Andre Roubo is a well-known 18th century French woodworker whose work has inspired thousands of workbenches. However, his masterwork L’art du Menuisier, he had plans for more than just his workbench.
Roy Underhill of the Woodwright’s Shop shows the plans that Roubo had drawn up for a bookstand made of a single board. The interesting part – the wooden knuckle joints allow the pieces to pivot while never being separated.
In his own unique way, Roy shows how this is done with simple hand tools. It’s a must-see.
If you are going to learn some new woodworking skills, you may need to build a few accessories along the way. For instance, a miter sled for your table saw can help you make more accurate and safe cuts. A bench hook can make your hand planing a whole lot easier.
And, if you want to learn how to hand saw properly, a saw bench is not a bad thing to have on hand. This model, built by Lost Art Press woodworking guru Chris Schwarz, will allow you to improve your hand sawing skills by holding your workpiece at the optimal height for sawing. In addition, it will give you an opportunity to practice your woodworking skills as you build it. Not a bad deal!
Paul Sellers is a master woodworker. What he can do with hand tools is amazing, and he teaches others how to master the craft.
So, when I saw this plan for a hand-dovetailed caddy project that could be put to use as a sandpaper holder, I had to stop myself and do a double take. I mean, why would something this pretty be used as such a mundane shop project?
Well, it’s the answer to the old question, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Practice, my friend. A small piece such as this provides a tremendous amount of practice for the hand-tool novice. Knock this out, and the next thing you know, you’ll be building beautiful cases for your home.
The best part of this project is that it is accompanied by a five-part YouTube tutorial to walk you through the process.
Sure, it may be summertime now, but in a few months, we’re going to be looking for a comfortable place to settle down in front of a fireplace with a few comfortable blankets as old man winter pays us a visit. Since that’s the case, why not make that comfortable place as cozy and good looking as possible?
Enter Rick Helm’s Morris Chair plan. Built of traditional white oak, this plan maximizes the impact of the quartersawn grain, provides for comfortable seating and even offers a companion ottoman. Build one of these, and you’ll be sure to spend many comfortable nights during the frigid months to come.
The doors to your home are vital links between the indoor world and the great outdoors. While we can carefully control the indoor environment, the great outdoors requires we bring with us any number of items to keep us safe and comfortable. Umbrellas, coats, shoes, hats, gloves – the works.
Now, if you live with kids in the house, you will know that keeping all of these items organized can be a real nightmare without some piece of furniture for storage, donning or doffing the gear. That’s what today’s plan is all about – building an entry bench organizer.
Made from simple materials and easily buildable in a few shop sessions, this piece can help bring order to your entryways and make them nicer places to get ready to greet the world.
Whatever happened to the paperless offices we were promised about 20 years ago? It seems as if there is more paper than ever in our home office areas. Bills. Insurance paperwork. Homework to sign off on.
How do you beat the paper clutter? This free plan from Fine Woodworking may be just the solution. With pockets for several different categories of paperwork and a drawer to hide stamps or pens, this organizer would be home on a desk, hallway table or just about anywhere.
When it comes to outdoor seating, there are two schools of thought. Those who believe that the furniture should be set up for dining, and those who lean toward establishing a seating area like an outdoor living room.
If you fall into that second group, here’s an interesting idea from Shanty 2 Chic – modular furniture which can be set up into many different seating arrangements based on your preference and available space.
As for your wood choices – the frame can be made out of regular pressure treated lumber and the slats can be any weather-resistant wood. Cypress, cedar, teak, white oak, pallet wood. Top it with a few comfortable cushions, prop your feet up and enjoy some outdoor time!
