Tweaking an Over-set Coping Saw
When cutting dovetails, I’ve always cleared out most of the waste with a coping saw. Why? I learned it that way in 1993 and am faster with the coping saw than I am with a chisel. Even though I’ve [...]
The Trouble with VOC-compliant Finishes
When it comes to finish, I want something that is easy to apply, offers a little protection and doesn’t require spray equipment. And once I find a finish I like, I tend to be pretty loyal. [...]
Maloof-style Cabinet with Leather Pulls
As a follow-up to a recent post about shop-made leather drawer pulls, I thought I’d share with you a photo of the completed sideboard. Just how did this piece evolve? There’s a Sam [...]
Campaign Hardware from Whitechapel Ltd.
One of the hardware vendors that is always on my short list is Whitechapel Ltd., which offers a lot of quality, hard-to-find pieces. So after some digging through the company’s catalog and web [...]
Tabletop stool part 3
After checking that all the joints fit, I began to work on the details. I tapered the legs, I chamfered the top's edges, I band sawed arches on each leg and, lastly, I rounded the [...]
Two Types of Woodworkers
There are two types of people in the world: those who like to divide human behavior into one of two distinct groups, and those who don’t. This can help us decide right from wrong, pleasant [...]
10 Reasons NOT to Use Liquid Hide Glue for Furniture
A personal list. Your reasons may vary. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. If you rub your glue-y hands on your pants they will smell like a horse’s bum that has been boiled and then left …
Mission Blanket Chest
Mission Blanket Chest If you love Mission-style furniture, here’s the perfect complement to your bedroom. By Tom Caspar Store blankets, bedding and memories inside this huge chest. Three [...]
Spacing Dovetails with Dividers – a Little History
I’ve always been intrigued about the history of the way some English-trained woodworkers set out their dovetail joints using dividers. I first learned to use this method – which I love – from Rob [...]
Campaign Pulls from Londonderry Brasses
My credit card is groaning a bit thanks to all the hardware samples I’ve been ordering to find a selection of quality brasses for some Campaign-style pieces I’m building. Today I received a chest [...]
Tabletop stool part 2
Two days after I emailed out the drawings I called my client to decide on his favorite design. The one he liked best was the "Arts & Crafts" option. We decided on [...]
Wmsburg Conference Wrap up
My coverage of the conference was hampered by CW’s policy of photography for “Personal Use Only.” I understand why they are doing this. They don’t want the presenters, who [...]
