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Replacing Window Glass
11/06/2008, 02:31 | Wood Shutters
Replacing window glass begins with safety glasses and a good pair of work gloves.
Replacing window glass or a broken window associated with an older window is something a homeowner can do with a few basic tools.
Start by removing the broken glass pane remnants still stuck in the window sash. You may need to use one of your pliers to help pull out any smaller pieces.
Next, remove the old glazing compound with your putty knife. Work your way around the entire window sash, in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and scrape the old glazing compound out.
You may want to use a hair dryer to heat the glazing compound up. The heat will soften the old glazing and make it easier to remove. Apply heat to a localized section of the old glass to soften it up, and then scrape it out with your putty knife. Keep stepping around the window sash in this process.
Also, in the process of removing the old glazing, remove any glazing points that may still be attached to the window sash. Use your Needle-nose pliers to remove the points.
After you have removed all of the old compound and glazing points, sand the area down to the bare wood to remove any old glazing or paint. Then apply a sealer to the bare wood to protect it.
Now install your piece of glass and place it into the window sash. Note that the glass should be slightly smaller than the window sash, e.g. 1/8th inch narrower in both length and width.
With the glass in place, install glazing points approximately every 4-6 inches, making sure you have a couple of glazing points near each of the corners of the glass. Be careful not to break the glass when doing this.
With the glazing points installed apply the new glazing to the window sash. It is best to roll out a Ľ" string of glazing material, and using your fingers and putty knife push it into place around the window edges.
Once you have pressed in the new glazing material use your finger or a moist rag to smooth out the glazing and to clean the glass.
Let the window dry overnight, and then apply paint to the window sash. When the paint has dried reinstall it into the window frame.
About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com
Making a strong Hook, Bent or Crooked knife.
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Traditional Tools & NewsInterview with Michael Dunbar
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Woodworkers ResourceHere's our interview with the Dean of Windsor Chairmakers, Michael Dunbar. Michael, along with his wife Sue, are owners of the The Windsor Institute , the only school in the world dedicated to teaching the art of building Windsor chairs. He has single handedly been responsible for the revival of building Windsor chairs, an art that was almost lost. Michael and his staff have also worked with many tool makers to improve the specialized tools involved in the making of chairs. His enthusiasm for Windsor chairs and for hand tools comes through loud and clear during our interview.
I know you're going to enjoy listening to Michael talk about how he got started in woodworking, The Windsor Institute, and what he will be teaching at this year's Woodworking in America Conference. After listening to the interview come back and check out The Windsor Institute's website to learn more about all the different classes that are available, and while you're there, be sure to catch up on what Michael is writing on his blog .
Interview with Adam Cherubini
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Woodworkers ResourceI had a lot of fun interviewing Adam. He wears a lot of different hats: Period furniture maker, contributing editor for Popular Woodworking magazine, he writes on two different blogs, volunteers at Pennsbury Manor, and has a day "job" outside of woodworking.
Adam opens up about a variety of topics. He talks about being product oriented vs. process oriented and how there may be many more woodworkers that feel that way than we think.
Adam also explains why he chooses to build period furniture completely with hand tools (his answer will probably surprise you!)
We also get into a discussion on how the museum community is influencing the future of reproduction furniture making.
Our talk also gets into how our forefathers had advantages over us when it came to the availablity of hand tools and also what 18 century woodworkers lacked.
Adam talks about how the hand tool market is lagging behind for cabinet makers vs. specialty woodworkers such as chair makers and why that is and what he's doing about it (check out Adam's line of hand tools on his website: www.adamcherubini.com)
Check out the interview and also hear Adam talk about what classes he will be teaching at this years Woodworking in America Conference being held in Berea, KY.
Let us know what you think by going to our website and leaving a comment on our blog @:
www.WoodworkersResource.com/blog/
Thanks for listening!
Craig Stevens
www.WoodworkersResource.com
Stanley's new premium handplanes
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Norse WoodsmithThe Stanley Tool company is legendary in hand tool circles... It is their planes that a large majority of us woodworkers cut their teeth on. They have been making the most popular line of woodworking planes since the late 1800's - at least until the quality of their product began to suffer after WWII, ultimately reaching their low point in the 60's and 70's where the level of quality has remained until today. Yet there are so many examples of Stanley planes out there remaining from pre-WWII days still in use today that they are still setting the standard by which others are graded even to this day. It wasn't limited to just bench planes either - one only has to look at Patrick Leach's pages on Stanley planes to see the breadth of their product line from the day. The sheer extent of their product offerings is testament to their popularity.  Only recently have independent toolmakers - as a collective - even begun to breach a portion of it.
Interview with Robin Lee
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Woodworkers ResourceIf you're on any of the woodworking forums around the Internet and asked a question to the group about Lee Valley Tools, or Veritas Tools,, you undoubtedly received a direct response from the President of the company, Robin Lee. And if you've ever bought any tools from the company (and if you haven't, you're doing yourself a disservice) you'll get that same down home friendly service. This is no surprise coming from a company whose philosophy on customer service is to "treat each customer like they're your friend".
Lee Valley has bee making some of the best woodworking, hardware, and garden tools in the business for the past 30 years.
Rob may be President of a large corporation but that doesn't mean that he just sits behind a big desk pushing paper. In fact Rob holds several patents on woodworking tools and is very active in new tool development.
Here are some of the topics that we covered during our interview:
- The first product that Lee Valley shipped (hint: It's not a woodworking tool).
- Why the customer base in woodworking differs from any other business out there (this one will make you proud to be a woodworker).
- What does Rob Lee do in his spare time?
- What's the best part of running Lee Valley Tools? (Hint: It has something to do with being the equivalent of a rock star!)
- What all goes into new product development?
- Ever wondered what the name Veritas means and why it was choosen?
- And much, much more!
Advice on making wooden planes
00/00/0000, 00:00 | UnpluggedShop.comI am a bit cheap. I appreciate quality tools. I also happen to live in a warm sub-tropical Caribbean climate. I want to make some "woodie" planes.
Basically, I want to make a whole set of planes. I intend to start with something like a Jointer or Fore plane and then do a smoothing plane and perhaps a scraper as well as a router. Sometime, I also want to make a Jack plane to replace the hopelessly cobbled together metal boat anchor, I mean finely fettled antique hand plane, that I have. read more »
Making a traditional apron
00/00/0000, 00:00 | UnpluggedShop.comOne of the "tools" I want to get is a traditional workman's apron. There is a picture over at www.toolemera.com of a traditional woodworker wearing one. You can see it at this page if you scroll down to the picture called "THE WISE CARPENTER AT HIS BENCH."
I really like this apron although it seems that a design that had criss-crossing shoulder straps would be a bit easier on the neck and not as prone to getting the neck strap as sweaty.
If anyone has any suggestions, pictures, patterns or ideas, I would really appreciate them. Basically, I am looking for something somewhat traditional and lightweight. A pocket for a pencil or small square would be fine, but I don't plan on carrying my toolbox in it. read more »
I'm a Lucky, Lucky Lady
00/00/0000, 00:00 | The Village Carpenter
The EAIA meetup last weekend was held at the recently renovated Dills Tavern, originally built in 1794. The weathermen promised a warm, sunny day, but it was cloudy and frigid, which prevented me from staying for all the day's activities. I was sorry to have missed Jim Leamy's afternoon lecture on making plow planes. The ivory plow plane was one of many of his exqui
site planes that were on display.Tailgating with vendors who were selling antique tools started early, and was followed by presentations by the man in charge of restoration —Sam McKinney—and a decendant of the family who purchased the tavern in 1800—Bob Eichelberger.
The three years it's taken to bring the tavern back to its original form included removal of many Victorian elements and additions that were added in the late 19th century. The kitchen needed to be gutted and other rooms needed major work, but as much as possible of the original architecture and flooring was salvaged. That which could not
be saved was either replaced with elements that were purchased from other period buildings or were authentically reproduced by the men who conducted the renovations. On display were a plethora of antique moulding planes that they employed during construction."We basically removed anything that used common nails" explained Sam, who in my opinion is part detective—because of his ability to
uncover the clues that enabled him to restore the historic building to its original state—and part visionary.The tavern, outbuildings, and grounds are being fashioned in the same pattern as Eastfield Village, where Sam has taken classes since 1983. His vision is to replicate the original Dills Tavern setting, including distillery (ironic, since Dillsburg is currently a dry town), and to offer workshops that teach 18th c. techniques in stonework, timber framing, basket making, wool dyeing, and open hearth cooking.
But that's not the best part.
They have recently started construction of an 18th c. timber frame woodwright's shop, in which the 3 men who have so diligently reconstructed the tavern will build authentic reproduction furniture, including my favorite, PA German. Their pieces will furnish the tavern and will also be for sale.
With only a 15 minute drive to Dillsburg, I plan to conduct many drive-by droolings as the shop is being constructed, and occasionally stop to talk with the builders. One gave me his card and said to "stop by anytime." (honest!)
I will try my best to practice restraint and not make him regret having told me that....lest I be labeled the Dills Tavern Stalker.
Scheitholt
00/00/0000, 00:00 | The Village Carpenter
When I first visited the Mercer Museum last year, more than just handtools caught my eye. I was intrigued by folksy musical instruments, called Scheitholts (also Zither or Zitter). The Germans who settled in Pennsylvania and other parts of Colonial America in the early to mid-1700s brought the zither, or at least the idea of the instrument, with them.
The ones on display in the museum’s current exhibit "Everyday Rhythms" are 19th c
. However, a few 18th c. zithers are know to exist, including a 1781 instrument on loan to the museum and one in the Colonial Williamsburg collection, which is represented in a photo enlargement. Zithers (both those played with a pick or quill and those played with a bow), dulcimers, and other early musical instruments are included in this special exhibit which will run through May of next year. Permission to include the photos I took provided courtesy of the Mercer Museum/Bucks County Historical Society, Doylestown, PA.
Zithers, although each one slightly different, are basically a tapering, hollow (but for the solid wood head) trapezoidal-shaped stringed instrument.
3 melody strings were accompanied by multiple, perhaps 6, drone strings and were plucked or strummed with a quill. Songs played on zithers tended to be slow and produced a deeper sound than that of a dulcimer. At the “Everyday Rhythms” exhibit, you can hear melodies played on a reproduction zither.
The strings, most likely made from animal gut, were tightened by iron or wood pins and passed over wire staple frets, of which there were normally 14. The instrument typically rested on a table top with the strings nearest the player as he/she strummed.
Although more refined and ornate versions of the scheitholt were made professionally in Europe, the one
s discovered in Pennsylvania are much more modest and practical. Nonetheless, craftsmen decorated their product with simple carvings, cutout shapes, and chamfered edges.I contacted the museum’s Vice President of Collections and Interpretation who granted me some alone time with two zithers and permitted me to take measurements and photographs. He also offered me a stack of information about the instruments from which much of this information was obtained.
One of the zithers I examined is left-handed, has 19 frets, and has cutouts of a circle, a crescent, and an “S” in the soundboard, which may be interpreted as initials: O. D. S. There are remnants of a reddish stain and the strings are secured with carved wood pegs at the tail end of the instrument.
The other zither is a little more elegant, with a shaped tuning head on one end and a round over on the other. The soundhole is made with semi-circle shaped holes and with punched indentations for decoration, presumably. Instead of wood pegs, strings are held in place with brads.
The soundboard on zither #1 is 1/4” thick while zitter #2’s soundboard is 1/16” - 3/
32” thick. Both zithers’ sideboards are made from 1/4” thick lumber, and the tuning heads are solid wood.Zithers were enthusiastically played throughout the 19th century among German speaking communities, and yet original instruments are difficult to find.
I was grateful to get an up close look at these rare scheitholts and look forward to making my own someday. Now, if only I were musically-inclined....
Book review: Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use
00/00/0000, 00:00 | UnpluggedShop.comWorkbenches: 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 »
Off on a tangent...
00/00/0000, 00:00 | The Refined Edge
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...
Mollino, Wendell Castle and the Rough Cut Forum
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Furnitology ProductionsWhen you are a builder, in our case in wood, each endeavor, demands laser beam focus. A bit of self evaluation has me noticing that I post more when my work is completed and I’m transitioning, a very good trait for a building woodworker. I get notes from the guys over in T-Mac’s Forum telling me to get “chop, chop’in” on Carlo.
Well yesterday, I put Carlo back in focus, along with a Wendell Castle inspired piece. The 2 pieces are in good phase right now, gluing-up on one and sculpting on the other is a nice mix. We’ll see alot of Carlo and peak-in on the Castle piece.
I’ve also taken on the nighttime challenge of being a part in the first that I know of, Furniture: Internet Classroom Blog Build.
Tommy MacDonald (AKA: Chizz, T-Chisel, T-Mac, Big-T) of Rough Cut Fame, with Al and a North Bennett Street School student, Eli Cleveland, have produced an internet woodworking podcast curriculum taking those interested through the building elements of the Federal Period. Yesterday we got our first look at the project, the forum, gives T-Mac a good chiseling and calls it the Crazy Leg table, but I see it as a great marketing tool. Which leg do you prefer?? Would you like satin wood or lace wood in the drawer front??? The bellflowers are an expensive option; would you like to include those????
T-Mac’s design has those building and those watching; making 4 different style legs’ of the Period, bellflower inlay, sand shading edges, making inlay banding, cockbeading and a top decorated with all kinds of inlay elements of the Federal Period. T-Mac’s thinking is that once the forum is exposed to the Federal Period, a Pembroke table, Demilune table and such, could be the next project. The project presentation will be geared towards evening shop time.
For those of you unaware, the Rough Cut forum is what I term, a “building or working forum”, not many posts show after 8am or before 6pm. That may change as the build gets underway. What I like about the forum is nobody tries to dominate knowing everybody on the forum is very knowledgeable and each woodworker has something to offer. After all the tag line is….. “a podcast for the serious woodworker”.
If you are interested in period furniture, or like me believe there is nothing wrong with “Mona Lisa’s Mustache” after all; I have done a Chippendale top in mica and metal and see value in mixing periods, jump into the Rough Cut Forum build or just watch the podcasts. There’s positive energy to feel and it should be interesting to be a part.
As for our blog…….. expect a lot of Carlo, peaks at my Castle inspired piece, an ICFF interview, and a visit into the shop of David Ebner who is presenting at this years Furniture Society Conference. That video is shot, I’m scheduled to shoot another Furniture Society player April 10th.
“less type-type……more chop-chop”………Neil
GO TO: Rough Cut Forum
That green mallet
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Sauer & Steiner
Over the last several months, quite a few people have noticed and asked about the “green mallet” in the background of many of my photos. Here is the story...
I have never used or owned a proper mallet and when my friend Andrew Dix heard this - his wheels quietly started spinning. A few months later a package arrived.
Everything about this simple looking tool made sense to me and more importantly - every detail had been carefully planned out... nothing was accidental. The shape of the head was elegant, but also performs its function perfectly. The slight taper put a bit more weight at the top - where maximum force can be applied while striking. The handle is shaped in a way that your hand holds the mallet in a balanced position.
But the above photo is what really did it for me. This tells me the person who made this tool is aware of function first, but the aesthetic is just as important. Andrew took the time to rotate the endgrain of the handle so it lined up with the endgrain of the Verrawood head. And the Padauk wedge bisects it perfectly. This may seem like an insignificant detail - but this is the sign of a toolmaker who is passionate, thoughtful and knows when to add a “touch”.
I have been using this mallet daily ever since it arrived, and I have not a single complaint or comment to improve on it. There is a lovely dark band around the head where it has struck the ends of many of my Imai chisels. Aside from the discoloration - there is no damage. I suspect Riley and Lucas will be using a pristine mallet when I am long gone.
Very shortly after this mallet arrived, I contacted Andrew to (strongly) suggest that he consider making these available to the public. He was at first a little surprised and reluctant - but every time someone sent me a note to ask about the mallet, I contacted Andrew to let him know of the interest. I am thrilled that he has gathered appropriate materials and is now prepared to take on a few commissions.
The base mallet has a Verrawood head and either Cocobolo or East Indian Rosewood handle (any wedge material) . The price for this mallet is $250 US. He also has a good supply of African Blackwood, Kingwood, Ebony, Palisander Rosewood, Brazilian Tulipwood, Bois de Rose and Zircote as alternative handle material. The mallets can range from 16oz. to 24oz.
Andrew Dix can be reached by phone (804)678-9246 or email; dixja@vcu.edu
If anyone is interested - an offcut from your plane would make a wonderful wedge in one of Andrews mallets.
Wesonbirt 2008 - still the perfect woodworking show.
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Sauer & Steiner
I had the good fortune to attend the Festival of the Tree again this August, and like last year - was not disappointed. The format was the same - camping on the grounds of the Westonbirt Arbouretum, large scale sculptures in a picturesque setting and very fine food prepared by “cheffie” (pictured below drying some tea-towels).
One of the most enjoyable things about traveling is the incredible people - and this year's adventure was no exception. There were many familiar faces to catch up with and just as many new ones. We were set up in the Classic Hand Tools marquee again - situated off to the side of the display area. But judging from the well worn pathways inside - we were certainly not out of sight.
There was a new demonstrator at the show this year - and for all intents and purposes - he stole the show. Steve Woodley specializes in supplying hand hewn timbers for restoration work and provided four days of inspirational demonstration.
He was supplied with 3 oak logs and over the course of the 4 days, managed to square up two of them. I found myself stopping to watch every time I walked by - with several additional deliberate trips to watch his progress. I was struck with the simplicity of the process - and the incredible skill and precision required to execute it properly. Steve taught me two very important lessons about axes. First - he taught me how to sharpen them - and yes - they should look like the backs of your plane irons. Secondly - a mediocre axe is not worth the struggle. He had at least 8 axes with him - all made by Gransfors. These are available in the UK from Classic Handtools or in North America through Lee Valley. Not only is he highly skilled - he is a fantastic guy. His brother lives less than an hour from my house and I am hoping to figure out a way to get him over to this side of the pond. I am working on it Steve.
It was great to see Jolyon Reynolds again this year - he was set up around the corner from Steve. Between the two of them - they had an amazing demonstration.
Mark Hancock and his charming wife Karen were at the show again and were a crucial part of the good natured fun and frolic in the classic handtools compound. There were only a few “safe” seconds for me to capture the above photo before Mark shifted his gouge and showered me with shavings. Typical : )
I was thrilled to see my good friend Michel Auriou again - it had been far too long since our last visit. I always enjoy Michel's insight into toolmaking, steel and business. The best piece of news was that Auriou is back in business. Hopefully some more left handed rasps will be in my future...
David Charlesworth and Pat stopped in on Saturday - it was great to see them again. They were set up beside me which gave us a chance to catch up a bit and talk shop. Here we are discussing one of Bill Carters planes (nice segue, eh?)
That same day - Bill and Sarah Carter arrived. It is always a thrill to see them. Bill had over a dozen planes with him - from wee little 1/2" boxwood smoothers, to an incredible 28-1/2" jointer. Bill was kept very busy with a steady stream of admirers and Sarah kept the three of us content with coffee and homemade cake.
If I had the money - this pair of mitre planes would have come home with me.
Another fine planemaker stopped in for a visit - Christopher Martyn. I met Christopher at last years show and was very impressed with his instrument planes. Some of his planes were featured in Fine Woodworkings 2007/2008 Tools & Shops issue.
My friend Tony stopped in to try a few planes - here he is testing out a No.4 smoother.
I also met Mike Riley and had a great visit with Phil Edwards. The Romanesque fellow is Alex Primmer - he works for Classic Handtools.
It is amazing how much changes in a year. Last year, Phil was contemplating making a few planes - and this year he had his own line of tools and was conducting a brisk business. A few days before I left for England, Phil sent me an email asking if there was anything he could bring along to help reduce my luggage. It was an extremely thoughtful offer and as it turned out - I did use many of his things over the course of the event. My deepest thanks Phil for taking good care of me during the show. I hope I can return the favour in Berea.
Mark Bennett was a new demonstrator at the show and I have to say I was quite impressed. He is a very kind, soft spoken fellow and we found ourselves discussing the finer points of plane design, our respective wood stashes (I suspect his will knock my socks off when I see it) and design in general. I thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was also a wealth of knowledge and passed on several great insights. One of the more interesting one was tree warts. I have to admit I was a little skeptical until he showed me one. He handed me a holly wart. He said they are very tight burls and cuts them into disks and uses them for inlay work. So I now have a Holly wart to add to my growing pile of timber.
Fun & games
The show was not just work - there was tremendous play as well. I sometimes feel guilty about it - and there were two instances where I found myself beautifully derailed.
The other derailment was Mark and I cleaning up a large piece of boxwood (with an Auriou rasp of course).
Philly and Mike Riley planting some vile shavings.
Chris Pye being majestic even when he is trying not to be. Chris was set up about 30 feet away but I was able to watch him transform a rather non-descript bit of wood into a very fanciful beast. I only wish I was able to pay closer attention - I know he has a lot to teach and I have a lot to learn.
I also had great visits with John Lloyd and Rob Cosman but did not manage to find them when I was collecting photos.
And last but certainly not least... a rather tuckered member of the International football team who was sadly defeated at the third annual “Billy Hancock Birthday showdown”. The Brits won 3/0. Mark shared a very funny comment on the last day. He was telling a few of us how surreal it was to be the keeper for the British team and seeing all these faces he recognizes from magazine head shots rushing at him. The quote went something like this... “and there was Rob Cosman - with the ball... rushing towards me. Bloody hell!”
I would also like to express my thanks to Mike Hancock, his lovely wife Mary, and their kids Alex and Billy. The Classic Handtool marquee is not the focus of Westonbirt - but it has become a very important part of it - and clearly inspires people to work with wood. Mike has done an outstanding job, and has proven that a vision of something different and a little creativity can make something very special happen. Congratulations Mike.
We Will Bury You....
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Skiving Off
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.
Classic Handtools
00/00/0000, 00:00 | David's blogI made a grave mistake by ...
An amazing “Dad” moment.
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Sauer & Steiner
And I am still a little stunned.
Riley and I just came in from the shop - lesson one of hand cutting dovetails. We had finished dinner early and I looked over at the clock - 6:45. Hmmm... I wonder if there is enough time? Jill gave us her blessing so we headed out.
As we did the long walk to the shop, I realized I did not really know where to begin teaching Riley how to do this. Where do I start? Stock preparation? No... that is a lesson all on its own. How to hold a saw? No... experience is the best teacher for this. Show examples of how they look? Geeze... I was getting bogged down in the details. K.I.S.S. with emphasis on the simple.
I grabbed a scrap piece of 1x6 pine, cut it to 7" long, ripped it on the bandsaw to two equal width pieces - stock prep done. I did have a sample box that I built while at Rosewood studios several years back. We used that as reference for what through dovetails look like.
I could tell Riley was in the right headspace for doing this - he gently unpacked and admired his Wenzloff saws. I gathered the tools: the Tite-mark gauge, the 4" adjustable square, the sliding bevel and a pencil.
The first task was to define the baselines with the Tite-mark. I showed Riley how it worked, and he layed them all out. I was a little surprised that he had the sense to hold the fence firmly against the stock - I was anticipating having to gently remind him a few times.
We did not bother measuring to locate the tail lines - he just marked them wherever - and they were surprisingly well placed. Then he transferred the tail lines on the top and back down the other side. Again - he held the square correctly against the stock. This was going surprisingly well!
Next was sawing. I explained the difference between a crosscut and rip saw and marked each saws with a quick piece of masking tape (sorry Mike:) I then explained that it was easier to use a saw when you were making vertical cut as opposed to a sideways one. So Riley positioned the wood in the vice so the tail line was vertical (according to his eye) and then he started to cut. Note the index finger!
He held the saw incredibly well. We marked the waste with a Sharpie marker. He switched saws and cut off the waste. The shoulders were surprisingly strait and square.
Onto the pins. We used the tail to mark the pins and drew a big “X” on the waste. Riley grabbed the square to draw in the vertical lines... did I even need to be here???
He reached for the rip saw again, and used his own finger to help start the cut. The two shoulder kerfs were really good - now for the waste. For a second, I debated between coping or chopping the waste. We opted for chopping. Riley was a little nervous about using the chisels... but he soon got over it knowing he was going to get to use the green mallet. We chopped half way through from one side - I held the chisel. The second side went very quick and suddenly - we were done. I was preparing to break into a long speech about how they never fit the first time and would need some fine-tuning... when Riley grabbed the two pieces and pushed them together.
My jaw hit the floor - he was beaming.
The joint was a little loose - but it fit, it had square shoulders and kerfs and it was magnificent. I am not sure who was more proud at that moment.
As we walked back to the house Riley said he wanted to do a four sided one next time. I looked at the clock - 7:30.
One of the best planemaking lessons...
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Sauer & Steiner
... happens at the bench using the tools you’ve made.
I have been working away on the kitchen doors these last few days, and was reminded of why I started making planes in the first place. I have spent several hours taking the final finishing passes on all the 27 door frames. It only took a few minutes of planing for me to forget about the plane as an object and focus on the plane as a working tool. I stopped thinking about the infill wood, the choice of sidewall material, the stainless steel lever cap. All I cared about was the quality of the shaving, the comfort of the handle, the balance point of the plane and where I had placed the candle butt to wax the sole. For a few blissful hours - I felt like a furniture maker.
I have been collecting quarter sawn wood for years - and it really paid off for the kitchen. All the door frames are QS walnut. In a few cases, I had entire boards that were quarter sawn - but I also dipped into my stash of really wide walnut planks to get the quarter sawn wood from the edges. It worked out perfectly because the planks were wide enough to get two 2" wide frames off each edge and still have enough material in the middle to get the single board panels I wanted.
Most of the panels were resawn from 5/4 stock to yield two 7/16" thick panels. I wanted to keep the weight down as much as possible, plus this also allowed me to bookmatch all the panels. There is a large floor to ceiling pantry where I used 5/8" thick panels. I left them a little thicker so I could put a raised panel on the inside as well.
Below are two shots of all the freshly planed frames before assembly.
To really geek out for a minute - here are some technical specs. I re-honed the blade in the A5ss 6 times without going to the grinding wheel to hollow grind.
The above photo is an attempt to show the surface reflection of the last rail I planed (click on it to enlarge). This is the type of surface on all the frames. On average, it took two sets of two overlapping passes to remove all the jointer and thickness planer marks.
The mortises were cut with a bench top hollow chisel mortiser. With over 100 mortises - this felt like an appropriate tool. The haunched tenons are 1-1/2" long and were cut on the table saw using a dado set. Again - 100+ tenons... .
I pre-finished all the raised panels. There is nothing worse than that unfinished line and ridge of dried finish that appears in the dead of winter when the panels shrink.
I am hoping to assemble all the doors over the weekend and start fitting them. Once they are fit, I can apply the finish to the frames.
262 - Safety Week Sawdust and Your Lungs
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt'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.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
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258 - Book Review of "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" by Andy Rae
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastWhen it comes to essential reads in the world of woodworking, I consider "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" by Andy Rae as one of the most important.
Andy does a great job of presenting an amazing amount of information about a large number of tools both traditional and non-traditional to the woodshop.
This book isn't just filled with a few pictures and a couple of little descriptions of each tool, but instead Andy does a great job of making sure the reader has a good understanding of the limitations and capabilities of each tool and to which family they belong.
Copies of "Choosing and Using Hand Tools" can be found at both Sterling Publishing and also at Amazon.com.
Hendrik has agreed to come back in May to talk about starting a woodworking business. So remember to get your 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.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
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256 - Chicago Tool Demo
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastThis past Saturday I had the chance to head to Chicago and check out a Lie-Nielsen Tool Demo and seminars at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture.
If you've ever been interested in taking some tools for a test run or just hanging out with very like minded individuals, these type of get togethers are for you. Thomas Lie-Nielsen himself was there and for those lucky enough to take one of his tools home that day you were able to get him to sign it with his etcher. That's him and me in the picture posted here.
Jeff Miller graciously made his shop available for all the demos and now that it's over it's time to get back to work. I'm taking a class on May 31st myself and there's many more to sign up for if you're interested. Just give Jeff a call to schedule yours.
Coming up in May, Hendrik is returning to answer your questions about getting a woodworking business up and running. It's a little teaser before his annual seminar in his own shop, 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.
If you live in the Toronto area and 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.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
254 - Hendrik's April Visit - Dealing with troubled stock Pt. 1
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt'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. Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
A Few More Thoughts on Shop Vacs
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastSo since we're already in the neighborhood talking about Shop Vacs I had a few more thoughts I decided I would share with you.
This time my thoughts on Shop Vacs are a lot more positive than in the last episode and I have a few ideas about what to look for in a good Shop Vac. Some are pretty obvious and others might seem frivalous but I think they're important to me.
While I don't think Shop Vacs are good for a central dust collection system I do think they have an important role in the workshop.
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.
For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
Shop Vacs for Dust Collection Systems?
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastWhen I first started to put together my workshop in the beginning of my woodworking career (if you can call it that). I wasn't convinced that I had a need for a dedicated dust collection system, that instead my shop vac was more than enough.
Time went on, and I realized that I was mistaken, and once I had my first and current dust collector I quickly understood the limitations of the shop vac as the heart of a dust collection system.
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.
For comments, questions and schwag entries drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
Router Bit of the Month - April, 2008 - Whiteside's Cove & Bead Bit the Video
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt's the beginning of a new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!! For the entire month of April, 2008 Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's 1/4" radius Cove and Bead Edge Profiling bit.
This little decorative edge profiling bit is like getting two bits in one. The combination of a 1/4" radius cove profile and a 1/4" radius bead give plain old square and chunky edges a beautiful decorative look that's very pleasing to the eye.
The great thing about Whiteside's cove and bead bit is that when you use it in your router table it's like getting four profiles for the price of one. By running your stock flat against the router table you get an edge with the bead leading the profile, but by standing the stock on edge and running it up against the router table fence you get an decorative edge with the cove leading the profile.
Or, if you're just looking to use the cove or the bead profiles by themselves it's once again a matter of adjusting the height of the bit and moving the fence back and forth. In a matter of minutes you're making separate profiles from this one combo bit.
If you're interested in ordering this month's Router Bit of the Month from Woodcraft.com just click on the picture:
Congrats to Frank Bylo, this month's winner of a Whiteside router bit!! If you haven't entered your name for free schwag or just have a comment, question or feedback, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.
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.
Don't forget to get your questions in for Hendrik's next visit in April, we're talking lumber defects and how to work around them.
Router Bit of the Month - April 2008 - Whiteside's Cove & Bead Bit
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt's the beginning of a new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!! For the entire month of April, 2008