Too cold for woodworking?

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As most of you know, there is a wave of winter invading the northeast producing snow and extreme cold weather. winter at farm Since the weather prohibits most outdoor activities (except those related to the snow) it is a good time to make some sawdust in your shop. Is it too cold for you to enjoy some woodworking? Although I discussed this in a previous blog (https://www.jerillvancewoodworks.com/cold-woodworking/) I recently realized not all woodworking is done in the shop! I know some craftsmen that make rustic “stick” furniture and they prefer working outside. The use of a grinder to sculpt wood is so aggressive and produces a quick pile of shavings so most don’t do this indoors. A lot of purists that use a shaving horse don’t work indoors. Still others enjoy the task of harvesting their own logs and milling their own boards. Of course, this is done outside and many prefer the wintertime to drag logs in to their mill. I occasionally obtain logs but prefer the comfort of good weather to do so. However, this cold blast from Mother Nature is effecting the operation of my kiln! kiln in winter When it is in the single digits I have a hard time maintaining an elevated temperature. I can still dry wood just not at my prefered rate. Although I enjoy looking out my shop window at the blanket of snow covering the ground I realize this cold weather is not convenient for every woodworker. I hope this weather does not bother your opportunity to work with some wood – what ever form of woodworking you prefer! How has this cold blast caused you to alter your woodworking habit?
Enjoy your shop time,
Jerill

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About Jerill Vance

I was born and raised in West Virginia where I learned carpentry skills at an early age by assisting my grandfather and father. In 2009, after more than 32 years in the chemical industry, I left and enrolled in college. I obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fine Woodworking from New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg, WV in December of 2010. I am now able to enjoy the profession of custom designing and building furniture. I also enjoy mentoring or teaching new woodworkers.

Comments

Too cold for woodworking? — 4 Comments

  1. I’m fortunate enough to have a well heated shop, so it didn’t alter my habit too much. It did take some time to shovel some show and clear a path to the shop.

  2. Jerill Vance ,I enjoyed reading your blog, yesterday was a beautiful day here in Hickory North Carolina. My saw mill was calling me to preform much needed maintenance, aliment of the saw head checking the bed, grease bearings, charge battery. Last but least re saw some 2 X 6 in to I X 6 to check how true the mill was cutting I was out a 1/16 heavy, close enough for me, . The lumber went straight to the jointer and planer where I proceeded to mill to 3/4 in a couple of passes. I went to the table saw and sized my lumber to 3/4 to 5 1/2 inches. At this point I had to set up for the dado saw blades to complete the ship lap for a cabinet back that I am trying to complete and they were perfect was able to space 1/8 gap between each board. The top and bottom boards were milled out to 1/4 inch to receive the ship lap boards everything fell into place perfectly ,quick sanding for the inside and a coat of maple stain. Back is in and complete with no glue a few screws to support the top and bottom boards and the ship lap boards are free to move. I love winter and my shop time.

    • Hey Jerill,
      I ripped out the Face frame today laid out the Mortise’s and tendons , cut the mortise’s and cut the tendons to fit glued up and in clamps tonight. I plan on drilling and inserting a 3/8 dowel in each of them. Next step is to build a drawer dove tail it and mount. I will use white pine as a secondary wood for the drawer with a red oak face. I hope to have the two doors made tomorrow evening and in clamps. and the following day will mount and a day of sanding. Thanks for letting me post here.
      Best regards ,
      Michael

      • Mike, when I install pins in mortise and tenon joints I drill and install the pins while in the clamps. The glue for the pins set while the glue for the mortise and tenon joints set. Saves time. Try it next time!