Category Archives: This Week In the Shop

This Week in the Shop: Tangled Up (Dining Set) in Blue

In the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to photograph my completed big fall project from 2011.  I put together the table base over a few weeks in August and built the top over a couple weeks in September.  I don’t remember much, other than my wife traveled overseas during that time.  I remember myContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Tangled Up (Dining Set) in Blue”

This Week in the Shop: Movin’ on Up!

As I’ve hinted at in earlier posts, I’ve officially moved my home shop (the Magic Shop, as I tend to call it) to my new home in suburban Texas.  The move took nearly seven days to complete – two to three to move and another two or three for set-up.  I’m very happy with theContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Movin’ on Up!”

This Week in the Shop: Fixing the Couch

My wife bought a beautiful used Craftsman couch for the new house.  Unfortunetely, the previous owner had two young boys.  Boys, as any parent knows, have an instinctual hatred of nice things.  My parents used to run around my house yelling “this is why we can’t have nice things” at random intervals throughout my childhoodContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Fixing the Couch”

Little Toy Trucks

Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brm, brrrm b’ brrrm, Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm b’ brrrm, Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm b’ brrrm. Brrrm brm brm brm brm brm brrrm. Take me riding in the car, car; Take me riding in the car, car; Take you riding in the car,Continue reading “Little Toy Trucks”

Teacher Tip: Use Two Bench Hooks

Dadoes are much easier to cut when you use two bench hooks…. You can even chisel out the waste right there.  My students are having such success using bench hooks, knee height workbenches and the tool chest I’m reconsidering my thoughts on bigger workbenches.  I’d like a better assembly table, but it ain’t nothing ifContinue reading “Teacher Tip: Use Two Bench Hooks”

Updated: The Tool Chest

This Week in the Classroom: STEM Fair

I’m knee deep in the STEM Fair. Some examples of work from my two or three classes of students. make it safe & keep the rubber side down.

Student-Built Seesaw (He see-d, he saw-ed, he fell down)

Yesterday, we completed a physics demonstration: The adjustable see-saw.  This seesaw has holes drilled into the balancing beam, allowing students/users to experiment with the capabilities of numerous levers.  You just shift its position along the beam and viola!  Instantly, a foolish grin hits your face as you try to balance anew. More pictures after theContinue reading “Student-Built Seesaw (He see-d, he saw-ed, he fell down)”

Picture Frames

I’ve built a few picture frames over the last two years.  I’ve enjoyed the process and the opportunity work some hard wood.  With all walnut, maple, white oak and red oak scraps  I’ve been making I should have raw materials for an entire house!  It takes about an hour to make the frame, but yearsContinue reading “Picture Frames”