This is a sequel to show the unbelievable speed you can achieve ripping by hand in a seated position. Ripping this fast unless you’re super fit is pretty much impossible ..read more

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In the heart of ancient Arabia, where the sun kissed the desert sands and time flowed like the winding rivers, there existed a humble woodworker. His workshop was a sanctuary of craftsmanship—a place where the echoes of chisels and the scent of freshly hewn wood danced in harmony. The walls of his workshop bore witness to countless stories. Tools, aged and worn, hung with purpose—a testament to years of dedication. Each chisel, saw, and plane had etched its mark into the very fabric of the room. The woodworker himself, weathered by the sun and life’s trials, moved with a grace that only exper ..read more

Graham Blackburn, a luminary in the world of woodworking, has left an indelible mark on the craft. Graham embarked on his illustrious woodworking journey over forty years ago. His passion for the craft led him to create custom furniture, write and illustrate books, and share his expertise through teaching and speaking engagements. His dedication to traditional handtool woodworking has left an indelible mark on the woodworking community, inspiring artisans and enthusiasts alike. Let us delve into the rich tapestry of his life and contributions: Early Years and Passion for Woodworking ..read more

Kingshott books and videos were produced in the 1990s, and I still find them to be an invaluable source of information. Today I purchased his book The Workshop: Designing, Building, Equipping Paperback – 1 March 1994. You can’t find it on Amazon but I did find it on Abesbooks, and it was only US$2.75 plus postage so it worked out to be about AU$26. You may be wondering who this character is, right? Well, he was a master cabinetmaker, even though I don’t like to use the term “cabinetmaker” as the term is more in reference to those who make kitchens. He made furniture, and he was darn good at it ..read more

I received an email enquiry about a particular desk, which has left me puzzled. The desk’s unique feature is its back, which is designed with three panels adorned with ripple mouldings, a detail I’ve never encountered before. The intricate ripple mouldings, which require a significant amount of time to create, suggest that the desk was not intended to be placed against a wall but to be viewed from all angles. Another peculiar aspect is that it has a single shelf without any dividers, ruling out the possibility of it being a postal desk. Given the number of history enthusiasts who follow my blo ..read more

Introduction A kerfing plane is a specialised woodworking tool that has gained popularity among woodworkers for its unique functionality and precision. This tool was first introduced by Tom Fidgen in his book “Unplugged Workshop.” Purpose of a Kerfing Plane The primary purpose of a kerfing plane is to cut a kerf, or groove, around the perimeter of a board before re-sawing. This kerf serves as a guide for the saw blade, ensuring a straight and accurate cut. The kerfing plane was designed with the understanding that a saw will follow the path of least resistance. By creating this ..read more

All you need are three pieces of 2×4 and a couple of lengths of hardwood 1×2s. There are no critical dimensions, so just use what you have. For most handsaws, a 18in long appliance is about right. The height of the uprights depends on where you plan to set up the appliance; I aim for the saw teeth to be at elbow height for comfortable sharpening. Cut long machine V notches in the top of each upright, as shown in the sketch, and drill a hole at the point of the V to reduce the chance of splitting. Now bevel two 22in hardwoods 1×2s so that, sandwiched together, they match the angle of the V-not ..read more

The author makes tools for several reasons-to recapture the quality of days gone by, to meet the demands of special applications, and to improve on the designs available from mass producers. The objects shown on the facing page recapture the combined elegance of function and appearance that every first-rate cabinetmaker once expected from his tools. I am probably the only active woodworker with both a Norris and Primus smoothing plane gathering dust on a shelf. The reason for this curious circumstance is that I have built replacements that come much closer to my personal vision of what a plan ..read more