scrub plane, way you do it, repurposing scrap wood

 I'm in the process of building a shaker side table.  It's been going well though I'm not ready to talk about the whole project as it's in process.  Today was a good day though.  I was able to use a scrub plane I had purchased back in Oct at a used collectors tools show.  I really like the old Stanley.  It's light weight really helped me in terms of stretching out how long I could plane the wood.  I had a 4" wide by 16" long piece of wood that I need to remove around 3/8" of wood.  I could have just as easily used my DeWalt 735 but I didn't want to use it.  Which leads to my next point.

Where I am happy in this build is I did it the way I wanted to do it.  I often find those little internal battles where I do something a certain way just because that's the way I want to do it very satisfying.  I wanted to do it by hand, and I did.  I will remember that in the future and it will bring a smile to my face.  On can argue that a bit of pine on the inside of a piece whose purpose is to just help the drawer have no sideways movement is important but inconsequential on how you get there. I would tend to agree.  Yet, I will always smile and quietly think to myself about that.  If it weren't for the fact I have a blog, no one but me would ever know of it as no point in telling anyone in my family.  Makes me wonder as I wander around looking at old furniture or old buildings of how many of these quiet, unspoken things there are that pleased the craftsperson.  I guess it's a perk of the job or trade.

The last thing I was happy with was the repurposing of a piece of pine I had laying about.  It was an offcut from when I made the Japanese carpenter's style tool box in 2020.  I have used this offcut for three other things including a backer board when chopping out waste on my chisels.  In my mind, this board was soon headed for either the fireplace or green waste as it was pretty banged up.  I was very happy that I found a purposeful life for it that will forever reside with the piece.  

Who knew a little scrap of pine could bring such joy to me.  And find some many uses.  And I would actually be able to find photos of such small obscure uses with it over the past three years.

Artifical Intelligence and Woodworking

 ChatGPT is a free online artificial intelligence "software."  Folks have been talking about it a lot lately.  I took a look.  Took me a few days to get into the system as it is popular and getting a lot of requests.  I asked it to design a kitchen table caddy for napkins and spices.  It spit out a pretty good set of instructions.  I wanted it to show me designs but it can't show designs and is only text based.  I'm sure that will eventually change.  I then asked it to write a 500 word essay on Albert Einstein.  It spit out a nice essay.  I then asked it to write a 500 word essay on Paul Sellers.  I figured that might be more obscure and was curious what it would do.  I've pasted what it provided.  I'm impressed.  Not sure what or how this will change anything as I do woodworking to stay away from electronics.  Might be good for getting historical info.  I asked a few other questions just to see what it would provide.  I have no idea how it generates the answers.

When I asked for 500 word essay on Paul Sellers:

Paul Sellers is a woodworker, educator, and author who has gained a reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable voice in the world of traditional woodworking. Born in England in 1951, Sellers developed a love for woodworking from an early age and honed his skills over the years through a combination of formal education, self-study, and practical experience.

 

Sellers' approach to woodworking emphasizes the use of hand tools and traditional techniques, rather than relying on modern machinery. He is a strong advocate for the idea that a deep understanding of the properties of wood and the techniques used to work with it are essential for producing high-quality, lasting pieces. This approach, he argues, leads to greater creativity, control, and satisfaction in the work.

 

Over the years, Sellers has become a well-respected voice in the world of woodworking, sharing his knowledge and skills through articles, videos, workshops, and online courses. He has also written several books, including "The Woodworker: The Charles H. Hayward Years" and "The Hand Tool School," which are widely regarded as must-reads for anyone interested in traditional woodworking.

 

In addition to his work as a woodworker and educator, Sellers is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has worked to promote education and access to woodworking resources for young people, and has helped to establish woodworking workshops and classes in schools, community centers, and other venues.

 

One of Sellers' most notable contributions to the world of woodworking is his development of the "Workbench Handbook," which provides detailed instructions for building a traditional workbench that is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The workbench is central to Sellers' approach to woodworking, and he argues that having a well-designed and properly equipped workbench is essential for producing high-quality work.

 

In recent years, Sellers has also become involved in the online woodworking community, sharing his knowledge and skills through blogs, forums, and other online resources. He has a large following on social media, and many people turn to him for advice and inspiration on their own woodworking projects.

 

Paul Sellers' impact on the world of woodworking cannot be overstated. He has dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge and skills with others, and has helped to inspire a new generation of woodworkers to explore the possibilities of traditional techniques. Through his work, he has demonstrated that woodworking is not just a craft, but a way of life, and that it is possible to achieve great things with simple tools and a deep understanding of the material.

 

In conclusion, Paul Sellers is a true master of traditional woodworking, and his contributions to the field have been immeasurable. Whether you are a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, his teachings and example are sure to inspire and guide you as you explore the world of wood.

What are the key features of art deco furniture?  What ChatGPT provided:

Art Deco furniture, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by a distinctive visual style that combines elements of various decorative arts movements, including Art Nouveau, Futurism, and Constructivism. Some of the key features of Art Deco furniture include:

Geometric shapes: Art Deco furniture is characterized by bold, geometric shapes, including rectangles, circles, and zigzags. These shapes are often incorporated into furniture designs in a stylized, abstract way.

Bold Colors: Art Deco furniture often features bright, bold colors, including metallic shades such as silver, gold, and bronze, as well as rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red.

Use of Materials: Art Deco furniture often features a mix of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and exotic materials like ivory, shark skin, and zebraskin. This combination of materials helps to create a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Streamlined Forms: Art Deco furniture is known for its sleek, streamlined forms. This design style was influenced by the modernist ideals of the time, which emphasized functionality and simplicity.

Decorative Motifs: Art Deco furniture is often decorated with stylized motifs, such as sunbursts, chevrons, and stylized flora and fauna. These motifs are often incorporated into the overall design of the piece and serve to add a decorative element.

Use of Mirrors: Mirrors are often used in Art Deco furniture, either as a decorative element or as a functional component. Mirrored surfaces help to reflect light and create a sense of space, making Art Deco furniture ideal for smaller, more intimate rooms.

Attention to Detail: Art Deco furniture is known for its attention to detail, including intricate inlays, carved accents, and ornate hardware. These details serve to highlight the craftsmanship and quality of the piece and add to its overall aesthetic appeal.

In conclusion, Art Deco furniture is characterized by bold, geometric shapes, bright colors, a mix of materials, streamlined forms, decorative motifs, the use of mirrors, and attention to detail. These features combine to create a visually stunning and timeless style that continues to be popular today.

How old is the dovetail joint?  What ChatGPT provided:

The exact origin of the dovetail joint is not known, but it is believed to be thousands of years old. Evidence of dovetail joints has been found in ancient Egyptian furniture, and similar joints have been used in ancient Chinese and Japanese furniture as well. The use of the dovetail joint spread to Europe during the Middle Ages and became a hallmark of furniture construction in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in the period known as the Arts and Crafts movement.

The dovetail joint is known for its strength and stability, and its characteristic interlocking "fingers" make it a popular choice for furniture construction to this day. The precise origins of the dovetail joint may never be known, but its enduring popularity and versatility make it one of the most iconic and recognizable features of furniture design.

How old is the tusked tenon?  What ChatGPT provided:

The tusk tenon joint, also known as a stub tenon and wedge or tusk tenon and wedge, is a type of wood joinery that has been used for thousands of years. Evidence of this type of joint has been found in ancient Egyptian furniture, as well as in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The tusk tenon joint is known for its strength and stability, and it has been used in furniture construction, cabinetry, and architectural design for centuries.

The basic principle of the tusk tenon joint is that a tenon, or projecting member, is cut into one piece of wood and fits into a corresponding mortise, or hole, in another piece of wood. A tusk, or wedge, is then driven into the mortise to expand the tenon and secure the joint. The tusk tenon joint is particularly useful for larger pieces of furniture or architectural elements, as it allows for more surface area to be joined and provides a strong and stable connection.

The tusk tenon joint is still widely used today in traditional woodworking and furniture construction, and it remains a popular choice for those seeking to create strong and stable joints without the use of metal fasteners. Despite its ancient origins, the tusk tenon joint continues to be a versatile and valuable tool for modern woodworkers and furniture makers.

Is Mahagony a good wood for making furniture?  What ChatGPT provided:

 Yes, mahogany is a good wood for making furniture. It is prized for its durability, stability, and attractive appearance, and has been a popular choice for furniture makers for centuries.

Mahogany is a hard and dense wood, which makes it ideal for use in furniture as it is able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. It is also stable, which means that it is less likely to warp or split than some other woods. Additionally, mahogany has a beautiful reddish-brown color and a fine, even texture that make it a popular choice for furniture makers.

Mahogany is also relatively easy to work with, which makes it a good choice for both beginner and experienced woodworkers. It takes stains and finishes well, and can be carved, shaped, and molded into a variety of different forms, which makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of furniture styles.

However, it is worth noting that the availability of quality mahogany has become increasingly limited in recent years due to over-harvesting and the destruction of its natural habitats. There are also concerns about sustainability and the impact of illegal logging on endangered species, so it is important to consider the source of the wood when choosing mahogany for furniture making.

In conclusion, mahogany is a good wood for making furniture due to its durability, stability, attractive appearance, and ease of working with. However, it is important to consider the source of the wood and its impact on the environment when making a decision.

What is the best way to finish mahogany?  What ChatGPT provided:

Mt. Diablo Adult Education - Wood Working 1 (MDAE WW1)

 In the Fall of 2022, I enrolled in the local adult education program to take an evening class in woodworking.  Mt. Diablo has all kinds of great classes and my wife and I will likely take a bunch more over time.

The class I took was "Woodworking 1".  It's the first class and upon completion of WW1 and WW2, you can then take any of the other woodworking classes.  What I liked about the class was two-fold:  it was going to teach me how to use the machines, it cost virtually nothing (ca. $250 for 10 weeks; materials I bought would be extra).  In my home shop, I really don't have much in terms of machines.  I don't want or feel I need a bunch of machines as I like using hand tools because, well, I enjoy the fine skill I get to develop over time.  It became important to me when I stopped working in the lab as a chemist (working with my hands) and became "middle management." Still, I wanted to learn how to safely use them and this seemed like a great way to do so.

The project was a step stool.  Always hand to have a step stool in the home.  Three or four years ago, I made Christan Becksvoort's shaker step stool and my daughter loved to use in; initially as a step stool and later as a chair when she ate food while watching TV.  This step stool would be a bit taller which is good as she has grown quite a bit so something a few inches taller would be helpful.

Construction of the chair was relatively straightforward.  I used Paduk and curly maple for the chair and shellac and wax to finish it.  The wood choices were a driven by what I could find at Rockler before the class.  I had never worked with Paduk before so it was fun to try out a different wood.  It behaves a lot like walnut with hand tools.  It is a really pretty orange and has a nice spicy chocolate scent when planed.  It looks beautiful when finished.  The only thing I didn't like about it was the orange dust that it would leave behind.  Also, with shellac, some color would leach out.  I kept this all in mind when doing the finishing work.

I liked some of the tools, disliked some, and was a bit indifferent to others.  Mostly, that's what I want to discuss as the construction was straightforward (thought that doesn't mean I didn't have to think a bit for parts of it).

Jointer 

They had a nice one - a Powermatic.  In fact most of their tools were nice and they do upgrade on a regular basis.  I didn't really enjoy using it.  Mostly, I don't like the potential risk for serious bodily injury.  In theory, if you do it right, it can be safe.  Sorry, it just raises my stress level at the moment.  I supposed with a powerfeeder that might make it feel safe.  Not in any rush to own one for home.

Planer/Thicknesser

The two of them: a 15" and 24" PowerMatic.  I really liked these machines.  I felt reasonable safe using them.  My biggest struggle working with handtools is getting the wood to desired thickness.  It take a lot of effort by hand and at times I've used wood that has been thicker than I'd like.  When I finished my formal project for the quarter, we were allowed to do other things until the quarter ended.  I brough in some wood for upcomming projects that needed to be thicknessed.  What would have taken me a full weekend of work, I did in a matter of 30 minutes (I am slow by the way).  Now, speed is not my primary goal in woodworking but, I'd like to have a way to get past some of the donkey work.  As such, I ended up getting a DeWalt 735 when it had a Thanksgiving Black Friday sale.  Been happy with it the few times I've used it.  I also know there is a way to use a sled at home to get it to act like a jointer if I need it.

Table Saw

They had a Saw Stop.  Truth be told, I really like the safety features of this tool.  Kind of wish Saw Stop had a larger line of tool types with this technology.  If so, I would buy them.  I would say I'm indifferent to this machine.  It really came in handy for some work I did where I needed to make a bunch of repetitive cuts for a time sensitive Christmas gift I am making.  I don't mind cross cutting by hand or ripping 1" stock by hand.  I have ripped 2" thick stock by hand and don't enjoy that so I definitely need a machine to help with that but the next tool can do that - bandsaw.

BandSaw

I've been wanting a bandsaw for a long time.  I could make long rips in thick wood or resaw thick wood for design consideration.  They had a variety of bandsaws at the school - Delta, Powermatic, and Laguna.  I was happy with all of them.  I did some resawing as well curve cuts with a bandsaw and I felt reasonably comfortable with using it.  When Powermatic had a 10% off sale over Black Friday, I bought their PM1500 bandsaw.  I need to set it up but have a few woodworking things to do first.  Plus, it weighs 400 lbs.  I have a nice way to get it off the pallet and onto the rolling base when I get to it.

Both the planer and bandsaw I purchased will trigger the need for proper dust collection in the shop.  Fortuantely I had been saving for that.  It will be either Oneida or ClearVue.  Honestly just waiting for either of them to have a 10% off sale.  Since I really don' need either tool I purchased, I could easily wait a year if I need to.  If there is any upside to the anticipated recession, is I should be able to get a dust collector for a discount.  Also keeping my eye open for used models from Oneida as well.

Drill Press

They had two from PowerMatic.  I liked them.  Then again, I used my dad's drill press from time to time and I knew I would.  I will get one in the near future.  I don't think it will get much use but handy to have one.  Currently on the lookout for a vintage one (art deco era) that has been restored.  

Router - hand held and table mounted.  Didn't enjoy using them at all.  I have no intention of owning one.  I call it, along with the jointer, the spinning blades of death.  Will that limit some of my woodworking options.  Yes.  That's fine.  I'm not into molding (yet) and if I were, I already have an ok set of hollow and round planes needing some light restoration.  As for making grooves, I have Veritas small plough plane and quite a number of blades.  It's a handy tool and I like it.  Also have the Veritas skewed rabet plane as well.

Oscillating spindle sander

It was handy to use when I had made a bunch of band sawn reindeer as donation gifts.  Eventually, I will likely get one at home.  More than likely I will see about getting an inexpensive one for home.  I don't need it that often but I can see making more band sawn reindeer for donations that the school can sell at their holiday boutique.  In that case, less time per unit means I can provide more for the donation if I don't to have to sand them by hand.

Drum sander

They had a Grizzly and are now upgrading to a Powermatic.  It came in handy for a few things.  Felt safe to use.  I don't see myself getting one for home.  I use hand planes and I have found ways (by learning from others) how to plan thin stock ca (1/16 to 1/8" thick) by hand.

Chop Saw

They had the Dewalt one.  I've used my dad's in the past.  I am comfortable using it. I don't intent to get one.  It doesn't take long to cross cut a 12" wide board by hand and I actually like doing it.  After 7 years, I can saw by had reasonably well so it's not like the chop saw will produce a better cut.  Again, I'm not a production shop.  If I have to make a half dozen to dozen cross cuts on rough stock on a weekend that would be about the max I ever need to do at once.

Handheld rotary sander

They had one.  I didn't use it.  I use my hand planes for almost all of my final smoothing of the wood and a little bit of sand paper if I have curves or round overs to smooth out.  As such, I just don't see the need for one at home.  

Table top mortiser.  

The school had one but we didn't need to use it.  I have one at home, a Powermatic.  I didn't feel confident in my ability to make a good mortise and bought one.  I like it.  At first I "needed" it to get a decent mortise.  Since then, I've learned how to do a mortise by hand.  As such, unless I have a lot of mortises I need to do, I prefer to do them by hand.  For me, the whole woodworking journey was to develop the hand skills.  I really liked my days as an active bench chemist doing highly skilled technical work.  I am very good at my management roll, but, I wonder if I had to do it over again if I would have left the bench.  Then again, almost all of my peers in grad school, who stayed techinal, ended up no longer working at the bench as most reached a level where managing those who were at the bench became their job.  As such, I may not as easily had a choice.  Well, that's crap the more I think about it.  We all have choices we can make or not make.  I just don't think I gave it as much thought and most folks don't.  That's ok I have woodworking now to work on my hand skills and at the end of it, I have nice furniture that I likely couldn't afford to purchase.

All in all, very happy with the MDAE WW1 experience.  I like the instructor and the school and the teaching assistants.  It's a good place to be.  So much so, I am now taking woodworking 2.  Enjoying it as well. They have woodcarving and woodturning classes as well as other hobbies.  As such, I plan to take a lot of classes over time.  I used to do a bowling league (till bowling started to hurt my hand) and enjoyed the one night out a week.  These classes have that similar feel.  I still enjoy woodworking at home but it's nice to woodworking around others from time to time as well.

What A Difference Between iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 13

 For about the past 10 years, my personal cell phone was an iPhone 5.  Given the cost of "smart phones" I have elected to keep my iPhone 5 as long as possible.  In other words, I'd rather spend money on wood than a new phone.  Well, Verizon decided to discontinue some sort of 3G network my iPhone 5 needed to work.

To date, all of my photos for woodworking and what is posted on my blog and Instagram account, joeleonetti1@instagram.com, has been with my iPhone 5.  I have been happy with it and about once a week I download the photos onto my computer.  

I had planned to continue to use my iPhone 5 for wood photos.  However, since I no longer use it for a phone, it often has a discharged battery.  My work iPhone is an iPhone 13.  I have recently started using it to take wood working photos.  This past weekend I finally had a side by side comparison of iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 13.  Wow!  I didn't expect the difference to be so large.  First photo is iPhone 5 and the second one is the iPhone 13.  I think the resolution is diminished for the blog but  it is night and day difference in the photos on my computer.

The project is another (my 8th) Paul Sellers clock made out of genuine mahogany and finished with linseed oil (with pine resin, i.e. Tried and True varnish oil) then shellac.  I will blog about this in more detail in the near future as I have other things I'd like to say - my first time using Mahogany, why my 8th Seller's clock, etc, etcc.

As for my personal phone.  Again, I didn't want to spend multiple hundreds of dollars.  I'd rather buy wood.  As such, I went with a $75 flip phone which the monthly plan for unlimited text and talk is $20 a month.  No long term commitment.  I did this for two reasons.  The first is cost.  The second is I want to make it harder, not easier, to be on the world wide web.  So far, it's work.  Having said that, it is very annoying to text on this flip phone (remember pressing a number multiple times to get the proper letter?).  It's working as I text a lot less but it still is annoying.  The only thing I really wanted a smart phone for is driving directions but I have the work phone for that if I absolutely need it and am not with my wife who has a smart phone.  I did consider doing away with a cell phone completely but I have had that phone number now for 25 years.  All good problems.

It Pays to Reread Books

 Recently, I have been experimenting with other finishes.  For the past 7 years, I have been focused on shellac and really like it.  I can't imagine changing but I want to see how oils (with and without shellac) look.  Lately, I have had a project with mahogany.  I want to find information on how to finish it with oils.  I spent a lot of time asking folks, searching the web, etc.  

I have just finished reading the latest issue from SAFPM and put it on my bookshelf.  In doing so, I noticed Bob Flexner's book on finishing.  I felt like an idiot.  I bought this book 5ish years ago and read it then.  I had completely forgotten about it.  Here I was searching for Mahagony finishes hither and yonder.  I opened Flexner's book and lo and behold, all kinds of helpful info.  I will go over the books on my bookshelf more frequently.  Never know what I may rediscover.

Making a Kitchen Drawer Utensil Organizer

 My wife for years has wanted a kitchen drawer organizer.  We were still using the cheap plastic utensil organizer I had purchased in 1990 when I moved out on my own.  The biggest challenge was the timeframe.  I was busy making a bunch of other Christmas gifts and I didn't have much time to make it.  I planned to keep the construction simple with butt joints, glue and nails.  For it was, it didn't need fancy joints.

I was taking a woodworking class at Mount Diablo Adult Education (MDAE) and had access to machines.  My plan was to use machines to get the 1/2" cherry stock I purchase at Rockler cut to width.  For the length, I opted to use hand tools.  I wanted to have one side true and one end at a perfect 90 degrees and didn't trust the chop saw at the school to give me that.  As such, I cut the boards to 24" lengths via handsaw and used my shooting.  It only took 30 minutes or so to do the bulk wood.

When I arrived at MDAE, I had the wood all organized the same way.  It was then just a matter of ripping all stock down to 2.75" widths.  It went really quick - less than 30 minutes.  It would have taken me much longer by hand.  Normally I wouldn't mind doing this, but I was time constrained.

When I got home, I cleaned up the cherry burn marks from the table saw.  I also smoothed all of the interior surfaces with a hand plane.  I sorted out the specific widths I wanted and cut all the various pieces to length.  The beauty of this project is that it could afford some discrepancies in lengths given what the project was.  That helped quite a bit.

To make it easier to reach into the drawers, I cut some curves into some of the pieces using cross cuts followed by chisel, spoke shave, rasps, and sandpaper.  With that all done, it was a matter of glue up.  I was also going to be using nails to help secure everything in place and I predrilled the holes.

Glue up was a bit tedious but went well.  Only minor cleanup was needed with a hand plane to flush the bottoms.  Then, I glued and nailed on some cherry plywood for the bottom.  I didn't have time to finish it prior to Christmas.  I planned to finish it on 26Dec.  My wife liked the natural wood look and figured it would get a bit beat up from use no matter what, so she wanted it unfinished.  Happy wife happy life.  Oh, and my wife really loved this gift.  She didn't expect it and it was a pleasant surprise for her.  It took about 20 hours to make and the wood cost about $50.