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As Handworks 2017 in Amana Iowa quickly approaches I thought I would share/promote why I think people need to go. Handworks is a two day event that takes place this year on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20 from 10am to 5pm each day. There are so many more reasons than those I list in this little video. It is THE premier event for Handtool woodworking in the US. If you can get there, get there. You won't be disappointed.  And visit their website for more information www.handworks.co  Don't forget to register online to be eligible for door prizes at the event. You must register before the ev ..read more

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I just started a Letter Carving series on my YouTube channel today and just wanted to spread the word.   As a sign maker I carve letters almost everyday, and though the process is somewhat mechanical, it is always enjoyable. My aim for this series is to provide a resource that teaches the entire process of letter carving step by step. The series will cover all the main components of letters (vertical, horizontal, curves, junctions, serif's etc...), tool selection, carving techniques, does and don't, proper letter layout, and small letters vs. large letter carving. The first two letter carving ..read more

During the past week I have uploaded 3 NEW Videos to my Woodcarving with Bill channel over on YouTube. This entire process at this point is to lay a solid foundation for woodcarving. Yes, that includes learning to sharpen all the different types of tools used in carving. Once the foundation is complete, within a week or two, then the projects will begin to flow.     Some may ask, "Why make the sharpening videos? Why the basic stuff? Isn't enough of that out there already?"   Yes, yes it is. I own dozens of books that show how to sharpen, hold the tools, and use them for basic tasks. And there ..read more

​Another quick update on the workbench.  I do believe I developed an easy fix and improvement for the Veritas Inset Vise, and I added some drawers to the bench. And .......... Nicholson VS Roubo?????       I'll address that too ..read more

Check out the new channel all about woodcarving. Woodcarving with Bill There are already two videos on the channel, Intro to Sharpening and Sharpening the Double Bevel Chisel.  Once I get all the sharpening videos done I plan on putting out some letter carving videos and some fun beginner projects. Setting up a new channel takes time, but those more advanced projects will be right around the corner.  Don't forget to subscribe to this new channel to stay up to date on new releases and please spread the word ..read more

It has been three years since I completed this Split Top Roubo and a few things have changed.  If for no other reason I would ask you watch this video to see how the Veritas Inset Vise is working out. I am surprised at what has been happening with it over the past year or so, you'll have to watch the video to find out what that is.  Hopefully this video will answer the majority of questions I get regarding this workbench.  Thanks for stopping by, and if you have any experiences regarding the Veritas Inset Vise let me know, I'd like to hear how it is working for others ..read more

This is a quick video response to a viewer question I received regarding a used wooden fillister plane. The sole wasn't flat and the side wasn't square to the sole.  Is that an issue? Does it need to be fixed? How important is that really? And if I wanted to fix it, what should I look out for?  And if you notice, Yes, this is an alternative YouTube channel (Bill's VLog). This channel is in it's infancy right now, but it will be for all shop updates, Q&A's, and around the shop tips tricks and helpful hints. Basically, more show and tell than building or making things. I know some people li ..read more

This was a fun project for my daughter. Made from Cedar and a little Redwood, some old clock hardware, and a little imagination.  Enjoy the video. Don't forget to Subscribe, comment, share, like, and follow me on other social media's.  ​https://youtu.be/AsOz6fx9SNE ..read more