The 2010 Sawdust Chronicles Challenge

Nothing like waiting to the last minute. We are 20 days into the challenge and what have I accomplished? It seems like nothing. My designs are taking up space in the already crowded brain. After going to the sketch pad and looking at some of the drawings and ideals that I have had in the past, one item sticks with me. I keep coming back to this one design that I would like to do. The concern that I have is that it is going to be a challenge to keep withing the constraints, 32 x 32 x 30.

So just what has one contestant done:

• I have researched every one that Niel has talked about.
• Attended a Herman Miller exhibit. Which by the way had some Wendall Castle, Stickley and others on display.
• Keep revisiting the sketch book and doing more drawings.
• At the encouragement of Paul, Aka The Tiny Little Guy, Downloaded Sketch book and played with it for 2 minutes before closing it out.
• Keep thinking on how to do it - the best way, use of negative space, surface (s), jointery, etc

Time table:

Monday 9/20 Make up a mock up using cardboard, etc

Wednesday 9/22 Maybe get supplies, work on layout, mill some stock?
Thursday 9/23 Start assembly of the lower unit.
Friday 9/24 Finish lower unit assembly?


Keep checking back has I should be able to provide pictures and info about the build.

Sawdust Chronicles 2010 Build Challenge

Oh boy! Have I done it now. This sounded like a good idea at the time - over at the Sawdust Chronicles they have a Build Challenge going on. The theme is surface. Since I received the email very early Wednesday morning I have been burning up brain cells trying to figure out what to make. I came up with a design earlier this year that I would like to build. Still not happy with it, I've tried to come up with some other solutions. Lets just say the new sketch pad is looking pretty used these days. I have the basic design down - now comes the challenge part putting it into the cube shape dimensions given to us. Also I have some joints that one will have to figure out how to attach to some part. Can't say too much until the build gets underway. Then I'll post some pictures. If you know me and my tastes, you will know that this is way outside my comfort zone.

Lots of work still remains before hitting the shop - another day or two of drawing/dimensioning, figuring out materials, checking to see what I need and have. The only bad part of this, is I don't think I'm going to have to buy any tools. Someone was hoping to convince the wife that some new tools are needed for the challenge. Maybe someone should just buy them and if she asks, I have a prepared statement, "Rick Waters over at the Sawdust Chronicles told me I could spend $900.00 on tools."

Incra Miter Gauge V27

Tool used on: Sears 10" table saw approx. 23 yrs old, original v-belt.

Blade: Thick kerf Freud Rip Blade & Thin kerf Freud Combo Blade.

Test wood: Maple, Oak, plywood and many others types.

This review is long over due. I purchased the item last fall while it was on sale at Woodcraft. Currently, I'm unable to upgrade my current table saw. As a result, I've been finding accessories to upgrade it.

The miter gauge that came with the saw needed to be adjusted every year or so depending on how much I used it. Also over time the miter gauge has become sloppy in the miter gauge track. One more reason was trying to set an angle and tighten it down with out moving the gauge was a trick.

As soon as it arrived, I was like a child at Christmas, ripping and tearing open the package. Throwing the directions aside, I ran to the shop with it. The T-miter gauge adapter needed to be removed in order to use it in an American tool. The T-adapter is easy to remove after taking out one Phillips head screw. It would then fit in a conventional 3/4" x 3/8" miter gauge slot on the table saw, bandsaw and the router table equiped with the Inca miter gauge track.

Four little discs will adjust the miter gauge in the miter slot. This holds it in place keeping it from being sloppy. The first cut was a 90' cut and works great, futher testing showed that it was accurate on each pre-set angle cut. There are "rapid set" notches every 5' and at 22.5' If you need a cut on a single degree, loosen the push knob and set it to the desired angle and tighten the knob down.

Features as listed by Woodcraft:

Discover the newest and most affordable addition to Incra's popular line of precision, state-of-the-art Miter Gauges. The V27 is engineered to provide a high performance, yet low cost upgrade to your table saw, band saw, router table, disk sander, belt sander or any other tool in need of a better Miter Gauge. Like all Incra Miter Gauges, the V27 delivers extreme miter cutting accuracy through the advanced combination of Incra's exclusive AngleLOCK™ indexing system and its patented Adjustable GlideLOCK™ Miter Bar.

• 27 Precision V-Stops are laser-cut in solid steel to lock-in angles at exact 5° steps over a full 120° range, with special stops at plus & minus 22.5°
• An oversized clamping knob allows cutting angles to be securely set anywhere between 5° stops
• Four patented expansion disks adjust the GlideLOCK™ Miter Bar for zero side play, anti-friction travel on all shop tools with standard (or near standard) miter gauge channels
• All of the V27's incredible precision will actually show up in your work because the bar can't wiggle around in the slot
• Vertical work support surface doubles as a Universal Mounting Bracket that makes it easy to add just about any fence if you ever need one

Ease of use: This is a very easy to use item, good directions, and is a great addition to the shop. If I had to, I would buy another one. Accurate right out of the package.

Craftsman Studio

In looking for Hock plane blades, I ran acrossed The Craftsman Studio. They have the best prices that I found for Hock blades. So I took a chance and ordered from them. They are located in San Diego, CA and we're located in Central Square, NY. Surprisingly, the order was received 4 days after placing it. I'm impressed with the company and will be doing some future business with them real soon. . . like later this week. It should also be noted that there was no shipping charges for this item. Doing a quick price check of some items, they, The Craftsman Studio is less expensive than the big woodworking stores.

Welcome to Post and Beam. This is were modern wood working meets traditional wood working. As if I don't already have enough things to do, I'm now starting a blog. Having been a woodworker for 31 years, WOW! that makes me sound old. I must have started as a neonatal. WOW! I'm really going to have to change that, that really makes me old. I am having problems coping with my own mortality. So many things to do and so little time (and money).

I have always enjoyed wood working and remolding. Back in the mid 1980's I was offered a job by a man in Marshall Michigan. At that time I had declined it. In retrospect maybe I should have accepted it.

Currently, I am in the health care field. Doesn't this sound familiar? Just like Matt Vanderlist and Marc Spagnuolo.

I became interested in woodworking thanks to Mr. Coppola my 7th grade Industrial Arts teacher. Starting in junior high school, I have continued throughout life. I started woodworking as a hobby and have read books and magazines I could. Over the years I took a few classes here and there. For the most part I am self taught.