Jan 072019
 
January Poll: Are You a Packrat?
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I admit to being one, and I’m going to submit strong evidence in support of you being one, too. As many of you know, one of my interests is birding. “What is birding?” some of you are asking. My earliest avian-studies mentor, the late Judith Toups, used to say there were three levels of bird-interest […]

Jan 042019
 
Blade Cleaning Bucket – Tips from Sticks in the Mud – January 2019 – Tip #2
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No Southern-fried Southern boy wants to be called a Yankee, but we share the characteristics of shrewdness and thrift. Thus, each month we include a money-saving tip. It’s OK if you call me “cheap.” A 5 gallon bucket is the perfect diameter for immersing a 10-inch or smaller table saw or circular saw blade in […]

Jan 022019
 
Quick Tray In A Box Project – Tips from Sticks in the Mud – January 2019 – Tip #1
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Welcome to “Tips From Sticks-In-The-Mud Woodshop.” I am a hobbyist who loves woodworking and writing for those who also love the craft. I have found some ways to accomplish tasks in the workshop that might be helpful to you, and I enjoy hearing your own problem-solving ideas. Please share them in the COMMENTS section of each […]

Dec 202018
 
Book Review: Ingenious Mechanicks by Christopher Schwarz
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Christopher Schwarz’s fascination with workbenches and workbench design history continues in his new offer from Lost Art Press, Ingenious Mechanicks. Norm Reid reviewed the book, here are a few of his initial thoughts: A recent release from Lost Art Press, this book is an homage to Christopher Schwarz’s love for workbenches and his dedication to understanding […]

Dec 182018
 
Book Review: Slojd in Wood
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Lost Art Press has really upped their game this year in the variety of books they are releasing. We were especially excited to see this book on crafting utensils, given the current spoon carving craze. Norm Reid read the book and reviewed it for us: In this brilliant little book, Slojd in Wood, Jögge Sundqvist provides […]

Dec 132018
 
The World Could Use More Woodworkers
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I think we can all agree this world would be a little better off with more woodworkers, right? All of the skills we learn from woodworking – self-reliance, persistence, planning, hand-eye coordination, the ability to problem-solve, are useful in many areas of our lives. If you aren’t sure what gift to get the non-woodworker on […]

Dec 112018
 
Sharpen Up or Shut Up - Chris Schwarz weighs in on the Handtool Backlash
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Christopher Schwarz has noticed a trend in some sections of the woodworking world: otherwise capable woodworkers struggle when it comes to using their hand tools, even when their tools are of the highest quality. Chris thinks he knows why that might be the case. Click here to find out