Website Changes

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.

The new year brings a Featured Piece by Jim Allen.  Noted for his interest in period furniture, just a couple of months ago this column published his article on Arts and Crafts, Jim has modified the design of a bed frame to be far from that age.  However, with hints of Asian, Scandinavian, and Shaker design, Jim has blended a contemporary piece of furniture – sleek, sturdy, and well-crafted. From the look of it, I’m sure Jim sleeps well at night.  Read the Evolution of a New Bed Frame article here.

You can reach Jim at here.

River tables are what they are called.  Colored epoxy seemingly running along the middle of a dining room table is an example.  You’ve seen lots of them now in more creative applications than just dining room tables.  In this month’s Bevel Cut article, Andrew Davis writes about epoxy and his attempts using this simple carbon compound, tinted or not, in furniture applications and pitfalls to avoid.  Read about Epoxy here.

Andrew welcomes your feedback.

Making a Table Saw Sled was presented and captured in the Resources section.

Making a Table Saw Sled by Jamey Pope December 12, 2020

The Gadget is found on the Home page.