical review can help improve the...

Early Modern Drama majors are enablers. They have fancy library cards and access to stuff that makes you pasty white and boring at parties. I used to have friends. People...

Yesterday I presented an exercise to increase skills in SketchUp. Our blog lists newer posts before older ones, so you might want to click here to get caught up. Here...

I’ve been purging my shop and tool chests of excess tools this week. But now I’m afraid some of my tools are “taking the hint” and leaving on their own....

Last month we showed you a preview of Len Hovarter’s interesting twin-screw vise (check out that entry here and see a video). Today Hovarter’s web site went live and is...

WHILE I WAS WAITING FOR THESE TO DRY AFTER FIRST COAT OF STAIN/OIL .I THOUGHT I WOULD USE MY OFF CUTS OF VARIOUS TIMBERS TO MAKE A MONEY BOX. SO...

HAD A FEW OFFCUTS OVER FROM BENCHES SO I MADE A KIDS BENCH AND A FOLDING TABLE.THE KIDS BENCH AND TABLE  I CUT 4X2 IN HALF SO I HAD SO...

When I first started using SketchUp, I made a fundamental error. I tried to draw, applying what I knew about hand drafting and CAD to a program designed for 3D...

BENCHES READY FOR STAINING.THE STAIN WAS MIXED HALF AND HALF WITH LINSEED OIL.THESE IF THE BREWERY LOOK AFTER THEM WILL LAST MAYBE 10 YEARS PLUS!! WITH EVERY DAY USE.!!.ALSO HAVE MY...