epirnik

For me, it all comes down to watching others at work - especially working with other folks - with greater technical ability than myself - in the shop, at the same time.

-Ed

Kelly, this is great! Gave me some inspiration for an oversized framing project I've been working on .

Cheers,

-Ed

I think that perhaps the bottom line is: nobody's suggesting CNC machines will take the place of a knowledgable craftsperson. It's more about knowing when to employ this technology and when to say "it's not necessary." Like many things in life.

I think I'd pose the question: "Is FINE WOODWORKING ready for CNC machines?" LOL

Hi gizmoman: I have a copy of Hoadley's book sitting right here at my desk. I'll see what I can find and post more information in the comments section.

Cheers and thanks!

-Ed

ClifP - that's a wild story. It reminds of the house my father grew up in. It was a simple two-story row house in a blue collar city in New Jersey - probably built about 1900-1910. When they bought the place in the early fifties, all the moldings were COVERED in goopy white paint. It took my grandparents and my father about five years to completely strip the house and shellac everything. They did an incredible job - as I never saw the slightest remnant of paint on that wood!

Come on, really?! Are you serious? Is someone actually charging money for this?

Hi folks,

Thanks very much for your comments. You hit on a good point, as just other day I was chatting with someone about possibly slowing the FF just a bit. Thanks for helping to confirm that hunch!

Cheers,

-Ed

PhastEddie,

Were the cans of amber shellac just as old as the clears?

AEW -

Here's the rub with the "ester" theory. Even if the alcohol and acid combined to form and esther, it doesn't explain the buildup of pressure in the can.

When I returned to the hardware store to clue in the shopkeeper, I took him over to a few of the other cans he had in there - all of which had bulging lids. That's a considerable amount of pressure. What is producing all that gas??

Still waiting on a couple of manufacturer explanations. No doubt folks are checking with attorneys, worrying about God knows what. I did of course make it clear that this wasn't their fault. These cans had bene sitting on the shelf for YEARS.

Cheers,

Ed

marzetti,

I tend to disagree. I've used both - premixed and flakes - and to be honest, I've been quite happy with the final product acheived using both products. Of course in the end, this is all subjective.

Cheers,

-Ed

Oh, and I'll be sure to post a quick photo of the now completed picture frames. They're quite nice - a simple, clean design.

AEW's response about forming an ester is one I've heard several times and I suspect there is some truth to it. Not to worry, as I'm in contact with a couple of manufacturers and hope to have an answer for you all quite soon.

Many thanks for all the interesting theories, suggestions and tips. This is exactly what the blog community was meant to provide.

Cheers,
-Ed

I actually posed the question to my father, a microbiologist, and his response was rather similar to that of "davecefai," especially that bit concerning "fermentation" which is what I originally thought might have happened. He had very little in the way of any idea as to what the heck might have caused this.

Anyhow, the frame came out nicely so, in the end, all is well.

Thanks all, for your comments and suggestions.

Cheers,

Ed

Hi Larry,

I haven't returned to the hardware store yet to exchange the can but before I do, I'll have a look at the condition of the inside. I'll let you know what I find.

Luckily, the stained maple came right off with a few passes of the block plane. Phew!

Congratulations RandyW for having won our hand plane. Also, congratulations to crisp3, who won our DVD.

Cheers all!

-Ed

FWW Smackdown!

Hello everyone,

Hmmm, well, it would seem we touched a nerve with this one. When the piece was promoted in the eLetter, the intent was not to be misleading but rather, to come up with an interesting headline to describe the video. We thought it was a great little piece that worked as an inspirational type of video, getting folks fired up to go and build.

I was a bit surprised when I read some of the negative comments here. That said, we take reader feedback pretty seriously around here so, I hope those of you who expressed disappointment understand that your voices were heard.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this post and sorry for the mix-up!

Cheers,

-Ed Pirnik
FWW

"I replace brushes and cords, but by the time a portable tool needs bearings replacement is usually the way to go."

Makes perfect sense to me.

In the past, I've repurposed partially broken tools and home appliances. I've also scavenged old power tools for still-working switches, cords, etc. It's a good idea to keep some of this material on-hand - especially the cords - for easy repairs to other tools.

-Ed

I wouldn't consider it an example of woodworking. While there's a heck of a lot of glue-work and perhaps some sanding and cutting involved, there's no real shaping at work here.

That said, I don't mean to sound disparaging. This work is incredible and a joy to see!

Cheers,

Ed

I can't help but wonder if perhaps this happens more often when striking a newer hammer with an older model. Has the quality of steel changed? The hardening process? Would it be the newer steel causing a chip in the older tool or vice versa? I've heard opinions from both sides of the spectrum. And because of that, I'm building a rig and breaking out the slow-motion camera. With any luck, I'll be able to pull off something interesting. Please keep your fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Ed

Happy Monday folks,

mvflaim, you won yourself a book.

Cheers,
Ed

Hi Koonan: The most positive aspect of Ortiz's book lay in the fact that even if the style of this piece isn't to your taste, it moves you to create. All those photos of luscious bubinga and wenge being milled and shaped really gets the creative juices flowing.

Glad you enjoyed the review.

-Ed

Seeing as how I inhabit the cube next to Matt, I can attest to the fact that he's no Dandy. If I recall correctly, he has a background that includes cage-fighting (I joke).

Well done, Matt.

-Ed

zenon001,

For some jointer/planer-related news, make sure you check out Asa's post on the new spiral cutterheads. It's in my list of updates above.

Cheers,

ed

Is it cool? Yes.

That said, I hope I never encounter one of these things "in the flesh." The creep factor is off-the-meter!

Best,

-Ed

Nice, Ralph!

Hybrid model available, perhaps?

Cheers,

-Ed

Hi Ted,

I just noticed your comment and wanted to keep you folks all up-to-date.

Anissa wasn't able to travel to the show so Editor Asa Christiana will be filling in for her.

Be sure to tell him Ed said hello.

Cheers,

-Ed

Hi shrogers4:

I strongly recommend getting a hold of Hoagy B. Carmichael's book. It is very detailed! I've been reading and re-reading it for nearly 20 years now! A little on the pricey side - since I believe it's long out of print - but really well put together.

Good luck!

-Ed

This post was an absolute pleasure to browse through, Derek.

Many thanks,

-Ed