Author Archives: woodworksbyjohn

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About woodworksbyjohn

I'm a retired woodshop teacher. I build one of a kind furniture pieces and custom picture frames. You can see some of my currently available work, boxes, carvings through my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodworksbyJohn?ref=si_shop Contact me about your project -- always up for the challenge of unique work.

How I Made a Stone Carvers Bench

This is a modification of the plans created by Don Dougan.  He is a noted stone carver and also an instructor from the Atlanta, Georgia area.  A former client contacted me about this project.   A number of years ago I re-caned … Continue reading

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Carving and Gilding a Cat for a Lid or Plaque

In my last blog about this Etsy custom order I shared my method of making a miter cornered box.  The client requested a copper gilded lid with an image of a cat.  We choose this one from free internet images available from … Continue reading

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How to Make a Mitered Box on the Tablesaw

Now that the Mechanical Cellarette can be put on the completed list it’s time to concentrate on a custom order for an Etsy client.  This particular order has been one I’ve been doing convo’s on for quite a while.  The … Continue reading

Posted in Carved LId, Carving, Etsy custom order, Gilding, Jess'sCatBox, Mitered Box, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mechanical Cellarette Complete

With the help of my friend Randy, and a rented truck from U-Haul the Cellarette made its way home.  After about 115 hours of actual work and countless hours of planning and worrying I’m very pleased to have it complete. … Continue reading

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Mechanical Cellarette — Final Details

I’ve used this before in my writing but it’s worth repeating!  Many years ago Diane and I were having a discussion about her paintings and she told me that: “I work until I get to a problem area, solve that, … Continue reading

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Now where is my tape measure? — Time to clean!

  I tend to keep a pretty clean shop, something needed when it’s as compact in size as mine is.  As a general rule, everything is in it’s place, that’s how I function the best.  However; when you can’t find … Continue reading

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TGIF: Assembled — Can’t Wait until Tomorrow!

  I’ve mentioned the stress of glue ups and this one was no exception.  Before I get into that though I’d like to share this picture showing the first coat of the Tried & True, Danish oil on the top. … Continue reading

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Finally, Glue Up of Bubinga Frame and Panel

It always seems to take a long time between the start of a project to the assembly of some of its pieces.  The first goal, after milling the lumber to approximate dimensions, was to assemble the top.  The rest of … Continue reading

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Creating the Panel & Frame: Mechanical Cellarette

The last post on the Mechanical Cellarette found the top of the unit ready for final details.  This is one of those projects where I have the artistic license to adjust the sizes a bit to utilize the available lumber. … Continue reading

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Hand Tool Class Ends

We just wrapped up the 6 week Hand Tool class at Wooditis here in Las Vegas.  Wooditis is a great place where woodworkers from all over the valley come to learn the craft.  The owner, Jamie Yocono,  has really developed her school … Continue reading

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