There are many places to find woodworking knowledge. Websites. Magazines. Talking with experienced woodworkers.
Then there are books. Lots and lots of books. Whether a classic tome reprinted from centuries ago or a volume of the latest how-to techniques, there’s something for everyone out there. And, if you can’t find what you need, rest assured there’s probably a woodworker somewhere slaving over a keyboard preparing a manuscript to fill the void.
So, this week, we want to know what you would be willing to shell out for a single book. Would you be willing to open your wallet wide for the right book, or can you pass, looking to find the information elsewhere?
There have been many advances in woodworking . Today, the craft is more of a hobby than a back breaking avocation, with table saws, routers and other power tools making life in the shop easier.
One of the biggest advances in production woodworking shops has been the computer numerically controlled (CNC) router. Information about the project pieces is entered into a computer, material is fed into the machine and the final pieces are ready in short order. The patterns are repeatable, so many duplicate projects can be produced. For larger furniture and cabinet shops, CNC machines have been a great addition.
And as technology continues to advance, it won’t be long before manufacturers make smaller, more affordable CNC machines for the average home woodworker.
That begs the question: When CNC machines become more affordable, will you add one to your shop?
Chip carving. Relief carving. Carving in the round.
Wood carving is an interesting way to add style and design to even the most basic projects. There’s a wide variety of techniques available to the woodworker, and the tools can be either hand or power. There’s even a large choice of entry price points – from the single chip carving knife to the most expensive carving set.
This week, we want to know if you have ever carved in wood and how involved you were with it.
Figured wood can be some of the nicest stuff to work with. Using burls, tiger, flame, quilted and other figured pieces can add some great visual interest to an otherwise ho-hum project.
The only problem with these woods is that they can pose some trouble when you bring them to a final finish. Many smoothing methods that work on plain boards will introduce tear-out on their figured cousins.
This week, we want to know how you prefer to get a final finish on figured woods? Hand tools? Sanding? Some other magic?
Cutting pieces accurately while building your projects is an essential skill to master.
Unfortunately, I have yet to truly master the task. But, hey, a fire on a chilly December night isn’t the worst thing to happen.
When woodworkers want – and need – accuracy when measuring, they turn to some tried and true methods. Some involve a hand-held linear device that provides a visual readout comparing the depth of snow to a universally understood unit of measurement. You know, a ruler. Others involve marking the length directly from the project.
So, this week, when you need an accurate measurement, how do you get it?
