2006

S1.E1 ∙ The king and his castle - shop tour

Sat, Oct 14, 2006

I give a full tour of my shop space and show you what I feel are the essential tools for small and large workshops. I also discuss topics like tool prices, shop setup, and tool selection. You will also get an inside look at how my days typically start.

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S1.E2 ∙ Diy refinishing

Tue, Oct 24, 2006

We embark on a journey into the world of refinishing. Please keep in mind that there is a big difference between DIY refinishing and antique restoration. My methods are firmly in the category of DIY refinishing. If you have a valuable antique and you want to retain its value, I suggest you consult a professional restorer.

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S1.E3 ∙ Lumber purchasing and terminology

Sat, Nov 25, 2006

As just about any woodworker will tell you, your first trip to a hardwood dealer can be quite intimidating. We will cover some terminology and topics that will help you be better prepared for your next trip to the lumber yard. Just a few of the topics covered include identifying different types of cuts, estimating board feet, and finding a good hardwood supplier.

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S1.E4 ∙ Milling lumber

Sat, Dec 09, 2006

I'll review one of the most critical and fundamental aspects of woodworking: milling lumber. I review my 4-step milling process, which requires some big tools. And since I know many folks don't have a fully outfitted shop, I also present numerous alternative methods for jointing edges and flattening faces.

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S1.E5 ∙ Butcher block end grain cutting board

Thu, Dec 21, 2006

One of my favorite woodworking projects is a butcher block end-grain cutting board. Im not sure if its the "back to basics" simplicity or just the fact that it is one of the most useful projects a woodworker can make, but something keeps bringing me back for more.

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S1.E6 ∙ Natural wood color changes

Thu, Jan 11, 2007

When selecting a wood species for our projects, it's always important to be aware of how much a wood might change color over time. I'll review a few of the more common color-changing woods that you will likely encounter such as cherry, padauk, and purple-heart and discuss how they will change over time. So be sure to do your research and avoid those impulse buys.

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S1.E7 ∙ Off to the woodworking show part 1

Wed, Jan 17, 2007

One of my favorite events of the year has got to be The Woodworking Shows. If you've never been, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Its basically a huge convention focused on everything woodworking. From major power tools to router bits to shop consumables, its all there. And if shopping isn't your thing, there are ton of free demonstrations and seminars.

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S1.E8 ∙ Off to the woodworking show part 2

Thu, Jan 25, 2007

We have two more interviews: one with Steve Harris (President of the Arizona Association of Fine Woodworkers), and Mike Van Pelt (owner of American Sycamore Woodworkers' Retreat and Delta representative). And then some closing remarks by yours truly.

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S1.E9 ∙ Mortise & tenon options

Thu, Feb 01, 2007

With so many joints in woodworking, its sometimes difficult to know where to begin. But there is one joint that stands out in my mind as the first joint every woodworker should learn: the mortise and tenon.

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S1.E10 ∙ Arts & crafts table - sketchup design

Tue, Feb 13, 2007

I show you the process that I go through whenever I begin a new project. This involves some educated guesses and the use of SketchUp, a free program that allows you to easily draw 3D renderings.

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S1.E11 ∙ Arts & crafts table - preparing stock

Tue, Feb 20, 2007

I select and prepare the stock for the table legs and table top. I also review strategies for cutting thick stock, stabilizing large knots, and milling extra long boards.

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S1.E12 ∙ Arts & crafts table - build

Wed, Feb 28, 2007

Tabletop glueup and smoothing. Milling aprons and discussing joinery options. A demonstration of the Festool Domino.

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S1.E13 ∙ Arts and crafts table - finishing

Wed, Mar 07, 2007

I show you how to make a curved template for the bottom rails. I also discuss joinery, finishing, and glue ups. I also show you what I find to be the easiest way to attach a solid table top to a base.

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S1.E14 ∙ Aguide to woodworking clamps

Thu, Mar 15, 2007

I'll review all the clamps I own and show you some of the newer clamps to hit the market, namely the Jet Parallel Clamps and the Irwin Quick Grip XP's. At the very least, I hope I can help you avoid doing what I did in the beginning: buying clamps you don't need.

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S1.E15 ∙ Bandsaw setup & rust prevention

Fri, Mar 30, 2007

I'll cover the basic setup and tuneup of one of the coolest tools in the shop: the bandsaw. Whether you plan on cutting veneer, re-sawing lumber, or cutting curves, the quality of the cut will improve if your bandsaw is properly tuned. Learn how to properly tension the blade, set the guides, adjust for drift, as well an many other tips can tricks.

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S1.E16 ∙ How to sharpen a card scraper

Wed, Apr 18, 2007

I review my 3-step method for sharpening card scrapers. The card scraper is a great time-saving and money-saving tool. But one thing that baffles many woodworkers is how to sharpen them. Fortunately, its really not as hard as it seems.

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S1.E17 ∙ Cut your own veneer

Wed, May 16, 2007

Ever think about making your own veneer? I'm gonna show you how. Its really not that hard and the benefits are worth the extra effort. Making your own veneer is a great way to conserve high quality material. If you have a one-of-a-kind piece of figured wood, why not slice it up and use it in three or four projects instead of just one? So fire up the bandsaw cause we're cutting our own veneer.

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S1.E18 ∙ How to make a vacuum bag for veneering

Wed, May 30, 2007

I show you the process of making your own vacuum bag. There are two materials to choose from, polyurethane and vinyl. My old bag is made from vinyl but this time I am going to try my hand at polyurethane, which is supposed to be more durable.

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S1.E19 ∙ Torsion box assembly table top

Sat, Jun 02, 2007

When assembling projects, nothing beats a wide and spacious dead flat surface. And one of the easiest and most efficient ways to create a dead flat surface is by constructing what is known as a torsion box. A torsion box is really nothing more than a grid-work with a skin on both sides. This creates a very strong, yet light, structure that resists warping and sagging.

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S1.E20 ∙ Assembly table base

Sat, Jun 02, 2007

This unit has tons of storage thanks to the dual-sided design. Details covered include: cutting the sheet goods, milling the rabbet and dado joinery, installing European cup hinges, and installing full extension drawer slides.

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S1.E21 ∙ Domino step stool

Wed, Jul 04, 2007

I'll show you how I am using some of the unique features of the Festool Domino to build a sturdy Step Stool.

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S1.E22 ∙ Pare essentials

Sat, Jul 14, 2007

There are many woodworking tasks that can be done faster and more easily with hand tools. In many cases, you'll want to flush up a particular surface or remove small amounts to sneak up on a fit. A common technique used to accomplish these things with a chisel is called paring.

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S1.E23 ∙ Awfs 2007

Sat, Jul 28, 2007

This video gives you an inside look at AWSF 2007. We have live demonstrations from David Marks, Scott Phillips, and Mike Heavey.

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S1.E24 ∙ Tool interviews at awfs 2007

Mon, Aug 13, 2007

We hear from numerous manufacturers about their new and exciting products at AWFS in Las Vegas.

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S1.E25 ∙ Machine-cut dovetails

Sun, Sep 02, 2007

No matter what jig you use or even if you cut them by hand, there's no denying the "cool factor" surrounding dovetails. If you haven't made them yet, they are easier than they look and it is certainly worth your time to learn the process.

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S1.E26 ∙ When the dust settles

Sat, Sep 22, 2007

So how do you spend your time between projects? For me, its a great time to tune up my equipment, wax the cast iron tables, touch up the chisels, and do some general cleanup. And nothing is more inspiring than a nice clean workshop at the beginning of a new project.

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S1.E27 ∙ Making raised panel doors

Wed, Oct 10, 2007

Let's talk about making raised panel doors. After months of being harassed by my mother, its finally time to finish her laundry room cabinets. With the cases already installed, all that's left to do is make the frame and panel doors.

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S1.E28 ∙ Tablesaw outfeed table

Sat, Oct 20, 2007

This isn't your average out-feed table. Its a full-size work table with a full shelf of storage. Perhaps the best part of all is the fact that it can be made with a modest collection of tools and just a few sheets of plywood. No fancy joinery here. This is what I like to call, a "Can Do" project.

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S1.E29 ∙ Pencil holders

Tue, Oct 30, 2007

I designed these simple little pencil holders several years ago just as a way of utilizing shop scrap. Turns out they make great gifts too. So get creative and try different color/wood combinations. It's hard to make these things look bad.

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S1.E30 ∙ Popping the grain in figured maple

Thu, Nov 08, 2007

I put the finish on the pencil holder. But its not just any finish. Since we are working with a beautiful curly maple, I think the finish deserves a little extra special attention. Curly maple looks fantastic with a few coats of an oil based varnish. But it will BLOW YOUR MIND if you "pop" the grain with a dye first.

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S1.E31 ∙ Edge banding

Sat, Nov 24, 2007

I was working on a simple cabinet and I started thinking of all the different ways there are to cover the exposed edges of plywood. Veneer tape, solid edge banding, oversized edge-banding, and even joinery itself all do a fine job of hiding this unsightly side-effect of using plywood. And since plywood seems to enter our shops more frequently than not, it's important to know how to deal with it.

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