Sometimes you just have to get after it. Last week my wife got a phone call that resulted in a major shift in our tempo. The principal at our kids school called and told my wife she had a teaching job for her, if she wanted it. This has been pretty high on the family …
A couple weeks ago, I brought up that I was waiting on a delivery. Well, it showed up the day after I wrote that post. Jimmy Diresta has a video where he restores a printing press almost identical to this one. I’ve been trying to track one down for a reasonable price ever since the …
My family returned from our yearly beach vacation this weekend. During the trip we enjoyed lots of sand, sun, and good food. I’ve developed a personal tradition of whittling on driftwood while sitting on the beach. Last year, I switched from a pocket knife to a spoon carving set. Driftwood spoons really aren’t functional. The …
One of the great things about wood turning projects, is they don’t take a lot of setup. All you need is a blank and a way to mount it on the lathe, and you’re good to go. I was waiting on a delivery this weekend, and figured a quick turning project was a good way …
When I found this button press in a local junk shop, I didn’t know exactly what it was used for. I don’t think even knew it was called a button press. It did look like it might be useful. From looking up the Handy Button Machine Company, I found out it’s used with a set …
I’d love to have enough room for different work areas in my shop. As it is, the shop is too small for more than one workbench. I prefer the bench top to be clear, so mounting a metal working vise wasn’t an option. I still need a metal vise from time to time, so here’s …
Dang it’s hot outside… While building my shop, I framed an opening for a little window unit I’ve had for a few years. I never got around to installing it, though. Until today, that is. I’ll still open up the big double doors when needed. My shop is just too small to keep all the …
I didn’t get a lot of shop time this past weekend. I did get some new lights installed in our garage and my wife’s craft room. I was able to multi-task a little, though. My dad made a set of these poplar stools from the left-overs from shutters he made for his house. My wife, …
Full disclosure, I completely stole this idea. I’ve mentioned Dave Fisher’s work before. I’ve never met or spoke to him, but in the green wood/bowl carving world, he’s kind of a big deal. I’ve read through his blog three times and learned several things each time. My wife needed a small gift for a friend …
I’ve kind of been on a streak of making small things for family for the last several days. But, even though these were all given away, lets call them prototypes for now. I can count the hours I’ve spent on leather craft on my two hands, maybe just one. I decided to learn a little …