Sneak Peak

A sign of things to come. A dry fit of the project. The final project will have a panel on both top and bottom pieces and therefore look a little different.

Prepping the Column

The center column is relatively complex and not yet finished. The hand planned splined mitre joints have been finished for a while. Now the ends are trimmed at respective 15 and 30 degrees. Holes for wiring.  The edges rounded. A quick sand. The next and more complicated part is the locking mechanism.

Lectern Panel Prep

The lectern project is essentially to carcasses joined by an adjustable column. Each carcass is a dovetailed box sandwiched between two panels. Today I made some headway on the panels. The panels were marked out based on the carcasses +7mm, sawn, planed, and rounded over. 

There's still a little work to go. The bottom bottom panel needed a glue up to make the width. The top bottom panel will need a hole for column cut at 15 degrees.

The Essential Woodworker

Published by Lost Art Press the Essential Woodworker by Robert Wearing is a comprehensive text on hand tool technique and furniture construction. Although the original text is as recent as 1988 the approach of the author along with the embossed hardcover format gives the impression that this is rather a manual arts texts from the 19th centuries. 

The text itself is economical in its use of words making it concise and comprehensive but dense. You're not allowed to simply skim a section as the is plenty of gems in the details. 

The first chapter of the book contains a summary of basic hand tool techniques and maintenance. It logically works through an orientation to each tool, essential maintenance like sharpening and rust prevention, and then application. Although there is the odd reference to machine or power tools the main focus is clearly handtool techniques. It differs from the modern approach of expensive and specific application hand tools to focus on a more traditional approach with a practical collection of tools.

The second section discusses various approaches to basic fourniture constructs such as tables and carcases. The book speaks from experience here. It clearly lays out the variety of approaches both mechanically and stylistically and brief discussion of the pros and cons.

The book is not the easiest to read and I suspect it would be harder to a complete novice. However, it's a book I wish I had when I first started. It would have saved me time, money, and energy spent of tools and furniture that didn't quite work. I'm only half way through and already it's well worth the read.

Organisation in Blue

Improved tool organisation and storage has been a shop goal for 2012. After debating various options I opted for the 101kg of kinchrome contour tool chest/trolley. The appeal of the unit was it has significant drawer space with a relatively small footprint. The case is sturdy, the drawers bearing mounted, and wheels allow mobility. I had a hands on look at the toolbox at the Sydney Wood Show and ordered it online from Just Tools in Melbourne.

Previously I was relying on a system of shelving and 6-7 small tool boxes, with most most important tools in this small supatool chest and stanley travel toolbox.

The top section is the largest area and fits a no 7 bailey plane. 574mm x 460mm x 110mm.

Unlike most tool chest the drawers are deep.160mm x 395mm x 40mm .

Tools can be nicely organised on the 540mm x 395mm x 40mm main drawers.

Eventually I'll install a set of wooden layout dividers to contain the tools. 

It won't fit a panel saw but 14" tenon saws fit like a treat.

 

So far pretty pleased with it... Now to clean up the rest of the shop.

New tool box.. blue and contoured.

I really need to improve my tool storage and organisation. At the moment I have a small tool chest which is over flowing and around 5 other small and irregular shaped boxes hidden around the shop. It's chaos  and it's not good for the tools. 

(Link to Kinchrome Website)

I asked around a few local tool shops and for a variety of reastons got no where ordering the one I wanted. So yesterday I ordered it over the net from Melbourne, should arrive in about 10 days.

Internal Space

Small - 160mm x 395mm x 40mm x 3

Large - 540mm x 395mm x 40mm x 5

Top Area - 574mm x 460mm x 110mm x 1

Small - 540mm x 395mm x 50mm x 5

Large - 540mm x 395mm x 95mm x 2

Side Tray - 175mm x 300mm x 12mmx 2

I know it seems somewhat backward to purchase this immediately after reading Christopher Schwarz's The Anarchist's Toolchest. But I wanted something that tool minimal time to arrange, take up a small footprint in the shop, and be neat and organised.

Sydney Timber & Working with Wood Show

Click for larger image.