What is a gnat's nadger? It's something very small. Smaller than a 1/64"? Smaller than I would care to measure.If you're getting any smaller then it's a gnat's cock hair.You may see this as being annoyingly vague, or perhaps it makes me sound a bit simple? I find it's necessary for this … [Read more...]
Jiggery / Appliances
I've never been a big jigger in my workshop. I'm stumped to find a value for anything more than my simple shooting board/ bench hook combo. And the odd stick. I think the reason is because I've never been precious about my bench top and there's no problem which can't be solved with a few nails … [Read more...]
Blood In The Workshop
There's rarely anything fun about a woodworking injury, and yet when I make videos about using hand tools I don't feel the need to put up a big disclaimer about keeping safe. I don't feel irresponsible for a lack of this but it is certainly a subject worth writing about. Injuries from hand tools … [Read more...]
Out Lives It’s Favour
As woodworkers I'm sure that we all see furniture purchasing in a different light to most. There's nothing that makes sense less than knowing that people are happy to spend on a rickety flat pack which won't last two minutes, but can't justify spending for a solid, well made piece which could last … [Read more...]
Planing Wood By Hand – Rough Prepping
Thicknessing with hand planes might seem like a slog. It's certainly physical work, and if there's a lot of boards to thickness, then it could soon become a workout. But with the right technique, planing wood by hand should feel more like a nice brisk walk, than an uphill … [Read more...]
They All Bite!
I'm not one to talk about safety often because I don't like to come across as patronising. I noticed recently though just how many cheaply made machines have become available for 'DIY' and I thought I'd have a moan - I will try to keep this short and sweet!I'd seen 'table saws' for sale as low … [Read more...]
The Perfectionist In Me
If I was ever able to take a woodworking course I'd have to do it with David Charlesworth. That may seem like a bit of a shock given my rather simple and fast paced approach seen in my videos but the truth is I'm a perfectionist at heart.After my apprenticeship the leash was released and I was … [Read more...]
The Power Tool I Love
After establishing that I don't hate power tools I wanted to give an extra bit of praise to the one tool I feel I really wouldn't want to be without; the cordless drill. I still love my bit and brace and appreciate the control and feedback that it can give me, which I find essential in some cases. … [Read more...]
I Don’t Hate Power Tools
Despite being a die hard hand tool user there's nothing that irritates me more than hearing people try to class hand tool use as being superior. The reason I bring this up is because whilst taking a jimmy riddle at a recent show I heard "You're the chap who hates power tools?". I've been told … [Read more...]
Moving With The Times?
When I was younger I did a stint working on new builds, doing truss roofs with my old man. I learnt a lot through the process; things about wood, things about building, and more than I could hope to know about my Dad. Another thing which I learnt could only be appreciated on reflection... When I … [Read more...]