Author Archives: Greg Merritt

Hillbilly Tansu Handle Rail

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Some, not all, but some, of my intended chest designs will require handles for lifting.  I could go the standard route and purchase handles.  Where’s the fun in that?  So I’ll be creating my own, much along the same lines … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Illustrating, Knot Tying | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Thicknessing with the Magic Jig

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Greg Merritt

OK, magic may be a little bit over the top, but this thing works great.  The plan for the Hillbilly Tansu designs call for the frame stock to be 36mm square.  The more consistent the pieces are to size, the … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Marking Gauge

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Greg Merritt

While working through the design elements of the Hillbilly Tansu I paid particular attention to how the joinery was laid out.  The last thing I wanted to do was create something that would require multiple gauges and several different tool … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Side Bearer

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Greg Merritt

So I’ve shown the front and rear bearers now I ‘ll show how I plan to connect the two.  The joinery is really very simple.  A full length groove and two stub tenons.  These pieces will complete the enclosure of … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hillbilly Tansu Rear Bearer

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Directly opposite of the front bearer in the Hillbilly Tansu is, you guessed it, the rear bearer.  This element of the assembly will tie the two rear posts together and provide attachment points for the side bearers and the dust … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Back on the Grid and a Carcass Laid Bare

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The power company has me reconnected to the grid.  It’s amazing how dependent I am on electricity.  It’s a little scary, actually.  But that is the life we live now.  Anyway, glad to have the electrons flowing again. I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Design | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Offline for a Few Days

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Greg Merritt

We had a fairly robust storm roll through my neck of the woods yesterday afternoon.  It took out trees and power lines with reckless regard.  As a result several thousand people in my area are without power, myself included, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | 8 Comments

What a Mess!

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I have a bad habit of not cleaning the shop while I’m working on a large project.  I could make all sorts of excuses for my behavior, but I really need to do better.  Thankfully the weather this weekend was … Continue reading →

Posted in 8-Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 5 Comments

It’s the Last Things

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Greg Merritt

It’s always the little things that make the difference.  One last pass with the plane can turn an OK surface into a pristine one.  One last thin shaving can make a tight tenon fit perfectly.  In this instance its one … Continue reading →

Posted in End Tables, Finishing | Tagged , | 12 Comments

End Tables Part 13 – Done!

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Greg Merritt

  Whew!  These tables are now moved into the done column.  This has been a long and drawn out build for me and taxed the confines of my small shop.  I actually had to move the bases into the house … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, End Tables, Finishing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments