Website Changes

This blog is used by the Web Administrator to list updates to the website. This blog is summarized on the front page to make it easy for the members it locate new material without having to go  through the entire site. 

  • Posted November 2023 MTCO article "Growth Rings Tell a Story" by Rob Carver

    November 01, 2023 11:00 PM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Growth Rings Tell a Story

    Rob Carver


    There are some titles of essays that speak exactly to the content.  Growth Rings Tell a Story says it all succinctly.  But just what is that story?  And how does it pertain to us woodworkers?  It's my turn to put forth a witticism.  "When the going gets tough, the tough get going".  Can trees experience character building?  


    You can reach Rob by clicking Rob Carver.

  • Posted November 2023 Featured Piece "Upholstered Couch and Chair" by Steve McKennaick

    November 01, 2023 11:53 AM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Upholstered Couch and Chair

    by Steve McKenna

    Steve's work has been featured several times in this column.  It's always good to see another piece from Steve.  This month he actually presents two pieces - an upholstered couch as seen to the left and an upholstered rocking chair.  Steve's woodworking business appears to be progressing nicely as evidenced by more pieces published here.

    This brief article gets to the point, starting from 8/4 stock to final Upholstered Couch and Chair.

    Further information can be requested by clicking Steve McKenna.

  • Posted a slideshow of the Ocober 2023 meeting pictures

    October 19, 2023 10:39 PM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Tour of Shaker Village and Shaker Woodshop in Canterbury, NH 

  • Posted pictures of October 2023 meeting at Shaker Village, Canterbury, NH

    October 18, 2023 1:30 PM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)
    Tour of the Shaker Village and Woodshop in Canterbury, NH

    October 2023

  • Poste October 2023 MTCO article "Curing Takes Time" by Rob Carver

    October 01, 2023 12:47 AM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Rob returns one-handed to write this self-reflective article.  As most of you know, Rob was involved in a serious accident on the road.  This required hospitalization, treatment, and ongoing recovery.  Last time I saw Rob he was wearing a sling.  Hence, his one-handed effort.  But that did not compromise his report on the accident or his thoughtful advice, which you can read in Curing Takes Time.  We all wish him well and based on recent conversations, Rob is back, one-handed for now.


    You can reach Rob by clicking Rob Carver

  • Posted October 2023 Bevel Cut article "Is This Your Business or Hobby?" by Andrew Davis

    October 01, 2023 12:35 AM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Is This Your Business or Hobby?

    by Andrew Davis

    When I meet someone who asks what I do, among other activities I say I spend time woodworking.  The next question is, what do you make?  Third question succinctly put is, is it a business or a hobby?

    Last month we listened to Mike Zwolinski speak about running his business.  But some of our membership have a business/hobby relationship. If it's a hobby, what type.  If it's a business, what type?  Andrew takes on this dilemma in his article Is This Your Business or Hobby?  Andrew relies on finance and tax mavens at Lord Mishigass School for Economics for insights.

    Andrew welcomes your feedback.

  • Posted October 2023 Featured Piece "Sunburst Cabinet" by Bob McKee

    October 01, 2023 12:33 AM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Bob McKee is a frequent contributor to the Featured Piece of the Month column.  This month Bob brings to our attention a delightful piece highlighting the door panels using a bookmatched sunburst design.  But that wasn't enough.  When the doors are open the sunburst design is seen inside the cabinet because Bob creates the same effect in the back of the cabinet.

    Another nice feature is the top edge of the cabinet.  Bob used a creative process for installing inlay and banding with the help of his "lovely old Stanley No. 46 skewed plow plane".  This is a person who built a display cabinet, which was featured in this column last year, for some of his prized hand planes.

    Perhaps the best part of making this Sunburst Cabinet, however, was his enjoyment.  Bob seemed to surprise himself upon reflecting that the final work "pretty much" matched his original concept.

    Further information can be requested by clicking Bob McKee.

  • Posted photos of September 2023 Meeting with presenter Mike Zwolinski

    September 11, 2023 11:09 PM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Topic: Starting and running a small custom furniture shop

  • Posted pictures of Old Schwamb Mill tour

    September 02, 2023 5:31 PM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Old Schwamb Mill Tour in Arlington on August 15, 2023

  • Posted September 2023 Bevel Cut article "Dovetails with ChatGPT" by Andrew Davis

    September 02, 2023 9:11 AM | Vincent Valvo (Administrator)

    Dovetails with ChatGPT

    by Andrew Davis

    At the risk of adding another article about dovetails, Andrew presents, yep, another one.  Many of you have already formed your opinions of pins first or tails first and your process is well regimented and religiously followed.  But you can find a refreshing and comical approach to cutting dovetails if you understand the right language.

    So, try navigating the high seas and treacherous times of buccaneer woodworking or perhaps you have discarded modern dovetail instructions as you prefer the Medieval approach to cutting dovetails.  All it might take is to connect with the language that suits you.  Allow Andrew to be your guide using AI techniques to convey the dovetail basics.  Read Dovetails with ChatGPT.

     Andrew welcomes your feedback.

    All past "Bevel Cut" articles through June 2023 have been made available from the Resources tab on the website Home Page.