Sawing Long Stock 08/23/2009
I received a question in reference to Episode # 4 of the podcast about sawing long stock. The viewer noted that all of the demonstrations in the podcast were done with relatively short stock (which was intentionally done to make filming easier). However, the viewer was curious as to how I typically handled long and/or heavy stock that is too difficult to manage with a single saw bench. So I took a few photos that will hopefully clarify and answer this question.  In order to rip long stock, I use two saw benches rather than a single one. I use the back end of my shave horse as a second saw bench (I intentionally made the saw bench and shave horse the same height for this reason). With the stock supported at both ends, I begin the rip the same as I would for a shorter board.  Unlike sawing shorter stock over the side of the saw bench, I cannot simply keep sawing until I'm done. Instead, when my saw cut reaches the bench, I reposition the stock and continue sawing between the two benches until I reach the rear bench or until I can no longer saw comfortably in that direction.  To finish the cut, I have two options. I can reposition the stock again and continue sawing through to the end or I can start the cut from the opposite end and meet the previous cut. In either case, the "keep" stock and the waste are fully supported throughout the cut.  Crosscutting long stock can be done the same way. If the stock is manageable without clamping, I'll simply span the saw bench and shave horse and hold it with my knee. If necessary, I may also use a pair of handscrews to clamp the board to the two benches. Then just saw between the two benches and both sides of the stock are fully supported. Episode # 6: Sharpening Part 2 08/21/2009
In this episode I talk about sharpening edge tools with curved edges, like molding planes, bench gouges, carving tools and cambered plane irons. If you're used to using a honing guide you may find honing these tools a little more challenging as most can't be honed using any kind of guide. You can hone cambered bench plane irons in several of the available honing guides, however, molding planes and gouges are best done freehand. In this episode I discuss the way I do it. Episode # 5: Sharpening Part 1 08/14/2009
It's no secret that to do fine work we need sharp tools. So the next few episodes are going to be a series on sharpening all of the different tools commonly found in the hand tool shop. I have three requirements for a good sharpening system: 1. It needs to be simple 2. It needs to be fast 3. It needs to be repeatable While my chosen method of sharpening isn't for everyone, it works for me and meets these three requirements perfectly. In this first episode of the sharpening series, I cover the straight edged tools like the square and skewed chisels and plane irons. Hand Tools & Techniques Hits iTunes 07/28/2009
Well after some work over the weekend, I've finally managed to work out all of the bugs that were haunting the podcast and it's communication with iTunes. So for those of you who have been long awaiting this day, it's finally here. You can now get the podcast through iTunes. I've also made getting there a little easier since it's been brought to my attention that the little widget provided by the podcast host that was supposed to make it easy to subscribe using iTunes doesn't work like it should. So instead, I've just put direct links on the Podcast page so you can click once and subscribe with iTunes or using the podcast's RSS feed. Thanks to everyone who has waited so patiently! Hope you enjoy the new feature! Episode # 4: The Mechanics of Sawing 07/25/2009
The hand saws are the workhorses of the hand tool shop. They're used for just about every operation on just about every part of a project. So it's important to be able to saw accurately in order to be effecient. In this episode, I share three tips I've learned for making consistently more accurate saw cuts. Email Troubles 07/08/2009
I'm not sure if it's my email or the site's contact form or if some folks are just not entering real email addresses in the contact form, but I have gotten several email replys I have written to folks returned to me as undeliverable in the last couple of weeks. So if you have been waiting for a reply from me and you have not received one, that is likely the reason why. I do read and reply to every email that I get so if you have sent an email with a question, a suggestion for the podcast or just to say "Hi" and I have not sent you any reply at all, even just to say "Thanks!", rest assured that I'm not ignoring your message. I definatly sent you a reply but if you didn't receive it then it got returend to me as undeliverable (Noel, your messages come to mind immediately as there have been several that were returned on a number of occasions). Episode # 3: Layout Tools 06/26/2009
Whenever hand tools are discussed, handsaws, planes and chisels take center stage. However, without the layout tools, none of these tools would be able to do their jobs accurately. Still the layout tools just don't get the attention they deserve so I'm dedicating Episode # 3 just to them. I touch on what to look for when you're shopping for them, how to check them for accuracy and how to use them properly. Episode # 2: Hand Tools for Every Shop 06/12/2009
For new woodworkers looking to start a hand tool shop or experienced power tool users looking to incorporate more hand work into their projects, selecting tools can be a daunting task. There are literally thousands of different hand tools out there to choose from and without at least some experience using the tools, it's hard to know which ones to get first. Episode # 1: Introduction 06/04/2009
Well, the podcast is up and running. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel. A little excited, a little embarrassed and a little anxious. At any rate, there's no turning back now. The show must go on as they say. Hand Tool Podcast 05/21/2009
Well, after a couple feeler blog posts and a long time toying with the idea, I have finally begun making preparations for a hand tool video podcast. I put together a short trailer video just to test out the video hosting service and you can watch that below. If all goes well, the actual video podcast should be up and running in a short while from now, after I finish my current project, a desk for my shop. | CategoriesAll
November 2009
       
       
        
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