It's Monday and we're starting this week off with the second half of our September visit with Hendrik Varju.  We pick up the discussion with Mike's question on cross-grain glue-ups.  Enjoy!!!

The article recommended by Hendrik for dealing with compound joinery is in the October 2002 #158 issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, p.96 in the Masterclass section.

Also as a special announcement, exclusively here at MBW, Hendrik has just released his latest DVD "Revelations on Table Saw Set-up & Safety".  Now available for purchase at his website. 

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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I had some spare time recently while waiting for finish to dry and thought I would experiment with some inlay techniques. I have always found a piece of inlay with a surrounding border to be fascinating to be able to make. I need to confess, I've done this before although quite a while ago and need the practice. What I had in mind is a fair sized yellowheart diamond with a black border, I used blackwood. I have the inlay set in a lighter wood, nothing special, just a small offcut. The process of creating and inserting the inlay is a very good test of patience and fine hand tool skills , for almost everything here is accomplished with hand tools.

The border itself is bandsawn from a larger piece of blackwood and the yellowheart also bandsawn from a solid block. The yellowheart inlay is first drawn out and cut with careful attention to the shape of the diamond, each of the sides and facets needs to be a mirror image of the other side. I then mark the inlay onto the lighter background wood with an allowance or margin for the surrounding border. Once marked with a fine knife, I then remove or carve out the recess for both the diamond and border. Next step is to fit both the yellowheart inlay and blackwood border into the recess with glue , make sure it is well seated and wait for everything to set. Afterwards, I judiciously handplane the inlay and the result is in the photo at top. I find it great therapy to go off and do some other type of woodworking during or after some intensive furniture making, it clears the mind and the instant results can be very gratifying, the practice also keeps the skill retention up...

I've added two new feeds to the RSS page. One is Chris Swarz's Lost Art Press blog and the other is Leif's Norse Woodsmith blog. Both are excellent blogs well worth following.

A brief recap of the November meeting is on the Bulletin Board. After you log in, Click Bulletin Board on the Members Menu then click on Here's What You Missed (at the last meeting).If you have not Registered, Click Register at the Log In screen and fill out the simple form. That way you can access the Members Only features.

I’ve got several long weekends coming up so hopefully I should have some time to play around in the shop.

長良川鵜飼の造船所へ行ってきました。
ここは岐阜市営の造船所で、２人の大工と２人の大工補が鵜飼の観覧船を作っています。
１年で２隻ずつ作るのだそうで、僕が訪ねた２月半ばには、２０人乗りと３０人乗りを制作中でした。
長さは２０人乗りで１５メートル、３０人乗りで１７メートルにもなります。

There is a shipyard of cormorant fishing in Gifu city. This shipyard is run by Gifu city council. Two shipbuilders and two assistant builders are building two ships every year. When I visited there in mid-February, they were building a thirty-passenger ship and a twenty-passenger one. The bigger one is 17 meters long, the smaller 15 meters long.

材料は、東濃や木曽でとれる２００〜２５０年生の高野槙（コウヤマキ）です。
The material is Koyamaki, Japanese Umbrella-pine, 200-250 years old, from Kiso and East Tohno area.

船づくりには接着剤は用いません。兵庫県の三条でつくられた三種類の船クギを使い分けて、船腹、船底を組み上げていきます。
Three different types of nails are used for assembling the bottom and the sides. No glue.

こちらは船底を曲げているところ。こうして重しを載せて３〜４週間曲げておいてから、船腹を組み付けて形を固定するのだそうです。
Bending the bottom. They put the weight on the timber and pull the end. Leave it for three to four weeks. Fix the shape by putting the sides.



市営なので、平日は見学させてもらえます。午前９時から午後４時まで。
鵜飼観覧船造船所
岐阜市湊町391
tel 058-262-0104

The shipyard is open to the public. 9:00-16:00
The shipyard of cormorant fishing
391 Minatomachi, Gifu
058-262-0104

Roy Underhill came out with a new book…. Laaadie Frickin’ Daaa.

I am going to review Roy’s book in the blog today. However, I am not going to spew on about the latest Roy Underhill book the way everyone else is. I am going to give a quick review on the “forgotten” Roy Underhill book:


People who say Roy Underhill’s latest book is his first in 12 years seem to be glossing over “Shoe.”

For most of my life I have been watching Roy Underhill tell stories, and the fact is clear that he is one of the most talented communicators on the planet.

Each time I fire up an episode of The Woodwright’s Shop on Tivo, I am blown away by how quickly 22 minutes can pass. And to me it often seems as if he does the entire show in one take.

Friends, if you were to assign values to Roy Underhill’s abilities, his communication skill would rate higher than his knowledge of wood and tools. (And I think we know where he stands on those).

Most woodworkers know all about Roy’s knowledge of woodworking, but very few I have met realize that he wrote the Bible on public speaking and communicating with an audience. Back in 2000, Roy Underhill wrote Khrushchev’s Shoe, and it is effectively the most entertaining text book I have ever read.

Khrushchev’s Shoe is written in Roy’s inimitable style, and the examples, quotes, and illustrations are humorous yet perfectly on point. (It is probably a good thing that a book on communication does at least a fair job of communicating its message.)

Yet buried under the humor is a complete scientific analysis of the five phases of human communication: Getting Attention, Maintaining Interest, Making an Impression, Creating a Conviction, and Directing Action.

The great beauty of this book is that it addresses the science of communication in a way that holds the readers interest. (Roy, you managed to maintain my interest while making an impression.) An example of Roy’s use of scientific detail is a comparison of verbal spectrograms of speakers to visually accentuate the differences in the tonal qualities of their voices. Roy’s point is easily understood when the reader compares the spectrogram of Ben Stein as the teacher in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with that of the Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.’s Promised Land speech.

I believe that nearly everyone who can read and understand English should take the time to study and apply the principles outlined in Roy Underhill’s book Khrushchev’s Shoe. Certainly teachers and sales professionals can gain immediate benefit. However, I like to imagine the impact the book could have on the world of lab rat techies that I have so often worked with over the years. It is my belief that the GDP of the United States would quadruple over dinner if we could get our scientists and engineers to a place where they could explain to the person next to them, the things they so clearly see on the white board inside their brains. As an engineer who did equally well on the both the Math and Verbal part of the SAT, I can assure you that my ability to communicate has been a bigger key to a successful career than my ability to manipulate a calculator or slide rule.

In Khrushchev’s Shoe, Roy Underhill has provided us with an entertaining gem. However, this gem can be used to turn blank stares into what the author describes as a “’minds-on’ state of pleasurable cognition.” And when you can create that experience for your audience, your child, your boss, or the cop standing there with the ticket book… life is going to be as good as it can get.

This is the second episode with both video and audio and so far the response has been good.  Let me know what you think about it too.

Awhile back I received an email from a listener who's a little skeptical about the use of tape as a clamp.  While he's right that a traditional clamp can exert a lot more pressure than tape can.  Tape is still a very useful helping hand when it comes to clamping tricky joints and odd shapes.

Drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions.  And don't forget that Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business, so get your questions in for Hendrik too.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - May 3rd. 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

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It's finally here!  Pt 2 of building the chisel plane will cover the construction of the chisel plane.  Now that we have the jig that'll hold the blank in place, it's time to do something with that blank.

Many of you sent me the plans to the FWW article featuring the chisel plane construction in issue #148.  Here's a link to it Wooden Chisel Plane.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

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It’s honeymoon time.. we’re leaving to Sri Lanka / Maldives for two weeks tomorrow. It’s not going to be just relaxing on a beach. We’re going to explore Sri Lanka for a few days first and then we will move to Maldives for 5 days… we used the same travel agency for our Cuba trip (I’m planning to share our photos again so stay tuned).

So this is just a short notice to inform you that I won’t be available until Oct 30th. Hope to see lots of great entries in our Halloween Challenges when I get back ;)

Be nice here and cross your fingers – I’m not a fan of flying ;)

Now back to packing….........

Let's get right into it...you've been waiting all year so hopefully this won't disappoint.  Today we start the Chisel Plane build with Part 1 of a 2 part series.

In part 1 we'll discuss the style of plane we're building and then build the jig that let's us cut it safely.  For a PDF with a picture of the original jig, which you can use to quickly outline the correct angle to make the bed of the chisel plane click here.

Many of you sent me the plans to the FWW article featuring the chisel plane construction in issue #148.  Here's a link to it Wooden Chisel Plane.

If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to the website.  Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.

Interested in ordering DVDs containing the complete series of audio, video and PDF episodes from Years 1 & 2 of MBW?  Drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com, $25 for each or $40 for both.  Also, each month I'll be selling CDs with all of the previous month's episodes for $8.

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So many great questions and tips have been coming in, so today I'll share a few more with you.  Also if you want to have a little fun and find out how well you know your router bit profiles checkout this "Router Bit Profile Quiz".

Don't forget!! Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in for our open Q&A session.  

If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or  head over to my website at 231 354-2338.

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Jessica and Jake said they'd be happy to send David some bamboo to work with.

This is Part 2 of our talk with Hendrik about starting a woodworking business.  We all know that at some point the thought of starting our own has crossed our minds.  I for one have wasted many an hour, daydreaming of walking away from my day job and spending the rest of my life happily making beautiful projects for even happier clients.  But, to be honest I wouldn't know where to get started, or even how.  Luckily for us though our very own guest expert Hendrik Varju does and he's back to talk to us about it. 

If you'd like to learn more about starting your own successful woodworking business from Hendrik, then stop by his website to pick up a copy of his book "Starting and Running a Woodworking Business".

Also, coming up on June 14th, Hendrik is conducting a seminar by the same name at his Acton, Ontario Workshop.  If you'd like to attend or just get more information contact him at info@passionforwood.com.

REMEMBER!  If you have any comments, questions, suggestions or you want to enter for some free schwag you can always drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.  OR you can call me and leave a voice mail too!! 1-231-354-2338

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey.

Also, Hendrik is wrapping up his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below

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The practice knot I carved when I started this project has a rounded look, like rope, but I tried something different with the final cross. Instead of creating rounded edges, they're chamfered, and I think it looks a lot nicer. (It's also a faster and easier technique.)

I used a gouge to chamfer the inside curves and cleaned them up with a small round file. All straight edges and outside curves were chamfered with a straight chisel.

Just another option if you plan to try this type of carving.

Jig plans for cutting circles, adjustable dadoes, and a flush trim jig are included in this week’s Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar Podcast. Bryan Nelson will also give the low down on how to build a hinge mortising jig and a unique router table sled that holds narrow workpieces firmly while routing across end grain.

Check out the Woodsmith Podcast Store for more deals on router bits and the seminar guide.

Doug Hicks doesn’t just go through the motions when he presents a seminar. With all his years of woodworking and teaching experience, he really provides a wealth of knowledge and know-how.

During this seminar podcast, Doug will explain why a router table makes a router even more versatile. His tips for buying or building a router table are well-researched and insightful. And he’ll present some special techniques and tips to make your work on a router table easier, safer, and more accurate.

Be sure to check out the Woodsmith Podcast Store for links to a few products that Doug used during his seminar.

The April issue of Popular Woodworking is on it?s way to subscribers and will be available on newsstands before long. In this issue is an article I wrote about the Greene & Greene chest that has been mentioned on this blog several times before. While the full article isn?t yet available, the on-line extras are. I?m very proud of this piece. Have a look.

I am excited about the latest DVD as it concentrates on techniques for chisel use.

Chopping and paring ...

It's the beginning of safety week and here at Matt's Basement Workshop I'm planning on sharing with you my take on three very important safety issues, starting today with sawdust safety.

When most of us think of sawdust safety we think of fires and explosions due to sparks and accumulated piles. But I think of health issues first and foremost. If not properly contained, sawdust poses a major health issue not just on the woodworker, but their families too.

A couple of good links to visit includeOSHA's Woodworking eTool, Gregory Machinery and also some of my previous episodes that deal with dust collection include, Episode #9 "Dust Collection", Tips From the Scrap Pile No.30 .

If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, click here.  And don't forget to drop me a line with your questions, comments and suggestions, especially since Hendrik is back in May and we're talking about starting a small woodworking business.  Just drop us a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 2 "Hand Finishing and Rubbing Out"    - May 10th or 24th.
Part 3"Antique Restoration Techniques"      - May 31st or June 7th.
So if you live in the Toronto area or feel like visiting it, and you want more information about Hendrik's finishing seminars, send an email to info@passionforwood.com

For some great woodworking classes in the Chicago area visit Jeff Miller's website at furnituremaking.com.

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When we were in Erie last weekend, someone commented on their recent visit to this site and wanted to confirm that I was in fact still making planes. I assured them I was, but the comment has been rolling around in my head ever since. When we got home, I checked the site and sure enough... there has not been a “planemaking” post for quite a long time. Here is what has been going on in the last two months.



Front to back; A Brazilian Rosewood filled A5, an English boxwood filled A5*, an Ebony filled A6, an Ebony filled A1 panel, a Brazilian Rosewood filled No.4, a Brazilian Rosewood filled A5, a Brazilian Rosewood filled A1 and a Brazilian Rosewood filled A2 jointer.

A shot from the other side.



And some detail shots.



This is a family of 4 planes infilled with Brazilian Rosewood from a single plank. The No.4 is bedded at 52.5 degrees and has a 2" wide blade. The A5 is a York pitch with a 2-1/4" wide blade and the 14-3/4" long A1 and 22-1/2" A2 are bedded at 47.5 degrees. This is going to be a fantastic set of planes to use.




* This is second boxwood filled plane I have made. The first was an XSNo.4 I made last years and I have been dying to make another ever since. Boxwood is a real treat to work with - it cuts like hard butter. I also want to thank Bill Carter for generously supplying the piece for the handle. Finding genuine boxwood is really tough, let alone something large enough to make a handle with.



This past Friday, I shaped this Brazilian Rosewood handle. Above is a shot I took when I started shaping, and the black streak came alive. To me - this is what dreams are made of! Below is a photo of the handle fully shaped, sanded and ready to have the adjuster fit.



The two Ebony filled planes are at the tail end of the french polishing process - they each have 9 coats at this point and are looking magnificent.

Next update - the kitchen doors!

Wood Ring Custom Order

You can order your custom wooden wedding ring set at simplywoodrings.com. If you have a special wood that you have a deep connection with or just the love of nature and a desire to live in harmony with the earth, in an eco-frendly way. I will be glad to put something to gather for you. Visitme at http://www.simplywoodrings.com

You can sharpen your woodworking skills with helpful tips and techniques from the editors of Woodsmith and ShopNotes magazines. Get a FREE tip sent to your email address each week! Go to WoodworkingTips.com and sign up today.

Here’s last week’s tip from ShopNotes online editor Phil Huber:

A block plane makes quick work of chamfering the edge of a workpiece. To ensure a constant width and angle, I built the base shown in the photo above. It slips over the plane to make ¼″ chamfers and doesn’t require any setup.

The base is simply two triangular-shaped runners glued to a pair of side pieces. Then cross supports are glued into notches in the front and back to hold the sides together.

Two rare-earth magnets glued into recesses in the runners hold the plane securely in place. A shallow dado is cut in the top of the runners at the mouth of the plane for the exposed iron.

The base is easy to use. With your block plane in the base, position the V-shaped groove formed by the runners over the edge of the workpiece. Then plane the workpiece until both runners sit flush. It worked so well I made a second one for ¹/₈″ chamfers.

You can learn even more simple shop techniques, just go to PlansNOW.

Good Woodworking,

Phil Huber
Online Editor, ShopNotes

Send for a preview issue of ShopNotes magazine