Blog Series

Walnut Dining Table

1 entry

Part 1: Early planning

I’m planning to build a dining table in walnut. I found a really fancy one at some store in Soho. Very ritzy place. Here is a picture of the table....

A silk purse from a sow's ear...

6 entries

Part 4: More extreme cheapskate measures...

There’s a midi tallboy part to this job. Originally it was going to be made from bb ply with a poplar face frame, but as the client didn’t want to ...

Part 5: Say hello to my leetle friend...

Long day in the workshop today, trying to catch up on yesterday, May Day – a Bank Holiday here. Didn’t get as much done as I wanted, I’m at a point...

Part 6: "At this moment I feel no love for you at all. I never thought that would ever happen, but it has."

Diane Keaton to Al Pacino in The Godfather II. I will preface the next part by saying ’It’s not all fun and games in the workshop’ “At this moment ...

Apprentice Shop

Part 1: Sharing My Plans To Start an Apprentice Shop

Back in the winter of 2013, my dad told me to come get his shop tools. He’s retired once and then started back, and now he’s fully retired. Anyhow,...

First project, a sewing box

5 entries

Part 3: Handles

I had the bright idea to put some handles in the top boxes to make it easier to open the sewing box. I also thought the handles should be made of c...

Part 4: Coming together, and cantilevers

I put one coat of Minwax Natural stain on the boxes and lid frames. It highlighted the grain perfectly so I’m stopping there. I really like the way...

Part 5: FInally finished

I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and it’s not perfect, but for a first project, I’m happy with it. I learned a lot along the way, so next ti...

Patio Table

Part 1: an idea is born

Two years ago our glass patio table broke; last year, we did without a patio table; this year I want one again and so I started checking out the fl...

WoodworkingWeb Awards - Glorious Grain

Part 1: Announcement

We are pretty excited to announce you the very first WoodworkingWeb Quarterly Awards! Theme – Glorious Grain Wood grain is a vital part of wood and...

Part 2: Cast Your Votes and Win a T-shirt!

Our Glorious Grain Awards entry period is over and we ended up with 12 amazing entries. Now it’s time to pick your top 5 list and cast your votes. ...

Part 3: And the Winners Are ...

Our very first Awards are behind us and I think that they were pretty successful. You submitted 12 beautiful entries. Thank you all for submitting ...

Shop Tips and Gadgets

Part 1: Fresh Air Supply on the Cheap

Back in my boat building days I periodically had the need to spray some very toxic paints. A fresh air supply is highly recommended for these occas...

Vintage Tools...Still the best choice

Part 1: The table saw...

Probably the most important tool in the shop, next to yourself with a relaxing beverage, is the table saw. As most, I drool over the new Unisaw, th...

Plane Jack

Part 1: Opening scene: Rescued from the back shelves.

I was able to convince Pete, who runs the workshop where I spend time refurbishing tools on Tuesdays, that I could find this little fella a good ho...

My beginners workshop

2 entries

Part 1: In the beginning...

There was filth and stink. I bought this property from my neighbor. She had nine cats and two dogs living in a 14 × 60 mobile home. She wasn’t the ...

Part 2: How it looks today

Here are some shot of how it looks today. There is a lot left to do. I have to get it organized again and get rid of some of the demolition and con...