Search for content or scroll down to browse the blog
You Are Always Competing
As a woodworker, you are always in a competition, just maybe not in the way you think you are. There is only one person in the world you have to be better than.
How to Make a Distressed Paint Finish
Explore the process to create a distressed paint finish as I make a Lazy Susan to match a clients existing table.
Hardwood or Plywood: What is Best for Your Project - Wood Essentials
Solid wood, is not always best for your project, but plywood isn't a magic material either. There is a time and place for both products. Knowing the limitations and considerations for each will elevate your woodworking and help it stand the test of time.
The Table Continues: Friday Update
One project done and delivered making the table my sole focus this week. Slabs are simple builds, not really much to the slab other than the piece of wood, but simplicity only excels when the details are done right.
Remove Barriers Stopping the Start
Want to start something new but having trouble getting an idea off the ground? Are there hundreds of things to do, holding you back from beginning? What if I told you those barriers didn’t exist and that the real problem is you?
Plywood Guide: Everything You Need to Know - Wood Essentials
In need of plywood but don’t know what to look for? This simple guide will teach you the lingo and help you select the right plywood for your project.
A Wasted Week, Almost: Friday Update
Being sick really slows down the work, but this week wasn’t a total waste. I had the opportunity to almost finished the Lazy Susan before being bedridden for the better part of the week.
Made Perfect
Perfection is a perception. Nothing starts out perfect, it’s made that way. Here are three simple things you can do to make your projects perfect.
Softwood vs Hardwood - Wood Essentials
Two industry wood terms everyone has heard are, softwood and hardwood, but do you know what they really mean? Do you know where to use hardwood or when softwood is appropriate? In this article I share a behind the scenes look into the difference and proper application of both.
Dining Table Progress: Friday Update
The slab is flat. Simple sounding, it was a feat to complete. I had options and ultimately outsourced the work to save myself time and money. Read more in this week's update about the breakdown between flattening options and why doing it myself was the worst one.
Use Spring Joints to Improve Your Panels Glue Ups
Spring joints, a tense situation. Pulling your panel outward, fighting against glue, clamp, and wood movement to result in a stable, long lasting panel.
Types of Sawn Lumber - Wood Essentials
There are three main types of sawn lumber, plain, quarter, and rift. Each has it’s pros and cons. Knowing where to use each will elevate your woodworking and help you save a buck at the lumber yard.
The Dining Table Begins: Friday Update
I wrap up and deliver the last project in the way of starting the walnut slab dining table. Then begin the table by making a single cut.
Fixing a Scratched and Chipped Cutting Board
The wooden cutting board, a fantastic kitchen choice, but all that abuse can leave a board looking less than stellar. Here’s a simple guide that anyone can follow to clean your board up and make it look as good as new.
Finding Local Woodworking Resources
Are you stuck buying lumber from the big box store but looking for a way out? Are you looking for classes about woodworking but don’t know where to turn? Do you need to use an industrial planer, but can’t afford one? Here is guide for you have been looking for.
Announcing the Essential Skills Series: Friday Update
My last medley week before I begin on the dining table. I am announcing a new blog series launching next Monday, I work on a tabletop for a client, and I make a promise.
Catching Ideas
Ideas, like fish are caught, not made. To catch one, all you need is to use the right bait and go where the fish are and inevitably you’ll have one on your line.
New Shop Addition and a Failure: Friday Update
This has been a long time coming. I have wanted to upgrade my table saw for years and it was finally time. Enter the 500lb Grizzly ready to chomp some wood.
Surrounded by Opportunity
You are constantly, perpetually, surrounded. To the point that you cannot get away from it, no matter how hard you try. Every place you go, new or familiar is full of opportunity.
The problem is you do not see it. You are accustom to seeing what you want while ignoring what is there.
The Start of My Biggest Project Ever: Friday Update
Getting close to completion on one project means starting a new. Generally that doesn’t mean buying a 10 foot by 4 foot slab of black walnut that I now need to store and work around for the next few weeks, but hey, I did.