Quick on the Drawer.....

Another long weekend over. Where did it go?
Gardening, that's the answer........ ;(
O.k., so I did manage to scrape a little workshop time. The tool chest is coming along well. Five out of twelve drawer are complete and fitted. Each needs a little fitting and fettling to ensure a nice fit and action and twelve drawers is a lot. I didn't really think about that when designing it. But it looks good and that's what counts. The sides are joined to the fronts with sliding dovetails. The front is rebated for the drawer bottom which is also the drawer runners. The sides and back sit on the bottom, the whole thing is glued up and voila. Light, pretty and strong. Just a bit fiddly ;)
Need to get the drawers finished before I think about making the top and bottom mouldings. And then the "frenching" in of the tools will begin.
With the UK Workshop Big Bash approaching (OMG, only two weeks left!!!) I was hoping to clean the workshop up a bit. Maybe sharpen a few tools, you know. Instead I turfed the front lawn. So at least it will look nice when you turn up, even if the 'shop is a state ;)
Squeezed in a little planemaking when the Missus wasn't looking. I seem to be "clicking" now and I'm banging through planes at an almost impressive rate. Don't think I'll be giving up the day job, though;)
Have a good week,
Philly

MD cough, cough, F

So MDF. Yes it's flat, cheap and doesn't move. But why does it fill your workshop with a fine evil dust that leaves no surface untouched? Regardless of the lengths you go to with extraction?
Yes, you've guessed it, I've had the pleasure of using MDF again. It seemed like such a good idea at the time.....;)
The tool chest is coming on great guns-drawer runners made up and fitted, drawer components all machined up and even got the vacuum bag out and veneered the drawer fronts in some fancy veneer. Some sliding dovetails to do and this project will be coming together well.It will be nice to have somewhere to put the hand tools safely. My lovely new workshop is getting badly cluttered so this is a much needed project.
Philly

Interview with the Woodbutcher

Tool chest is coming along. I finished the dovetailed rails, top and bottom. And cut the rebates for the back (thank you #78). So it is slowly coming together. My daughter is out for the day on Saturday so a day of workshop fun is on the horizon. Might even make progress on the shop stool.........or not ;)
I was asked to do an interview for the splendid "Lumberjocks" site. It is Here , but I warn you, there are pictures of me so wear your safety glasses.
Have a good week,
Phil

Risky Business

Made some more progress with the new tool chest project. Finished fitting the floating panels in the ends and decided to add some beads to liven the design up a little. Out comes the #66...
Came out well but was left with a deeper understanding of the "workmanship of risk" thing ;)
I could of put a beading bit in the router, buzz buzz and all done. Probably no fear of tear out and a perfect result almost guaranteed. But by using a scratch stock it only takes one slip and you can ruin a component. You certainly get your technique down quick ;)
Has it made any difference to the result? Don't know, but I certainly will feel a little prouder of my work every time I see those beads.
Cheers
Philly

Lots of Shavings

Spent some time making the panels for the tool chest. Ripped some walnut down on the bandsaw before the daughter went to bed so I could make some shavings after dark. And what fun that was! Have a look.....
Using just hand tools to flatten and then thickness the four panels was an enjoyable process, especially as it went so smoothly. Sharp irons make life a lot easier, too. It is surprising just how accurate you can thickness stock (although I'm sure I could hear the De-Walt sniggering to itself in the background)
My drummer phoned in ill today so no band rehearsal this week-guess that means more shop time?? ;)
Though you might want to see the drill press cabinet I've been putting together. I've made it with mainly scraps and left-overs so it hasn't really cost anything. But it is very handy for the metal work-beats getting filings stuck to your bench! And somewhere to put the fan (an essential shop accessory!)
Have a good week,
Philly

Always Finish A Project Before Starting Another

(Or "Philly Needs Shooting")
A busy weekend painting and putting together garden furniture has mostly kept me away from my workshop. Well, I keep venturing in there but they keep dragging me back out ;)
Built a drawer for the drill press/grinding staion. With full extension runners and being 7 1/2 inch deep, I certainly have made a lot of clutter disappear. Very useful-I'll make one more drawer for good measure.
Meant to have another go at laminating the back for the shop stool. But that would of meant making a former to fit in the vacuum bag (Hey, I have one so why not use it!) and I could'nt face a third session on this component. So spent some quality time breaking down the piece of box wood into strips. Just in case they come in handy, you know. And then spent some time restoring a side bead to working order. And then, and yeah I know I'm naughty, broke down some walnut to make the tool chest I've been meaning to start. I need somewhere to keep the hand tools (the old tool racks that hung on the wall are no more) and I made plans for this whilst on holiday in June. The rails and stile for the end panels are made up, M+T's cut and just the panels to make. Having completed plans makes a project somewhat easier, huh?
So I plan to finish the stool sometime this month. Or face Alf's laughter at the UK Workshop Big Bash in early Spetember........ ;)
Cheers
Philly

Wooden Treasure

Update time-I gave in and laminated the hoop back for the stool. Am I happy now? No....
There are a couple of areas where the laminates haven't been pressed together tight enough whilst the glue set. Darn. Come the weekend I think I'll have another go. Or burn the thing ;)
Happened to be working near my favorite sawmill today. Came away with some little treasures. A smashing 2 inch board of quartersawn English oak, a very pretty (and I don't know how no-one had snapped it up before me) board of ripple sycamore and some more beech (labelled "2nd" quality due to some streaks of colour. quartered again) I don't really need more timber but they were just too nice to leave. And to top it off, some boxwood. Might just come in handy for the planemaking.
Another hard week at work has meant little time for wood related fun but the weekend is looming.
Cheers
Phil

Split My Sides

Howdy Folks!
Been a busy week at work which has left me a chomping at the bit for some workshop time. And today has been a good day. The Missus and little Sophie have been at a birthday party all day leaving me, sob sob, all alone in the workshop ;)
So to business.....
First job-finish the forth moulding plane off. I also had a mass blade temper session. So that concludes pair number two. I also received some letter punches from Tilgear so the planes now have their size and my initials adorning thier ends. So professional............NOT ;)
Next up-steam bending the back for my shop stool project. Not such a success. Three tries and all split out on me. An hour and a half in the steamer for 3/4 inch material should of been plenty (according to all the books I've read) Looks like I'll be laminating up the back, then :( Turned up the remaining spindles so this one is coming on well.
And just for fun (and to keep Norm happy) I've started a drill press/sharpening station. A spare worktop from the day job inspired this project and some MDF and the biscuit jointer pushed it over the edge. Hopefully this will be finished tomorrow, pics to follow.
Time for a quick glass of wine-have a good weekend all!
Phil

Weekend Over

Hi Folks
Didn't get as much done this weekend as I had planned-seems last week drained me more than I realised. Still, managed to complete another hollow. And the shop stool is sit-on-able (if not exactly comfortable yet) Oh, and I wasted an hour of so making a chair devil. Yes Alf, it is catching ;)
I've had hassle getting my website up to date. I usually do this from my office but I seem to be spending most ofmy time out on the road so the website was looking a bit sad. After hours of messing around I now have transferred it to my home PC so I can do updates from there. So now have added the moulding plane step-by-steps for your enjoyment.
Have a good week,
Philly

A "Panel" of Jointers?

Quick update, Blog-buddies!
Work has been hectic this week so no more planes have been made (yet!) Had a sharpen and play with the Rutlands jointer. Hmm..... Sole is still unacceptably convex so planing is difficult. And the tote is very uncomfortable .[oh-oh, I'm sounding like "you-know-who";)] Also the wedge only supports the iron (well, chipbreaker) for the first inch or so. They then part company heading off in different directions. Sigh....well what did we expect for the money? I'll do a tune-up on the weekend and see how it performs.
Stool news-finally drilled the mortises in the seat for the legs. Compound angles are fun, right? Needless to say I chickened out and used a jig on the drill press........
The heat continues to sap my will to do anything (combined with busy workdays) but I am eager to get make some progress this weekend. I even have the beech ready for the next pair of planes.
And I hope the picture of the jointers was of use??
Be good,
Philly

What A Pair

First things first. I am a muppet when it comes to computers (and other stuff...) Apologies to all who posted comments-I accidentally clicked a box I shouldn't have in the control panel and it took an expert to put me straight. Thanks Alf ;)
So, I have completed the matching round! A pair of moulding planes! Also had to make a planemakers float today to make things a little easier. That was fun ;) Now for some answers....
Tool steel? 01 from Tilgear, about £10 for 2 inch x 18 inch, 1/8th thick. Enough for at least 6 irons and some floats.
Side beads? One step at a time, but nothing is ruled out. Pack some just in-case ;)
The Rutlands jointer has moved around some more-checked it today and the sole has straightened out some. I'll give it a week and check again. The mouth is still damn big though!
A project in mind for the moulding planes Mike? Not as such, but I'm sure most projects will find them a benefit.
So I need a to knock out a few more of these. I found the angled mortise the most difficult to make-it gets pretty tight as you reach the bottom. Oh, and did I mention the only power tools used were the drill press and table saw? I'm slowly building up some muscle ;)
Got a busy week ahead at work but the advantage of working with hand tools is the lower noise levels mean I can get lots of work done in the evening.
have a good week,
Philly

One Down....

The hollow is finished!! Yes, the Workshop Gods smiled upon me today as I finished shaping and heat treating the iron and did the final details on the body. All tested and tweaked and a couple of coats of oil. And yes, it works!
So tomorrows work is to finish the matching round-the iron is roughed out ready to shape and the body needs the mortise tidying. Hopefully it should be easy to finish (especially as the sole will be shaped by the hollow I just built!).
Not made any more progress on the chair today but what did you expect? Miracles? ;)
Cheers, Philly

Steel Yourself....

O.k., that was a terrible pun. Sorry ;)
The tool steel arrived (along with plenty of hacksaw blades) and the first iron has been cut out, filed down and profiled. I've been working away the last few days so there has been minimal progress-but today is Saturday! Time to break out the Mapp gun......
Some bad news on the cheap beech planes from Rutlands-I bought the jointer and it was a little disappointing (even at the price). The mouth is WIIIIIDE open (like about 1/2 an inch) and the sole is terribly convex. It's going to take some flattening before i can use it. On the up side I liked the iron and chipbreaker, a nice fat piece of steel. I'll report back once I've spent some time fettling.
The sun is shining so get out there and enjoy yourselves!
Cheers
Philly

The Answer is Plane

So I was a little too obvious? Damn ;)
Yup, moulding planes. Why, you ask??
I've been trawling the car boot sales, house clearance shops and Tool shops in the (futile, it seems) search for hollows and rounds, even the odd side bead. They used to be ten a penny, I was told. "Yeah, I had a box full of 'em-threw them out, they never sold". Those kind of comments. Oh yes, the old tool shops have 'em. And what a price they charge.........
So, an idea. Why not make my own? And so you see pair number one. That big board of spalted beech in the workshop is enough for dozens of planes. But the irons?? Trawl the shops and car boot sales? Nah, gonna try my hand at metalwork. It has been a long time but how hard can it be?? And you can stop laughing at the back.............;)
Some sheets of tool steel (oil quench) are in the mail to me-should be here Wednesday. I'll make the wedges tonight and then I can get the hacksaw out. I'll post some more pics soon (unless I burn the worlshop down).
Cheers
Philly

Weekend-part 2

HI Folks
Two blogs in one weekend?? They are paying me way too much........;)
Awoke to find the standard British summertime weather-yup, it was raining hard! That kinda ruled out the planned car boot sale visit. Never mind, the Mother-in-law is always there. Yippee.....
On our return it is workshop time. Finished shaping the seat (and pleased to say it was all done by hand) and spent a while cleaning up the large amount of chips that have surrounded the bench area.
Then, in an act of woodworking craziness, I started project number two! Two projects on the go at once!! Back away, the kids on fire.........;)
So what is this new project?? Here's a clue. Whilst going through my plane colle-I mean, whilst looking at my hand planes, I noticed a certain "hollow" area. I need more planes to "round" it out.
Are you getting it, yet? ;)
Needless to say, I have completed about 80% of the first two. Just need the tool steel to arrive before I can complete them. And the 4 inch plank of spalted beech came in very handy-should be able to make a whole set.
So a pretty productive weekend-and I didn't spend a penny.
Cheers
Philly

Weekend-part 1

Hi Folks
Busy day, today. Spent the morning chopping back trees and shrubbery in the garden whilst the Missus watched, making sure I didn't get carried away ;)
Then off to a birthday party-little Sophie had a great time!
Back home and a little workshop time! Sketched out the shape for the seat and began shaping. I'm determined to shape it totally by hand (well, o.k., using HAND tools) as the various grinders, sanding discs and sanders I used on the Maloof chair made for a quicker job but not exactly "pleasurable".... Various gouges, the scorp and L-N's little concave sole plane have made good progress-quicker than I thought although a little sweatily ;)
Had a little package from L-N yesterday, too. Tite-mark mortise blades and some, uh-em, apparel. I won't elaborate but I am a well dressed little bunny. Sponsered by..........;)
I've been reading a great hand tool oriented book-it's "Old Ways of Working Wood" by Alex Bealer. Don't know if you lot are familiar with it but it certainly is an inspiring read.
Cheers
Philly

Happy Boy

Came home from work a little drained last night. The heat kinda takes it out of you. And the air con dries you up....... ;
Decided I'd spend a little time in the workshop anyway-just fiddle around a bit out. But I really enjoyed myself. By the time the Missus was giving me the "do-you-know-what-time-it-is!" looks I was feeling a lot more contented. I wouldn't say the workshop is 100 percent how I want it but it is such a pleasure to just go out there and do something. Anything!
So what did I get up to last night? Cleaned up a couple of woodies I picked up earlier this week (yeah, kept quiet about that one) First there was THIS.
It cleaned up really well-had to true up the sole, fence and skate but once that was done (and it wasn't exactly hard work) the thing cuts really nicely. The adjustable fence is a nice touch and it feels really good to use. This one will be seeing some use.......;)
Also picked up four moulding planes to add to the pile and a couple more saws. A Spear and Jackson handsaw with "unbreakable handle" logo and a nice brass backed tenon saw. Not sure exactly what is is but probably also a S+J.
Spent a bit more time on the shop stool-all four legs are turned up and the seat blank is marked out ready for shaping. Going to use the scorp instead of the angle grinder this time. Well, at the moment anyway ;)
Cheers
Philly

I'm Back!

Hi Folks
Back from my little holiday and feeling all invigorated of sorts! "Finished" the workshop, started on my first project AND updated the website! Whew, in this heat too...... ;)
Also put a little workshop walk-around on the website-take a look and see how I did..
Philly's Workshop
Cheers
Philly

A New Window

Fitted the new window today! And Boy, does it really change the feel of the place. Fitting was straightforward, helped by me ordering the correct size window. Makes all the difference, you know...... ;)
Need to make up some suitable trim to go around it. Just trying to decide on the timber.
Also received a 4000 grit waterstone today. Really helps to remove the wire edge when sharpening. I use 800, 6000 and 10,000 and found the jump from 800 to 6000 left the wire edge a little too tenacious. Well worth £12 if you have this problem too.
Off to Exeter for a week on Saturday so I'm trying to get my work responsibilities sorted so I can have a worry free week. Now, where are the tool shops in Exeter again?
Cheers
Philly

Fathers Day

Hi Folks.
A pleasant (but busy-again!!) day. Popped out to a car boot sale first thing. Got lucky with some saws again. Four for the princely sum of £6.50.
First up-a Spear and Jackson dovetail saw. Bit of a mess but a bit of TLC will have it smiling. Be handy for practising the sharpening on, anyway. Especially at 50p......
Then a 24 inch panel saw. Hadn't heard the name before, LH Turtle ring a bell??? Bit of a kink in the blade but might be redeemable. £2.
Next a 26 inch rip saw. Thos Flinn?? Beech handle, four rivets instead of bolts? £1. Spent a hour cleaning it up and re-sharpened it. Cuts like a demon now, quite proud of myself!
Finally, a bit of monster. A 28 inch Sorby with quite frightening looking teeth. A real scary looking thing with the handle stamped everywhere with the owners name. Frankly, if I sharpened that I would be a little shy about slapping my name all over it ;)
So not a bad haul-worth it just for the Flinn. I've put some more pics on my temp website http://philsville.googlepages.com/carbootsaws180606
Cheers
Philly

Getting There......

Hi All
Finally completed the insulation/dry lining stuff. A couple of coats of paint and it's looking good (and bright!) Fitted a new uPVC door (the window is stil awaiting delivery) and I'm running out of stuff to do before making some sawdust.
It's my birthday today (no, don't ask!) so not a lot is going to be done today. Apart from drinking, eating, drinking, etc.... ;) The Wife got me a plaque made up for the entrance to the shop-nice!
Have a good weekend,
Phil

And More....

Horray!!! Broadband has been activated. That means I'm back in the 21st Century. Man, dial-up suckuth.........
The shop is looking good-tomorrow I hope to complete the dry lining of the final wall. That leaves me no option but to actually make something. Cool!
Oh, and a sound I've been missing. Clunk....whirrrrrrrrr......wheeeeeee.
Yup, the table saw is back up and running. The electrician originally wired it into a 16 amp circuit. But oh no, that's not enough for my 3HP saw on start-up. So 32 amps will be fine. And I love that sound........ ;)
Only real problem I've come up against is timber. I have more than I thought and, especially the off-cuts, there is nowhere neat to put them. Guess I better get making stuff ;)
Cheers
Philly

Update

Hi All
Apologies for the lazy blogging. But I have been a busy boy........
First up-the electrician has finished re-wiring the shop (and house!). I have my own consumer board in the workshop and plenty of sockets, lights and seperate circuits for the table and band saws.
The ceiling and walls have been painted (bar the one wall-this is getting insulated this week and also a double glazed window!) The floor has been painted too so a nice, clean place to work. With some natural light too, a real bonus.
Plenty of shelving has been erected so everything (but the timber) is up on the walls. I was amazed how much stuff I have. Oops....... ;)
Even sanded down the workbench last night and gave it a coat of oil. So a pretty spanky looking place to work it is. Another few days arranging and I'll be ready to get my teeth into my first project in the "New Philsville" workshop. Yeah!
Here's a pic of young Sophie playing with sawdust. She certainly likes the new house.
Cheers
Philly

Getting Somewhere

Had a busy weekend doing stuff around the house (and the workshop!) It really is coming together at last, and with another week or two's work should be ready to get stuck into my "first" project.
With no real power supply all my work has been "meat powered" (bar my cordless drill). It has been a real joy to just get on with the task in hand. Granted, the work has been basic construction stuff not fine cabinetmaking but it has been pleasurable all the same.
Hope to get my timber moved into the workshop (now that I have made room for it) and soon should be starting on my "first" real project!
Cheers
Philly

Warm, Cosy and Bright

Had a busy day yesterday in the shop. Insulated and dry lined the outside wall of the workshop. A little sanding to do today and then I'll be painting the wall. Looks like a REAL workshop, not just my garage!
The work would of been easier if the place was empty but where do you store all this stuff? Answer-cram it in the middle of the room........;) It was a lot of work, and I still have another wall to do, but it certainly was worth doing now. Then I can fit the new double glazed window and door-I hope the neighbours appreciate the efforts I'm making to keep the noise in?
Even found time to clean up my mystery saw last night. AND gave the teeth a light sharpen. Better get my Tom Law dvd out again ;)
Cheers
Philly

Making a Start

Hi Folks,
Have just about unpacked the workshop-plenty of shelves makes for a clutter-free environment. Still waiting for the electrician (what a surprise!!) so am a virtual Galoot at the moment.
Following Chris' recommendation I am insulating and drylining some of the walls today. A slack day at work so I'm making the most of it.
I "happened" to pop into Pennyfarthing Tools yesterday and picked up a couple of interesting items. A skew mouth woody (a panel raising plane??) the size of a large Jack. The sole is flat but i reckon it is a panel raiser. Beautiful iron on it, really thick. I'll post pics later.
Second item is a panel saw (yup, saws again!) Need help identifying this one-etch is unreadable but has an eagle on the medallion with "warrented superior" and a nib on the blade. Pics to follow (I am on dial-up at the moment whilst BT pick their noses) Handle is VERY comfortable. I'm sure you can date saws by how pleasant the handle feels.
Have a good week,
Philly

We are In!

It has been a long weekend but we are now safely unpacked in our new home. As I sip a glass of wine and type this it all seems worth the time, effort and money involved. And Boy, am I tired ;)
The last cardboard box sits in the spare room, waiting to be dealt with. But apart from that we seem to have everything stowed away. And some of it we can even find.......
I spent some time arranging the workshop today (yes, the Missus took pity on me). Managed to get some shelving erected and packed a few boxes away. The hand tool and plane racks are up on the walls and most of the hand tools un-packed and ready to go. I need some electrical work doing before the machinery can be used but I won't let that stop me. The workshop has an electric door opener, which is quite hilarious to play with. Wonder what the neighbours think??
So back to work tomorrow but it will be good to come home to our new abode.
Cheers
Philly

Here we go!

Well, wish me luck. Tomorrow is the big day!
I've just picked up my "workshop truck", a 7.5 ton beasty. Should be alright for fitting things in ;)
I'll let you know when we're safely "in".
Cheers
Philly

Packing It In

As the reality of moving has now sunk in it's time to get packing. And boy, there's plenty of it ;)
The Wife has been busy doing the boring stuff and, with the weekend ahead, it's time for me to get stuck in to the workshop (AGAIN!)
Many thanks for the well wishes from my faithful readers (you know who you are), it's going to be an interesting week!
Have a good weekend,
Phil

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At last! We have finally exchanged contracts for our house move!
The champagne is out (well, the Cava. Better save the good stuff for the big day!) and stress levels are down.
I'll tell you more when it has sunk in ;)
Philly

It's Truck Time!

O.k., so I couldn't wait!
Here's a pic of me and the truck leaving work early.
Cheers
Philly

Lots of Stuff

Hi Folks
Apologies for the delay, I have lots of news!
First up, the table. It is now complete-as you can see from the pic it came out quite nicely. I'll post more pictures on my website tomorrow. The spray job came out well, a little rubbing out and a handle-voila! Of course, now I have the "In-between-projects" problem to contend with........ ;)
My new Nissan Navarra pick-up was delivered on Monday so I have spent the week making excuses to drive anywhere. It is big and black and I am SPOILED! Good news, the Missus has given it the big thumbs up, so we are all happy.
Have a good week,
Philly

I Spray, I Spray, I Spray....

Finished spraying the table with lacquer today. Used my cheapo B+Q HVLP kit, applied six coats. No drama, a good coverage and left with the "why do I fear spraying" feeling. It went remarkably well and I have already rubbed out some of the parts. I think that's one of the myths of spraying-if you spray it will come out perfect. It NEVER does, you still need to rub out any imperfections to bring it to a shine. It's just that lacquer is great for rubbing out! ;)
So I started on a handle. As regular visitors may know, I have a bit of a mental block when it comes to handles. But this time I just grabbed a bit of walnut and started wittling away with a knife. Nearly there, and the Missus likes it too!
As to the move, well no exchange yet. Sounds like Tuesday could be a possible. Maybe.......
Looking forward to tomorrow though-my new Nissan Navarra pickup is being delivered (touch wood...) Pictures to follow
Cheers
Philly

The Finishing Line

Sorry about the pun-Yup, I've started applying the finish. Certainly is nice when a project starts coming together and I'm almost done. An easy week at work has allowed me to make serious progress.
A coat of Chestnut sanding sealer has been applied (after finish sanding-I do so love sanding) and knocked back. The weekend will see me wielding the spraygun in anger with some melamine lacquer. I think this project needs lacquer-veneer is not exactly "substantial" at 0.6mm thick.....
Noise from the Solicitors today means we may be exchanging tomorrow. Or not-call me Mr Cynical ;) If so the move is on and I may just finish this project in time to box the workshop up (AGAIN!)
Cheers
Philly

Go Fly A Kite

Twice in two days! Going for Blogger of the month............. ;)
Went to Poole Park this morning and had some fun flying kites. Spent almost as long un-tangling the cords when the two kites crossed paths......Lot of fun though!
Spent some quality time in the workshop too-the Wife has realised that if I don't get any workshop time I don't get to make anything. And then I can't write about it for Good Wood. And she does like to laugh at my ugly mug in the national press ;)
Finished veneering the edges of all exposed parts. Endured the much feared glue up. Had to wash glue squeeze-out off with a paintbrush and plenty of water. Hope it all came off ok or I will be in trouble come finishing time. Milled up some tulip for the drawers sides, cut the dovetails and grooved for the bottom. The top has been sanded smooth and, frankly, I 've made big progress. If I could easily access my tools and had more space to move in I still don't think I would of made much more progress.
Have a good week,
Philly

Curvy Fun

Apologies for non-blogging. I've been busy (Honest!) ;)
My curvy veneered project is back on line, with a few hours spent on it this week. Laminated up the final two component, cut all parts to final dimensions, applied veneer to all exposed edges and started on the solid cherry top. You know, the fun bit!
I decided to go with a curved top-the boards are 25mm thick and I've swooped them down to 19mm thick over the main body of the top. With a little bevel on the outer edges it has a pleasing oriental flavour that really adds to the piece. A result! You'd almost think I actually design these pieces before I build them ;)
Well the fun started when I got to use my new Lie-Nielsen 100 1/2 curved sole block plane. This is an hilarious tool to use-part way between a scrub plane and a model makers mini plane. It has the sole curve from side to side but also from front to back. Kinda like a curved sole spoke shave but in both directions! Sounds awkward but it is so much fun to use, especially with its built in palm handle. It leaves a furrowed pattern in the wood (like a scrub) and I was really tempted to leave it as is. Maybe for a future project.
So the table is coming along well. Just the drawer to make and the much hated glue up. And I think the spray gun is coming out to play, too.
Enjoy the weekend,
Philly

More Fun

Spent a useful morning in the shop cleaning up-and getting my tools back out...... Interesting which tools you need as a "minimum toolkit". Also made more veneer on the new bandsaw (some ovangkol this time). I like this saw!!
Sophie was over the moon with her "first real saw"-she could'nt wait to get in the workshop with me to try it out. I had to have a conversation with her first on the difference between "real" tools and the "toy" ones she currently has. Nearly caught her trying out her new saw on my saw till. And yes, a few more grey hairs have appeared ;)

Have a good weekend,
Philly

He Came, He Saw.

O.k. I admit, things are getting silly in the saw department. Not only do I get my wonderful Wenzloff saw, my massive bandsaw turns up. Now, to add insult to injury I find two smashing Disston panel saws in very good condition. A D7 and D8. How much? "£8 Sir, and I'll throw in the little baby saw for your daughter to play with." Yeah, I suckuth ;)
Put a new 25mm blade on the bandsaw this afternoon. That is a BIG blade! Blade change was surprisingly easy on the new saw and setting the guides pretty simple. I think I like this one! Cut a bunch of 2mm slices off a 6 inch piece of London Plane-I LIKE THIS SAW! I'll try for maximum
capacity over the weekend.
Oh, and I kept blowing fuses on start up (soft start on a bandsaw??) So now it's wired directly into my 32 amp supply.....no problem!
Have a great weekend,
Philly

Another Saw

Hah, I seem to have a run on saws at the moment. A shiny new Axminster bandsaw arrived today (and yes, I know what you're thinking-he's moving house, why the heck would he get a new saw now?) Well I got fed up waiting for the move to happen (hopefully the end of the month/or your guess is as good as mine) Also April was the end of my financial year and the more money I could spend the better my tax bill. Me being sorta kinda a professional woodworker. Henceforth the bandsaw. i was going to make Axminster hold onto it until the move but as the weeks slip by I thought "what the heck!".
First impressions (after the hilarious "it's too tall to fit through the door" moment) are good. It is very well built with serious steel in the frame, a lovely polished cast iron table (that is flat!!), big cast iron wheels, decent fence and a laser so you can see where to cut. No, that's not a joke, they supplied a little lazer to fit so you know where the blade will cut. Just in case you don't notice the flipping great blade flying round and round in front of you ;) Needless to say, the laser has not been fitted. Maybe I could it to a hand plane..........;)

Saw Point

Well I still haven't moved-please, don't ask. I have given up guessing at dates so am going to get back on with life instead of "waiting for a phone call". Yes, it's been pretty frustrating...
On a positive note my Wenzloff saw arrived! It is a beauty and cuts amazingly well. Many thanks, Mike! You have excelled yourself :)
Went to the Yandles Woodworking show yesterday (doesn't time fly-seems like the last one was only a few weeks ago). It was a lot of fun with a very relaxed atmosphere. It was busy but not so busy as to be painful. Spent a few quid at the Classic Hand Tools store and met up Martyn and Martin from the UK Workshop team. There was also some beautiful English Walnut planks for sale. If I had a little more storage (and no impending house move) I would of gone mad on that lot. Sigh......next time.
Cheers
Philly

Useful Site

Came across an interesting site for you Woodies out there. It is http://lumberjocks.com/ and the site is to showcase your completed projects. There are some very pretty pieces to see and you can post your own, complete with photo's and a short description. It is obviously early days for the site but it is professionally put together and looks very smart. As a bonus it is free to sign up! What more could you ask?
Cheers
Philly

Limbo Squared

Arghhhhhh!
We were very close to exchanging and another problem has arisen further down the chain. Packing up has come to a halt, and a glum cloud has descended upon the household. Needless to say, no woodwork has been going on. Can't kick this darn flu, either.
Still, it is the weekend (just) so a relaxing couple of days (and maybe the odd whisky) will be just the ticket.
On the workshop front, I have ordered a new bandsaw today. After much research an Axminster Plus model has been chosen. More on that when it turns up!
Have a good weekend,
Phil

Limbo

Not a lot has happened in the last week or so-the usual Solicitor shennigans, etc....
I'm beginning to break down the workshop, so as you can imagine not a lot of progress has been made on the curvy table. We were hoping to complete on the 31st but as today is the 25th and we haven't exchanged contracts yet I can't see it happening. So maybe the following Friday (which just happens to be the weekend of the the Yandles woodworking show!!).
To add insult to injury, I've come down with the flu quite heavily. Don't worry-you can't catch it by reading a blog ;)

Curvy Veneering-A Whole New World

I've started making my first project with my new vacuum bag press. It's all new to me but I'm making good progress and learning a lot.
The pressure that the bag put on the work is quite amazing, also it's very evenly distributed. I wouldn't like to try it with cauls and lots of clamps!
The impending house move is on my mind. I heard today that it might be the 31st of this month-Ouch! That not a lot of time for all that packing........ :0

Another one in the bag. Well, box.

The saw till is complete! Yup, finally got the till finished. Two coats of oil and a coat of wax and voila. More pics to follow. Had a real problem finding quality brass hardware. The Brusso stuff is great but priced for lottery winners. The stuff available from DIY stores is appalling. Got me thinking about making my own for the future.......
Spent today making up a former for my first curbed/veneered piece. 16 pieces of mdf, cut roughly to size and then routed to a perfect match, nailed together and sanded smooth. not a lot of fun :(
But know let the curvy stuff begin! I had an outlandish idea of making up some presents for Mothers day. It could happen ;) Not!
Any shortcuts for making formers or is it hard work and repetition?
Cheers
Philly

Two Fat Ladies

Nearly done! Just need to fit the hinges and get oiling.
Made up some trim using my #66-the first time I've really used in anger. Came out really well and surprised myself with how classy it looked compared to the "easy option" of using the tailed router. Maybe there's hope for me yet? ;)
I've also been doing some more veneer style experiments. My next project will be a curvy one.....
And where's those tempting photo's, Mike?? I keep running to the computer to check for evidence........Just kidding-take as long as you need.
Cheers
Philly

Not quite a Dozen

Good progress is being made on the saw till. Finished fitting it out for the saws yesterday-managed to get 11 saws in there comfortably. And still be able to lift it ;)
Also been playing with my new Airpress. Very interesting-I am amazed by the amount of pressure the bag is put under! It also makes some scary cracking noises as it comforms to the workpiece. I'll let you know how I get on.

Getting There

Sorry about the tardy blogging-I shall save making excuses, here's the update.
The saw till is coming on well. I have dovetailed the carcass, fitted the floor, made the frame and panel lid and am starting on fitting out the till for the saws. Another few days and it should be done-just need to source some suitable brass hardware.
Broke in my new router table on this project. It is performing really well and I'm glad I made the effort. The router lift facility of the Trend T11 is so cool-it makes me wonder why it's taken so long to be "invented"!
I'm working away from home again so it'll be the weekend before I can get the till finished-until then, friends.

A WW Weekend

I've started on my next project-Hurrah, I hear you say? ;)
It's a saw till to hold my ever increasing pile of hand saws. Black walnut is the timber of choice, with a dovetailed carcase and a frame and panel lid. It will be fully fitted to hold the saws comfortably (although that part of construction is still in the planning stage) and have a locking lid (to keep the Missus from "borrowing" them for Ebay!!) WIP pics to follow soon.
Went to Ally Pally Woodworking Exhibition yesterday-a fun day out apart from the atrocious traffic :(
Met up with Dave L, Gav and Les Mahon from the UK Workshop team as well as chatting with the usual WW scene Superstars (Terry Smart, Martin Brown and Mark Ramuz). The show wasn't as much fun as last year-the sponser going bust a month ago can't of helped on that front..... I will miss Axminster this year. See you all at Yandles in April!
Oops-forgot to mention the Airpress I picked up on the way out. Anyone got any veneer going cheap??
Cheers
Philly

Router-Lite

As I start worrying about how I'm going to move my workshop I have re-built my router table. My last one was, shall we say, a bit big. Weighed a flipping ton, too! Very useful Norm style R/T with drawers, dust extraction, go faster stripes, etc. The new one is a little stripped down (in comparision) The table top was bought at last years Axminster show-a beauty by Woodhaven with ally fence and fine adjuster, a phenolic router plate with levellers and a mitre gauge slot. How much?? £50..........;)
Using my Trend T11 and a NVR switch I think I have a nifty little table-and one that I can pick up on my own! I'll let you know how it works out.
On another note, I'm in "between project hell". The UK Workshop competition is on my mind, as was a dining room suite. That can wait 'til after the move, now. Hmm, what to do.....

Four on the Floor

As you may know, I've now made four boxes. Time to stop, I think ;)
It is surprising how much faster you get when you make more than one of a project. Also, the mistakes drop away quickly. I seem to make most of the boo-boo's on the first one-after that I'm pretty good. So maybe it is a good idea to make multiples of a project? I remember reading that Norm Abrams makes two of each project-the first one he builds works out the construction details. The second (the one he builds on the show) incorporates the lessons he learnt on the first one.
Now I'm not suggesting you set up production of whatever project you are building, but when you consider the amount of time spent making jigs, setting up machines, etc, it kinda makes sense to run enough parts to make a second one. I'm hoping this means the dining room suite I have to build soon will not be as long winded as I think it could be ;)
On another note-I am moving!!! Fear not, the New Dorset Workshop is only moving a couple of miles up the road. But it will be detached from the house, so hopefully nocturnal woodworking will be back on the menu! Stay tuned.........

Gone All Skewish...

Box numero two is nearly done-just need to chop the lid off and line it. A coat of oil has given it a nice sheen. You notice the 140 nonchalently sat in the pic? It's not just a gloat there is a story...
After wiping the oil on the box last night I thought I'd do a little sharpening. Block plane, bullnose, ah! What about the 140? That wicked skew means it'll probably be freehand (as I can't be bothered to find Derek's mkII settings). Swipe, swipe. Yes, done myself proud. Wipe the blade down and oil it, put the blade back in the body. Well, nearly. I dropped it about three inches before I made it, putting three lovely dings in the edge........... Not the kinda dings you hone out. Sometimes you wish you just left well alone.
The Woodkateers Axminster trip went well. The chaps all had a good time, we also popped to a nearby village called (and I'm not making this up) Beer. There's a little antique shop that Martin knew that sells tools. Not a bad selection, but I left with two dozen old copies of Fine Woodworking (some dated 1984!!) 75p each? Done! We had to sample the local speciality after that.
Oh, and Waka spent a fortune that day. But whats new? ;)