kenalley

Really nice table. The details are key, and very impressive!

Really like this use of what the tree (lumber) has to offer, and using it imaginatively. I'm always amused by how some woodworkers talk of a piece of woods defects, as opposed to its possibilities. You made something beautiful from a piece of wood that was passed on for ten years. Awesome. The joinery looks really nice, as well. Thanks for sharing...

I really like these video events, but the production is challenging to watch. You might want to have a couple of cameras, but more importantly, the sound is just awful. Perhaps a sound design and production class would help, and having a sound person on staff during these recordings.

I had to turn this one off, after not being able to hear many of the responses with the sound on the player and my computer turned as high as it would go. I know that these are new to your publication, and I'm sure they will only get better, but perhaps spending some time trying out some of these methods before recording them "live" would help the overall quality.

The conversation sounded interesting, but the presentation needs greater attention.

I really like this as a tool used for what it is intended. The kindle is good as a book reader, but lacks the ability to go to the web for info. I could see myself using this device to review videos at fine woodworking on tuning up a saw, and then going through the steps, or for looking at diagrams I've worked on at my computer, and bringing it to the shop.

I like that it is portable--from house to shop. I don't want a dedicated laptop for my shop. I don't work on a laptop, either--I use a desktop computer for its power and for the apps I run all the time--photoshop, illustrator, indesign, etc. The iPad isn't trying to be a phone or a computer, and that is what I like about it. As a tool that is portable, and that will hold a charge for ten hours of use--that is plenty for any shop session. Plug it in at night and let it charge.

I won't use it for on-the-go... an iphone or blackberry is better suited for that. If I'm traveling, though, it can be used with wifi--pretty nice.

I'm not sure it is a perfect device, but what device is. For some, it will be too expensive. That's a choice. For me, it will be a useful tool for the shop, and for web surfing at night on the sofa checking out the tube. If it works for you--get one. If not, pass on it. For me, it is nice having a new choice available, that will work well and will serve its users with what it specifically does, without me worrying too much about what it doesn't do. Pretty cool.

Nice work. I'm sure that your sister was thrilled!

Any chance you'll post a video of one of these events--I'd love to see you go through the process. If not, any dates in the SF Bay area?

I really enjoyed this series of blog entries and watching your process. Was thorough and engaging. A couple of things I'd like to see--a quick materials list with approximate cost of the items. I know you used some pieces you had around, but a general idea of what they might cost would be helpful. Also, what kind of granite did you use, where you got it from, and what the dimensions are for it. Mostly just interested in the details of the project. Also, it would be nice to see a short video of you showing the bench and discussing the various elements of it. Still photos are great, but sometimes a short video can be illuminating. Thanks, ken

Some quality dust collection--either a central system or a cyclone system--would be fantastic. Oh, and for a little more HO HO HO in this season, how about some nice lumber--I'll take some mahogony, red oak, ash, walnut or some cherry!

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a quality table saw, a bandsaw for resawing, a planer to keep those board faces smooth, and a jointer to work the edges... What a happy woodworker I would be if you could drop one of these items off to me this Christmas day! :)

Keeping my tools sharp would be a lot easier with Lee Valley Grinder! Happy Holidays to everyone!

I would love a Veritas no. 4 1/2 smoothing plane--that would be awesome!

I'm new to woodworking and trying to fill in my tools--power and hand--according to what I'm beginning to make. At this point, I would really use a decent table saw and a good 14" bandsaw. Grizzly makes some good medium cost, slightly better than entry-level versions of both from $900-$1100, and I would love either! If santa is cutting back, then I would love a Lie-Nielsen shoulder plane and a number 6 jack plane!