Category Archives: Thoughts-Views

The Magic Attic-Mahogany 

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Greg Merritt

If you have been following along for very long then you have heard me make mention of my magic attic.  When we moved into this house, just over two years ago, I discovered that the previous owner had left behind … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 16 Comments

Pole Lathe Notes-3

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Greg Merritt

Well the leather sewing machine belt drive cord gave up the ghost.  A little disappointing that it only lasted about three weeks of moderate use.  Rather than waste my remaining leather cord, I made a trip to the Big Box … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Spring Pole Lathe, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Pole Lathe Notes-2

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Greg Merritt

The pole lathe takes a little getting used too.  Even more so since I’m trying to learn to use it and learn to turn simultaneously.  It took me a couple of hours to develop a rhythm and feel for the … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Spring Pole Lathe, Thoughts-Views | 6 Comments

Pole Lathe Notes-1

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Greg Merritt

This will be a first in a series of ongoing post as I learn to use the spring pole lathe.  These posts will be mostly for my own journaling purposes, but it may prove useful to others as well. When … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Spring Pole Lathe, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Training

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Greg Merritt

The best way I know to learn a new skill is through repetition, lots of repetition.  My ultimate goal is to transition over to using the Japanese plane (kanna) exclusively in my woodworking.  However there are several challenges that must … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Kanna, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Tools—

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Greg Merritt

When I started this blog I made a conscious decision to talk about tools as little as possible.  There are enough people, far more knowledgable than I, who are talking about tools.  I’ve always wanted the focus to be on … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Thoughts-Views | 19 Comments

Wabi-Sabi-ish

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Greg Merritt

I’ll probably get myself in trouble with this one.  I’ve not formally studied design nor Japanese philosophy, but here goes anyway. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese design element/philosophy that essentially finds beauty in the imperfections of an object.  Those imperfections can … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Thoughts-Views | Tagged | 15 Comments

Essential Woodworking Hand Tools-a Review

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Greg Merritt

I have followed Paul Sellers’ blog for quite some time now.  When he announced his online woodworking instruction course, Woodworking Masterclasses, I eagerly joined and have been a member since the first project.  As a result, my skills as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

The Anarchist’s Design Book-First Thoughts

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Greg Merritt

I have eagerly awaited the arrival of Christopher Schwarz’ latest book, The “Anarchist’s Design Book“, since he first hinted at it with the working title “Furniture of Necessity” way back in 2012.  The term vernacular furniture was bantered about in … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Reader Submitted Projects

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Greg Merritt

I started this blog to share what I do.  My hope being that in some way it would encourage others to get out into the shop and make things themselves.  I have basic tools and try to use materials that are … Continue reading →

Posted in 9-Reader Submitted Photos, Thoughts-Views | 3 Comments