Miter Stand Setup

I was so excited to pick up the Ryobi Miter Saw Stand a few weeks ago!  I had been doing all my miter/chop cutting right on the ground, which is okay if you only have a couple cuts to make on shorter boards. Cutting longer boards on the ground is challenging because the weight of …

Hittin’ the Books – Exercise 6

Three little birds pitch by my doorstep, singing sweet songs of melodies pure and true, saying, "This is my message to you." - Bob Marley Objective: To cut more than one object at the same time using the same pattern (stack cutting) using the STAPLE METHOD. Materials needed: (3) 1/4" x 4 1/2" - 5 1/2" …

Secret Project Unveiling!

UPDATED 5/9/2017 with more pictures of the build process. UPDATED 5/17/2017: I swapped friction tuners out with geared tuners and made a light weight strap from parachute cord and spring end caps. See new picture at end of post. The official unveiling of my secret project! It's a backpack travel ukulele, concert size. Throw this …

Field trip!

My local church was built in 1970 with the design of its time. We were so excited when a parishioner donated money designated to update the lobby! An interior designer friend is doing the design and project management. Some of the work is being hired out to professionals, but a few projects are being done …

TLC for an old saw

My mom sent me home with this little saw one day when I was over helping her in the garage.  It's in need of some serious TLC. It is an old Dremel hobby saw that is no longer in production. It is hard to find blades for it. The blade and motor wobble. And the …

Tru Oil Trial

I have a secret dream project where the design source used Tru Oil Gun Stock Finish to finish his work.  Not only have I not used Tru Oil before, but I also couldn't find it in any of my local stores: hardware or gun. None of the employees had even heard of Tru Oil, except …

Hittin’ the Books – Exercise 5

Objective: To cut a very small object (Exercise 5a) and a very thin object (Exercise 5b). Materials needed: (1) 1/4" x 1 1/4" - 2" wood (1) 1/16" x 3 1/4" - 4 1/4" wood (2) 4 1/2 x 5 1/2" piece of cardboard #3 skip-tooth blade 1/8" diameter drill For the tiny duck, I adhered …

Hittin’ the Books – Exercise 4

Objective: To make interior cuts with sharp corners. Materials needed: (1) 3/4" x 4 1/2" - 5 1/2" long piece of wood #5 skip- tooth blade 1/8" diameter drill This was a very well written and useful exercise!  It included detailed diagrams and instructions on how to approach the first two interior cuts. It was …

Hittin’ the Books – Exercise 3

Objective:  To cut out a simple object, following lines to produce a smooth, continuous, flowing cut all around and to produce sharp exterior features using the LOOP METHOD. Materials needed: (1) 3/4″ x 4 1/2″  – 5 1/2″ long piece of wood #5 skip-tooth blade I'm sure Loop Turns have their place. But after the …

Hittin’ the Books – Exercise 2

Objective: To cut out a simple object, following lines to produce a smooth, continuous, flowing cut. Materials needed: (1) 3/4″ x 4 1/2″  - 5 1/2" long piece of wood #5 skip-tooth blade This stretching kitten is just so dang cute!  Rather than cutting in from the edge, I decided to drill a small hole …