New Toy and Revelations

I received my new (to me) Disston D8 crosscut saw yesterday. It's the second tool I've bought from Brass City Records and I am completely happy with both purchases. If you are in the market for vintage tools, give Walt a call.

To be honest, that saw came at a important point as I was thinking of giving up woodworking before I even got started. I'd spent a couple hours wandering around Highland Woodworking earlier in the day getting more and more depressed. There were so many things I needed but as the list got longer, the total got ridiculous. It was overwhelming how expensive just getting started was going to be. I stood there thinking there's got to be an easier way, but I was blinded by all the glittery, shiny new things and couldn't see it. I should say the guys at Highland were very nice and knowledgable and my issue was no reflection on them. Definitely give them a call if you need something woodworking, they probably have it.

Then, I got home and there was a saw-shaped package on my front door. Ding! The light came on in my head and I could see a path forward. So, I may not end up owning a tool made after 1940 and it may take me a year to have a usable collection, but I can get what I need without a second mortgage or selling a kidney. One or two more items and I can start my saw bench build.

In way over my head

My brother-in-law is getting married in late April and I want to make a shaker blanket chest for them. I'm pretty sure that I won't have the skill set to build this by then, but I'm going to give it the old college try. Additionally, while I haven't bought the plans yet, I'm pretty sure they are going to be oriented towards power tools and I will need to modify the steps/techniques for hand tools.

Maybe I'll stick to a cutting board.

Workshop in progress

So, I've rid myself of all my woodworking machines but for a router and a circular saw. As that is the only skill set I have at my disposal, I am using those two spinning blades of death to build some cabinets for my garage so that I may convert 1/2 of it into my workshop. They are coming along (I've completed everything but the drawers) and I will be starting on my workbench shortly.

Basically, I will be constructing the top from five layers of baltic birch edged with pine (or maple if I can get a good price). The legs will also be made up of pine (2x6s). I thought to dove tail them into the top, but then figured the effort of cutting the dove tails into all those layers of plywood would be way more effort than the return would merit. So, I'll just add some cross beams at the tops of the legs and screw them to the top. Should be very stable, flat and heavy! It will probably cost less than $150 without the vice. I'll be looking at building something from one of these for my clamping needs (leg vice probably).

The current plans for my bench are in Sketch Up. Let me know if you are interested in seeing them; be nice, it's my first bench design and first Sketch Up project.

Once I've used it for more than eating lunch on, I'll probably look at ordering a Moxon vice kit to expand it a bit. I can't really see needing a dedicated joinery bench for a while yet; I should actually create a joint first.

Christmas 2011

I received my first high quality wood working tool for Christmas; a 1/2" chisel from Lie-Nielsen. By "received", I really mean that I ordered it myself and when it came, my wife put it under the tree. Same difference, I suppose.

Anyway, it's really quite beautiful. I finally get (at least in some small way) what Chris Schwarz is talking about when discussing the tactile feeling of a quality tool.

With the title of the blog and phrases like "tactile feeling" and "tool", you may think this is all code for an adult oriented blog, but it isn't (well, mostly not). I'm just going to be writing about what I learn, build and think about woodworking. I know, I know, the women are going to be beating my door down in no time, but that sacrifice will be worth it to bring the beauty of my words to all of you (end sarcasm).

So, Merry Christmas to everyone and look for new posts as I attempt to make things other than piles of wood chips.