Website Changes

With respect to woodworking, woodworkers are a classic group of biased individuals.  Ask a question about how the best way to do something and it's likely you will get as many different responses as there are individuals being asked.

Andrew Davis raises a question that we all generally visit when purchasing a new tool - is it worth the money?  When it comes to choosing a combination square most woodworkers may respond with the de facto standard - the Starrett combination square.  But the controversy doesn't end there. Not only is the cost pricey compared to other combination squares, there are different Starrett models. 

In a remarkable twist for a woodworker, Andrew does not offer an answer.  But in the March Bevel Cut article you will have to choose for yourself - if you haven't already.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

When you're good, you're good and you have continual requests for work pieces.  This column has seen several superb pieces by Dave McCormick.  (Visit the Resources > Featured Pieces of the Month for previous submissions.)  Dave continues to produce marvelous pieces but some are more special than others.

The piece featured here is a gift to Dave's first grandchild, Jackson.  So you get the idea why the request from his son and daughter-in-law for a crib would occupy a special connection.  Dave had about two and a half months to finish it because he needed to complete a desk piece already occupying space in his workshop.  Without cutting any corners Dave finished the crib (expandable to a bed when needed) by delivery time - Thanksgiving Day, 2020.  Jackson is in a happy place.   Read about it here.

You can send your congratulations and appreciation to the proud woodworking grandfather here.

Posted pictures from the February 2020 Guild meeting "Wood Hinges" by Rob Cosman.

Listed two upholstery companies in new Resource Links tab called "Upholstery".

If you are aware of additional upholsteries in our coverage area, forward the name with contact information to the Web Master by clicking the bottom tab CONTACT on the HOME page. 

A video of the presentation made my Rob Cosman to the Guild has bee posed to the Video Library

Wooden Hinges

Andrew Davis, writer of the Bevel Cut column, is at it again.  (Don’t worry it has nothing to do with math.)  This time Andrew raises a different set of questions.  What purpose do some commercially advertised tools have?

For woodworkers who have not unsubscribed to their websites and given the marketing push of these retailers, it’s hard to escape the two tools that Andrew assesses and looks for answers from you.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

This month the Featured Piece is so encompassing that it is segmented into four parts.  Many of you know Neal Carey and his mission to build a 1640 Ruckers Single Manual Harpsichord.  For approximately twelve years Neal has been on this mission.  That’s not to say this has been a continual process.  During this time Neal has built and refurbished other musical instruments such as ukuleles, guitars, Tzoura, and a sitar.  Neal has also completed other more standard woodworking projects.  But like Neal, we should get back to the harpsichord.

Neal is nearly finished with the harpsichord as you can see in the picture above.  But in his limited free time, Neal has compiled a thorough set of presentations documenting the motivation, design, help, and step by step build along the way.  It is a wonder to witness this massive work through his presentations.  I certainly did, as we planned the presentations for this and subsequent Featured Pieces.  When you click each video presentation be sure to turn on your audio.  This is not just a visual slideshow.  There is enchanting background music of a type to get you in the mood.

Part I:  Introduction of the Project, Motivation, Planning, Assistance, and Building the Keyboard

Part II: Building the Case

When he's not buried in work you can reach Neal here.

Carving the Acanthus Leaf by Mary May

Seven pictures posted.

Phil Lowe passed away on January 6, 2021.