Art Pick of the Day - September 1 2008 - Post #1
August 31, 2008
I am going to be offering a cool site that I have found each and every day for the next 365 Days. Starting today September 1st 2008 going through September 1st 2009, I will share with you my inspirations, and just down right cool art items that I have come across. Why am I doing this? The 365 Days of Art Inspiration will be a constant reminder for me achieve the goals that I have set for myself in the next year. I will make frequent announcements of my goals. Sharing these with you in hopes that...
Episode- The Schimmel
August 31, 2008
I had recently quit smoking (thank you, thank you), but it was affecting my camerawork. So much so, in fact, that the video for this episode was all but unwatchable-- I couldn't hold still for a moment, and I was getting ill trying to edit the mess. My solution? Take what still pictures I could from the video and make a slide show, which is what I present to you here.The Story: A friend is driving by and sees a dilapidated piece of furniture sticking out of somebody's trash. She wasn't sure...
#27 Starting a New Project
August 31, 2008
This past week I began the kitchen cabinet pull out shelf project. These shelves will be installed in all but one of the lower kitchen cabinets. The only reason the one won't get the pull outs is that the door does not open fully due to the new dishwasher being a bit bigger than the old dishwasher. I will be installing a total of 12 pull outs.The first problem I've encountered is that the cabinets were site built. The entire unit was built as one piece. This means there are no side wall to attach...
Featured Project - Jodi’s Favorites
August 31, 2008
Here are some pictures of my wife's favorite projects that I built for her. This is the finished changing table with hardware. A side view of the changing table showing the adjustable shelf. The solid Oak and Mahogany cross shelf has no fasteners.It is held together by wood on wood joinery.It makes me smile everytime I look at it. :0) This wall shelf was a Valentines day gift for her. I built it shortly after she bought me a 9" Bandsaw. Just had the desire to cut some curves. Thanks for looking!David...
Fein MultiMaster patent expire is fine with us
August 31, 2008
I am sure most of you have seen the infomercials for the Fein MultiMaster over the past few years. Their tool does everything: it slices, it dices, cuts tile, drywall, etc. But it also comes with a pretty big price tag. You are looking to spend around $200 for the tool, and [...] Read More →
Fein MultiMaster patent expire is fine with us
August 31, 2008
I am sure most of you have seen the infomercials for the Fein MultiMaster over the past few years. Their tool does everything: it slices, it dices, cuts tile, drywall, etc. But it also comes with a pretty big price tag. You are looking to spend around $200 for the tool, and [...] Read More →
interactive Web Tools for Artists & Creative Professionals Part 2
August 31, 2008
Question #2 How do I add interactive Multi-Media Content to my Blog or website…and why??? So Today we will explore ways in which you can simply and easily add quick multi-media content to your Blog, “Home-Base” or Website. When you create multi-media content there are a few things that you need to think about. 1. What kind of content do I want to create? 2. How Long will the copy, video or audio be? 3. Who will be viewing, listening, or reading? These are the three basic questions...
Bench Dogs Quickie- Rubec’s Cube
August 31, 2008
No, It's not a misspelling (mispelling?) of Rubik's cube. It's an entirely different puzzle... and not mine, either. I saw it on the interwebs and thought it was cute, so I built it. Once I built it I had trouble putting it together, so left it be for awhile until a friend's young child assembled it in no time! So I copied the outcome and filmed it. Rubec, by the way, is just an anagram of Bruce. Read More →
Quick Poll
August 31, 2008
While combination woodworking machines have long been the norm in European shops, the one combination machine that has been sold for decades in the United States has been the Shopsmith. It’s touted as the Swiss Army Knife of woodworking machines, with the current model - the Mark V - able to serve as a table saw, drill press, disc sander and lathe right out of the box. While, at first glance, it might seem like the perfect tool for a cramped woodworking shop, opinions about the tool run...
Episode- Beach Dogs
August 31, 2008
You must be thinking-- "he's posted two videos already, and nothing about woodworking... what gives?" Fair enough. The real deal is that I was supposed to post 'The Schimmel' episode in this spot, but I clicked the wrong button! So instead, please enjoy 'Beach Dogs'-- what happens when two hardworking contractor-types take a day off, but can't really stop working. Read More →
Last Post from the Mainland
August 31, 2008
Well, we’re moving in three days. We put 16 boxes on the boat, and I’ve dropped 12 boxes in the mail so far. I think we’re about 5 boxes away from being done. On Tuesday, they come to pick up our car, which will be loaded with awkward-shaped things and other stuff that doesn’t look very steal-able (like the step stool I made). Today I cleaned out the shop and did a final sweeping. The shop is now officially closed. I already know what my first major woodworking project is...
Shop Talk - Sharpening System
August 30, 2008
As I listed in a previous blog, I have 17 blades in my shop to keep sharp. This isn't even counting the 5 turning tools and 15 carving tools that are quite possibly the most often sharpened tools during the course of working with them.Below are a few images of my sharpening system. I feel that sharpening has been covered ad nausium all over the internet, I will go into little detial with the confidence that if you desire to learn more, you will google terms such as "scary sharp", "hollow grind",...
I Lean to the Left
August 30, 2008
Some of you may be surprised or even a little disappointed to hear that, but it's true.No matter how hard I try to keep even pressure on my plane, the edge I'm jointing becomes sloped to the left. Knowing this about myself, I take a conservative approach to jointing by frequently checking my progress with a square.You might think the way to remedy the problem is to lean to the right. But that would only result in a peaked ridge down the middle of the board with slopes to the left and to the right.Instead,...
Tuned-Up Tool - Antique Hand Planes
August 30, 2008
I spent most the day fixing up a couple of old hand planes. Both came from Threads of Memories in Brookings, SD. Of all the hand planes that I have tuned up, these were the easiest by far. They were very clean when I got them. They were obviously owned by a caring woodworker.The planes are a No. 4 and a No. 5.My plan for the No. 4 was to turn it into a finely tuned smoothing plane, with a high bevel angle and a small mouth opening. This plane, although it is old, is superior to my new No. 4 is many...
Bench Dogs Quickie- How To Fix a Cheap-Ass Lighter
August 30, 2008
This was not the Bench Dogs' first video, but it most certainly was one of the silliest. Remember, we're all about the recycling and the reusing and the reducing, and here's a way to get more life out of our most precious among first inventions-- fire. Read More →
First Look At The Bench Dogs ‘Pound’
August 30, 2008
Well, here's one side of my shop, the north wall with my Craftsman radial arm saw and Delta chop saw, as well as the Nonamé grinder and drill bit sharpener. You can see all of my additional small machinery on the upper shelves, and behind it all is a lumber rack. Beneath the Craftsman is an air compressor in a (not really) soundproof box. Remember, this whole thing started as a repository for rarely used and retired tools, so it's far from where I'd like it to be. Are You Listening, Festool Donation...
The Right Tool For The Job
August 30, 2008
On one hand there is the Chronicle project. On the other hand there is the Moxon project. On the third hand there is a box of Zomig for migraines. Sometimes... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More →
Welcome To Our Inception!
August 30, 2008
Bruce here:This blog has been a long time in coming... woodworking has been a passion of mine for most of my life, and now I can share it with others-- how cool is that?About me:Born & raised in New York City; finished high school in an artist community in New Hope PA; College in Upstate New York, Industrial Arts Major (which trains people to become Driver Ed teachers); Grad school in Illinois majoring in Industrial Technology (which trains people to train people in Industrial Technology); one...
State of the Craft?
August 30, 2008
Someone posed a very good question in a forum thread recently, and I wanted to bring the discussion to you. The gist was that all of the recent excitement over woodworking (blogs/podcasts/etc…) could actually be BAD for the craft. The logic presented was that many of our great woodworkers have decided to teach woodworking, rather than actually DO woodworking themselves. The post expressed concern that if everyone is teaching, then there will be no one left to actually DO the woodworking....
Vintage handtools information
August 30, 2008
When it comes to information on vintage woodworking handtools there are three websites that pop right out of the top of my head.For Stanley handplanes there is The Superior Works: Patrick's Blood and Gore, where you'll find all the information you'll ever need on these classic tools.The next time someone refers to one of Stanley's handplanes by their funny numbers you'll know exactly what they're talking about.Next on the list is The Disstonian Institute, which has the name implies will provide you...
Introducing The Sawdust Chronicles
August 30, 2008
Introducing The Sawdust Chronicles!The Sawdust Chronicles is a new, joint podcast that will be available soon at www.thesawdustchronicles.com.Hosts:Erik Pearson from Novice Garage WoodworkerRick Waters from Splintered BoardCo-hosts:Contact us if you would like to contribute.Topics:Nothing woodworking related is out-of-bounds. We plan to cover all things woodworking for the beginning/novice/soon-to-begin woodworker. We won't claim to cover everything newbies need to know, but we will always...
301 Building A Shooting Board Pt. 1
August 30, 2008
I had originally planned on releasing this video as part of a series on Monday and Wednesday. But based on the number of requests I had to see the construction process as soon as possible, I couldn't wait. So here is Pt. 1 of a two part series. Today's video highlights the basic construction of the base, the 90 degree fence and the hook. This is a great start on the project considering that easily 90-95% of the work I do on the shooting board is cleaning...
A better sander
August 30, 2008
The sanding disk on my 2 in 1 Triton sander was getting quickly worse, with little sanding and more burning, no matter how often I tried the reconditioning rubber stick trick. The cutting ability of the sanding disk had finally been exhausted - it was blunt. Given that it was silicon carbide, which chips revealing new cutting edges, it means it had pretty much run out of carbide altogether. Now before applying a new disk, you have to completely clean off all the glue from the old one, and given...
Aldi and an unexpected shed upgrade
August 30, 2008
Was in Aldi earlier today (don’t shop there much, but their nappies are pretty good, and a reasonable price). Came home with a bit more than I expected - an upgrade for the shed! One of their ’special’ buys at the moment is rubber flooring 6 pack for $20. I bought a couple of sets - thought it would be good for reducing fatigue while standing at some of the tools for extended periods of time. After laying what I had, I went straight back down for one more pack to finish the...
Episode 31: Reversal of Fortune
August 29, 2008
Click here to play Over the last five years, the hobbyist woodworking community has undergone a dramatic 180 degree shift in our attitude toward tools and tool pricing. In this week’s episode I explore this phenomenon and look for a reason as to why we all simultaneously performed the half-hokey-pokey. Here’s the links for more information on the new Delta Unisaw and new Sawstop saw that I mention. Read More →
Spotlight: elle Z designs
August 29, 2008
We had our signature medallions made by Laura Zaruba, owner of elle Z designs. Laura found a unique niche with laser-cut wedding invitations; but she assures me she will work with anyone “…to create your unique logos, or anything else you need in wood, marble, plastic, metal, etc…” (I quoted this from a recent e-mail message she sent me). She did a terrific job with our medallions! After posting on Lumberjocks in reply to a question by a fellow woodworker, I received several...
Home Improvement Ebook - A Beginners Guide
August 29, 2008
Discover the Secrets That Will Have You Creating Beautiful, Timeless Woodworking Projects in No Time At All – Even If You Have Absolutely No Woodworking Experience Whatsoever Click Here! Read More →
Demand for quality handtools
August 29, 2008
It's a known fact that these days there are a lot of handtool makers producing outstanding tools, tools that improve on the vintage ones they're based on.You can no longer say that if you want a good western style chisel you need to get yourself a used Stanley n.750 and restore it to good working condition.You have manufacturers like Lie-Nielsen that offer a set chisels based on the 750's and through the use of better raw materials and manufacturing techniques produce a tool that's even better that...
EAIA Meet Up
August 29, 2008
An Early American Industries Association meet up is scheduled for October 4 in Dillsburg, PA.The following information is printed with permission from Tom Graham, who asks that you contact him or Dana Shoaf if you plan to attend, so they can get a ballpark number of attendees (email addresses for both are below).--------- Thought any of you, particularly those in PA, MD, VA, WV or even DE or NJ might be interested in this upcoming event. Besides its annual meeting, members of the Early American...
Great News at IWF 2008
August 29, 2008
Posted by: Asa Christiana As we reported last year from AWFS Vegas, the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) has finally made European-style riving knives mandatory on all new tablesaws. Not surprisingly, then, the results were everywhere at IWF 2008. From only a few big cabinet saws and a couple benchtop models last year, the long-awaited riving knife has migrated onto dozens of saws, in all sizes and price ranges. So if you were waiting to trade in your new saw, your excuses are gone. In case you...
