I used to create detailed carpentry plans on the computer. Hyper-accurate measurements and every possible angle. I even considered switching to SketchUp for 3D views, as advocated by so many books… But I never saw a computer on those carpentry shows. Does Norm Abram use a mouse? Maybe, but you’d never know. So despite myContinue reading “Being a Luddite with Carpentry”
Category Archives: Carpentry
Why So Many Shoes?
I’m sure that’s what they think at “The Container Store“. But alas, they’re not for shoes…. Many of you commented on my workshop organization. Thanks! But like everything else, that was only possible through trial and error. What works for me? Clear polypropylene shoe boxes: You can see through them, they stack well, and they’reContinue reading “Why So Many Shoes?”
Workbenches: The Extras
I referred to “special features” in my earlier ‘Basics‘ blog posting. Well, we’ve waited long enough so here we go! These features fall into three groups: clamping, alignment, and safety. Clamping provides a means to more easily hold your materials. Alignment allows you to more easily align the work to ensure you have good angles.Continue reading “Workbenches: The Extras”
Workbenches: The Basics
I have a number of workbenches in my workshop: large, mobile, tool-specific, …. And even so, it always seems I need more space. I have three basic tables: My large, stationary table that I built years ago. It’s just shy of 4′ x 8′ and includes a ton of storage on the lower shelf. Included:Continue reading “Workbenches: The Basics”
The Flexible Workshop
Though I’m fortunate to have a large workshop space, I’d still be constrained by not having enough room to position my larger tools in unobstructed floor positions. My solution? Wheels! Specifically, rolling mobile bases and caster kits. The mobile bases can support large, heavy, “stationary” tools when properly adjusted / modified. The caster kits canContinue reading “The Flexible Workshop”
Wood 101: Not all wood is the same
Hey, guess what? Different types of wood react differently to sanding, staining, and finish. Seem obvious? Sure! But clearly overlooked in my case 😦 My ongoing Salon table build has been going great! The cuts went well, the joints fit, it’s the right size, and it’s super-smooth after sanding. What could go wrong? Maple IContinue reading “Wood 101: Not all wood is the same”
Dust Collection
I agonized over the best way to handle [saw] dust collection. Should I invest in a centralized dedicated 4″ cyclone system with a venting network, or keep it simple by using a portable dry vacuum on steroids? I opted to go with the vacuum since it offers more flexibility and consumes less dedicated space. Specifically,Continue reading “Dust Collection”
Sanding Time. Yay?
Time to start sanding the Salon table. Which is my least favorite phase, but I’ve come up with a few tips to make it easier: Friction Pad: It’s also used as shelf liner, and it keeps the wood from slipping on the table when you sand, finish, etc. I also have a workbench with benchContinue reading “Sanding Time. Yay?”
Roll out the Barrel!
Wow, I forgot to include the bourbon barrel liquor cabinet on the carpentry page. Egads, such an oversight! It’s there now along with a link to the build history. I also refreshed the text on the ‘Home Improvement‘ page. It’s a bit clearer with a few more details. Some details on the liquor cabinet… TheContinue reading “Roll out the Barrel!”
Barrel Shavings
It was time to restock on Bourbon Barrel shavings yesterday (lamp filler). Which meant taking an authentic barrel stave and drilling it with a Forstner bit repeatedly until there was nothing left. Put a couple of large plastic bins under the drill press and a use bit of elbow grease… and eventually you have enoughContinue reading “Barrel Shavings”
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