Woodworking is the use of joinery that requires no mechanical fasteners but sometimes fasteners are necessary. I had to explain to a student that using the correct screw is very important . Of course this was after he stripped the hole in a poplar board using … Continue reading
Jerill Vance
Some men have wandering eyes but some woodworkers have them at times when safety is a concern. I have noticed some of my students looking up from the machinery they are using while continuing to use the machine. Some have jointed a board while … Continue reading
Many of my students get in a hurry and rush their projects. Some even cut steps to keep working instead of waiting for a particular machine to be available. This is counter-productive because skipping a critical step, such as face jointing, … Continue reading
I was feeling guilty for buying a new dovetail saw at the recent Woodworking In America (in Cincinnati, Ohio) until I discussed the use of a tool with one of my students. I explained the proper use for a screwdriver was for … Continue reading
My college woodworking instructor, John Wesley Williams, used to tell me to make my furniture idiot proof because I am building a reputation as well as a piece of furniture. As a furniture builder I don’t know how my customer will use my product. … Continue reading
A bride-to-be will spend countless hours searching for the perfect gown to wear on her wedding day. This is to ensure all will be stunned by the first glimpse of her as she walks down the aisle. Matching grain and patterns … Continue reading
I have often heard “just a hair more” as a measurement term. I continually respond by asking what color hair? Everyone knows that a blonde hair is not the same thickness as a red, black or brown hair. In reality measurements are a … Continue reading
Students continually ask me how to tell if a chisel or plane iron is sharp. I ask them is it for show or for dough? Everyone I know has a different method of determining if an instrument is sharp. A very common one … Continue reading
A good friend once told me that restaurants have menus because not everyone likes green beans. In other words, everyone is different. I have found this is true in learning woodworking also. I have eight students all day so to make … Continue reading
The foundation of woodworking is sharpening. If you want to be a good craftsman then you must learn to sharpen. I tell all my students that only they can decide what method is best suited for them, however, I do expect them … Continue reading