Category Archives: 5-Tools

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 →

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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 →

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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

Sometimes its Just a Box

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Greg Merritt

My next project will be a “Japanese” toolbox.  I know, I know Chris Schwarz is building one too.  I feel like a Johnny-come-lately or a bandwagon jumper with this, but I assure you that I am not.  I have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese Toolbox | Tagged | 18 Comments

Plane Perseverance-Part 1

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Greg Merritt

My affinity for Japanese tools and methods began several years ago when I first read Scott Landis’ “The Workbench Book” that  I had checked out of the local library.  For you younger readers, the library is how us old folks … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | Tagged | 9 Comments

Cleaning Day and Tool Storage

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Today was all about cleaning the shop.  I’m pretty good at always wiping down my tools and putting them away.  Sweeping up the shavings…not so much.  The shavings were close to knee deep, so something had to be done before … Continue reading →

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

Cheap Clamps-the Ties that Bind

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I’ve turned my attention to turning scraps into pencil boxes while I wait for successive coats of BLO to dry on HB Tansu #2.  The offcuts left over from building the drawers is perfect for these pencil boxes.  I’m working … Continue reading →

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Build Yourself a Sumi Pot (Sumitsubo?)-Part 3

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Greg Merritt

My little sumi pot is complete.  Over the last few days I added a couple of coats of Tried and True original finish and then finally a coat of paste wax to the outside surfaces.  I like the way it … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Sumitsubo-Sumi Pot | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Build Yourself a Sumi Pot (Sumitsubo?)-Part 2

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Greg Merritt

After a few hours of carving, actually let’s call it whittling because I wouldn’t call what I do carving, my sumitsubo is a little more refined.  It may actually look like a koi fish!  I would like to point out … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Sumitsubo-Sumi Pot | Tagged | 9 Comments

Build Yourself a Sumi Pot (Sumitsubo?)-Part 1

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The sumitsubo, literally ink-pot, is a traditional Japanese layout tool.  It works much like a standard chalk line except that it uses ink in place of the chalk and the line is made of silk.  You can see several examples … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Sumitsubo-Sumi Pot | Tagged , , | 12 Comments