http://tomsworkbench.com part of the wood whisperer network Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:35:09 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When you think about woodworking tradition, thoughts often turn toward the masters who worked years ago with hand tools and an eye for the craft.  One very talented woodworker who comes from that lineage is Bob Smalser, a frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking and Woodenboat magazines. Bob's upbringing in woodworking started ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/10/06/woodworking-spotlight-bob-smalser/ Experience is the best teacher.  After all, unless you actually get out and practice karate, fishing, kite flying, golf or some other activity, you can't develop the skills to get better at your avocation. The same rules hold true for woodworking.  While some of us completely blow the curve, most woodworkers ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/10/04/quick-poll-40/ Old Wood-Working Machines So, you scored an awesome 1950's vintage Delta Unisaw from grandpa before he headed off on his around-the-world travel extravaganza.  But, the saw didn't come with a manual.  And the fence is out of alignment.  And, you're not 100% sure how to align the trunnions... And, the old codger ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/10/03/link-of-the-week-37/ By watching paper-thin curls of wood coming out of a plane... OK, I am.  This video is a 2005 Nishiyama Ookananna planing demo that shows just how perfect the curls of wood can be coming out of a Japanese plane... It's just poetry in motion...  Something I hope to aspire to ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/10/01/its-not-that-im-totally-geeked/ There are hundreds of ways to make woodworking joints.  That's part of the reason I love woodworking so much. Regardless of your skill level, amount of tooling or where you work, you can cut a joint that can far outlive the wood the project is made out of. That being said, ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/29/an-interesting-discovery/ Woodworking can be tough on your clothes.  I can't tell you how many times I have reached across a glue up to only to discover later the telltale streak of glue over a favorite tee shirt.  Ruined forever!  Or, after routing a series of dovetails, find that I have sawdust ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/28/quick-poll-39/ Woodturning Online If you are a woodworker and find yourself with your head spinning, this might be a good place to check out.  Woodturning Online is a great place to start if you want to get into wood turning - or discover new tips and tricks. The site offers articles for woodturners ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/26/link-of-the-week-36/ The Fujiwhara Chest June, 2008 For those who follow along at the Wood Whisperer Blog, Marc Spagnuolo has featured one of my latest projects as his featured Project of the Week. This is a Krenov-inspired chest on stand I built mostly out of offcuts I purchased at Weiss Hardwoods in Largo, Florida.  I ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/24/stuff-ive-built-6/ I'm sure there are one hundred ways to build a work bench, and all of them are correct if they meet your needs. .........................- Danny Proulx, Building Woodshop Workstations You wanna brew up an instant argument? Find a group of woodworkers and ask them their opinions about brands of pick up ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/22/sometimes-a-bench-is-a-bench/ Since its invention by Raymond DeWalt back in 1923, the radial arm saw has had quite an interesting history.  Once held as the ultimate home woodworking machine, the saw could crosscut, rip, dado, cut joints and do other tasks with specialized attachments. While the saw was enjoying its reputation, questions about ... http://tomsworkbench.com/2008/09/21/quick-poll-38/