Website Changes

Multiple Identities?

by Rob Carver

Rob discusses the recognition and value that people can be many things.  We members woodworkers are one thing, one category, one dimension of ourselves - woodworkers.  Rob knows there is more to us as humans.  It becomes evident when we meet over meetings, projects, or post meeting lunches.  These gatherings when taken the opportunity enhance our understanding and shared interests, knowledge, backgrounds, and stories.  Don't misunderstand this is not a Kumbaya story.

Rob writes to share a story that triggered this article of realizing the intrinsic value there is to get to know the other dimensions of others, not just the shared dimensions but also the different ones. Read Multiple Identities.

You can reach Rob by clicking Rob Carver.

Butting Heads Over Screws

by Andrew Davis

Like other members, I use screws a lot.  Not necessarily in furniture I make, glue is go-to adhesive for that.  But screws are widely used around the house in repair jobs and in the shop for jigs and fixtures.  But when I want a special screw often I don't know the name of the screw head or drive, which is a problem if I need to discuss an issue with someone or Amazon.  Now that issue is solved for me.  What about you?

Keep this article handy.  Eventually, you will find the article under the archive RESOURCE tab on the HOME page.  But for now read this well organized article Butting Heads Over Screws.  And, by the way, at the end of the article you get another Bevel Cut tree diagram of woodworking screws plus several helpful links.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

It is a pleasure to see another Dave McCormick furniture piece come our way.  Dave has shown his desks, cabinets, and other furniture in this column.  Also, Dave has presented more abstract pieces, especially when he contributed articles of his work using quilted maple.  You can review those articles (December 2022 and January 2023) from the website archive by navigating to RESOURCES  > Featured Piece of the Month.  Dave's newest piece is very functional with accents, typical of Dave's work.

Dave recently visited the Gable House (links about the house can be found in the article) in Pasadena, CA.  In it were Greene and Greene single beds. Dave liked them so much he took the challenge to make one with a couple considerable extra features.  Dave's design was a G & G Queen-size bed with holly and sapele inlay on the head and foot board panels.  Read about Dave's latest contribution called Walnut Greene and Greene Bed.

For more information, you can reach Dave at Dave McCormick.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tHJOJA-3he8r5K_D29XZ0ePlklXo1UdC/view?usp=drive_link

The Drum Maker | Rope Tension Drum | A Craftsman's Legacy

Bill Whitney of Calderwood Percussion Instruments on "Rope Tension Snare Drum Process and Demonstration"

Added pictures of BOD members to the Board of Directors page found under the ABOUT  US tab.

True Grit Isn't What

It Used to Be

by Andrew Davis

Sandpaper is arguably the most common tool in the workshop.  Having a smooth finish is desirable for most of your wood projects, even to the extent of using several different grits until the touch is perfect.

Despite the title of this Bevel Cut article, Andrew goes beyond grit.  Andrew has done his research including other sandpaper characteristics, namely, abrasive type, backing, and abrasive density.  So, before you purchase your next batch of sandpaper, refer to this article.  You can become a true sandpaper savant by reading True Grit Isn't What It Used to Be.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

by Dick Belanger

Dick Belanger kicks off the first Featured Piece for 2024-2025.  The article is a perfect beginning of the season because it expands the breadth of the mission of this column.  It not only demonstrates wonderful craftsmanship of a furniture piece, but it outlines a process.  As readers of this column know, the column is not exclusive of furniture pieces.  Featured Pieces can be a jig, tools (or special use of a tool), story, or process/technique.  In this case, the use of knife hinges is the featured focus. 

Knife hinges have a reputation of being difficult to install properly.  Dick, who is an EMGW mentor and a member of the Newcomer Committee, offered to write his article without having much experience using knife hinges.  He was primed to write this stepwise installation process as part of constructing his cabinet.  If his choice of hinges didn't work out, Dick would end up without a working article.  But as you will read in Knife Hinges – Installation on a Small Cabinet, Dick has nothing but good things to say about knife hinges.

For more information, you can reach Dick at Dick Belanger.

Woodworking Tips of the Month - a list of articles of unusual insights, shortcuts, techniques, and savings submitted mostly by members. 

Woodworking Tips of the Month can be found under the Resource tab on the Home page.