Learn about hardwoods, softwoods, grain patterns, and the characteristics that influence how different woods look and work.
June is here and the birds and flowers are bursting with enthusiasm. I’m mostly making final preparations for my upcoming shrink pot and lettering class at Pete Galbert’s, but I wanted to take a moment to post this bowl that … Continue reading →
Black walnut, white oak, black cherry, sugar maple, American sycamore — a field guide to the five hardwoods of Knox County, Ohio, and what each one teaches a maker working out of a barn in Mount Vernon.
It stopped raining long enough yesterday for me to hack away at a cherry log in preparation for my demonstration/presentation at the Hand Tool Haven event. Early tomorrow morning, I’ll drive the mere 50 miles to Butler, PA with some … Continue reading →
After the relative stillness of winter, everything seems to be in motion now. The spring rains have encouraged the creek to dance to the white-throated sparrow’s tune. Emerging leaves are being introduced to wind. Even when the air is still, … Continue reading →
Follow a single black walnut from a Knox County backyard to a finished bowl. How wood drying, rough turning, and finishing work — and why good bowls take 12 to 18 months.
These three shrink pots and a bowl were all made from trees/branches that fell in the woods around the house. 1: 6″ high x 3 3/8″. Cherry with subtly faceted surface. The rabbeted lid is from a chunk of oak … Continue reading →
How a custom white oak kitchen table comes together — from sourcing slabs to hand-cut joinery to hardwax oil finish.
