‘Tis the Season.
It feels so odd, to be sitting here working on the December issue of PW, because it’s the middle of August and in the mid-90’s. But, alas, that’s how far ahead the magazine world runs. As you’re [...]
Onward, Forward.
As I sit here writing, it’s been a wet, humid summer in Iowa. I’ve finished most of my travels for the year. Typically, from spring to summer, I’m traveling to various contributing writers’ shops [...]
Yes, We’re Probably Dumb
Some of you are probably aware that I got my start in the woodworking publication world as an assistant editor at Woodsmith Magazine. Heck, even after taking over here at Popular Woodworking, [...]
Find Joy in Stupid Stuff
For anyone that has met me, you’ll probably know that I have a pretty happy-go-lucky personality. I enjoy helping others, sometimes to my own detriment. One thing that I’ll always do is try and [...]
The Patternmaker
I’ve long talked about woodworking containing a variety of disciplines such as turning, carving, scroll sawing, etc. In my opinion, there’s one type of woodworking that shaped this country (and [...]
Whole Lotta Cutter
Who knew that in today’s day and age, a piece of mail could send me over the moon. Well, that’s what happened in early October when the invoice for the cutter head for my Towsley jointer arrived. [...]
Faces of Woodworking
Over the last several years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with various people, and sharing their stories through this magazine is one of the things that I genuinely enjoy. For [...]
Woodworking Friendship
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again (and keep saying it)—the people you meet in the woodworking community are some of the best around. Recently, I met a gentleman by the name of [...]
Woodworking Abroad
I’m going to admit that there are aspects of my life that I live (and view) “inside the box.” Woodworking, as an industry, tends to be one of those. Our (magazine) audience is concentrated in the [...]
Don’t Let “Eventually” Become “Never”
If someone walked up to me and told me I wasn’t a very smart man, I’d have a hard time arguing with them. There are often times when I do something knowing full-well that the outcome isn’t going [...]
Planting Trees
This piece originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Popular Woodworking As I write this, I’m sitting in my basement (“home office”) in Minneapolis, a few days after my 35th birthday. [...]
Simple Acts of Kindness
When there’s so much uncertainty in the world, it’s awfully nice to be able to put my hands on real, tangible things that give me comfort. Sharp tools, a pile of lumber and a project provide [...]