Author Archives: Greg Merritt

Practice with the Uzukuri-Part 2

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Greg Merritt

In Part 1 of this this series David asked a question: “Knowing what you know now does the purchase of the three Uzukuri look like a good investment or do you think you could have made home made ones?” When … Continue reading →

Posted in Finishing | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Japanese Toolbox-Progress 3

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Greg Merritt

The next steps in the toolbox build was to prep the bottom board and assemble the basic box.  The bottom board starts as at 3/4″ thick and needs to be thicknessed down to 1/2″.  If you’ve not tackled this operation because you … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese Toolbox | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Practice with the Uzukuri-Part 1

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I’m taking the opportunity to practice using the uzukuri while building my Japanese style toolbox.  Well “practice” may be a little misleading.  I don’t really have a clue how these tools are supposed to be used beyond “rub them on … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Finishing | Tagged , | 21 Comments

Japanese Toolbox-Progress 2

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Greg Merritt

There are two home centers in my local area, Lowes and Home Depot.  So I decided to look at both locations for the best deal regarding price and quality of material. My first stop was Lowes.  They sell the infamous … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese Toolbox | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Japanese Toolbox-Progress 1A

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Almost all of the drawings that I post here on my blog are based upon proportions.  I like using proportions because it makes scaling a project far easier.  I did the same with the Japanese Toolbox project.  I approached this … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese Toolbox | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Japanese Toolbox-Progress 1

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Toshio Odate outlined the construction of a simple toolbox in his book, “Japanese Woodworking Tools:Their Tradition, Spirit and Use“.  It’s a simple affair nailed together with built-in handles at each end and an ingenious sliding lid.  An elegant and inexpensive solution … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese Toolbox | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

HB Tansu #3-Progress 20-Complete

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I’m calling it done! Over the last several days I have been adding the finishing touches to Hillbilly Tansu #3.  Primarily, the actual finish.   I used several coats of Tried & True Original which is a mixture of polymerised linseed … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-002 | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

At the Altars of Flat, Smooth and Texture

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I’ve been working wood off and on for well over two decades now.  Since day one I’ve worshiped at the altars of flat and smooth.  Everything I read and saw told me that finished surfaces should be just that, flat … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Finishing | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

HB Tansu #3-Progress 19

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Genius, lunacy or somewhere in the middle?  Committed, yes.  Needs committed??? Part 18 Greg Merritt Part 20  

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-002 | Tagged , | 5 Comments

HB Tansu #3-Progress 18

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Over the past week and this weekend I was able to acquire the needed material and complete the construction of the remaining three drawers.  I was also able to cut, fit and install all of the drawer bottoms.  There is … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-002 | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments