scicdad

Ronald Scicluna, Winchester, VA, US
member

Father of 4, grandfather of 6. Started woodworking in 1998 when I found a wooden train kit at Rockler to build with my 9 yr old son. As a result I began to acquire tools appopriate to do a proper job with that train set.
I was hooked on woodworking and began to purchase some serious tools and equipment. My shop today is complete with both power tools and hand tools - many of them are vintage pieces. My prized possession is a mid-19th century cabinet-maker's bench. It plays a major role in my woodworking activities.

I have attended the school of trial-and-error to acquire and perfect skills in making tables and cabinets, etc. I do as much of the work with hand-tools that I can. Fine Woodworking magazine figured and still figures into much of my woodworking education.

Gender: Male


Recent comments


Re: Plywood for Fine Furniture

There is little to disagree with in the previous postings. I too tend to use plywood for utility pieces only and then typically for carcasses and drawer bottoms.

On the other hand, I don't much like the lack of versatility in the types of hardwood plywood choices available. I don't use red oak much these days and I have found cherry and maple, etc plywood too expensive.

There are some pretty decent solid wood choices available out there that are also fairly inexpensive and pretty good at resisting normal abuse. I recommend considering southern pine, elm, ash, or hickory as alternatives to plywood. With some diligence, even poplar can work pretty well for some projects. Some resawing and simple lap joints work well for cabinet backs and drawer sides and bottoms.

posted: 9:44 am on March 3rd  

Re: Having Trouble Finishing? Here's a Great Product

I agree with the assessment of the Minwax product. I have also used and have had considerable success with Rockler's wipe on finish which happens to be water-based.

For projects that don't require polyurethane protection, I still prefer to use shellac. While it is a bit more trouble (e.g. diluting the Bullseye mixture with some denatured alcohol) it also dries in just a couple of hours thereby allowing the application of multiple coats in a single day. It produces a very acceptable shiny finish and allows for easy re-touching should the need arise.

posted: 9:21 am on March 3rd  

Re: Who Begot Who? Comparing Planes from Lie-Nielsen, Wood River and Stanley

I appreciate FW's continued attention to the selection, use, and quality of handtools. I began my own journey with handtools only about 6 years ago. Since that time I have managed to purchase several new and old and even rare planes, chisels, marking tools, etc from US, UK, German, Japanese, and Asian suppliers. FW's how-to articles have been instrumental in helping me sort out good techniques from bad ones; good buys from not-so-good ones.

As for the "new crop" of planes, I must say that I am happy to think that handtool usage has increased enough for the foreign manufacturers to "take notice" and help bring costs down. I trust intellectual property is NOT being stolen by Wood River or anyone who attempts to market "knock offs" here in the US. I would want to know about that.

I've had the pleasure of working with Asian manufacturers (but in the electronics industry) for many years now. My experience there tells me that product quality does not have to suffer just because something is "made in China". The people I worked with there were extremely conscientious and capable of doing a very good job. Again, apart from "knock-off ethics", I appreciate being armed with information that helps me objectively evaluate the quality of a tool irrespective of its country of origin.

The real joy of woodworking comes from using a well-designed tool that's in good working order. Unfortunately most of us don't have endless supplies of money allowing us to always pick No. 1 on the list of "best tools". Getting the best from "good enough" is sometimes the best any of us can do. A little bit of "tool theory" coupled with lots of focused practice (and mistakes) can yield good results from old & worn-out tools and also from "bargains". And then again, some "bargains" are not worth it at any price. But this is where FW can continue to be very helpful.

Finally, I found it curious that this article coincides with
a similar one written by Chris Schwarz in the June issue of Popular Woodworking. Happy coincidence?

posted: 10:54 am on June 3rd