Note: This video is being offered at the special introductory offer of $35 until Aug. 25. After that, the video will be $69. We’ve long been fascinated with the Swedish tool chest form. Roy Underhill had one at The Woodwright’s Shop, and Chris got a close look at one in Sweden that belongs to Johan Lyrfalk, and came down through his family. It’s similar to a Dutch chest with its slanting front lid, but the Swedish one is in some ways simpler. And it’s larger – at least our version is – it’s not a chest for travel. The video – which stars and is edited by television professional and do-it-your ..read more

Driving on the comb during a chair class in Bavaria. I just returned from two weeks (and then some) in Bavaria. For the most part I was teaching classes put on by Dictum GmbH. It’s been more than five years since I’ve taught there, so it was great to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Here’s a typical scene at dinner one night with the students. We got our menus and the students were explaining what a “divorce salad” was.  “Is this what you eat when you want a divorce?” I asked. “Yes, of course,” they said. “No,” I replied. “You are pulling my chain.” Eventually we realized ..read more

Traditional shop in miniature. This workbench scene, owned by tool collector John Sindelar, shows a complete, functioning shop. But what if you don’t own a bench? The following is excerpted from “The Anarchist’s Workbench,” by Christopher Schwarz. The book is – on the one hand – a detailed plan for a simple workbench that can be built using construction lumber and basic woodworking tools. But it’s also the story of Schwarz’s 20-year journey researching, building and refining historical workbenches until there was nothing left to improve. Along the way, Schwarz quits his corporate job, builds a ..read more

Fig. 5.1 Jan Joris Van Vliet’s etching depicts a typical turner’s shop in 1630s Holland. Shown are a simple lathe, a few tools and various products of the craft – the turned chair and spinning wheel being the turner’s work. Based on records from London and Boston, turners often sold products made by others, which accounts for the yoke, foot warmers and bentwood boxes. Courtesy of the Early American Industries Association The following is excerpted from “Make a Joint Stool from a Tree,” by Peter Follansbee and Jennie Alexander. When it comes to exploring the shadowy history of how 17th-century ..read more

My latest book, “American Peasant,” is now shipping from our Covington warehouse. The price is $37 plus shipping. All copies purchased from us are autographed. If you can’t afford the book, or aren’t sure it’s for you, the pdf of the complete book is free. You can download it by clicking this link. This is not a trap. You don’t have to register or give up your email. Just click this, and the pdf will download to your device. No strings attached. The pdf is free now and for always. Tell your friends. A quick note for those who bought merchandise to support our renovation of the Anthe Warehouse ..read more

The following is excerpted from “Slöjd in Wood,” by Jögge Sundqvist. The book begins with teaching you how to make a butter knife – a useful object that requires just a knife, boiling water and paint to make it – that will begin to unlock the world of slöjd for you. You will then learn to make bowls, a sheath for your knife, spoons, a place to hang your clothes, cutting boards and so many more things. In the end, you will look up into the branches of the trees around your home and see the things you need. “Slöjd in Wood” is the first English translation of Jögge’s classic Swedish book. It’s a ..read more

The cover of “American Peasant.” Coming out this week. Sometimes we have so much stuff going on at Lost Art Press that I need to condense it all into one brief blog entry. Here we go. ‘American Peasant’ Released Early My latest book, “American Peasant,” shipped from the printer 10 days early and will arrive in our Covington warehouse on Monday or Tuesday. We’ll open up ordering as soon as we can. The book will be $37. It is the prettiest book I’ve ever written, designed or published. I hope you like it. FWW issue 311 On the Cover of Fine Woodworking I am on the cover of the latest issue of Fin ..read more

We have finally worked out all of the price increases that will take effect on Sunday, July 7. This blog entry is our final reminder. The price increases will also take effect with our retailers in the U.S. and elsewhere. The price increases for books are the result of increased costs of paper and cotton cloth – plus increased labor costs at the printing plants we use in Tennessee and Michigan. Here are the books that will see price increases and the new prices. By Hand & Eye: $51 (a $3 increase) Doormaking & Window-making: $34 (a $6 increase) Campaign Furniture: $51 (a $4 increase) C ..read more

Chris Williams – who worked with John Brown for years and wrote a biography about him – is teaching a Welsh stick chair class in our shop this week. Yesterday, the students saddled their seats. Chris convinced at least a few of them to try his preferred method for rough stock removal: the adze. We caught some of it on video for your viewing pleasure and instruction ..read more

Dusk. Time to head out. The view from Terry’s front porch, looking out across the Cumberland foothills. The following is excerpted from “Backwoods Chairmakers,” by Andrew D. Glenn. Part travelogue, part profile and part how-to, “Backwoods Chairmakers” explores the tradition of the enduring Appalachian ladderback form. Glenn takes you inside the shops of more than 20 makers, with photos and personal interviews about their lives and techniques. Then, Glenn shows you how to make a post-and-rung side chair and rocking chair using the traditional techniques explored in the book. “I think it was a l ..read more