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 Box Sliding Tray and Miscellaneous

Here is the first view of the box with the Ebony lid lift in place.  There was an entire sequence of pictures taken to illustrate the process that went into not only forming this lift but also showing the progress … Continue reading

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Assembled but Still a Ways to Go!

Assembling projects is always a stressful time and I believe most woodworkers tend to agree with me about that.  Think about it; all of your work and effort up to this point can be ruined with one bad assembly error! … Continue reading

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Walnut + Finger-Joints + Etsy = Custom Work

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

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From Sketch-Up to Reality

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

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

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Antique Victorian Bell Commission

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

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Scrub Plane in Fine Woodworking Magazine

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

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

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

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Kaizen Foam

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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