Showing posts with label in. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Woodworking classes in massachusetts

Woodworking classes in massachusetts

Woodworking classes, courses and training program information, Woodworking classes, courses and training program information. woodworking courses are available for both hobbyists and those seeking careers in this field.. Carpentry classes & workshops in boston ma » full-time, Distinguished as an excellent course, this full time program, in boston ma, has a comprehensive curriculum focused on residential carpentry & home building.. The best woodworking schools - ehow | how to - discover, The homestead woodworking school is also listed in woodworkingauthority.com's top three woodworking schools. the school offers a variety of classes for. Training - definition of training by the free dictionary, Train·ing (trā′nĭng) n. 1. the process or routine of one who trains. 2. the state of being trained. training (ˈtreɪnɪŋ) n. 1. a. the process of bringing a. Used woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Find great deals on ebay for used woodworking tools used woodworking power tools. shop with confidence.. Woodworking schools directory - fine woodworking article, To add your school or to make changes to an existing listing, please email fw@taunton.com. alabama. black warrior wood turning school 4509 woodland hills drive.

Woodworking classes in massachusetts with career training, Woodworking classes in massachusetts with career training options. research woodworking classes in massachusetts, which currently has seven schools offering programs.. Woodworking classes, courses and schools | training, Woodworking classes, courses and schools learn woodworking, furniture-making, cabinet-making, wood turning, carving, joinery or even boat-building in your own. Woodworking, cabinet & furniture making classes in boston, In this program, students will learn the fine craftsmanship that goes into cabinet and furniture making through hands on classes and woodworking. boston ma.

Tatted Necklace Pattern

Tatted Necklace Pattern

Taj Mahal Cake

Taj Mahal Cake

Metal Planer

Metal Planer

Macrame Projects

Macrame Projects

Training - definition of training by the free dictionary, Train·ing (trā′nĭng) n. 1. the process or routine of one who trains. 2. the state of being trained. training (ˈtreɪnɪŋ) n. 1. a. the process of bringing a. Used woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Find great deals on ebay for used woodworking tools used woodworking power tools. shop with confidence.. Woodworking schools directory - fine woodworking article, To add your school or to make changes to an existing listing, please email fw@taunton.com. alabama. black warrior wood turning school 4509 woodland hills drive.

Woodworking classes, courses and training program information, Woodworking classes, courses and training program information. woodworking courses are available for both hobbyists and those seeking careers in this field.. Carpentry classes & workshops in boston ma » full-time, Distinguished as an excellent course, this full time program, in boston ma, has a comprehensive curriculum focused on residential carpentry & home building.. The best woodworking schools - ehow | how to - discover, The homestead woodworking school is also listed in woodworkingauthority.com's top three woodworking schools. the school offers a variety of classes for. Training - definition of training by the free dictionary, Train·ing (trā′nĭng) n. 1. the process or routine of one who trains. 2. the state of being trained. training (ˈtreɪnɪŋ) n. 1. a. the process of bringing a. Used woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Find great deals on ebay for used woodworking tools used woodworking power tools. shop with confidence.. Woodworking schools directory - fine woodworking article, To add your school or to make changes to an existing listing, please email fw@taunton.com. alabama. black warrior wood turning school 4509 woodland hills drive.

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Monday, February 16, 2015

Instant Get Shop-in-a-box tool cabinet woodworking plan

Learn Shop-in-a-box tool cabinet woodworking plan

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Wooden Cooler Box Plans

Wooden Cooler Box Plans

Wooden Toy Box Plans

Wooden Toy Box Plans

Woodworking Bench Vice

Woodworking Bench Vice

Workbench Plans

Workbench Plans

Wood Carving Bear Pattern

Wood Carving Bear Pattern

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Maybe I really hope Shop-in-a-box tool cabinet woodworking plan post useful for you even if you are a beginner though

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Saturday, February 14, 2015

Solidworks in furniture woodworking assemblies

Solidworks in furniture woodworking assemblies

Japanese garden - minnesota landscape arboretum, 3675 arboretum drive, chaska mn 55318 | 952.443.1400 ©2015 university of minnesota landscape arboretum | privacy policy | site map | extranet | contact us. Neatest - definition of neatest by the free dictionary, That wood was full of rabbit holes; and in the neatest sandiest hole of all, cousins--flopsy, mopsy, cotton-tail and peter.. Children's twin loft bed with desk woodworking plans | ebay, Q: hi! does the bed come with assembly istructions? how much is your buy it now price? a: this item is for a set of professional plans (instructions) how to build. Where to buy furniture (on a budget) in singapore, Where i bought most of my furniture (i.e. frugal furniture!): ikea - there are two locations. the tampines location is located next to a huge courts. Halving joints - materials technology wood, What is a halving joint? in halving joint, half the thickness of the wood is cut from each piece, forming one unit. this gives a flush surface with the pieces locked. The solidworks blog, The solidworks expo floor features multiple cam solutions, several of them fully integrated into solidworks cad. fully integrated cam completely removes the wall.

Solidworks build a hinge assembly - youtube, This channel is all about cad design. mostly 3doccasionally 2d. i do have solidworks but the majority of my future work will be in sketchup as more. Woodworking & framing using weldments in solidworks part 2, Today we're looking again at creating modified weldments for a wooden deck. as i mentioned last time, weldments can make work like this go extremely fast. How to clean outdoor furniture of mildew | ehow, How to clean outdoor furniture of mildew. mildew is the visible growth of mold. it grows easily on damp surfaces and produces a musty, unpleasant smell..

Exclusive to John Lewis, Strata furniture has a clean and contemporary

Exclusive to John Lewis, Strata furniture has a clean and contemporary

Armario madera

Armario madera

Large Cat Litter Box Furniture

Large Cat Litter Box Furniture

 Woodworking /How to Build Modern Furniture Vol.2: Designs and Assembly

Woodworking /How to Build Modern Furniture Vol.2: Designs and Assembly

Where to buy furniture (on a budget) in singapore, Where i bought most of my furniture (i.e. frugal furniture!): ikea - there are two locations. the tampines location is located next to a huge courts. Halving joints - materials technology wood, What is a halving joint? in halving joint, half the thickness of the wood is cut from each piece, forming one unit. this gives a flush surface with the pieces locked. The solidworks blog, The solidworks expo floor features multiple cam solutions, several of them fully integrated into solidworks cad. fully integrated cam completely removes the wall.

Japanese garden - minnesota landscape arboretum, 3675 arboretum drive, chaska mn 55318 | 952.443.1400 ©2015 university of minnesota landscape arboretum | privacy policy | site map | extranet | contact us. Neatest - definition of neatest by the free dictionary, That wood was full of rabbit holes; and in the neatest sandiest hole of all, cousins--flopsy, mopsy, cotton-tail and peter.. Children's twin loft bed with desk woodworking plans | ebay, Q: hi! does the bed come with assembly istructions? how much is your buy it now price? a: this item is for a set of professional plans (instructions) how to build. Where to buy furniture (on a budget) in singapore, Where i bought most of my furniture (i.e. frugal furniture!): ikea - there are two locations. the tampines location is located next to a huge courts. Halving joints - materials technology wood, What is a halving joint? in halving joint, half the thickness of the wood is cut from each piece, forming one unit. this gives a flush surface with the pieces locked. The solidworks blog, The solidworks expo floor features multiple cam solutions, several of them fully integrated into solidworks cad. fully integrated cam completely removes the wall.

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Woodworking auctions in colorado

Woodworking auctions in colorado

Irs all auction search - welcome to irs auctions!, (616) lots available! please enter the desired keyword(s) then click the "search" button. or, select the desired manufacturer from the dropdown then click the. Gsaauctions.gov, Gsa auctions® offers federal personal property assets ranging from commonplace items (such as office equipment and furniture) to more select products like scientific. Wood & co - real estate in swan hill | lake boga | nyah, Swan hill real estate and property in and around the swan hill district. contact wood and co real estate - selling and leasing real estate in swan hill and district. H j pugh & co auctioneers, H j pugh & co auctioneers, sales of vintage, classic and modern motorbikes, farm machinery and antique and modern furniture with online catalogues.. Dartmoor auctioneer devon, house clearance, john wood, Dartmoor auctioneer, john wood runs the dartmoor auctions at chagford on dartmoor in devon, with quality antiques, jewellery, furniture and house clearance coming. Woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Visit ebay for great deals in woodworking tools. shop ebay!.

Welcome to irs auctions !, Woodworking machinery in new albany, in: machinery and equipment relocated to hoosier consolidation company for convenience of auction. closing online: february. Colorado auctions - denver construction auctions | roller, Rollerauction.com is setting the standard & committed to excellence in colorado auctioneering. view all upcoming denver equipment auctions online now.. United country bailey & co realty & auction, A unique difference. united country is the largest national real estate company specializing in lifestyle properties since 1925. nearly 90 years of unique experience.

Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Ireland

Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Ireland

Fire Wood Processor

Fire Wood Processor

Identify Antique Farm Tools

Identify Antique Farm Tools

Lot # 768 - Guns, Woodworking Machinery, Toys, Power Tools and Theatre

Lot # 768 - Guns, Woodworking Machinery, Toys, Power Tools and Theatre

H j pugh & co auctioneers, H j pugh & co auctioneers, sales of vintage, classic and modern motorbikes, farm machinery and antique and modern furniture with online catalogues.. Dartmoor auctioneer devon, house clearance, john wood, Dartmoor auctioneer, john wood runs the dartmoor auctions at chagford on dartmoor in devon, with quality antiques, jewellery, furniture and house clearance coming. Woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Visit ebay for great deals in woodworking tools. shop ebay!.

Irs all auction search - welcome to irs auctions!, (616) lots available! please enter the desired keyword(s) then click the "search" button. or, select the desired manufacturer from the dropdown then click the. Gsaauctions.gov, Gsa auctions® offers federal personal property assets ranging from commonplace items (such as office equipment and furniture) to more select products like scientific. Wood & co - real estate in swan hill | lake boga | nyah, Swan hill real estate and property in and around the swan hill district. contact wood and co real estate - selling and leasing real estate in swan hill and district. H j pugh & co auctioneers, H j pugh & co auctioneers, sales of vintage, classic and modern motorbikes, farm machinery and antique and modern furniture with online catalogues.. Dartmoor auctioneer devon, house clearance, john wood, Dartmoor auctioneer, john wood runs the dartmoor auctions at chagford on dartmoor in devon, with quality antiques, jewellery, furniture and house clearance coming. Woodworking tools | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Visit ebay for great deals in woodworking tools. shop ebay!.

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Saturday, February 7, 2015

Detail Furniture plans in

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Feng Shui Office Bagua Map

Feng Shui Office Bagua Map

Armoire Plans

Armoire Plans

Easy Cat Tree Plans

Easy Cat Tree Plans

Small Modern Home Office Furniture

Small Modern Home Office Furniture

2 Bedroom Condo Floor Plans

2 Bedroom Condo Floor Plans

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Saturday, February 22, 2014

Pros and Cons of a Day in the Shop

Well, I couldnt control myself today, I skipped the saw handle I promised I would make, and since it was such an awesome day out worked some on the saw horses instead. It feels like spring now that Im tackling a real project. As practice for doing the ren faire shows this summer, I have decided to build these monsters using only hand tools. Usually Im a hybrid kinds guy, little hand, little lectric, but theres a purpose here so Ill do my damndest to stick to the principal though I think I hit my first stumbling block. More on that at the end.

 I started the day by cleaning up the shop, I had a ton of shavings on the floor from testing rehabed planes. (god damn its fun to make shavings!!!) I got them all swept up and in the trash, ahhh nice clean shop.

Then I took out the 2x12s I bought for this and began to measure and cut for my rough pieces. Two 3 foot long sections and 4 18 inch sections. The other thing I have done without so far is the modern contrivance of measuring tape and pencil. Instead I have done my markups with a pair of dividers and a scratch awl or marking knife. My rosewood tri-square had some inch gradations on it and I will have that with me a faires, so I thought it was fair to use them to set the dividers at 6 inches and step things off. Im not sure how absolutely accurate my measurements turned out, but I think I have to let go of that anal side of myself for this stuff. Measuring out what looks right, and going with it. Using one cut board to get the matching length for another, works just fine. Who needs a tape measure anyhow?

This is really the first time I have ever concentrated on breaking down my stock using a hand saw. I have done plenty of reading lately, and the blogs of all the hand tool junkies out there have helped give me options and knowledge (thank you!!) I tried a couple techniques but felt most comfortable starting the cut traditional and then switching to an overhand technique. One of my newly sharpened crosscut saws worked out great, followed the line and moved the saw dust out. You gotta feel good when something you worked hard to learn pays off. Since I was building the saw horses, I decided to use the steps to hold the board . . . hmmm I though, I cant clamp it down here . . . no hold fast . . . out came my faithful shout that usually brings me some kind of help,  "I need a girl here!" two out of three daughters responded. You can see Infinity, my youngest, dutifully standing on the long board and providing balancing weight to the wood, and my middle one, Fayth, took on the photo-journalism responsibilities. You can also see that as I cut I am tending to tip the saw away from me. I am not sure if this is good technique or not, the experts out there will have to decide, but I sure liked the way I felt in control of the saw and where it was cutting while I did that. Either way this was all too much of a work out for a fat man, I think I should try to do it more, it could help, or it could only make me more hungry, life is a vicious circle sometimes.

With the boards cut down to length I took them into the shop and started planing the edges down square. removing the rounded corners the mills put on them. I never have quite understood the reasoning behind why they do that extra tooling like that, youd think less tooling would mean less investment, maybe its because a board with rounded corners might play an optical illusion and look straighter and closer to true than most of their twisted crap would look with squared corners. I dont know. Either way, Im taking it down to square.




Now you get to see the hell that the Wood Shop Jr. can be for me, I have three reasons from today, The first two are illustrated in this picture.
First off, edge planing a board that is three foot long in an area, maybe five and a half foot wide, it sucks. I banged the toe of my #5 into the wall on the right of the picture a dozen times. I am shocked I didnt catch one of my fingers. The other reason is all I have right now is this little wimpy vise. It works OK for a lot of things . . . but seriously not for this. I had the sucker tightened down as hard as I could, and it would still lever out and drop one end down while I worked with the plane. That was frustrating The third reason is shown here:
One of my bench mallets, a two piece joined one I picked up with a lot of four mallets off eBay about a year ago, broke while I was chopping out the center between two tenons. I have used this mallet a lot and I never had any cracking or sloppiness that warned me the head was going to go. I blame the fact that I have to work off a cabinet top instead of a real workbench, Its like pounding into a trampoline in comparison. I feel the energy of a blow come back into the mallet all the time instead of traveling through the chisel and into the board completely. Thus I probably swing harder than usual as well. harder hits and bounce back energy, I wonder why this didnt happen sooner. . .  oh well, we can fix this, we have the technology.

Next I laid out the cut outs I wanted for the legs. I believe if you click on the picture you will get a larger resolution that shows the scratch marks for the layout. Again this process was done all with two pairs of dividers. This is a big change of thinking for me. I am usually pretty meticulous and have been known to draw out grids and use carbon paper and templates to achieve that "perfect symmetry" but I have come to realize through just this process today that I should just trust my instincts and my eye a bit more when it comes to this kind of stuff. If it looks right, then it is right. and if Im really trying to recreate something medieval then I need to work harder to trust the craftsman inside myself and let him do the work rather than over dissect what I want it to look like.

In the end, it turned out OK. I like the proportions. I shortened the triangle cut out below on the fly and it was a good decision. It has a vaguely medieval style and feel to it. I used this one to mark out the other three remaining legs. Then I decided to try and solve my last problem. Carving the designs into the legs.

In the past all my carving has been done with a dremel style tool and burrs. Again, I want this to be hand tool only so the dremel is out this time. The trouble is the set of carving tools I own are crap, serious crap. Cheep Buck Brothers BORG P.O.S. crap. I should just throw them away for all the good they do. I just want a couple that will do some basic work, that will sharpen well and that I can get some experience and grow from. I thought I would try to make due with what I have in the shop. Maybe I can do it with chisels I thought, I have some small, spoon type scrapers, those would help. Ive got to be able to make something work.

Forget it, this is the frustration I was talking about at the beginning of this post. For all the distance Ive come there is just one more hurdle, one more tool that I need to do what I want. . . I suppose it will end one day, just not today. I just spoke with my wife, This weekend we will be making a trip to the Woodcraft store in Madison so I can pick up two or three decent carving tools. Any suggestions?

I guess that will be all for tonight, Cheers!

Oldwolf
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Friday, February 21, 2014

Making Money In The Wood Working Industry

Are you a woodworking hobbyist, who is hoping to make money in the woodworking industry? If you are, you can make money, no matter what your level of skill. It is a great industry to be in, because of the fact that you can make money as a woodworking novice making simple items and selling them and, when you become skillful, someone will offer you a job or you can stay freelance..

Even a complete beginner woodworking amateur can make clothes pegs and clothes hangers. These can be sold around the neighborhood or to a local shop, if you do not like the idea of selling yourself. After a few weeks, as you gain confidence, you can move onto swing seats, chess boards, stools, bird tables, dog kennels and wine racks. After a few months of that, you could try a garden bench. After that, you are off.

The key to any woodworking project is the woodworking plans. A set of drawings or even just one drawing, an exploded diagram, of the thing to be made. The plans will give a clear, exploded diagram, all measurements and angles, a narrative, detailing what to do first and possibly pointers too.

The pointers could be about the wood to use, the skill level of the project, the estimated time it will take to complete, the tools to use and the finish to give it.

Once you have acquired the skills to make various items of furniture such as garden benches and garden tables, you can go looking for a full-time job, if that is what you want. A word of warning though, do not try to be what you are not. A good foreman carpenter will see your level of skill within 15 minutes, but he will decide to keep you on depending on your ability and attitude to employment.

He may decide that you do not know enough, but he may reckon that you are worth a try, because you appear to be keen and willing to work. On the other hand, you may have loads of skill, but if he sees a lazy or impertinent streak, you may be up the road anychoice. The foreman carpenter will be knowledgeable and will know what sort of person will fit in and whom to give a chance to.

Site work is clearly different from wood-shop work, so bear that in mind when you apply for a job. Just because you can measure precisely and cut tidily with both feet on the ground, it does not mean you can cut a roof in while perched on a rafter 20 feet in the air.

If your line of learning is as I have suggested above, you would probably be better off looking for a job in a woodworking shop or even a cabinet maker’s shop. Or an up market kitchen cabinet manufacturer’s, where you can learn more under supervision.

Later, you can move on to fitting the units others have manufactured in peoples’ homes, which takes another type of talent. People skills come into play here too, because the public can be rotten when they are paying to have work done. Stick with your woodworking or carpentry, whichever route you decide to take and you may be the foreman carpenter within a few years.
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Stenciling In The Early Years

Many art critics turn their attention on colorings and photographs. These art works are two of the most famous and most talked about product of the art world. Painting and photo exhibits generate a large audience from different art societies and the common people. These two art forms are too popular that other art forms are not given much attention. One of these art forms that are often disregarded is the art of stenciling.

Stenciling is the art of producing an image from a stencil pattern. The stencil pattern can be a cut-out pattern or outlining the image that is present in a paper or acetate. There are many types of stenciling like wall stenciling, stencil graffiti and aerosol stencils. Stencils are used in everyday use like when children draw and design their art assignments. Children often use patterns so that they can produce a beautiful and quality work.

The history of stenciling and stencils can be traced back to the Paleolithic era in the 30,000 B.C to 9,000 B.C. The first recorded stencils are said to originate in the Paleolithic cave. Other records show that leaves were used for the first stencils. Natives from Fiji Islands normally use bamboo and banana leaves in doing their stencils. Rumors say that Eskimo natives from Baffin Island use dried sealskin for their stencil art. However, this rumor still remains a rumor up to this day because of insufficient evidence and the absence of fossils of the stencil art of these Eskimos.

Records show early stencils were commonly composed of paper heavily oiled and leather. Later, tin and linen were used to make stencils. These materials are still used up to this day but are rarely utilized because of the presence of plastic.

During the early years, stencils were used as beautification for tombs of Egyptian. The stenciling process would start with the artist outlining a figure or symbol on the tombs wall. After the outlining, a sculptor would carve the sketch in low relief. After the carving, a slim coating of stucco is added to collect the paint. Egyptian stencils and other Egyptian art works tend to use intense primary colors.

On the other hand, Greek stencil artists use the art of stenciling in outlining mosaic designs. Greeks also used stencils in making the letters painted on signboards. These signboards are referred to for directions. The Greeks and the Romans also used stencils in coloring. The Murals is a product of stenciling.

Stenciling was also utilized for producing and designing clothes. Many cultures used stencil to produce a more personal and creative design for their shirts, jeans and sweaters. Stencils were also used for coloring old master prints. It was also used for publications that were mass produced. Stencils were also used for designing playing cards.

The above mentioned uses of stencils and stenciling are only few of the arts early uses. Other uses have materialized throughout the course of history that has helped stenciling art to be popular.

Stenciling has a very colorful history. Its history proves that stenciling is not merely tracing the patterns but more of expressing ourselves and honoring others. Many things and technological advances have helped in the advancement of this art. The Japanese and Chinese have contributed a big part in the promotion of this art.
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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

A House In The Trees Part XV

Last weekend I managed to escape from the busy summer and begin the corner board installation on the Tree House.

Gluing up the corner boards

As with any T1-11 sided building, the Treehouse needs corner boards to seal the nasty gaps where the T1-11 panels meet.

I began fabricating the corner boards by ripping 3/4" off of half the 1x6s I had. After assembly, the corner boards should be the same width on both faces. I hate it when lazy carpenters fail to rip one side, resulting in a corner board which is the width of a board on one side and the width + thickness of a board on the other.

After ripping, I glued up the corner boards with no fasteners. I did this so that when I was cutting them to fit, there would be no chance of hitting and exposing a screw or nail.

Once the glue was dry, I primed the inside and outside of the corner boards. They are made of simple, box store pine, so rot could be an issue. If Id waited until they had been installed, any water which did get behind them could easily rot into the bare wood. The primer doesnt make the rot proof, but it will help. I also primed the cut edges, prior to installation.

I dry fit each corner board and used relative dimensioning to mark them to exact length. A quick trip to the miter saw later, they were ready to install.

The first corner board is installed.

I put a double bead of M-1 sealant behind each side of the corner board, slid them into place and fastened them with screws. Before the final painting, Ill apply another bead of M-1 to the exterior joint where the corner boards meet the T1-11.

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Monday, February 10, 2014

Weekend in Photos Lots of DIY in the Works!

Sorry for no post on Friday, last week I was a little under the weather and it finally caught up with me.

This weekend was productive though! Including a lot of DIY projects in the works ...


Saturday we picked up the remaining supplies for the credenza in the the office area!

Then we got to work - it took a little extra planning because we are reusing some cabinet doors, which required us to stick to some specific measurements. (top right) Here it is on its back looking from the side, David is working on installing the front cabinet doors. The spacing was tricky, accommodating for the the hinges and door movement, but we have two installed, two to go! Now we have the interior shelving, the top and the legs to go.

And while David was working on the credenza, I started a little outdoor table made out of left over fence posts from our planters, here and here. It is now sitting by our front door, photos soon!

Finally, last night I cut out a smaller version of the Moroccan rug stencil to use as a wall stencil (for sale in my Etsy shop). We also worked on the trellis stencil from last week, but didnt make any final decisions so no finished shots yet.

See you soon with some finished pictures! And if you wish to see some of my process shots (as well as a few of my cute puppy), you can find me on instagram at sarahmdorseydesigns
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In the Eyes of the Beholder

Perfectly Executed...Ask yourself why.

"A perfectly executed, hand cut dovetail joint..." Oh yeah? It seems lately when I open up woodworking magazines or watch woodworking video clips everybody is talking about their perfect way to cut dovetails. Half-blinds and hounds tooth, better saws and better jigs. Doesnt matter if you use a hand saw, band saw or even some cross-cutting sled on your table saw, all youre going to hear is: "the perfect joint", "the best way to cut this or make that" perhaps even a "better way" in some ones eyes. What is perfection but some un-achievable measure of proficiency, skill, or excellence. Now dont get me wrong, Im as guilty as the next guy. When I take the time to cut half blind dovetails I want them to be as near perfect as my hands will allow. Ill use contrasting woods so when you open up a drawer theyll jump right out at you. Why? Well lets go further back.
Its kind of ironic that when we think of some of the greatest craftsmen in todays society names such as Sam Maloof or James Krenov immediately come to mind. Sam Maloof who takes 4" metal screws and drives them through his Chair legs to hold them in place. Now look at some of the most famous pieces by Krenov, dowelled together glorified butt joints; and dont get me started about Norm Abrams techniques...Now before you start sending me hate mail for bashing these great masters of the craft, let me start by saying that I admire them to the outer most limits; I find inspiration in all that they do and have studied anything and everything written on their works. But here lies the irony, todays young woodworkers are inundated with teachers pushing them towards excellence. No, their isnt anything wrong with striving towards excellence, but remember to stop every now and then and to ask yourself why. Is Sam Maloof wrong or any less a craftsman for using metal screws in his furniture? Is James Krenov cheapening his work by using a dowel to hold two pieces together instead of some elaborate joint? Go to an antique dealer or walk into a museum and look at the fine examples of hand crafted furniture. Pieces that have stood the tests of time and are the proof we need to justify the joinery in furniture construction. Take a close look at the dovetails if you can find any; in most cases they were covered by mouldings or hidden out of sight from prying consumers eyes. When you look at the joinery in these classic pieces youll probably uncover rough cuts with loose fitting cheeks, perhaps the saw lines extend down further than the witness marks; Oh..the horror, I know. When contrasting woods were used it was probably due to a cheaper secondary wood and not for the fashion sense were constantly reminded of. Were these craftsmen unskilled? Is it simply coincidence that these pieces are around for you to see a hundred years later? No. These skilled workers in wood simply didnt feel the dovetail was so much of a design feature as they felt it was the strongest possible joint they could execute for a particular application. In todays face-paced, fashion world where trends can come and fads can go, the joinery being marketed by your favourite wood workers can sometimes feel like thats all it is. I think its great to practice cutting a joint and honing your skills; making a piece you can truly be proud of. But stop sometimes and ask yourself are you taking the time to cut those half blind dovetails so you can give that chest of drawers to your grand childrens grandchildren, or is it to fetch an extra buck at the craft fair this Sunday?

RECENT COMMENT:
Hey Tom,
I really appreciate your blog, thanks for taking the time……………It was only a couple of months ago, I thought “blog” was a typo.
Well, I’m a novice woodworker and completely relate to your entry, “in the eyes of the beholder”. I’ve read a lot of woodworking articles, books and watched DVDs on dovetails. It always comes back to the same thing, how much time do you want to take? As you know, there is no substitute for time: the more time you spend the more proficient and skilled you become. I am satisfied with learning to cut dovetails by hand because I know my perfect dovetail will take time. Time to develop my own set of techniques and skills …………………I guess some people are just satisfied with the journey and some people need to arrive. For me, the art of working wood is not a means to an end but a quest to learn a skill that satisfies my soul. Could I make a living for my family building period furniture? Probably not but maybe someday I’ll the chance to cross that bridge too. It sure would be nice.

Thanks again,
James
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Custom Teenagers Built In Bookcase Storage Unit

Custom Teenagers Built In Bookcase / Storage Unit, Westchester, NY
A teenager with a passion for reading needed this custom built-in bookcase to hold her many books as well as to store other items.

This storage unit is built and painted with  no-VOC materials for a  healthy environment.
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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Sylvania Ohio built in Step 5

Today Ive added the outside corner shelves.  These will offset the entire look, but pull it all together also.


Ive also added the white background behind the tv area...


The speakers will fit nicely in the corners!  The doors for the lower sections will be made and installed tomorrow, and the crown molding will finish it off.  All that will be left is filling the nail holes, tightening it all up, and touch up paint.


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