CREE*ATIVE WOODWORKING Blog Page - CREE*ATIVE WOODWORKING

Harry J. Epstein Co. Tool Review

1/1/2015

After hearing several glowing reviews of both the Harry J. Epstein Company and their tools, I decided to try one of their 4" Double Squares. The squares are made in the U.S.A. and are allegedly sold under a few different manufacturer names. The "catch" is that they have "slight blemishes in finish".

The square I received locked up dead solid on 90-degrees and looked like it was in near perfect condition. The only noticeable finish issue was some minute pitting in the casting, which could barely be felt. The best part... the blemished squares sell for $15.00 a piece! Compare that to Starrett or another comparable brand and that is a lot of money saved.

Lie-Nielsen Dowel Plate

12/31/2014

After letting the coat of Waterlox cure overnight, I attached the dowel plate and applied some wax. The box will make it a lot easier to position over a dog hole or clamp in a vice when pounding through dowels - and it looks decent to boot!

Lie Nielsen Dowel Plate

12/30/2014

I have been wanting a Lie-Nielsen dowel plate for some time now. Though I do not use a lot of dowels, it is nice to be able to make them out of the hardwood that one has on hand.

I decided to make a box for the dowel plate out of some mahogany and a hickory scraps. After cutting the pieces to size, the two mating faces that will be glued together were planed for tight fit.

After being glued together, I moved onto marking out the mortise that would need to be cut in order to flush-mount the plate. I removed most of the waste with a large forstner bit. I used a chisel and a router plane to clean up the rest of the mortise.

I allowed a liberal amount of Waterlox to soak into the wood prior to wiping off the excess. The finish will dry overnight. Tomorrow, I will attack the plate and finish the piece with a coat of wax.

Coffee...

12/29/2014

The coffee tastes so much better in a "Bad Axe Tool Works" coffee mug!

Secret Santa!

12/25/2014

There is a special place in the otherwise questionable internet world, that place is www.wwodnet.net - namely the "Secret Santa" gift exchange. I have participated in the Secret Santa exchange for a few years now and I am ALWAYS astounded by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Woodnet members. This year is no exception! My SS combined my love of woodworking with my obsession with coffee! Thank you very much SS!

Hand Tool Rehab

12/10/2014

I purchased a Starrett scraper from a gentlemen on www.woodnet.net a short time ago. It was in decent shape, but saw a lot of use. Most of the finish on the handle was gone. I decided to stain it back to its original color and apply a bit of finish to protect the wood. After come "chardonnay" stain and a couple coats of lacquer, this is the end result.

New Tool Update

11/27/2014

I do not know why I have waited so long to purchase a Lee Valley spokeshave! What a wonderful tool. It is lightweight, graceful, and very effective. It made really easy work of getting the dividers contoured. I would highly recommend one if you have yet to give them a try!

Hand Tool Cabinet

11/26/2014

Life has gotten a bit in the way of woodworking lately. However, one of the few good things about winter is that it does provide for a bit more time in the shop.

I started to plan out and build the "caddy" that will hold my planes. The plan is to make two caddies - one for the larger planes and one for the medium sized planes. I made a "T" of sorts with a bottom piece and a vertical support that will hold the planes at a desirable angle. I then designed some dividers that would support the planes vertically, yet allow for plenty of room to grasp the handles when removing the planes.

Now that the planning phase is over I will need to finish cutting all of the pieces and glue the caddy together. Hopefully, the caddy will provide proper support while allowing as much of the back of the cabinet to show as possible.

New Tool "Need"...

10/30/2014

I do not buy tools just to buy tools. I hate to store things just because I bought them and do not use them. Therefore, tool purchases are well thought-out. After some careful consideration the next tool purchase shall be... Lee Valley Spokeshave (both the flat and the round sole).

Hand Tool Cabinet

10/15/2014

Some disaster averted... I realized that the cubbyholes will hold the smaller planes, but will have to plane for planes the size of a 5 1/4 or larger. In order to get the 5 1/4 to fit on the till, it will have to be placed higher up.