For the past several years I have been forced to start using a walking stick for better balance and stability. When people ask, I tell them that I get unsteady when I drink too much. That usually stops any further questioning. The first one that I made was a salvaged branch from our backyard apricot tree that finally […]
The germ of this post comes from Steven Johnson. You’ve heard of him. If not, get to know him by clicking here to learn more about the Down To Earth Woodworker. Steve wanted to know what music you and I have on our “workshop playlists,” what music puts us in the mood for woodworking and […]
No Southern-fried Southern boy wants to be called a Yankee, but we share the characteristics of shrewdness and thrift. Thus, each month we include a money-saving tip. It’s OK if you call me “cheap.” This is actually a Steven Johnson trick, but I’m pretty sure he gave it to me because he knows I’m constitutionally […]
Welcome to “Tips From Sticks-In-The-Mud Woodshop.” I am a hobbyist, not a professional, someone who loves woodworking, just like you do. I have found some better ways to accomplish tasks in the workshop and look forward to sharing those with you each month, as well as hearing your problem-solving ideas. I’m not sure whether this […]
This weekend, Atlanta is hosting a bunch of woodworkers in town for The Woodworking Show. Highland Woodworking is sharing a booth with SawStop, so if you’re at the show, be sure to stop by and say hello! A few of the show-going woodworkers are also taking advantage of our store’s nearby location and checking it […]
A few years ago I went up to John Campbell Folk School for a class on carving where we were tasked with carving the head of a full size carousel horse. The instructor was excellent and brought several beautiful carousel horses for us to go by. He gave us a pattern for the head and a […]
The spokeshave can be a very valuable tool to have in your kit, and I have a technique of sorts that you may wish to try, especially if you are struggling or have ever struggled with this tool. Before I share the tip, lets briefly go over a few things that in my mind are mandatory […]