Rob from Woodworkers journal asked readers if good quality wood is still available. He got a mixed response from readers. Steve Cheatham, who is retired from habitat from humanity said that they sometimes got nice donations from users but that these were becoming rare. Richard Nichols says that he knows someone personally with a small sawmill who usually has a good quality selection for cheap. … [Read more...]
It’s Big, This Making!
Paul Sellers loves his craft. Since he was a teenager being raised in social housing, he has had an obsession with becoming a wood artisan. He was told by his teachers that he was doomed to ever become educated. He's now seventy years old having worked in his shop for fifty-five some years. On Monday 19th, January 2009 Paul was selected to create two wood masterpieces to be placed in the White … [Read more...]
The Train, She is Rolling
Creative work requires both precision and the ability to free-form within that precision. One woodcutter found that his writing muse, perhaps like his dedication to his woodcraft, could only be accessed by refusing to be linear. Rather than a beginning and then a middle and then an end, he chose to write in vignettes that illustrated episodes of importance. The necessary links to create a cohesive … [Read more...]
Greene & Greene-style Blanket Chest
Greene & Greene designs are classic and many woodworkers imitate the work of this company. An often-reproduced piece is the blanket chest the company made for Thorsen House. For this project, I’ve chosen African mahogany as my material of choice, which is somewhat different than the original red oak. Plywood or some other veneer material can be used for the bottom of the chest, which makes it … [Read more...]
Large Heavy-Duty Storage Shelving Unit
Large storage units are incredibly helpful for keeping all of your things in one place. Consider building your own with just a few short steps. All you will need are a few simple tools, such as a drill, circular saw, safety glasses and hearing protection. In addition, you will need a few wooden sheets, screws, and nails. The great thing about storage units are that they can be built according to … [Read more...]
7 questions with Craig Thibodeau
Craig Thibodeau recently went viral after America was introduced to his rendition of a 'puzzle cabinet'. Thibodeau has contributed to the FineWoodworking blog several times, and he has once again return to discuss some frequently asked questions. He answers what the experience was like going viral, and also delves into who his favorite furniture makers are. Craig has been a professional furniture … [Read more...]
Someone Wrote Me
Paul Sellers is a cabinet maker who was receiving letters from a renowned woodworker who handmade all of his tools. The writer voiced his skepticism in how the woodworking industry would remain thriving as steel becomes one of the most preferred materials. He wondered how craftsmen back in his day were able to achieve such high quality craftsmanship without the same tools that are available to … [Read more...]
Why choosing an outsource partner makes good sense
Like in other manufacturing processes, outsourcing component manufacturing is often beneficial to woodworking businesses. It enables the business to specialize on the processes it is good at, while reducing the cost on those that are someone else’s specialty. As a result, woodworking manufacturers can expand their offering, increase efficiency and simplify onboarding of new employees. Woodworking … [Read more...]
Teak Oil: What is it?
Manufacturer mislabeling creates confusion about various woodworking finishes. Oils and oil/varnish blends may be called Antique Oil, Danish oil, teak oil or some other name. Wiping varnish is something different (it cures hard), as is mineral oil (it doesn't dry). Depending on the brand, teak oil may be linseed, tung or mineral oil, or an oil/varnish blend. Many teak oils claim to be UV … [Read more...]
Must-have tablesaw accessories you can make
A table saw isn't a difficult thing to put together, necessarily, you can have one up in just a few minutes if you really want to. You can add accessories though, to make it a bit more functional. The accessories can make it more convenient as well as safer to use when you are building things. There are ways to make it so you won't cut your fingers when you are using the table saw. Key … [Read more...]
