Category Archives: Wood and Woodwork
Podcast Recommendation: Hand Tool Book Review
I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts. Yes, there are a lot of great podcasts out there, but the time I have available for listening is pretty limited, so I have to choose my podcasts with care. That said, … Continue reading
What to Do with an Old Treadle Sewing Machine
My wife and I were cleaning out one of our storage spaces, and she dragged out a very old treadle sewing machine. A decade in the heat and humidity had not been kind to its wooden parts, which hadn’t been … Continue reading
From Toy Box to Tool Chest
When my kids were very young, I built a few things for them–a cradle, a toddler bed, and a toy box. But kids grow up, and if you build these things right, you eventually look around at all the kid-sized … Continue reading
Requiem for a Post Oak
One of my favorite things about our little suburban yard has been the 100-year-old post oak tree–a species of white oak that you don’t see much down here on the coast. It was a beautiful shade tree, sheltering the west … Continue reading
Sloyd Knife Sheaths
I really like my Morakniv sloyd knives, which I use for spoon carving. They take a very good edge, they are reasonably priced, and they are still made in Sweden by people who know what good tool steel is. Recently … Continue reading
How to Start Carving Spoons
As part of my ongoing “How to Start” series of blog posts, here is some advice on how to start carving spoons. My goal is not to guide you through the entire process of making a spoon; I just want … Continue reading
How to Start Working Wood (part 2), What Should You Make First?
“What’s a good beginner project?” I hear this question a lot on woodworking forums and discussion groups. A novice wants to get into woodworking, but he or she doesn’t know what to make first. I admit I don’t quite understand … Continue reading
How to Start Working Wood (part 1), What Tools Should You Get First?
“I want to get into woodworking. What tools should I start with?” I’ve heard this question in internet discussion groups a lot. There’s no one right answer, but it’s gotten me thinking about what advice I would give to somebody … Continue reading
Fill Gaps and Fix Cracks with This Simple, Superglue Inlay
Every woodworker needs to fill holes in wood. Sometimes wood putty will do, but I prefer to turn flaws like knot holes, bug holes, and cracks into decorative touches. A friend of mine who is a turner showed me this … Continue reading
Why I Don’t Sign My Spoons
A lot of spoon carvers put their name, initials, or a maker’s mark on each spoon they make. I don’t. Here’s why. First, signing each piece would add time to the production process without adding monetary value. I know that … Continue reading
