An Open Mind
It pains me to admit this, but I am a lousy woodworking dad. My oldest son (age 10) occasionally asks me to help him build something. 95% of the time, I’ve been in the shop all day, so the answer [...]
ShopNotes Podcast Episode 231 — Stay Back! Daddy’s Working!
This week on the ShopNotes Podcast, Logan, John, and Phil take on listener comments, talk about roadside tool purchases, shop tours, catch up on the latest in our woodworking lives, and more… [...]
A Wooden Sword, Part 3 – Shaping the Blade and Beginning Work on the Guard
Last time, I talked about potential shapes for the handle and pommel. In this entry, we’ll shape the blade and introduce the first of several guard designs. If possible, shape the blade [...]
ShopNotes Podcast Episode 230: — Peak Ridiculousness
On this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John break it all down… listener comments, maximum-strength Logan, a list all of the people we’ve upset, and maybe [...]
The Splinter Report: May 9th
Welcome to The Splinter Report, where I gather the assorted interesting and amusing things I’ve seen in the woodworking world. This week we’re looking at giant saws, Honda Civics, and [...]
Theory of Evolution
All living things evolve, and so do woodshops. No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve changed my shop around — relocating cabinets or shelves, changing one work area to another, adding to the [...]
Ladder Ball Yard Game
Professional-sized ladder golf sets are larger and more robust than the chintzy ones you usually find in yard game kits. This project is a great way to use some long skinny scrap pieces too. I [...]
Hecules OSHA-Compliant Dust Extractor Review
Tool: OSHA-Compliant Dust Extractor Shop Now Manufacturer: Hercules MSRP: $349.99 I continue to be impressed with the leaps and bounds that Harbor Freight has made in the power tool [...]
Portable Router Table Comparison
Portable router tables are a great way to save space in your shop. We’re taking a look at the different options available and laying out the differences between them. Router tables are a mainstay [...]
A Wooden Sword, Part 2 – Shaping the Grip and Pommel
After my student finished forming the cross-lap joints (see part 1), I asked what kind of hilt they envisioned for their sword. Should the grip be tapered and rounded? Should it end with a [...]
Swing-Under Bench Tools
In order to keep my bench clear for working, yet have the tools I need close at hand, I came up with this stowable mounting system. Each of my bench tools is mounted on a board with slotted guide [...]
