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I’ve met a great many fine and interesting people through woodworking, and Don Weber, who lives in the charming town of Paint Lick, Ky., is among the best of them. The first time I actually saw Don, he had a steam-bending contraption set up on the loading dock at our former shop, where he was teaching the Popular Woodworking staff how make a Welsh stick chair. I had not yet joined the staff, so all I could do was wonder what the heck was going on. I’m awfully sorry I missed out on that ersatz class and build.
I first met Don in person at his shop and smithy (he’s also a blacksmith), where he had a replica of the Mastermyr tool chest that he built and for which he forged the hardware. I loved it – it’s such a simple but pleasing form, and the hand-forged iron just adds to the appeal.
So I’m delighted that (7 years or so after I first saw his replica chest), we got Don to film a soup-to-nuts video on the build and on making the hardware (plus there’s a bonus video on making your own backyard forge if you get the DVD or download from us). Note that “Build a Viking Tool Chest” is not yet available (despite what it says on the title card at the end of the preview below); I’m just stoking the fire, so to speak. I’m told the video download will be available in the store at the end of next week, and the DVD should be available in mid-February. Pretty sure I’ll be letting you know (listen for the “Squee!” when it lands on my desk).
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Yo Don!
Seeems like a long time to me. The “tool chest” has always interested me. Thanks for doing a video. Do you have a video on the Welsh Chair..I am woring on the 3 rd Edition of Make a Chair from a Tree. Do you have a printable picture of a Welsh side chait you have made? I would love to put it in the book. As for video I will trade you a copy of my DVD called (guess what?) Make a Chair from a Tree. Yes I stick to my last.You multicraftsmen pass me by. I remember when you demonstrated in Baltimore you made a pole lathe, a chair and did some blacksmithing. All of this on the road. I recall I did a poor job on the pole lather but you fixed it up and made it work. Take good care and keep doing what you are doing.
Jennie Alexander
That’s great news. I really enjoy watching Don work. I’d love to take a chair class from him. Any chance you getting him ( or another really good pole lathe turner ) to do a video on turning chair legs and the like on a pole lathe, with a skews and gouges for coves and beads and such? I feel that it’s a lot different than turning on a powered lathe and would like to see how a pro goes about it. Meantime, this should be a really fun DVD.
Thanks,
Jamie Bacon
I’m in!
I love history and woodworking, so this is right up my alley.