Website Changes

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Thinking in Three Dimensions

by Rob Carver

Lessons in Metallurgy (for the Woodworker)

by Andrew Davis

There is no April Fool's article here.  This is a serious treatment about something that has concerned woodworkers when purchasing blades for hand planes to saw blades.  Andrew lays out the issues when deciding the type of steel you want in your tools.  Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.  Andrew provides a broad explanation of the tool steels including a useful comparison.  This is an article to add to your reference files.  Read Lessons in Metallurgy (for the Woodworker) and then save it for later.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

by James Goodwin

This month brings a fun contribution by relatively new member James Goodwin.  In his article, James introduces us to surface carving with a dremel. Superficially, the frames, especially when containing unlinkely subject matter as seen here.  Birds with butts. But the more you read, the more you understand his work is an art form.

James gives a tutorial on how to take plain wood and produce this distinctive appearance.  It helps to have a steady hand but when I saw him at the auction, James insists that patience is the key.  Have a look.  I don't normally describe Featured Pieces as cool but these frames are just that, and they're clearly Featured Piece worthy.  Check out Carved Frames.

Further information can be requested from James Goodwin.

Details of the agenda: News, Elections, Show & Tell, and Complimentary Lunch were provided, including the required pre-registration process. 

Posted pictures of the April 2024 meeting - EMGW Auction at Needham Furniture Makers.

Woodworking Tip

for April 2024

The Simplest Tool is the Best?

by Rob Carver

Rob presents a mental exercise on the simplest tool for a woodworker.  Think about your tool set.  Consider those that are inexpensive.  Measuring tape or ruler?  Now consider those that are utterly simple to use.  A pencil?  We all know how to use it but it requires sharpening and if you use it like me, the eraser gets used up quickly.  Sanding block?  Just wrap your sandpaper around it and work it.  I think we are getting warmer but it does require physical intervention.  Is there anything cheap, without need of sharpening, electrification, or work but offers tremendous functionality without much of a rival?  In other words, what is the simplest tool that is the best.  Think about it before you treat yourself to Rob's favorite in The Simplest Tool is the Best?  I think he's got something.there.

You can reach Rob by clicking Rob Carver.

Stop Wasting Valuable Shop Space

by Andrew Davis

Workshop space is a premium.  Who wouldn't like to have more space.  You can fill it with more tools, left over wood shorts, or just spread out your too tight workshop and look even further for that pencil or mini measurement square that you misplaced.  Knowing the market need for workshop space, Andrew, our intrepid purveyor and digital researcher, has uncovered a net space savings in the workshop located in or near the house while increasing considerable time efficiency at the same time.  This novel approach bridges woodworking and cooking.

As seen in the picture to the left, Andrew reports that a combo table saw and heating element was developed by the Cuisinought company.  It's called the CuisinSaw and has two models.  Think about it.  The heating element can be used to maintain your hot hide glue with perfect viscosity, allow for the perfect sand shading temperature, steam water for bending wood and, get this, cooking on a full-functioning cooktop. No longer will you delay eating a meal in order to finish a particular woodworking task.  Dinner can be cooked and ready within steps. And no longer will your partner be upset with you  arriving well after your meal has turned cold just to finish that last dovetail.  With the CuisinSaw your dovetail and lobster tail would be finished at the same time.  The applications are limited only by your imagination. 

Check CuisinSaw's two models and other key information in Andrew's Stop Wasting Valuable Shop Space, the motto of Cuisinought's business.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

by Dave McCormick

This is the second Featured Piece presented by the prolific Dave McCormick this year.  Dave's Demilune Table was featured in September.  No matter the complexity of the piece Dave decides to make, he has mastered the art and quality of his craftsmanship.

This exquisite Harvey Ellis cabinet was made from a design he made after viewing a picture of it in a Stickley catalog.  That design grew to a full-scale drawing of most of the cabinet.  Attention to the finest detail is something that Dave has come to behold and master.  Beyond that Dave adds some detail of his own like the vertical inlay found in the cabinet doors.

Dave's straightforward description of his build process is clearly articulated amidst copious pictures that demonstrate step by step the workmanship one can marvel at.  The cabinet is made from walnut and holly.  If you are turned on by simply elegant work with various integrated features, you must read Dave's article on making a Harvey Ellis Cabinet.

Further information can be requested from Dave McCormick.