Bench Stop
As a child a device embedded in my father’s bench always intrigued me. The device had a row of teeth that rose almost dragon-like from the bench surface and when you were not paying attention could bite mercilessly…
The Humble Bench Hook
In the 1970s I attended what was then called a ‘Building School’ and learned all the finer points of woodworking and hand tool usage. To this day, the most useful and most used tool in my toolbox isn’t what you might expect…. Read more
How to Square the Square
As woodworkers we rely heavily on our hand tools and expect them to perform as designed. We hone our plane irons and chisels to keep them sharp, we realign table saws and once in a while may resurface a bench. But then again, some of the tools we use, we take for granted, and expect them to perform as they did when we bought them. Take for example a combination square. I don’t know about you but that is my go to square of choice – only one moving part – what could possibly go wrong with it…?
Collectors Weekly
great place to find tools
Bathroom Cabinet
For as long as I can remember there has been an old wooden cabinet in the corner of the bathroom of the family home. Readers of my articles may have caught a glimpse of the cabinet when I looked at making bridle joints.
In this article I revisit that cabinet and re-create it by up-cycling an old 8’ x 1½” x 10” scaffolding plank.
Wormy Maple Side Table
Wormy Maple Side Table:
As a woodworker and very avid ‘upcycler’, I am always loathed to see wood go to waste. So, when a friend said they had some ‘wormy’ maple they couldn’t use, I just had to have it. Instantly, I knew that I wanted to make something with it that would show off the worm holes, creating a beautifully organic effect in the piece.