A guy recently described a somewhat frightening event involving a panel raising bit in a router table. Somehow, while running a panel “something caught,” causing a violent kickback and bending the bit’s 1/2″ shank. Fortunately, the guy was not injured but he was asking “if anyone else had a similar experience.” (Read More…)

If you have never visited a modern “production” shop, you might be surprised at how little resemblance it bears to what most of us visualize when we think of a woodworking shop. From the loading dock to the shipping department, computerized, automated equipment is everywhere. (Read More…)

When I set up my first real shop, my intention was to be a furniture maker and/or woodworker, not a cabinetmaker. For years prior, I had been working as a builder of houses. I worked for a local architect/contractor and we built “fine homes,” one at a time. We did almost everything, from forming and pouring the foundation to installing the last bit of trim on the interior. Of course, we bought most of the windows and doors and we always subbed out the electrical, plumbing, roofing and masonry work. But other than those very specialized tasks, we were the ones who did the all work. Except for the cabinets. (Read More…)

If I look at my entire body of work over the last 35 years, I estimate that about 20 percent has been furniture and things like chess boards, jewelry boxes and other small projects. I have some confidence in the long-term existence of these pieces. I can easily imagine many of these being passed along to the next generation or to friends or relatives. At worst, they might end up in a used furniture store where they might be purchased by someone who needs a table or a dresser. Even though this person might not realize that they are buying a unique handmade piece of furniture, at least the piece would have a useful purpose. It’s the other 80 percent I worry about. (Read More…)

OK … I am wondering why we are so concerned about “American institutions” like GM and Chrysler. Since the mid 1960’s we have watched one “American institution” after another fall or be bought out by foreign interests. And many more have simply “gone under” either because the demand for their products disappeared or they were simply not able to remain profitable. (Read More…)

Last week a guy asked if it would be possible to have a woodworking shop in a storage unit. The consensus was that if the building owners did not object and if there was sufficient power available that it would be “doable”. There might be issues with city codes and getting deliveries but it would still be completely possible to work out of such a space. The whole discussion got me thinking about the different shops I have had. (Read More…)

The 32mm cabinet system, also often referred to (somewhat inaccurately) as “Euro style” cabinetry, has been with us for over 20 years now. Even so, there still seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of 32mm cabinet construction. (Read More…)

You might be a woodworker if … (Read More…)

On Thursday evening, May 21st, the world of artisan woodworking lost one of it’s greatest advocates. I cannot think of another individual who has contributed more to the woodworking world than Sam Maloof. (Read More…)

I am often asked what would constitute a basic set of cutters for the shaper. The question is usually posed by someone just buying their first shaper. Many of these are woodworkers who are graduating from a router table for one reason or another. So here is my short list. (Read More…)