This Week in the Classroom (and the shop): Time Lapse Photography or Filming Rigs

In my second period this semester, I’m moonlighting as a video producer.  I don’t get to do any fancy music videos or full-feature movies, but I do get to make a documentary.  We’ve got the backdrop ordered, the lights rigged up and a the interview stool picked out.  I even have a low-slung directors chairContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom (and the shop): Time Lapse Photography or Filming Rigs”

Tool Primer: How to Select and Use Power Drills

The first power tool I probably ever used (and owned) was a power drill.  The lowly power drill can do a whole lot of things if you know how to use it.  A power drill can strip paint, drill big holes, little holes, create dowel joints, sand curves and screw stuff together.  It makes pocketContinue reading “Tool Primer: How to Select and Use Power Drills”

This Week in the Shop: Merchandise Display

It’s taken me a few years, but I’ve begun accepting commissions.  A friend of mine came with a project I couldn’t refuse.  He wanted a chest to haul around the merchandise related to his rock band.  He said he wanted something that light up the event and highlighted the band’s name.  I knew just whatContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Merchandise Display”

Popular Woodworking Editors Blog: Your Guide to Butt Hinges

Stamped vs. Extruded vs. Cast hinges • Inexpensive hinges are usually stamped out of thin steel or brass plates. • Extruded hinges are molten metal forced into a die under high pressure. They are thicker, sturdier and more expensive. • Cast bronze hinges are among the most expensive — bronze is melted and poured intoContinue reading “Popular Woodworking Editors Blog: Your Guide to Butt Hinges”

This Week in the Shop: Put Your Legs Up On A Little Something (It’s a Stool)

When my grandfather asked for a footstool, I obliged.  He’s one of those elder individuals with a he once built a school with his bare hands and then sent his kids across the ocean to come to this land and earn their fortune type of stories.  Which means if he asks for a stool, show some respect.  Do itContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Put Your Legs Up On A Little Something (It’s a Stool)”

Woodworking Plans: The Kid’s Bed Frame

Last year, I posted a quick project: The Bed Frame.  It has since become the most searched for post on this website, garnering a little over a thousand views with no publicity.  People like to build beds. It’s taken a while, but I’ve put together a small PDF which outlines how I make my simpleContinue reading “Woodworking Plans: The Kid’s Bed Frame”

Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Circular Saw

Invented in 1923 by Edmond Michel, the circular saw remains a basic portable tool for any homeowner/woodworker nearly 90 years later.  The Model 77 hasn’t changed much, but worm-drive saws such as the 77 have become the realm of framers, carpenters and other tradesmen and women who make a living with the tool.  For aContinue reading “Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Circular Saw”

This Week in the Shop: Locomotive Bed

One of the neat challenges in designing furniture (and teaching) is the need to get outside yourself in the middle of a private act.  I think putting oneself in another’s shoes, no matter the context, is one of the most civilizing things humans can do.  Because before I was a father, before I was aContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: Locomotive Bed”

This Week in the Shop: More Simple Benches

Two simple benches came out of the workshop this week.  Hope you enjoy! I’m thinking of putting some simple benches up for sale…anyone have a price point? Make it safe & keep the rubber side down.

Sketch Up Model: Play Table with Simple Benches

I will use some 1/2″ plywood to put together this play table for my two sons this weekend. I’ve begun uploading a number of my project designs into Google 3D Warehouse…look for WoodshopCowboy! Make it safe & keep the rubber side down this weekend!