Changing Directions

Over the last couple of years my approach to woodworking has changed a bit. Like many, I grew up on power tools. As a member of Lumberjocks.com I recently posted a forum topic about a injury I sustained using my table saw. The post does has some pics of my injury, so be warned. Some folks dont like blood. One thing that happened to me over this incident was the beginning of interest in hand tools. I had no idea of how truly remarkable a hand tool could be used to elevate ones work so. It took about one month to get over the injury, mentally atleast. The hand surgeon told me to wait 6 months for healing! If woodworking was a hobby, I can see waiting that long, but how was I too feed my kids like that? So I knuckled up, and started working. Recently I made the decision to rid myself of some power tools for several reasons. One I dont enjoy them at all. Im not against them, or a hand tool purist, but for me hand tools have provided a unequaled amount of satisfaction in my work. The tools are beautiful, a joy to use, and yes expensive! I would encourage any woodworker to look closely at hand tools, just to see how very accurate they can be. There is so much information to be found on how to set up, properly care for, and use hand tools. Some great books Ive picked up are, "Choosing and using Hand Tools" written by Andy Rae. I've recently ordered Tom Fidgen's "Made by Hand". All of James Krenov's books are of course a must for your library. Finally anything written by Christopher Schwarz is also a must have. My final comment for now would be to consider hand tools for how clean they are. The dust made by hand saws isnt anything like that from the table saw. Your ears will thank you, but your power company won't!

My 21st Century Work Bench

Alot of work benches I’ve studied closely either look to top heavy, with flimsy legs, or too light to handle the rigors of heavy hand planing. I’ve found many designs that incorporated a huge slab top, with massive timbers for legs. The Roubo design as presented by Christopher Schwarz stands out as one designed to do what a work bench should, securely hold work for hand tools. This design I’ve taken many aspects of various benches and blended them together to form one I think will work for me. The center tool well will allow a chair or small table to be on the bench top without the worry of the piece tipping into a more traditional well that is positioned on the edge of the top. The legs are dovetailed into the top, with the natural locking abilities of dovetails, and the top mortised into the leg, I can’t see how this bench would ever rack. Not to mention multiple dog holes, and hold fasts for every clamping operation I could think of. I haven’t yet added the deadman, but that will come later.

Andy Glantz Zenith-Design

Not alot of good common sense applies to small businesses that promote others of the same, or similar field. I personally think that rule may apply to some professions, but not here, and not me. Ive collected and made friends with several Makers who I respect as individuals, and as true artists.

Today I want to comment on the work of Andy Glantz, http://www.zenith-design.com/.

Mr. Glantz recently published a very informative article in the annually published Woodwork Magagzine. The article was titled, "Cultivating your clients." This article was so profound to me in my early career as a maker that I was compelled to contact Mr. Glantz and express my appreciation for his knowledge.

As a artist Mr. Glantz works diligently to create sculptural furniture that breaks away from common boundaries. My words can only introduce those of you who have never seen his work. Viewing his work even from the online format speaks much louder than I could ever.

My Review of 7" Groz Front Vise Hardware

Originally submitted at Woodcraft

7" Groz Front Vise Hardware

How fast can it sink?

By Thomas Woodworker from Greenville, Sc on 5/24/2010

 

1out of 5

Cons: Difficult To Use, Poor Grip, Flimsy

Best Uses: In The Yard

Describe Yourself: Professional

Primary use: Business

Difficult to install, a hollow flimsy handle, and the racking, My God the racking.....

(legalese)

New Logos!

Brand spankin' new logos from
www.etsy.com/shop/ajoyfulstudio

very cool, and a delight to work with!

Slide Show Addition

This was one of the most difficult things to do, Ive ever done. Now its here.

"Focal Point?"

After a long break away from the unmatched joys of inhaling sawdust, I'm glad to be back and present my latest. This piece is from my world of self motivated woodworking, and features many different species of wood. The original design was very art deco, but as one can see it leans much more toward Asian aesthetic. The end result is a conversation piece that tends toward more appearance rather than function. Although the interior is lined in Spanish Cedar providing a pleasing aroma to the lucky one who opens it.