Simpson Strong Tie DIY Page

So, you have to build yourself a workbench, but you don’t have the time, skill or money to construct one of those could- double – as- an- altar- in- some- minor- woodworking- religion workbenches you see in woodworking magazines.

Never fear. If you can cut some 2×4’s and drive screws, you can build yourself a very decent workbench for a small investment of time and money.

Simpson Strong Ties, the folks who make hurricane tie-downs and other metal construction connectors, have a line of hardware that can allow you to build shelves, bins and workbenches. Their DIY page has all the plans and cut lists you need to put together a shop full of storage and work surfaces in an afternoon.

Wood and Transience

In the western tradition, we tend to build structures we want to see last a long time. Imposing stone castles from the Dark Ages and stone Roman Aqueducts still stand, hundreds or even thousands of years after they were built.

The Japanese philosophy, however, is quite different. This article – with some amazing pictures of master woodwork projects – gives an interpretation of the Japanese mindset when it comes to building structures and furniture.

Besides the fact that the Shinto culture reveres trees as having a spiritual identity, the choice of timber and joint selection also allows the structures to flex and move in the event of an earthquake – a common occurrence in this seismically active island archipelago.

Even if you just visit to view the incredible architectural photos, the site is worth the trip.

WoodProjects.com

So, you want to build a woodworking project, but you are not sure where to find a set of plans to get started with?

This site should be your first stop. WoodPlans.com has links to plans you can buy as well as free ones from many sources – magazines, tool companies and private plan designers.

The secret to their 9000+ plans in the inventory is that they have agreements to sell plans from many different sources, and they scour the internet for offerings.   Their free plans are links to truly free plans.

The plans are broken down into very logical subsets, and you can browse or use the search feature to find what you need.  You’ll find plans for every room of the house – and for outside projects as well.

You want a plan to build a four post bed?  They’ve got links to 21 plans.  Dining tables?  24.  Workbenches?  99!

They accept credit cards, online checks, PayPal, money orders and even telephone orders, making the site a convenient resource for finding what you need.

Woodcarving Tutorial

Imagine being able to look at a  plain block of wood and turn it into a gorgeous work of art.  Interested, but not sure where to begin?

This site, hosted by the Sculpture Studio in East Aurora, New York, gives the budding wood carver an excellent starting point to try his or her hand in the craft.

Which wood works best for carving?   Wood choices from the expected to a few surprises are covered in detail and reviewed for workability, color and ability to hold detail.

What tools do you need to get started?  Well, the site goes into detail about hand tools, power carving tools and even common woodworking tools that can be pressed into service.

There’s even a step-by-step instruction on how to get started with hand carving tools, how to carve safely and how to achieve a great look with fine detail.

Sure, carving may not be for everyone, but it’s a great place to start if you want to give it a whirl!

Drawer Building Basics

It’s just a box inside a box. So, why is building drawers such an unnerving challenge for beginner woodworkers?

Fine Woodworking magazine offers this .PDF excerpt from Bill Hylton’s Chests of Drawers book.

This exceptional primer walks woodworkers through all the basics – parts of a drawer, joint selection and wood choices are covered in great detail. The best part of this article is that Bill covers options that appeal to woodworkers no matter their skill level. From the most challenging hand cut dovetails to the basic pinned rabbet joint, there’s something for everyone.

If your next project involves building drawers, don’t be intimidated – check this link out first!

Working with hot hide glue

If you are looking for an adhesive to stick your projects together, there are dozens of choices out there. Some you expect to see in today’s workshop (yellow carpenter’s glues). Others are prized for their specific properties such as being waterproof or extremely tough (epoxy).

Have you ever considered using glues from a bygone age? Hide glue was the norm for centuries in cabinetmaking shops. Today, it’s used by musical instrument makers, antique restorers and a growing number of hobby woodworkers.

Even though it has a reputation as being finicky to work with, hide glue is not as difficult as you think.  It mixes easily, forms a strong bond, repairs nicely and cleans off the wood’s surface without leaving any residue to interfere with a finish.

This site, run by Spurlock Specialty Tools, shows step-by-step how to prepare and use hide glue in everyday woodworking. There’s even a plan to make an inexpensive yet totally effective hot glue pot for less than $20.

If you have ever wanted to try hide glue, this is the site you should consider first.

George Nakashima, Woodworker

Woodworking master George Nakashima’s influence is still felt in the works he created and at the furniture shop run by the craftsmen who continue his tradition.

After being held in a Japanese Interment camp in Idaho during World War II, George went on to build his reputation and legend. Before his passing in 1990, he received the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Emperor and Government of Japan in recognition of the cultural exchange generated by his work and exhibits.

His work focused on the natural forms and lines in wood, frequently using the waney edge of through-sawn logs as table tops and other important furniture components. Powerful, organic and harmonious are some of the more apt descriptions of his final products.

Today, the talented artisans he trained carry on his work, designing spectacular pieces from the felling of the tree to the final hand-applied finish. Just a look at the gallery of the incredible furniture can serve as an excellent inspiration.