Category Archives: 5-Tools

Tied to the Whipping Post

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Greg Merritt

To quote The Allman Brothers Band, “sometimes I feel like I’m tied to the whipping post”. I look forward to Saturdays.  Especially when I can spend the whole day in the shop.  Today was supposed to be one of those … Continue reading →

Posted in Plane Tote Repair | 11 Comments

Bench Upgrade and Maintenance

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Greg Merritt

My shop time was limited this weekend.  There was grass to mow and several other household related things that needed doing.  Since I just completed a fairly large project, I’ve been making notes.  Some have to do with the construction … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | 11 Comments

My Thoughts on Liquid Hide Glue

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Greg Merritt

When I designed the Hillbilly Tansu, I made a concerted effort to make it modular.  Even so, it became apparent that glue-ups would be challenging.  Lots of joints needed to be seated with each stage of construction.  Experience tells me … Continue reading →

Posted in Hide Glue, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 16 Comments

My Groovy Secret Weapon

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Greg Merritt

There are 35 grooves in the HB Tansu case construction.  That’s a lot of grooves to plow for one project.  If you’ve used a plow plane then you know that one momentary laps of concentration can have disastrous results.  If … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | Tagged , , | 11 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

Build Yourself a Sokozarai-Nomi (Bottom Cleaning) Chisel

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Greg Merritt

My Hillbilly Tansu project requires the chopping of several narrow and deep mortises.  6mm(W)x18mm(L)x24mm(D) to be exact.  Clearing the waste from these mortises is difficult to say the least.  There is almost no room to lever out any of the waste … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery, Illustrating, Sokozarai-Nomi (Bottom Cleaning) Chisel | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Chisel Lust Follow Up

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Let me thank all of you who took the time to post your thoughts on chisels. I haven’t done anything rash yet but I have taken a hard look at chisels, steel and reviews. I am surprised that so many commented … Continue reading →

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

Tool Lust of the Chisel Persuasion

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I do not own any “high-end” tools.  I have quality tools that consist of a mix of old, new and user built.  I have vintage Stanley, vintage Record, a WoodRiver and user built planes.  I have vintage saws, a couple … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

End Tables Part 10

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I managed to get two panels edged and glued together.  Which means I promptly ran out of clamps.  So while those are curing I’m on hold until tomorrow for the other two panels.  I’m not sure why, but I do … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Design, End Tables | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Build Yourself a Fid

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The fid is a simple shaping project that will yield a very useful tool if you are going to undertake knot tying.  In my layout 1/4D=6mm chisel.  You can use 1/4″-3/8″ or 6mm-10mm chisel to set the width of 1/4D.  Then … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Fid, Illustrating, Knot Tying | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments