Category Archives: This Week In the Shop

Tool Primer: Understanding Common Glues for #Maker Project

Sooner or later during a Maker project, you have to stick it together.  You need glue.  Better yet, you need the right glue.   Some glues are formulated to work best porous materials such as paper, wood, or leather.  Some are made to work between two different substrates, say plastic and metals.  Some are madeContinue reading “Tool Primer: Understanding Common Glues for #Maker Project”

This Week in the Shop: The 2×6 #Bike Rack

This week I designed and built a quick bike rack to store my young children’s custom bikes from two 2×6’s.  You can check out the two bikes in the DIY Bike Build.     This project uses the table saw, miter saw and impact drill.  A very basic design, it uses a number of myContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: The 2×6 #Bike Rack”

This Week in the Shop: DIY Height Gauge

A quick jig can make the difference in a woodshop.  This height gauge helps measure and set cutting tool heights and thicknesses for rabbets, dadoes, chamfers, etc.  Since it incorporates a digital caliper, the dial is easy to read, precise and accurate. This tool came in handy building the light box project – I hitContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: DIY Height Gauge”

This Week in the Shop: Milk Paint Finish & Oil+Acrylic Craft Paint

This week, learn two different finishing techniques which incorporate safe, green finishes for fine woodworking. Check out what’s going on in the WoodshopCowboy Shop!

This Week in the Shop: The Split-Top Bench with Plans

This week in my home shop I finished up a new bench project I developed for class at Nova Labs in Reston, VA. While simple in design and execution, it does involve a full suite of woodworking tools and a a custom jig to complete. This great intermediate project uses the Fab Five of a powered woodshop: table saw, band saw, miter saw, jointer and planer.

#Makerspace Tour: MILL Studio at Gum Springs Library

Loudoun County Public Library system was recently rated one of the top libraries in America.  It boasts a lot of services and a great collection. I like its makerspace, the Mill Studio at Gum Springs Library. The MILL Studio is a great example of a library-based makerspace.  Focused mainly on the techy-arts continuum, MILL StudioContinue reading “#Makerspace Tour: MILL Studio at Gum Springs Library”

This Week in the Shop: Spalted Red Oak Nightstand

This week in the shop, my brother-in-law and I completed a simple nightstand featuring an oil & shellac finish, pocket hole construction, tapered legs and proportional design techniques. Check it out!

This Week in the Shop: Stackable Storage Boxes #Woodworking Project

This week, I built a 8 box set of stackable makerspace boxes.  This design can be accomplished using three power tools (router, miter saw and jigsaw) and the design can be adjusted to fit your space and needs.   The dimensions given work for boxes made with 3/4″ plywood.  If you use thicker or thinnerContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Stackable Storage Boxes #Woodworking Project”