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.

Walnut + Finger-Joints + Etsy = Custom Work

Posted on November 4, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Just as I sent the latest project off to Oregon (antique victorian bookstore bell mount)  I received notification from Etsy that there was a request for a custom item.  For those of you that may not be familiar with Etsy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Finger Joint Box, Tutorial, Types of Boxes, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

From Sketch-Up to Reality

Posted on November 1, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Here’s what the final project looks like before my client applies the finish to it.  It’s always a fulfilling moment when you complete your work and it actually looks like it was envisioned either in your mind, on paper, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Victorian Bookshop Bell, Current Commission, Hand Cut Dovetails, Types of Boxes | Tagged | 2 Comments

Victorian Bell Mount Continued

Posted on October 30, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Well, this project will go down as one that really had me thinking things through even more thoroughly than usual.  I tend to be very detail oriented and have been told I even pre-worry about things — guess that explains … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Victorian Bookshop Bell, Hand Cut Dovetails, Sliding Lid Box | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Antique Victorian Bell Commission

Posted on October 28, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

I love getting projects that are interesting and challenge my woodworking skills.  This is a picture of an antique, Victorian book store bell that will be going on a restored, 110 year old farmhouse in Oregon.  A man found me … Continue reading →

Posted in Antique Victorian Bookshop Bell, Current Commission, Hand Cut Dovetails, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Scrub Plane in Fine Woodworking Magazine

Posted on October 27, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Recently I was honored to have the scrub plane you see in this picture accepted into the Reader’s Gallery section of Fine Woodworking.  The issue is their annual Tools & Shop edition and it should be on the newsstand by … Continue reading →

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Mortises Two Ways

Posted on October 22, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Well, I suppose this title shows you I’ve been watching too many episodes of Chopped where they prepare the mystery basket ingredients two ways!  While finishing up the last series of boxes I needed to cut mortises for the lid … Continue reading →

Posted in Lidded Finger Joint Box, Lidded Finger Joint Box, Tutorial, Types of Boxes | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Macacauba Box Complete

Posted on October 18, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Ever find that whenever you think you’ve completed a project you stop and say “‘except for ……..!”  That’s what just crossed my mind as I put in the title to this post.  I need to line the bottom of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lidded Finger Joint Box, Lidded Finger Joint Box, Types of Boxes, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kaizen Foam

Posted on October 17, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Have you ever wanted to fit something securely into a box or drawer but didn’t have the time, skill, or inclination to go the traditional French Fit style?  Well then, you need to know about Kaizen Foam.  Before I switched … Continue reading →

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Summerlin Art Festival

Posted on October 15, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Well, we did it — our first ever venture into the craft fair world and; over-all, it was a positive experience.  Our goal was to break even financially and we achieved that plus some additional profit.  Since this was our … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft Fair | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Work Continues — Planes, Raised Panels, & Routers

Posted on October 10, 2013 by woodworksbyjohn

Now, that’s what I like seeing — a pile of shavings made with a bronze smooth plane.  No dust or no noise (other than the radio) and a shimmering piece of wood!  What I’m doing here is smoothing both the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lidded Finger Joint Box, Lidded Finger Joint Box, Types of Boxes | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments