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![New Projects: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/1694105890812-8GLXO80W79OVPPNMLLVS/charcuterie+board+thumbnail+-+no+text.png)
New Projects: Friday Update
Another project done means more new projects underway, and some insights into the future of my film making.
![The Mitchell’s Dining Table Retrospective](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/5fa11ff5-6fe1-4483-8a60-82bda47aaf10/processed_IMG_20230810_171532.jpg)
The Mitchell’s Dining Table Retrospective
Every project deserves an in depth review, reflecting on what went well and where improvements could have been made. Lessons learned carry forward to improve and streamline the next project, allowing for focus on new challenges.
![Refinishing Complete: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/e9d4b645-31f1-4944-9b92-ff224018f542/IMG-20230821-WA0003.jpg)
Refinishing Complete: Friday Update
Returning after a week off is never easy, so I slowly get back into it by finishing off the refinishing project and fill in a filler project to occupy my tools while I contemplate some challenges.
![Follow What Flows Out](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/1686954575294-ECJN1PXIFLW4G1MJWLPN/image-asset.jpeg)
Follow What Flows Out
Creative endeavors require outflow. It is difficult to keep the flow going, but there’s one thing you can do to find a way to keep that flow going. Find that energy bringing thing and keep going.
![Power Tools Worth The Investment](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/7fa80a23-34b7-423b-a4a8-c4ccadbc665c/processed_IMG_20230705_105835.jpg)
Power Tools Worth The Investment
Not all power tools are created equal, but there are plenty you don’t even need. This guide will help you decide where to invest in high dollar tools, where to buy budget, and where to save by leaving a tool at the store.
![One Project Done. 3 More Start: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/fbf8f2e4-40f7-46c2-878b-919a7ff29f48/processed_IMG_20230814_154642.jpg)
One Project Done. 3 More Start: Friday Update
As the door on one project closes another opens to 3 new projects. Luckily they are all relatively simple compared to the last, giving me a little break between complex projects. Now all I need to do is get started.
![Improving Your Designs](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/4e243fb9-4c66-4ecb-9d4f-bf5873f34d75/processed_IMG_20230603_172531.jpg)
Improving Your Designs
Designing your own furniture is one of the most difficult things to do as a woodworker. Following plans or copying others, that’s how we start, but eventually you need to challenge yourself and one way to do that is develop your own style through your designs. Here are three things you can do to improve your designs.
![The Dining Table is Done: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/89bc7d86-bc5e-4dcd-8369-d2536dbbaac5/processed_IMG_20230810_171532.jpg)
The Dining Table is Done: Friday Update
The dining table is done, marking the end of my biggest furniture build to date, but the work isn’t done yet. I still have the delivery to go, and of course some video to finish editing. But I can’t stop there, it’s time to gear up for a new project.
![Transferrable Skills](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/f43ff624-d591-454b-b8e3-fba8201415c1/IMG_20230518_131523.jpg)
Transferrable Skills
Every day you are acquiring new skills and those skills transfer to a future activity, you just don’t know it yet. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn today, it will pay off big.
![Sharpening - Hand Tool Essentials](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/8b2e2de3-8bc3-437f-b467-20e8726f38ef/processed_IMG_20230607_154037.jpg)
Sharpening - Hand Tool Essentials
Making a dull tool sharp, the most essential woodworking skill. Without a sharp tool even a master craftsman is nothing. Here is a simple guide on how to sharpen quickly so you can get back to work.
![Slab Sanding: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/1aefb7a1-8d49-4df7-a235-d0cc5e8d6f38/processed_IMG_20230726_205051.jpg)
Slab Sanding: Friday Update
This marks the second to last Friday update covering work on the slab dining table construction. I’m down to the final detail, sanding. It’s a slow, methodical, mindless process allowing my thoughts to wander onto what’s coming next.
![Leaving a Legacy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/1673981918157-IHLSMOK3NGJ5CER2UHB5/Compress_20230117_105721_1829.jpg)
Leaving a Legacy
In your life you’ll do many things and meet many people. As your career begins and shifts you will start to form who you are and begin crafting what you leave behind. Your legacy.
![The Most Important Hand Tool Tip - Hand Tool Essentials](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/e57ad44a-be2b-4378-bacb-f9a740d2cbde/processed_IMG_20230705_094651.jpg)
The Most Important Hand Tool Tip - Hand Tool Essentials
It’s all about the body. You use it to power the tool, but the way you do it is what matters. This simple tip about body position will help you improve your hand tool woodworking skills.
![Another Issue Arises: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/c4f3c4d1-3c5a-4338-b48e-6330780991c9/processed_IMG_20230726_200538.jpg)
Another Issue Arises: Friday Update
Wood movement got me this week. The slab has been sitting in my garage for a few months, and in that time it has cupped. Luckily I had the power to fix it with the trusty hand plane and a few hours of work.
![Repeatable Accuracy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/81233f80-32af-47af-9502-79eb05597ff9/processed_IMG_20230420_080740.jpg)
Repeatable Accuracy
The biggest difference between a beginner woodworker and a professional is the professional knows how to remove the source of errors from their work. Read on to find out what that source is and how you can do the same.
![Hand Tools vs Power Tools - Essential Skills](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/1687379796618-TR53NKTRXIFP2FGXND4X/image-asset.jpeg)
Hand Tools vs Power Tools - Essential Skills
The great divide, are you a hand tool or power tool woodworker. Well what if I told you it didn’t matter? There are pros and cons to each and a good reason why hybrid woodworking is for you.
![Table Base Joinery: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/f17f3166-32c6-41d1-b0d1-e12124bc9383/processed_IMG_20230718_221058.jpg)
Table Base Joinery: Friday Update
A big week of joinery resulting in two table bases ready for final details as I narrow in on delivery day.
![Build Retrospective: The World’s Largest Lazy Susan](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/7bb4afda-d28b-4bff-93d9-1ed2919a2568/processed_IMG_20230707_150624.jpg)
Build Retrospective: The World’s Largest Lazy Susan
A build retrospective. What went well, what could have been improved, and a full cost breakdown.
![Buying Lumber - Wood Essentials](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/300524c1-9080-4b9c-8006-6ba3e13398e6/processed_IMG_20230522_150925.jpg)
Buying Lumber - Wood Essentials
Buying lumber, a first step in any project. It’s easy, if you prepare and follow a few steps ahead of your visit to the lumber yard, know the lingo when you are there, and are prepared to bring your boards home. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for your first visit.
![A New Video and Table Base Work: Friday Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/613a80f7166af02fae240829/30d5967b-750f-4eb8-96f7-e420741f12fd/processed_IMG_20230711_123731.jpg)
A New Video and Table Base Work: Friday Update
With the World’s Largest Lazy Susan delivered I wrap up and publish the video so I can turn my full attention to the slab table, specifically the base where I battle buggy wood and methodically plan my joinery.