MikeIke

Beautifully done!

Very thought provoking result! It looks as if it would conform easily to the one sitting in it!

I have built things for my kids in my woodworking pursuits, and I think it's time to take it to the next level. A canoe can be enjoyed by them and their children. Let's us come up to speed on the construction of one of these, and get busy!

First saw this with Norm Abram some 12-15 years ago. Tried it and liked it. Then I learned some other techniques. I think it is a technique you can reach for in certain conditions, but I would only recommend it to somebody highly experienced, and highly safety conscious. I like having several ways to do it, and therefore have the option to fit the circumstances with the technique best suited to it. My own mentor and teacher never showed me this, and I suspect it was due to safety. My vote would be to leave it out of an issue except for a master class type piece, and only with an abundance of safety warnings about this technique. An experienced guy makes this look easy. I would not show my wife or kids this technique, and then turn them loose on a saw with it-they are rank beginners. The same thing could happen to a rank beginner who looks at such an article, and runs out to try it. It makes me shudder to think.

This is YOUR workpiece? No there must be some mistake- I put this hole in here for my router table..........

Build a good jig for challenging cuts, especially tapers. NEVER buy one of those hinged adjustable stamped metal ones that look like a long compass. Those things are kickback inducing, can cause you to run your fingers too close to the blade, etc. I advocate building a miter slot guided sled with adjustable support battens and toggle clamps for taper cuts. You must include hand holds that are safely placed. Make your jig a safety device disguised as a precision device! Thanks!

I love to obtain a fine result however I need to. I can do things I am not capable of with hand tools on my tablesaw. But, I can do other things with a surgically sharpened Sorby chisel that I cannot do by machine. I love to hit the balance. I derive pleasure from both disciplines. I can produce fine work and immense satisfaction from both disciplines. What I intensely dislike is elitism and aloofness that would have me feel small because I do something else. It is the kind of thing that taints my other interests- music, cycling, etc. I built my own muzzle loading rifle 20 years ago- took a couple of deer with it. Took a couple more with a modern weapon. Result was the same- harvetsted my own, dressed and butchered my own, at it, tanned the hide, etc. Lots of satisfaction and good eating. But, don't make me feel badly because I chose one way over the other.

I am blessed with a wonderful shop, a settee nearing completion, and a signficant number of prospects who want me to build them tables. I'd love to have another source of ideas, design guidance, and readily available knowledge.