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!”
Tag Archives: workshop
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”
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”
New Year, New Classes
Spring 2012 is here! I have just a (few) new classes. A quick rundown after the jump:
Putting a Roof on the Bike Barn
We recently got half a roof put on the bike barn. The students fixed up fifteen bikes and laid out a roof in three long hours. Excellent work ethic, if not visuals. I’ll be getting out and fixing up the barn throughout the spring semester. I hope to add a waterproof holding bin & toolContinue reading “Putting a Roof on the Bike Barn”
Classroom Projects: The Tea Box
This fall, I made an effort to produce a “high-quality” product – and by this I mean hardwoods, nice finishes, proper construction techniques and professional quality work. This effort resulted in the “Tea Box” project. I also tried to maximize the amount and quantity of hand tools used versus the necessity of power tools.
Quick Pic: Cutting Boards
Somehow, several large planks of long-grain butcher-block style planks have come my way. Nothing better to do than prep some cutting boards and let the kids turn them into something special. The boards are finished with food-safe mineral oil, specifically Wisconsin Hardwoods’ Wood Oil. Always make sure you use a food-safe finishes (which limits youContinue reading “Quick Pic: Cutting Boards”
Safety in the Shop: Other People’s Tools
This weekend I attended a welding class. I’m trying to get some practice laying beads with a MIG welder. A major safety hazard of welding is being “flashed” by the spark of electricity between the machine and workpiece. “Flashing” means the brightness of the arc has burned your retinas and can cause severe eye irritation,Continue reading “Safety in the Shop: Other People’s Tools”
Community Watch: TX/RX Labs
This fall, I will be attending the 3D CAD, Plasma Cutter, Arduino & Welding I&II courses @ TX/RX Labs of Houston, TX. TX/RX is a non-profit hackerspace – a place for machine and electronic-centric project work -which recently opened on Commerce St. I’ve been by on their Friday night Open Houses and the crowd seemsContinue reading “Community Watch: TX/RX Labs”
This Week in the Shop: The Tool Chest
If I haven’t made clear prior to this post, I have space issues at work. I hold wood-shop classes in the great outdoors, rain or shine (ok, just shine), cold or hot. Morning and afternoon. I’ve been looking for a storage solution for the many “wood-centric” tools that end up in the outdoor space butContinue reading “This Week in the Shop: The Tool Chest”
WSC Designs 