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Make four variations of Federal inlay with heat and a few simple tools. While one revolution was winding down, another was gaining force. The Federal period, from about 1780 to 1820, saw both the [...]

Building a throne for the common man. I’m sitting here listening to Fiona Richie’s “Thistle & Shamrock” radio show, thinking of an old friend, John Brown, from Ireland, and the ties between [...]

This week on the ShopNotes podcast, Phil, Logan, and John take listener comments and questions. Plus, a discussion of current projects and de-winterizing workshops. Find all of the ShopNotes [...]

Use moulding, carving and other details to add visual layers. Have you ever gazed at a great painting and, for a brief moment, found yourself pulled into it? Almost like magic, a few well-crafted [...]

Tapping a New Thread When you can’t find the right thumb screw for an old tool (see Part 1 here), your best option is to drill and tap a new hole to accommodate a modern fastener. In the case …

I collect all sorts of old tools. I figure that come the day when I need an unusual tool, I’ll have it, even if I only use it once. I’m still looking for the right opportunity to use my latest …

Tool: M12 FUEL Brushless 18-Gauge Compact Brad Nailer 2541-20 Shop Now  Manufacturer: Milwaukee MSRP: $249 (Bare Tool) I’ve been a slow converter to cordless power tools. However, with [...]

On this week’s episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, John, Logan, and Phil talk some listener questions and comments, plus more woodworking discussion from the Woodsmith, ShopNotes, and Popular [...]

When done carefully, mixing wood species in a single project piece can be beautiful. When I first started woodworking I loved mixing different woods together. The more contrast – and the starker [...]

Here’s a simple, invisible repair for an all too common mistake. Say you’re flush-trimming a board and, for whatever reason, your router’s bearing dips into a dent and makes an [...]

Jim Moon produced a faithful replica of this iconic cabinet, with a decorative touch or two of his own. In the world of historic furniture-making, Jim Moon casts a long shadow. He is not only a [...]

Tool: Fortistrut-Q Shop Now  Manufacturer: Fortis Clamp MSRP: $64.95 For years, the woodworking industry has relied on pipe clamps for large format glue ups. The idea behind this clamp is [...]