As requested, here is a photo of the Dovetail Saw which Mike made for me.

It is ...

Hi Folks
Brace yourselves - I have actually done some woodworking! Yes, non-planemaking stuff.
Remember the acoustic guitar project I've been slowly building? It's a Weissenborn lap steel guitar, and I made pretty good progress until I came to making the sides. Yes, the tricky part......;)
A couple of weekends ago I made a small bending iron from some steel pipe and a blow torch. Worked fairly well but the pipe was too small a diameter to give me the gentle curves I required. Rather than purchase some suitable pipe I decided to go for Plan B - build a former and laminate the guitar sides in the vacuum bag.
So I built a one piece former from some poplar and laminated the sides from 6 pieces of veneer. It was simple work and the vacuum press did its usual amazing job of flattening things while the glue set. I made a pair and then set them aside to cure. Now I can get on with assembling the guitar, when it finally looks like a "real one"!
Cheers
Philly

A short post - just to show some photos of a very recent plane.







A quick kiln update. It is currently running and water is being removed. It is a dehumidification process by way of a household dehumidifier. I will check the moisture content in a few days and report back. There are a few pieces of Ebony in the kiln right now and I am most curious to check the results. If it works - my shop will turn into a flurry of Ebony and stainless steel parts.

Changes are a comin’. Delta/Porter-Cable announced at a gathering at AWFS last night a major revamping of their product line. Lower-end products are going away. Newer products are on the horizon. The focus will be on quality with an emphasis on a new look and major efforts in industrial design of the products. One example cited was a new Unisaw with both wheel cranks on the front of the saw. It’s a unique concept that should have been done years ago. The new Unisaw will also have upgraded guards and all upgraded internal components. (It was interesting to note that the guard on the prototpye looked suspiciously like the guard on Bosch’s new benchtop saw.)

They announced a “re-branding” of sorts where you will see the Delta/Porter-Cable names together more and more as time goes on. Their design center will remain in Tennessee and they are sourcing major components from U.S. suppliers and not necessarily from Asian suppliers.

Company executives admitted that there have been some bumpy roads for the two brands since their purchase by Black and Decker three years ago. They expect that the dollars and man-hours that have gone into re-engineering their product lines will have benefits for the woodworker and their bottom line with improved sales. They may be facing an uphill battle, but hopefully we’ll see some new, quality innovation in tools. Both brands have a century of reputation in quality and hopefully, they’ll be able to regain that respect.

P.S. — I would have posted photos of some of the tools, but company execs prohibited cameras. Some of the products shown are prototypes and all features shown may not necessarily make it into production models. I can understand and respect that. So stay tuned. As we hear more, we’ll post it here.

UPDATE: See the Press Release from Delta/Porter-Cable here: REVOLUTION Press Release

Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use by Chris Schwarz is a book that every amateur hand tool woodworker should study thoroughly.

For most hand tool woodworkers, there is no more important tool in our shop than our workbench.

I just don't know how I can overemphasize the significance of this book. If you are thinking about buying or making a workbench, you should just get it. If you must, borrow it, but get it.  read more »

Hey everyone Marc and I are back after an extended summer break.  And we just finished the latest episode of WTO.  Lot's to talk about...

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

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Status Report:

Where have we been for nearly 2 months?!?!?! Marc gives a Gadget Station update and talks about the âproject humpâ. Matt announces that his next project will be a bedside table for Madison.

Around the Web:

Working Wood by Tom Fidgen
Luthiercast
Upholstered Chair Project Video

News:
Final Cut sawblades.
Amanaâs In-Tech router bits with replaceable cutterheads.

Steel City introduces spiral head lunchbox planer.
Auriou rasps back in business!

Hot Deals:
50% OFF ROUTER TABLE STARTER PACKAGE
Regular Catalog Price $239.97 E-Direct Special Offer $119.99

Bessey Tradesman Bar Clamps Buy 2 - Get the 3rd FREE!

Topics:
IWF Review- DeWalt TrackSaw, Delta Unisaw, General Internationalâs adjustable height bandsaw.
Intro to Spokeshaves - low-angle vs. standard - flat vs. round bottom

Tomâs Tip: Keeping the shop clean.

HI Folks
There's a new recruit on the block. Welcome, please, my new "Shop Cat".
She's called "Cupcake" and she's 10 weeks old. Obviously she has a lot of Health and Safety stuff to learn but hopefully she will become a regular helper in the workshop.
If only to chase spiders ;)
Cheers
Philly

It's April and Hendrik is back to answer more of your questions.  This month we're talking about dealing with troubled stock.  Since nothing is worse than dealing with cupped, bowed, twisted or crooked boards we answer your questions about how to tame these problems or maybe even avoid them.

Today is part 1 of our discussion, and since it's Friday that means it's Feature Friday so one of you lucky listeners is winning some free schwag!  Are you the lucky listener??

For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen.  There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.

Remember for comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

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When the Dremel folks stopped by our office a couple of weeks ago, one of the products they were showing us is the new MultiVise. I’ll admit that my first thought was, “This can’t be a serious tool — it looks like it’s made out of plastic.” But I was soon to be impressed. The way this thing can twist and contort to clamp almost anything is amazing. 

It clamps to your workbench or table. A ball-and-socket joint can rotate the clamp 360° and tilt up to 50°. I was skeptical that this ball-and-socket couldn’t be locked too securely. But once you tighten the blue ring, it’s there to stay. The clamp itself as a 7½” capacity. And it has removable “soft jaws” for clamping delicate or irregularly-shaped objects. I was impressed.  Really.

Now, as a woodworker, the first question I had was if the clamp was available in longer lengths. The Dremel reps said that they honestly hadn’t considered it but really appreciated the comments. I suggested that they offer “accessory kits” with longer clamps for us woodworkers. The reason is that the clamps are great by themselves. They’ve got large “feet” that sit on your benchtop and won’t topple over as you clamp down. The only problem I had with the clamp was that the screw was rather stiff and took some effort to turn. But I suppose it would loosen up over time without compromising it’s clamping ability.

Oh…I almost forgot. It comes with an adapter and wrench so you can fasten your Dremel rotary tool to the vise. It’s great for grinding or sanding operations.

I’ve got to get one of these for my own shop.

も���り研究会��毎年３月�旬�楽��実習��り��。
学生��学�����をリクエスト���れ�����外部�先生を�招��る���。
今回���ら�り人形を作り�����学生�リクエスト�より���屋��ら�り人形師�玉屋庄兵衛�ん��越�頂����。
We have a series of interesting lessons at this time of the year.
Students request what they want to learn in addition to what we provide here in the Forest Academy. We invite professional craftspeople as lecturers for the special lesson. This year one of our students wants to learn how to make Karakuri Ningyo, the Japanese automata. We invited Mr. Shobei Tamaya, the Karakuri Ningyo maker and performer in Nagoya.

玉屋�ん��代目。マサ�ューセッツ工科大学や大英�物館��世界中�公演�実績も�る�日本を代表�る�ら�り人形師��。
���実演�������������れ����。
弓曵童�����江戸時代��ら�り人形を復刻��も���。
Tamada is one of the most known Karakuri Ningyo makers in Japan. He is the ninth Shobei Tamada. He has performed and lectured worldwide, including British Museum and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He first showed us one of his works. Yumihiki-Doji or the Arrow Shooting Boy was originally made during Edo era and Tamada reproduced it.



����ん��仕掛���人形�矢を�り�狙�を����矢を放��次�矢を�り��。
The doll picks up an arrow, aims at a target, shoot the arrow, and picks up the next, all driven by a spring.




�ら�り人形師�内部�メカニズム�ら��衣�頭（��ら）������自分�作る������。
今回�授業����ら�り人形�頭�彫り方を教���������。
頭�目�詰ん�ヒノキを使���。
視線を上�る�嬉�������む��悲����表情を��る頭��能��技法�用�られ����。
The Japanese automata makers make all the pieces by themselves, from the internal mechanism to the face carving, even doll's clothes.
Students learned how to carve the face. Fine grained Japanese cypress is the material. It uses the same technique as the Japanese Noh play mask making, so that it shows delightful face when looking up, and sad face when looking down.

��先生��手本。左�学生�も�。

２日間��玉屋�ん�手も���ん借り��ら�頭������。
学生�感想���ら�ら。
It took two days for the studens to roughly carve the face, with a lot of help from Mr. Tamaya.

"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:

1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems
5. Cool and unique projects ideas.

1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier

Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ½ vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block).
With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ½" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.

3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system

The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry.
These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy.
For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.

Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows

- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality
- If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows
- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows - (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)
- If you like a slimmer frame around your window
Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows
- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.
- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.
- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.
- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.
- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.
- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).
- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window.
With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs - projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/ - bathroom glass block windows, acrylic block windows, colored glass block, vinyl framed glass block windows

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/product_new-construction.aspx vinyl framed glass block windows, color glass block, glass block sizes, acrylic block windows, installing glass block windows

I think the followers of this blog know me too well.

Yesterday, Matt said the blog update was just a chance to show off a bunch of Lie-Nielsen prizes. Please note this is not the Matthew I went to Ireland with…that Matt has far too much going on making the world safe by producing Humulin, Prozac, and Cialis than to follow my blog.

Well, there is a bit of truth to what blog-reader Matt said. However, there was also a bunch of Bridge City stuff (and a 100+ year old Maydole hammer in those photos that did not get publically recognized.)

The photos were included there for resume purposes, though. You see I have received more than a few notes asking me if I ever actually make anything, or if I do really just buy tools and lumber. So I decided to throw in some pictures of the Shaker Clock that is in the works. However, my selection of this piece for inclusion in the blog may also have something to do with one of the most brilliantly insightful things I have read recently. In the Out On A Limb (Editors Page) of the October 2008 issue of Popular Woodworking, Chris Schwarz speaking of the lack of fair artistic criticism among woodworkers says, “Stuff that looks like it should be hauled away in a dumpster usually gets kudos along the lines of: ‘That’s some nice red oak!’�

By the way, my blog buddy Ethan had a great entry in his blog on this very subject back in May. I encourage you to check it out. Reaching Critical Masses…

However, it seems that I am a feedback wuss. Because on the off chance anyone would have negative thoughts about the joinery and construction of my photographed project, I chose the Shaker Clock so that I would have the “beautiful curly cherry� line to fall back on.

Safety week is well under way and here is my second episode.  As I mentioned on Monday, I firmly feel that there are three areas we need to be aware of everytime we walk into the shop. 

We talked about lung safety on Monday and how there's more to sawdust danger than explosions and slipping and falling.  Today it's time to talk about hearing protection.  This is another one that's easy to take for granted, afterall sometimes we just need to make a quick cut...but those quick cuts quickly add up! 

A couple of good links to visit includeOSHA's Woodworking eTool, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and also this comparison chart of various decibels created from a range of different sources at Galen Carol Audio.

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

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Today I want to share with you two strange desings.

The first one is a very nice pair of earrings, made of wood beads (they´re beautiful). It seems they belongs to an indian, isn’t it?

The following desing it´s a spiral. I love spirals! I made the wire structure first and then embroider the beads.

See you next craft!

Chris Schwarz, editor of Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazines, author of "Workbenches:  From Design & Theory to Construction & Use", and of course star of three Lie-Nielsen DVDs agreed to come on the show for an interview with yours truly.

While I meant to ask Chris everything under the sun regarding hand tools and his various articles that I've accumulated over the past few years (I swear I'm not a stalker, just a devoted Schwarzee).  I narrowed it down to just a few key ones ranging from hand sawing to dealing with letters to the editor by happy and unhappy readers alike.

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did doing it.  Chris agreed to come back on some other time, so stay subscribed for possible upcoming visits in the future.

Hendrik is returning in May to answer your questions about getting a woodworking business up and running.  It's a little teaser before his annual seminar so get those questions in as soon as possible.

Also, Hendrik is starting his annual three part finishing seminars: 
Part 1 "Preparing the Surface and Staining" - April 26th or 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

Of course you can always drop me a line with your questions, comments, suggestions and schwag entries anytime.  Just send them to mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

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I've been tasked with reconstructing the wood dash panel from a vintage British automobile which is currently being restored. The dash was previously veneered and after about thirty five years, it succumbed to the elements and began to delaminate. Along with this, the original veneered surfaces were cracked and flaking off. This is a type of work I have not done before. The only effective way to remove the veneer completely and uniformly was with a sanding machine. After performing this on either side of the dash panel, I had clean wood underneath. The wood was high grade plywood with many plies. I judiciously re-laminated the laminations which were separating, which was no small feat. Once I was completely satisfied that the plywood dash had regained its strength and rigidity I began to plan the application of veneers both on the face and back of the dash panel.

Phil Huber proves you don’t need a drawer full of router bits to make a huge variety of moldings. In fact, during this week’s seminar he talks about how he used just three bits, 1/4″ and 1/2″ round-over bits and a 1/4″ core box bit, to make 17 different moldings.To make some of the profiles shown above, he used different parts of the bit or changed the depth or height of the cut. Of course, to make the more complex profiles, he used more than one bit.

With only a limited amount of time to rout the profiles, Phil wasn’t able to demonstrate all of the molding cuts, but the guide details how to rout all seventeen. You can find the guide, plus the bits he used during the seminar, for sale at the Woodsmith Podcast Store.

Hi Folks
Right - I promised some pictures.
This is the prototype of my shoulder plane design. It's made from Rosewood and brass, with the sole fixed to the body with a sliding dovetail. In use the plane is very comfortable and has a good weight to it - I'm very pleased!
I am about to make two more, one 3/4 inch wide in African Blackwood , the other 1 1/4 wide in Pau Rosa. They should be ready by the end of the week, and I hope to take them to Kentucky with me to get some feedback on the design.
Back to the workshop......
Philly

Hi everybody...........I'm on a roll, what a past 2 weeks. And now it ends with US Postal Service Commemorative Stamps all about the Eames.

Herman Miller, DJ DuPree, George Nelson, Noguchi.....we've been exposed to Eames and should surely appreciate this stamp.

I always buy a sheet to tuck in one of my woodworking text. Kinda fun finding it a few years down the road.

Pick up a sheet, if you're a follower of the blog you know the "Eames Team".

Neil

PS......editing now, look for a very special interview in the coming days. It's over the top.

Mark from Woodfired introduced me to the inspiring work of his friend, Matthew Harding, a highly regarded woodworker, sculptor, and carver from Australia.








While there are many talented individuals in the visual arts, Matthew is extraordinarily gifted in diversity, as expressed in his broad range of style.










He has command of various materials, including wood, bronze & steel, and stone; and a firm grasp on balance, composition, design, and originality.

Check out his website to see more of his artwork....and enjoy!

Dear Woodworker,

In these tough economic times, we at Highland Woodworking would like to do our part to make shopping with us more economical and convenient for our customers. Currently we are providing FREE GROUND SHIPPING on most orders over $100* delivered within the 48 contiguous United States.

As always, with our product offering and staff expertise, our goal is to guide you in making sure that your tool and supply purchases from us meet your expectations and support the success of all your woodworking endeavors.

As Highland Woodworking enters its fourth decade of serving woodworkers across the country, our aim is to provide you with the same personalized service and support as we have been doing since we first entered the woodworking tool business back in 1978.

*FREE GROUND SHIPPING TERMS: Merchandise total must be greater than $100 prior to the addition of any shipping charges for free shipping offer to apply. Free shipping offer excludes items listed in our catalog or on our website with flat rate shipping adders, freight collect shipments, expedited shipments, and special order items. Actual shipping and handling costs are charged for shipments outside the 48 contiguous United States. For orders under $100, please refer to our standard shipping rate table.