Another nice sunny day in RI. It was a little on the cold side due to winds coming out of the north. Tomorrow is supposed to rain starting in the afternoon so I'll try to get my walk done in the morning. I've walked a couple of times in the morning but lately I've been doing it after lunch. I still haven't gotten six days in a row walking due to weather but fingers crossed I'll be able to do... Read more

[Note: this step should not be needed with a new Japanese plane, but you never know. And It is an important part of sharpening and maintenance as you use your plane.]Now that the plane blade is in better shape, we can turn to sharpening. The first thing to check with sharpening a Japanese plane blade is the hollow on the back. The back of the blade is where the hard steel layer is. When sharpening, if we were to work... Read more

This post is a bit long and is for those who have wondered how auger bit extensions work.I'd been wanting to find an auger bit extension for a long time.  I finally hooked up with a guy from my tool collectors organization (PAST) and bought a Stanley #180, looking in perfect condition.  And he threw in another, very rusty one for good measure.  Total price: $10!  These tool collector guys are awesome! (He asked for $5 - I gave him... Read more

I’m never quite sure. I used to think Record’s steel sash clamps of old for joinery were the best but my mind changed through the years and I wouldn’t really want them near my furniture these days. Then, living in the USA, I used US Jorgensen pipe clamps for my making and they worked fine... Source... Read more

I have two more classes this year that have open spots. One in Germany, and one in Indiana. I’m teaching people to build the Dutch Tool Chest in Munich July 14-16. You can register and read more about the class here. The class takes place next to Dictum’s lovely Munich showroom and is easy to...... Read more

 I have three projects in varying stages with two close to being done and one I just started. I thought the portable chest of drawers would get a check mark today but it didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow I will get to do that. Got two coats of shellac on the lid with two more to go. Should finish that up today if I go back to the shop. Surprised myself with getting the new Lost Art Poster frame glued up.... Read more

Stanley Block Planes with Richard Gilbert’s Patented Lateral Adjuster A question about these Stanley block planes made in England comes up once in a while. [...]... Read more

Many people likely think the first true metal block plane was the Stanley No.9½, which appeared in 1872, but it wasn’t the first block plane. The first cast iron plane produced in North America was that of Hazard Knowles, in 1827. The first cast iron block planes were actually produced by Birdsill Holly in the … Continue reading Birdsill Holly – the first metal block plane... Read more

 I thought I would get the sanding block box and the portable chest of drawers done today but it didn't happen. I came oh so close but I'll need some more time to do it. So I started another project - a frame for a Lost Art Poster. Along with that my wife found two more paintings done by her mother's twin sister. I'll be making frames for those two but with a caveat. My wife wants an input on... Read more

It is not for a want to start a new project but what to make. I do know the next one is going to be my bedside table but I got nothing design wise. I got a sketch I made last week but I've done nothing with it. Part of the problem is how much crap I want to put on it and have it look like it still belongs in the bedroom. This might the first instance where I... Read more

I’ve finished the cherry bowl that I mentioned in my recent Drying Revisited post. The oil has cured and it’s ready to serve. I’ll share a few more shots of the finished bowl below, but first some photos of some … Continue reading →... Read more

Work is now underway on my next chambered body e-mando. Below you can see the all work that goes into its core which, once the instrument is complete will never ever be seen! I always treat my wood as precious and try to keep waste to a minimum; therefore, rather than machine the core from one large lump of wood, I laminate it from strips. Also, this method allows me to cut channels for the wiring to run through the body... Read more

 I was putting the 3rd coat of shellac on the portable chest of drawers when I noticed it. It jumped out at me and slapped me upside the head. The split/crack that I have tried to glue twice was saying hello again. That let the wind out of the sails real quick. Not sure what or how to address it. My first thoughts were to saw down the crack and glue in a piece of veneer. Those dance steps didn't... Read more

Peter and I are at it again. Last year’s wheelbarrow class was so much fun we’ve decided to do it again. A local sawmill is at work sawing one of the last green ash logs in the Piedmont for barrow frames (no thanks to you Mr. Emerald Ash Borer) and we’ve got Roy Underhill’s foot-powered […] The post A new Wheelbarrow Class first appeared on Elia Bizzarri - Hand Tool Woodworking.... Read more

Come See Us at the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking Open House – April 26-27 We will be set up and selling and talking tools [...]... Read more