Bench Brush Project

Bench Brush Project, which started in January, 2025, was directed by Howard Barnstone.  The project consisted of making a wooden dustpan and brush.  Several members participated in the relatively small project but one that several interesting aspects to it that are more broadly applicable to other woodworking projects. This includes developing a pattern for the brush, several complicated curves to the brush handle and the related wooden dustpan, the proportions of the brush, and wood bending techniques and/or bandsaw cutting techniques for making the sides of the wooden dustpan. drilling holes for the bristle plugs, making the bristle plugs, and inserting them into the bench brush. Other topics included discussions how to design other types of creative brush designs and outfitting them with the bristle plugs and, lastly, the approach for making the wooden dustpan, in particular two techniques for making the sides of the  wooden dustpan. 

Bristle packs, patterns, and the FW Bench Brush article were distributed with the idea that the participants would make their bench brushes and dustpans in their own workshops but later to reconnect in the future to see the results of their version of the bench brush project. 

Make a Shave Horse

The shave horse group saddled up and rode off into the sunset from Ed Payne’s shop on November 7, 2024. In all, we had 12 members interested in the project, though a few had to postpone construction while finishing other worthy projects (like welcoming a new baby into the family!).

At our final “rodeo” seven members came with their completed horses, and we spent some time shaving green wood and discussing both the merits of our designs as well as ways to modify the horses. Wyatt Mills brought a good-sized red oak log to split, rive, and share, and Ed Payne supplied some recently harvested black cherry. Others brought black birch, witch hazel and sassafras. One unexpected benefit was the aromatic quality of some of the shavings, especially the cherry. We debated whether the scent reminded us more of Smith Brothers or Luden’s cough drops. The black birch smelled like wintergreen (or was it licorice or spearmint? – opinions differed).

We thoroughly enjoyed creating these benches and enjoyed spending time together in the effort. We expect that there will be a run on drawknives and spokeshaves soon.

     

Wavy Cutting Board

A cutting board project was initiated by the guild in December 2022 with Jeff Clunie as coordinator and project leader.  To date, five Guild members have expressed an interest in participating in the proposed group workshop project to make a cutting board.  There are two intended purposes of the workshop: 1) to learn the techniques involved in making a relatively ornate cutting board; and 2) providing an opportunity for increased social interaction amongst Guild members.

Jeff Clunie served as the coordinator of this workshop and held an in-person "kickoff" meeting in January, 2023. 

During December, Jeff will contact all the individuals who have expressed an interest in participating in the workshop, in order to determine a starting time and day of the week which will work best for the group.  To prepare for the initial meeting, click Read Instructions.