“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision…
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In and Around the Woodshop
What did I miss?
It’s been awhile…after two amazing months out East I’m back in the city and finding my way into the familiar routine of urban life. The summer was busy but we did manage to get a little down time. July was spent finishing off 8 more…
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In the Balance
The New Bench Chisels from Veritas
” The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten.” Benjamin Franklin Well in case you haven’t heard, Veritas has released their new line of Bench Chisels. I first laid my eyes (and hands) on them back in…
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Spring Classes Wrap Up
Well it’s the middle of June and that means that the Spring Class Session is over. Thanks to all my students who spent some time with me over the last few months in the wood shop. From beginners to experienced, young and old, Mothers, daughters,…
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In the Field
" I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it now."
So before I even begin, let me say this post isn’t really wood working related. This is just me venting some thoughts on how cool I think Field Notes are. Field Notes? C’mon- you know. Those little pocket ledgers that people, who still remember how…
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Workshop Appliances
I think anyone who uses hand tools on a regular basis would benefit from some simple work bench appliances. Whether you build your own or purchase them, they really make a difference in the wood shop. A shooting board. The most effective way to trim…
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Two is better than one.
When I first starting using the new, Veritas Dual Marking Gauge late last fall I wasn’t sure how often I’d actually use both sides of the gauge at once. Up until that point I used a single type gauge. Through the first week in use…
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May Update
Girl Power!
Busy days around the woodshop these past few weeks. Funny, since I posted the little video of my daughter making her wand a few weeks ago I’ve exclusively had female students! Coincidence? Two weeks ago it was a Mother and Daughter who were interested in…
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Not to be Outdone
Another day of magic.
After seeing her big brothers magic wand we made last week, my 5 year old daughter Piper decided she needed a little magic of her own. We followed the same basic steps, from spokeshave to sandpaper, saw to finish. She chose an off-cut of aromatic…
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Making Magic
Potter Style
My seven year old son Nelson, recently watched the final part of the Harry Potter movies. He’s a bit of a book worm to say the least and ever since watching the series, he has been determined to make a magic wand. Yesterday, we spent…
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