Shop Blog

Teaching is a two-way street. It’s not just for students. As an instructor, you get to peek into the many different ways students use their tools. Since one of the...

One of the most frustrating flaws in a dried finish is bubbles. The trick is to avoid getting them in the first place. If you can’t do this, you need...

Anyone who’s ever watched, or seen Frank Klausz speak in public understands that they’re learning from a guy who knows what he’s talking about. Joinery? You bet! He’s [...]

I’ve been working out of town for three of the four last weeks, with precious little time in my shop. So instead of writing about joinery, finishing, or any of...

While buying some dowels at Menards this weekend I lucked into finding some of the Stanley 175th Anniversary tape measures for $7.99 each. According to Stanley’s website, this product (STHT36175)...

Go to your local building supply store, and find a cheap plunger (mine was $3). Then take the handle off and use it for a jam chuck on your lathe...

We just published a new episode of I Can Do That! In this episode, I built a small kitchen island for our video producer, Jake Motz. It features a premanufactured...

Last week I taught a class on how to design and build furniture using reclaimed and scrap wood at Snow Farm School of Crafts. Some students brought a trunk full...

Many a woodworker first encountered a marking gauge in dad or grandpa’s toolbox. We picked it up, played with it, moved the head a bit, thought it was cool –...

Recently, I had an exchange with a friend who does woodworking as a hobby, and the exchange made me realize that the need to thin oil and varnish, especially varnish,...

As a society, we throw a lot of things away. Yes, we feel guilty about it and we try to recycle when we can and where we can, but it’s...

As Chris recently announced on the Lost Art Press blog, we’re ending our official relationship at the end of November. He has decided to focus his efforts on Lost Art...