The weekend of September 6th, 7th, and 8th brought the annual Fair in the Park in Pittsburgh. For anyone unfamiliar with this event, it’s a three day arts fair put on by the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh. The event features artists working in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, jewelry, leather, and wood. Every year, the western Pennsylvania chapter of the American Association of Woodturners, Turners Anonymous, has a booth, not to sell, but to show work from members and demonstrate. With…
This project started based on a request for a small stand to hold a vase. I initially started to consider building a small Shaker-style side table. However, I had a few pieces of red oak in my lumber rack which were calling out to build something in the Arts and Crafts style. The Design The plan for the stand involved sides would taper in width from bottom top. I had initially considered using straight sides with tapers. However, working with…
Just a brief update. I have a number of projects in the works, including a new dining room table, a pair of Roorkhee chairs, a side table, and some boxes. Add to that some updates in the workshop, including adding electricity, installing my mobile cabinets in a more permanent position, and adding a lumber rack, and it’s been a busy few months. I completed this bookcase a few months ago. Like the earlier bookcase that I posted, this is based…
During a recent move, a bookcase was terminally damaged. Now, this wasn’t the fault of the movers. They did a good job trying to prevent a particle board disaster, but Walmart’s special couldn’t survive the move. As a result, a number of photographs lost their display home. The way to solve this wasn’t a trip to the store for more particleboard destined to collapse. Instead, I took the opportunity to pick up some lumber and have a go at the…
Apologies in advance as this will be a photo-heavy post. My First Workbench Since moving into our current house about five years ago, I have been working on a small workbench built out of 2x4s and OSB. The work surface measured 4 feet by 30 inches. It also had four casters fixed to the feet. This had started out as a general workbench, not something woodworking focused. Eventually, I lopped off the pegboard back and added a face vise. This…