Category Archives: Thoughts-Views

The Art of Hand Washing Dishes

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I am utterly saddened by the number of people who rely on an electric dishwashing appliance to clean their dishes on a daily basis.  This trend is causing the art of hand washing to quickly fade and it is in danger of … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 23 Comments

Article Series on Japanese Joinery

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Greg Merritt

If you have an interest in Japanese joinery or joinery in general, then I would like to point you to an article series by John Bullar.  Mr. Bullar is writing this article series about Japanese joinery for: Furniture & Cabinetmaking magazine. Mr. Bullar … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 19 Comments

Starting Out Naked

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I don’t think there has been a better time to for someone to start wood working in over a hundred years.  At least for hand tool woodworking.  Quality tools are once again being manufactured and the internet gives us unprecedented … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Heavy Handed Woodworker?

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Greg Merritt

If you work with hand saws then you’ve heard the oft repeated mantra: “Let the saw do the work.” Makes sense.  The problem is that it can’t be taught.  Told, yes, taught, no.  It is one of those things that … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged | 23 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

45 Trips around the Sun and a Goal for Trip 46

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Today marks the anniversary of my making it around the sun 45 times.  Sometimes it seems like that number should be much higher.  Other times it feels like the blink of an eye.  There has been bad and good with … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged | 21 Comments

Thank You Stan!

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Twenty some years ago, when my now wife and I first got together I met Stan, my future father in law.  He greeted me like we were long time friends who just hadn’t seen each other for a while.  Here … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | 27 Comments

Integrity vs. Compromise

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Greg Merritt

My goal is to build or make all of my projects to the best of my ability. I think we all share that goal. I don’t think any of us set out to do a poor job. What happens along … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | 18 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

Why is it called the Hillbilly Tansu?

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Someone asked me today why I’m calling my current project the Hillbilly Tansu.  In short, it’s a Japanese inspired cabinet/chest being built by a hillbilly. According to Merriam Webster a hillbilly is defined as: a person who lives in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Thoughts-Views | Tagged | 11 Comments