Routers are among the essential tools for any woodworker. While in the past using the router required a lot of skill and experience, the advances of modern technology make the use of this tool accessible to those with fundamental skills and those that are just starting the hobby. Transferring stunning visual images and three-dimensional models is relatively simple using computer programs and predefined models. Many of these models are found on the web and there’s an abundance of those that are free of charge.

Key Takeaways:

• A C.N.C. router can help with one’s passion with wood carving.
• The main ingredients with the router include the artwork, the type of art, and lastly, the carving process.
• C.N.C. routers can be useful to anyone, but especially those who are interested in digital shop helpers.

“Creating cut files for carving requires CAM software capable of working with a 3d digital image.”

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In the interest of downsizing, when I moved, I gave away my extra wood to my woodworking friends. While it was hard to part with some of this wood, I knew it was all going to good homes. Ironically, when one of my woodworking buddies recently moved, he invited me to his shop to grab some of his extra persimmon boards. Wouldn’t you know it, the boards I grabbed were the same ones I had given him years ago. Wood really does come full circle!

Key Takeaways:

• Johnstone moved from a large to small wood working shop eight years ago.
• He called several wood workers in the area and asked them to take whatever they needed from his shop.
• Somehow, he ended up with all of his old wood again after getting a call from his friend to take them.

“One of my woodworking buddies is moving to a new house, and he was looking for someone to take his lumber so he would not need to move it — and there I was!”

Read more: https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/the-circle-of-cool-wood/

Plank & Hide, the well-known home recreational and furnishings company has bought the outdoor furniture company 300 South Main. While the terms were not made public, the company’s goal is to achieve value through offering trendsetting styles at competitive prices. They plan to expand their indoor and outdoor product offerings while continuing to provide their large volume buyers with build and source services. Recently, Plank & Hide added industry veterans Gary Zuckerman and Ken Salm to their team.

Key Takeaways:

• A furnishings provider in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently acquired another furnishings supplier.
• The terms of the merger and acquisition was not yet disclosed, however, it is rumored to be at a competitive price.
• They plan to expand all aspects of the company, including the kinds of products that they offer.

“According to the company, P&H Elements’ focus is to create value through fashionable and trend-setting styles, offered at competitive volume pricing.”

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A narrow console table can be used as an entryway table, hall table, dining room side table, media console, or guest room drop zone for phones, keys, etc. The plans are free and the table is easy to make with 2x4s, 1x8s and 1x12s. A video is available that demonstrates the build process. The first step is to build three identical leg sets from 2x4s. The next step is to add the shelves, and the final step is to attach the top. Self-tapping wood screws are used: 2-1/2″ ones for the legs and 2″ ones for the shelves and top.

Key Takeaways:

• Narrow console tables can be used as any piece of furniture and can be placed anywhere in the house.
• Building a narrow console table only entails purchasing five separate sizes of wood.
• It may be helpful to look up different videos to assist you in your narrow console table building adventures.

“A narrow console table can change the form and function of a hallway, a living room, an entryway, or even a bedroom.”

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Michael knows that inspiration can be utterly unpredictable and we may find it in the least expected places. For him, as an artist, a large number of pieces made derived from a stump of the tree or the inlay of the backgammon board. These two mediums are widely different, yet Michael managed to bring them together and create art that connects them. The early fascination with these objects goes far back into his life, and recalls instances when he had a keen interest in both while still quite young.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Ferris, sculptor and artist, gets his inspiration from Syrian art and tree stumps.
• Ferris is known for his intriguing subjects, which are almost always human portraits.
• The pandemic, unfortunately, has forced Michael Ferris to shift to remote work, which is nonetheless equally rewarding.

“Two very different woodworking mediums that couldn’t be further apart, but for artist Michael Ferris it’s the original source of his unique sculptures.”

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When Steve started creating works of art using wood as a primary material, the experience was like a love at first site. The change was profound, and moved him from marketing world to the world of artistic work and passion. The beginnings were modest, since he was truly a novice and a mere hobbyist. His style is challenging for beginners, and it requires a lot of patience along the steep learning curve. Once he mastered the fundamentals, he embarked on a journey to reach his ultimate artistic goal.

Key Takeaways:

• A few years ago, creator Thompson diverted his attention to his workshop.
• Thompson discovered a certain type of tools that changed the way he created art forever.
• His goal is to beautifully preserve human spirits and memories in his art.

“Although an artist his whole life, when viewing his work, one might be amazed that Steve has only been developing his style of woodworking over the last two years.”

Read more: here

Today, the furniture-making community lost an icon. Gary Knox Barrett passed away at the age of 87. Bennett was known for his creativity, sense of humor, and generous work as a collaborator and mentor. His many accolades include a fellowship with the American Craft Council and an Award of Distinction from The Furniture Society. Bennett was a skilled craftsman and often designed series of pieces around a specific theme. His home was somewhat of a whimsical museum, filled with his own unique pieces, as well as those of many famous contemporary furniture masters.

Key Takeaways:

• Furniture artist Garry Knox Bennett began his career in the 1960s selling roach clips in Haight-Ashbury.
• Garry’s Nail Cabinet was intended to criticize furniture makers who were overly concerned with fancy wood and intricate joinery.
• His irreverence was expressed with his “Woodworker’s Eraser,” which was a large match.

“His story is told wonderfully by Marc Adams in his book, The Difference Makers published by Lost Art Press.”

Read more: here

DIY chair repairs often include mistakes that can be avoided. One such mistake is using screws or nails to hold loose joints. The problem is the metal can damage the wood. Another common mistake is not taking apart the joints of a chair, but just applying glue and pushing things together. Some mistakes involve not knowing how to apply glue. Others involve using the wrong glue. Polyurethane glue shouldn’t be used on chairs. Instead, use epoxy, PVA glue, or hide glue. A final mistake is not using clamps when gluing. Clamping pressure is necessary to keep the wood together while the glue absorbs and cures.

Key Takeaways:

• It is unfortunately incredibly easy to make huge mistakes when using D.I.Y. methods to fix chairs.
• Common mistakes to avoid include adding nails or screws to the chair, not applying the glue properly, or using the wrong type of glue for repairs.
• These tips are only as useful as how much you are willing to follow them.

“Pulling out a finishing nail in a piece of furniture is impossible without doing damage to it.”

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Staining pine can be very intimidating. It is very easy to mess up. Before you stain, you should get familiar with your materials and test out the stain on an abstract, separate piece of wood. Then, fix all loose knots and sand the wood thoroughly. During the staining process, always use two coats of conditioner and two coats of dye. Brush it on very liberally. Do not forget to apply a high-quality glaze on the wood at the end of the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Pine wood is very inexpensive, but staining it can make it look priceless.
• Before staining the wood, it is a good idea to practice staining on an extra piece of wood before doing the real thing.
• Do not forget to apply glaze to seal in the newly stained piece of wood.

“Our staining process includes four ingredients: water-based wood conditioner, water-soluble wood dye, dewaxed shellac and oil-based glaze (see Sources, below).”

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Bonsai involves the careful cultivation of regular tree species to make them appear ancient and weathered. The art originated in 8th-century China, but was adapted by the Japanese, who gave it its name (which means “tree in a tray”). Traditionally, bonsai stands aren’t considered part of the art. However, I like to integrate the stand into the story of the tree. When I create bonsai stands, I am not aiming for faithful recreation, but for inspiration. I begin my designs with quick sketches, then later move on to proportions and scale. Figuring out logistics is the last step.

Key Takeaways:

• The goal of bonsai trees is to make them appear natural and weathered, and any plant that has wood can be a bonsai.
• Designing a bonsai tree can be inspired by many different places, but mostly eastern Asia.
• Use bonsai stands or tables to amplify and improve the bonsai’s appearances.

“Bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) is the art of evoking the sublime in nature by carefully cultivating trees.”

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