For many woodworkers, using the skew can be quite daunting. This type of chisel seems difficult to master, but in reality, most of the knowledge you need to handle it properly is learned in the early years of our childhood. The only cuts you can do with it are point and edge cutting. Unlike other chisels, the bevel shouldn’t be rubbing the work piece. The actual motion is more of a glide than … [Read more...]
Guest Bedroom Closet Makeover
This space which serves as a spare bedroom, useful when we have guests, was the subject of one of the previous renovations. We also worked on the bathroom adjacent to this room. The one thing that was left unfinished was the revamping of the closet. Without it, we could not call this project finished. In addition to emptying the closet, we had to repair the sidewalls. Those required some patching, … [Read more...]
The Maker Workstation
Writer and woodworker, Tim Celeski remembers the impetus for creating his first workbench fondly. It was born from reading an article in the now defunct "Woodwork" magazine. Tom Casper wrote the article, entitled "Workbench in a Weekend." Casper later went on to reedit his original design. The second iteration of Casper's bench appeared in American Woodworker, a periodical of which Casper became … [Read more...]
Crucible ‘Type 2 Dividers’ Begin Production
After a long wait, we have finally started the production of our eagerly anticipated divider. The plan is to make them available for purchase later this summer. Those who have been with us at the time of the first version, know that we’ve gone through growing pains with it. The looks and functionality were there, but higher volume production was difficult to achieve. As a result, we had to … [Read more...]
Simple Shaker Shelves
Furniture in shaker style is a favorite because of its classic look and functionality. For woodworkers, another important characteristic of this style is its simplicity and as such, it is perfect for those just starting the hobby. We prefer using oak for our shaker projects, because it looks natural and is great wood to work on. The challenge with these projects is finding wood pieces that are … [Read more...]
7 Years – and a Lifetime – In the Making
The project was first announced in 2018, although Chris and Jennie worked on it since 2014. She was at it until the very end, but with her passing the project did not stop. In fact, it is its continuation that celebrates her life and work, and through the book she will be able to achieve new crop of woodworkers. The subject of the book is the chair, and while it seems like it is not unlike the … [Read more...]
Simplifying the Skew
For many woodworkers, using the skew can be quite daunting. This type of chisel seems difficult to master, but in reality, most of the knowledge you need to handle it properly is learned in the early years of our childhood. The only cuts you can do with it are point and edge cutting. Unlike other chisels, the bevel shouldn’t be rubbing the work piece. The actual motion is more of a glide than … [Read more...]
A Thousand Years Reclaim, or the Bog Oak Revival, Part 1
When wood is submerged under mud for thousands of years, it becomes bog wood. Absence of air and oxidation provide a unique environment for various chemicals and process to work the wood towards petrification. Allen Tilt, passionate about bringing forgotten treasures to light, finds and cures bog wood piece in such a way that they can then be used to make beautiful, timeless furniture. Lately he … [Read more...]
7 Questions with Steve Latta
Steve Latta is an accomplished wood worker who has spent over twenty years teaching his love and passion for wood working at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He has also been a contributing editor for Fine Woodworking since 1994. Steve was interviewed at the Working Wood conference by his associate editor, Barry NM Dima, regarding his thoughts on favorite furniture pieces and tools. His … [Read more...]
PROJECT: Turn a Birdcage Awl
An awl has many great uses for a user. It can be used as a toolbox, stitching for people who work with leather, or the starting hole for a screw. To make an awl, a person will need a block of wood, a piece of steel for the shaft, and ferrules that are made from something like copper or brass. These pieces should be put together to properly form the awl. When done, a finish needs to be added to … [Read more...]
