The most important skill in woodworking isn’t what you might think it is. It isn’t the ability to master a specific tool or technique. The things that look impossible become approachable, and picking up new tools and methods isn’t a … Continue reading →
The weekend of March 18 & 19 I will be returning to the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian, Michigan to teach a “SketchUp for Woodworkers” class. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to make 3D models of your … Continue reading →
This time next week I’ll be heading to Adrian, Michigan to teach a weekend SketchUp class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. As I write this there are a few spots still available, so sign up now! CLICK HERE TO … Continue reading →
SketchUp Class November 5-6, 2022 at Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, Adrian, Michigan Like everyone else I’ve made some adjustments to what I do in the last few years. One of the things I’ve missed is teaching SketchUp, but that is … Continue reading →
When I first started 3D modeling with SketchUp, the software company that developed it, @Last had been recently acquired by Google. When my book “Woodworker’s Guide to SketchUp” was first published in 2010, Google was included in the name. I … Continue reading →
As an author I don’t expect my readers to take my word as gospel. I believe I have a responsibility to point readers in the direction of my sources. Gustav Stickley’s “The Craftsman Magazine” has been an essential source (and … Continue reading →
I knew it was time to leave my job at a publishing company when the CEO proudly announced that “books are now commodities”. This was the same knucklehead who, in his first week asked “why do we have so many … Continue reading →
Last Thursday, August 12, 2021 I had the pleasure of discussing Byrdcliffe furniture with Henry T. Ford, Byrdcliffe Historian and Director Emeritus in an online forum, presented by the Woodstock-Byrdcliffe Guild. The guild has a multi-faceted mission; they maintain the … Continue reading →
In the comments on my post:Â “Gustav Stickley Finishing Article” I was asked if I had a reasonable alternative to a fumed finish for quartersawn white oak. In that post I mention one, aniline dye followed by shellac. The other … Continue reading →
In Celebration of Zulma Steele (& Edna Walker) Before I started writing about the American Arts & Crafts Period of the early 20th century (more than 20 years ago) I thought that the history would be the easy part. One … Continue reading →
My new book “Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture” is featured in the July/August 2020 issue of Woodworker West magazine. Editor Ron Goldman got in touch with me recently and included a four-page essay about the book, and about my examination … Continue reading →
The good thing about the internet is the access it provides to images and resources. Twenty years ago when I was working on my first book Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture, finding good images to use as references was a … Continue reading →
“Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture” is now in stock and available for immediate shipment.This is the only book that provides detailed information about furniture originally produced at the Byrdcliffe Colony in Woodstock, New York in the early 20th century. Click … Continue reading →
Thank you for your interest in my new book “Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture” and your support of my work.This is the only book that provides detailed information about furniture originally produced at the Byrdcliffe Colony in Woodstock, New York … Continue reading →
Here is the second part on the article that I wrote in 2014, about my 2012 spur of the moment trip to see the Byrdcliffe Iris Desk. Part 1 is here. Â Â The story of the Byrdcliffe colony and drawings for … Continue reading →
I like to say that behind every good piece of furniture is a good story. The same is true for books. My first book “Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture” took about 20 years to go from idea to completion. My … Continue reading →
The signature feature of Byrdcliffe furniture is the colored carvings designed by Zulma Steele and Edna Walker. The image at right is the drop-front panel of the Iris Desk. In original pieces there are several variations of the iris, and … Continue reading →
Many people are aware of Gustav Stickley’s furniture, and other furniture made in the Arts & Crafts period of the early 20th century, but few are aware of the contribution made by the Byrdcliffe colony. Most woodworkers I know have … Continue reading →
Nineteen years ago I was finishing up my first book “Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture”. Along with the rest of the world the publishing business has changed significantly. Between then and now I’ve written several other books, spent ten years … Continue reading →
Earlier today I stumbled on this video from 2013. It was filmed in November 2012 when I was a guest of the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association in Georgia. I spent a week teaching several people SketchUp and was asked to hang … Continue reading →
It’s been an interesting summer to say the least. For the first time in years my wife and I planned a vacation; a two week trip to the island of Ibiza, Spain for the marriage of my son and his … Continue reading →
I’m leaving Cincinnati tomorrow and won’t be back until July 30, 2019. It’s a long overdue vacation and we’re going to the island of Ibiza for my son’s wedding and meeting the family of his lovely, smart and charming bride. … Continue reading →
Two bankruptcy auctions were recently held by what remains of F+W Media. In the first sale, approved on June 10, 2019 by the court, Penguin/Random House purchased the F+W book division. In the second auction, held June 17, 2019 Active … Continue reading →
This August 10 & 11 I will be returning to the Marc Adams School of Woodworking to teach a class called “Supercharge SketchUp”. Unlike most of my SketchUp classes this is intended for folks who already have some experience in … Continue reading →
Woodworking classes at Marc Adams School of Woodworking are supposed to be a challenge. That applies to the instructor as well as the students. One of the challenges this year was the passing of Zane Powell who kept students safe, … Continue reading →
Click Here for an Update to This Story F+W Publications, Media, A Content & E-commerce Company, Community filed for bankruptcy protection on March 10, 2019. I would rather not be writing this post, but one of my pet peeves as an … Continue reading →
I’m working on a new book project, but because I’ve been at this one for several years now it doesn’t feel so new. In any case I’m approaching the finish line (excerpt for figuring out how to publish it). I … Continue reading →
A few times a year I teach woodworking classes. It’s good to spend time out in the real world with new people and with those who have been in earlier classes with me. I’m told I do a good job, … Continue reading →
I’ve had several emails lately asking about upcoming SketchUp classes. I will be teaching a weekend advanced class at Marc Adams School of Woodworking August 10 & 11, 2019. Click here to visit MASW website for details. For the past … Continue reading →
This spring I will be returning to the Marc Adams School of Woodworking for a week-long class on building a reproduction of the Gustav Stickley No. 369 bent arm Morris Chair. Of all the chairs of this type this is … Continue reading →
A recent discussion on WoodCentral led me to dig through some old photos to find an example of a great jig for cutting tenon cheeks on the table saw. If you’ve ever fiddled forever with a jig that rides in the … Continue reading →
On October 13-14, 2018 I will be conducting a two-day SketchUp class, in Pittsburgh, PA thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Woodworkers club. I will also be giving a presentation of my work to the club (guests are welcome) on Friday … Continue reading →
Way back when I was in design school (board drafting with T-square and pencil) one of my teachers mentioned that people who work with sheet metal duct work know more about practical geometry than anyone in the world. I was … Continue reading →
Note: This is another older post (from about 5 years ago) that sank to the bottom of this site’s feed. I’ve brought it back to the top because it’s a good (and easy and fool-resistant) way to make these joints. … Continue reading →
Note: This post originally appeared a few years ago. One of the problems with online content is that good stuff drifts to the bottom. This is a good tip, so I’ve pushed it back to the top of the feed. … Continue reading →
Note: This post originally appeared about 5 years ago. I think it’s pretty good so I moved it back up in the feed. Tearing an ugly hunk out of a nice piece of solid wood can be a heartbreaker. You … Continue reading →
When I first started using (and teaching and writing about) 3D modeling with SketchUp, the differences between the free and paid versions of the software were simple to understand (this 2015 post goes into detail about the differences between “SketchUp … Continue reading →
It’s been a busy spring. I just completed a two-day SketchUp class. Earlier in April I taught a week-long woodworking class at MASW, and attended half of my local Society of American Period Furniture Makers chapter meeting. As often happens, … Continue reading →
If learning how to make 3D models in SketchUp is on your “to-do” list, and you want to shorten the learning curve, there are still a few slots available in my upcoming class, April 26-27 in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. … Continue reading →
There is a lot to like about classes at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking. The first time you visit you’re impressed by the size and scope of the facility. As a class goes on you realize how good the … Continue reading →
