Because we are in the midst of a bit of redecorating here at home I had a good excuse to switch over to doing up a couple of picture frames. Since my wife and I have collected quite a few photos and pictures over the years these are just two of many more frames that I hope to make over the coming weeks.

These two are 8″ X 10″ frames made from some scraps of cherry with a beeswax finish:

Continue reading 'Picture Perfect Picture Frames'

1. Don’t check your lathe toolrest by running your fingers along it while turning a pen blank. The square edge of the blank will catch your fingertip, ripping the skin away from the nail causing great pain and distress.

2. Always, always, always wear your face shield when turning.

3. Measure twice, cut once is not enough. You must ensure your measurements are correct first, then measure twice and cut once.

4. The higher the clamp pressure, the thinner the glue line. The thinner the glue line, the stronger the joint. Most woodworkers are probably underclamping their joints.

5. Create an ebonizing stain by using equal parts of vinegar, water and steel wool, allowing to soak for two weeks. Store in a glass jar with a breathable lid to allow hydrogen gas to escape.

These are just a few tips that I picked up over this past week. They come from a variety of sources including books, magazines, newsletters, online and from personal experience.

There are more Woodworking Tips and Tidbits located here.

Back to the shop…

I thought I was turning a bowl until it turned into a spin top! And boy, did it spin… right into my face! I was merrily turning a bowl out of cherry when out of nowhere it just shattered and the pieces went flying.

One piece hit me square in the face and then continued on into the air. Luckily, I was wearing my new, dandy face shield that I told you about last week.
Continue reading 'A Spinning Bowl Is Not A Toy!'

This month’s meeting of the Nova Woodturner’s Guild featured a presentation by Guild member Stuart Taylor who demonstrated how he creates his works of art that he simply calls ‘turned flowers’.

Working with a branch of wet wood he deftly created a unique, one-piece turning of a wooden flower. The wet wood allows the turning of the slender stem, along with a lot of skill.
Continue reading 'A Bouquet Of Wooden Flowers'