Left Over Parts makes Nice Coffee Table

   What can I do with these legs from that butcher block I repaired?  What can I do with these old pallet boards. Hmmm..... and these clunky old square headed lag bolts.

  Looks like a coffee table to me. Lets say 39" long x 22"wide and 18" high.

And just say the magic words 'ala-asparagus-and-brusselsprout-sandwiches' and there it is.

This table is for sale at a real good price.

As always
Thanks for looking
Ken

Refinishing an Oak Table Top.

  Here's to Anne Marie, thanks for calling on me to do this job for you. Nice change of pace for me.
Nice 36 inch round oak table that has to leafs to extend to 5 feet long. Quite well built I must say.
I believe it stands on a single pedestal. Not absolutely sure as I have only seen the top.

 Oak table top stripping happening here.

 Then stained then a few coats of polyurethane.

Looking good. Don't worry it is still the same color the photos were taken under different light.

Ready to go Anne Marie.

As always thanks for reading
Ken

A Day in the One Man Shop, Well most Days.

 Woodworking in a small shop making items one at a time is not just a job but a lifestyle.

  I cherish the ability to stop what i am doing to address a situation as it arises in everyday life. The trade off is you may find yourself in the shop at odd hours when working on a commission.

  I've woken early in the morning, feeling refreshed I head out to the the shop. Work a few hours, come in and see everyone as they rise for the day. Get in a little small talk and a hug before they head out for the day. I really like that.

  I've also woken late, guess I needed the rest. I can start a little later today. It's alright with the boss.

  Following the morning break is a good time to take Jack (our giant yellow lab) for a walk. More for my health than his. Then return to the shop where the dog takes a nap in front of the table saw. I always strive to have some handwork for this time of the day. Jack is 13 years old and I hate to disturb his slumber.

  I try to stop each day for a light lunch. A little 10 minute snooze and back out to the shop.

  I am usually working away busily in the late afternoon as the family returns home. Nice to take a moment and chat with them about their day.

  It can be lonely working in the shop by yourself. Isn't that right Ken. As long as I don't answer the doctor says it's fine.  It's okay really though. I grew up without siblings so being on my own for stretches of time isn't that difficult for me.

  I like it when anyone visits my shop. Wow is usually the first word they say. Most people think a huge shop is required to make furniture. Not so, I can do all sorts of work in this 400 square foot shop.

  On rare occasions during a good song rolling out of the stereo I kind of stop and do a little jig to the likes of Johnny Cash or Stompin Tom. Then it's back to work, if I can call it that.

  Most days I wrap up around 5:30 to 6:00 so I can eat dinner with Shannon and Alex when Alex is home. On some days I do go back in for an hour or so to prep things for the next day.

  It's a restful routine actually. I hope to carry on for many years to come if I can be so lucky.

If ever you have me make something for you, just remember, it was truly a pleasure to work for you.

thanks for reading
and have a great day
Ken

What Makes a Sucessful Woodworker or does a Woodchuck just Chuck Wood.

While working today a thought flashed into my mind. When is a woodworker considered to be a successful woodworker? Never really thought much of it before.
I am thinking of someone who works this craft as a way to make money, yes a professional.

Many hobby woodworkers do great work but it is not their main source of income.

   Most professional woodworkers write articles for magazines to supplement their income. Some teach at schools for extra income or they are just sought after for their special skill sets.

   A long time ago I would say success is measured by the amount of work they can produce.
Not so long ago it would be measured by the amount of any style work produced with a profitable return for said work.

  How about amount of profitable work that has that heirloom quality look and feel.

  Profitable work that is heirloom quality for the masses.

 Scrub that last statement as it can only be finite.

   A successful woodworker can only judge success for themselves. I see lots of successful looking woodworkers on the internet but are they a slave or the master. Most I look up to have mastered their way of living to include woodworking as part of their daily life. Lots of work to build good, not very much, well cut some firewood. If you are skilled and honest, work will find you soon enough.

  How much one can produce is really just a small part of the picture. What pieces they make are what really counts to them as much as the client.

  In my case I try to make a quality piece with proportional beauty as best I possibly can today with what I have.
When you look at that piece it is really a reflection of me. A reflection of my mood, health, family happiness and my mental state. Not just my skill level and good wood selection.

    The woodworker likes wood. They examine the wood to make the best use of what it has to offer. If the piece is not satisfactory, put it down and find another. A piece put aside today may be perfect for the next time.
 The woodworker must remember to reach beyond their comfort level now and then so they can grow.
 A conscientious woodworker will refer you to someone they trust if the client is asking for something that is beyond his skill level or they do not have the tools to build such items.

Most important to me a woodworker must teach at least one other what they know about working wood. 

How about using your skill and place of work to help others in ways beyond making objects for them?

  I challenge anyone physically capable to come in and make a spoon and spatula out of wood. I will instruct you to safely use the two necessary tools and give you the confidence to use them. Ten  minutes or so after the instructions you will barely notice there is anything happening beyond the walls of the shop space. After 2 hours you will feel refreshed and focused. I am sure of it.

  The woodworker should educate people who will listen about the differences about hand made furniture and mass production to further the appreciation of hand crafted items. You can buy furniture where ever you like but if you ask me I will give you my honest opinion.

  The woodworker should be tactful when talking to clients about furniture. For example,  DO NOT use a clients 1920's era china cabinet given to them by Aunt Myrtle which they consider a priceless masterpiece made of solid mahogany from England and give them the bad news that it was probably made in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the great furniture rush and show them the proof through all the design flaws and short cuts, terrible veneering and the inspected by number 09 sticker under the drawer.

You will probably find yourself in a prone position on their front lawn maybe followed by the china cabinet landing on your back.

Even still a woodworker must be brave and sure and maybe a little athletic.

Some will say there is much more than what I have written here and I am sure there is. I don't know everything about this craft, you learn something different almost every day.

After many life altering events a man once said, "One truly knows it all when they realize they rarely understand anything." That's mine, you can use it if you want.


 Woodworking in a small shop making items one at a time is not just a job to me but a lifestyle.
A lifestyle that is often rewarding far beyond the work itself.

Thanks for reading
Ken