Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance, all that often, to take these questions and turn them into the great content they’d make. So while I’m currently finishing up a couple of project builds, I thought we’d do start tackling the list of audience inspired episodes.

In today’s show, a listener asked about choosing a shoulder plane. He asked specifically about two models, the Stanley No.92 and the Ron Hock Shoulder plane kit. While I prefer not to make specific recommendations on which tool to purchase, I do have an opinion on the features that make a good one and things to consider when thinking of purchasing.

I’d love your feedback on today’s episode and your suggestion for this listener and also the many others who have asked very similar questions about shoulder planes also. Leave a comment in today’s shownotes or drop us a line mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.

And if anyone noticed the video seems a little off, I’ve been experimenting with using my iPhone as a video camera…it still needs a little tweaking, but not too bad.

Related posts:

1. 458 Building A Hock Shoulder Plane
2. Ian’s Shoulder Plane Build
3. The Shoulder Plane Pt.2

I mentioned in the episode that since filming the original footage I had started to streamline the construction process. Just like with any project where you find yourself repeating the build over and over (think cutting boards, jewelry boxes, pens, etc.) you discover little shortcuts that can help to cut the production time down, but not affect the quality of the results.

As I’ve mentioned before, I really appreciate tips and suggestions from you the audience. And once again, you’ve come through for me with a great tip that I’m using from this point out when building the boxes. Don (no last name in the email) suggested I checkout an article over at Fine Woodworking Magazine it’s titled 2 Fast Ways to Build a Box and was written by Bill Nyberg.

On page one of the downloadable PDF (it does require a membership to the digital media) Bill lays out a quick and easy two cut step that creates the lips of the two sides. Essentially the same thing I’ve been creating, but with my method I was spending way too much time setting it up. This new method cuts my setup time in HALF. Checkout today’s show to see what I’m talking about.

Just to let you know, I don’t cover Bill’s entire article, just this one little part that has made a huge difference in how I’ll be cutting parts for more of these boxes and maybe even other projects down the road.

Related posts:

1. 470 Super simple box
2. Follow Up To Hock Plane Kit
3. 300 Jig of the Month – Simple Shooting Board

In part four we complete the “Shelves and drawers” by building the drawer fronts from solid maple, attaching the bases to each of the units and then adding all the final touches from painting to hardware.

A lot of you had questions about using MDO; its workability, paintability, cost and more.  Rather than addressing each of your questions as they come in, I tried to include all of them in the video.  Hopefully I answer yours, but if not, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Related posts:

1. 472 Shelves and drawers pt 2
2. 473 Shelves and drawers pt 3
3. 471 Shelves and drawers pt 1

And even though the bases will, for the most part be hidden out of sight, that’s no reason to not take a few minutes to design something that looks nice. You never know when someone will take a look!

Related posts:

1. 471 Shelves and drawers pt 1
2. 472 Shelves and drawers pt 2
3. 462 Walls of Shelves Pt. 4

By ganging similar cuts for each component, you can take advantage of a single setup on your tool to eliminate unnecessary steps.  Not to mention it also eliminates the possibility of making miscuts too.

Related posts:

1. 471 Shelves and drawers pt 1
2. 461 Walls of Shelves Pt. 3
3. 463 Walls of Shelves Pt. 5

All four pieces would stand on top of solid maple bases and the drawer fronts would be solid maple also.  These would be left natural with a clear finish while the shelving units and drawer bodies will be painted a glossy white.

The entire project, except the base and drawers themselves, will be made from MDO – medium density overlay.  This is my first experience with MDO and as we’ll talk about in the final wrap-up episode, it won’t be my last.

Related posts:

1. 463 Walls of Shelves Pt. 5
2. 462 Walls of Shelves Pt. 4
3. 459 Walls of Shelves Pt. 1

The boxes are best described as being nothing more than a “Super simple box”. No extravagant ornamentation, no exotic species and no complicated joinery. The idea was a plain box that would be given to her clients with a DVD of their images inside, along with maybe a few proofs.

I have no delusions that these boxes will be passed down from generation to generation, but in fact expect them to be set aside on a shelf somewhere or maybe even re-purposed for some other task. So the design for the box was that it wouldn’t take long to build, be inexpensive and just be functional.

The first few took me a little while to get the building process tweaked. But after having built about a dozen or more so far, it now only takes a couple of hours to batch out up to 6 at a time. In fact the bottleneck now is waiting for the glue to dry.

I’m planning to experiment with more box making in the future. So plan to see some various designs and construction processes in the future. But for now, enjoy this super simple box.

Related posts:

1. 300 Jig of the Month – Simple Shooting Board

If you’re not familiar with Woodworkers Fighting Cancer it’s a charity started by our good friend Marc Spagnuolo – The Wood Whisperer to help raise funds and awareness about research to fight a disease that has probably touched each and everyone of us at some time in our lives.

The most recent fund raiser involves individuals building a Rocking Horse from free downloadable plans available through WOOD Magazine. The project was one that could be accomplished with a minimal number of tools and wasn’t so much a challenge that even brand new woodworkers would feel comfortable tackling it.

The build was a lot of fun and I learned a few things along the way…especially an important lesson about spray adhesives and my disdain for jigsaws. But you’ll hear and see more about that in the video.

For more information on Woodworkers Fighting Cancer, including how you can donate directly, visit www.thewoodwhisperer.com/wfc/.

Related posts:

1. The Power of Woodworking!!
2. The Daily Matt No.76

So please except this quick little update video as a small appetizer until I have the first of the new content edited and up for your viewing pleasure. I appreciate your patience!

Speaking of patience, I know some of you have been entering your name in the schwag drawings all summer and up until recently too. This is another area I’ve neglected, so we’ll be remedying that this month also. If you’ve already submitted your name any time since July, consider yourself all set. If you’re not sure and want to get it in “just in case”…go for it.

We have some great schwag to give away and I’ll let you know more about that shortly also. Did I thank you for your patience yet?

Related posts:

1. Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Update
2. Coming up this week…UPDATE!!
3. 299 Quick Tips and More

In today’s episode I’ve included clips from Megan Fitzpatrick’s “Your first dovetails”, Charles Brock’s “Sculpting by hand & power”, Chris Schwarz’s “12 rules for toolboxes” and Steve Shannesy’s “Veneers in contemporary furniture”.

To learn more about each of these lecturers, books, DVDs or possible upcoming classes visit the following link for each:
Steve Shannesy & Megan Fitzpatrick – www.popularwoodworking.com
Chris Schwarz – www.lostartpress.com
Charles Brock – www.charlesbrockchairmaker.

Related posts:

1. 467 WIA lectures pt 1
2. 442 Day 1 of Woodworking in America 2010
3. 378 Woodworking in America – Design & Construction Pt 1

While Woodworking in America is usually billed as a hand tool event, over the years several new topics have been added to round out the experience of attendees. From design and Sketchup to power tools and even Japanese hand tools. Woodworking in America lecturers are covering a wide variety of topics.

In today’s episode I’ve included clips from Graham Blackburn’s “Hand planes for joinery”, Chuck Bender’s “Secret drawers & hidden compartments” & Charles Brock’s “The Sculpted Rocker – A study of form and function”.

To learn more about each of these lecturers, books, DVDs or possible upcoming classes visit the following link for each:
Graham Blackburn – www.blackburnbooks.com
Chuck Bender – www.acanthus.com
Charles Brock – www.charlesbrockchairmaker.

Related posts:

1. 442 Day 1 of Woodworking in America 2010
2. 378 Woodworking in America – Design & Construction Pt 1
3. Highland Woodworking & Matt’s Basement Workshop Together Still

Not only can you get your hands on these tools, but more importantly you have an unique opportunity to talk with the tool makers themselves. Ever wonder about having customized tools made? Have questions about the design or function of a tool? Or just want to play with some really cool tools? The Woodworking in America marketplace is the perfect place to do all of that and more. It’s truly the woodworker’s candy store.

But if you’ve visited this year or in previous years you also know there’s more to the marketplace than tools and supplies. There’s great freebie demonstrations from the likes of Roy Underhill and Adam Cherubini to name a few. Along with drawings for amazing door-prizes, opportunities to meet with television personalities like Scott Philips and Tommy McDonald. And for the really daring, there’s the Hand Tool Olympics. Compete against yourself or a friend or two to see who can have the best results with a basic set of hand tools to create basic joinery and complete typical workshop tasks.

Thanks to the many tool manufacturers and vendors for your time and answering all of my questions. It’s much appreciated!

Vendors in today’s episode include the following:
Lee Valley
Hock Tools
Two Cherries
Bow Clamps
Catharine Kennedy
Tools for working wood – Gramercy tools
Elkhead Tools
Microjig

Related posts:

1. Pre-WIA 2011
2. Woodworking in America 2011 Highlights
3. Woodworking in America 2011 countdown begins

And this year is no different. With all the great conference instructors, the even larger marketplace and even more great attendees than in the past, this year should add up to quite the event. I can’t list all the great things that are happening, so I’ll just share what I can without rambling on more than usual.

If you can make it down, even for just one day or for just one hour, you won’t be sorry. Conference attendees can choose from 1 day passes on either Friday or Saturday, 3 day passes for the entire weekend or pay as little as $8 (online) or $10 (at the door) for access to the marketplace.

And in the marketplace you’ll of course find all those manufacturers and vendors you keep hearing about, along with the like of Tommy Mac of the Rough Show, Rob Cosman and I heard even Scott Phillips will be in attendance.

Other great things to do other than buy amazing tools and hob-nob with celebrities (yes I’ll be happy to sign autographs):

Hand Tool Olympics, Sindelar Tool Museum, and free demonstrations all day long. Along with a chance to win some amazing door prizes and even trade in your old bottle of glue for a brand new 18oz bottle of Gorilla Glue.

To find out all about the happenings, including a list of scheduled speakers, vendors and to purchase tickets, visit www.woodworkinginamerica.com.

AND ONE MORE THING!!!
Thursday September 29, 2011 come out to Keystone Bar & Grill to rub elbows with the many woodworking bloggers who will be attendance this year. No tickets to buy, no posts to write. Just walk in and join the fun. Hope to see you there, although I’ll be rolling in around Midnight if I’m lucky (late flight).

Related posts:

1. Woodworking in America 2011 countdown begins
2. Spoken Wood Podcast 2011
3. Safety Week 2011 “Minimize The Dust”

Ever since the guys at Bell Forest have become an advertiser on the site I’ve been haunting THEIR website looking at amazing stock for project ideas.

One thing that caught my eye early on was some of the project kits they had available. These are kits perfect for a weekend build or just for someone looking for an easy to assemble gift without a lot of hassle with designing and planning the construction process.

The Paddle Cutting Board is one of those kits. Sent with everything you need to build; the wood, the template, the directions. All you need to add is time, tools, glue and you. Who could ask for more?

To find out more about the Paddle Cutting Board kit or any of the other great offerings from Bell Forest visit their website at www.bellforestproducts.com You better hurry though, now that the holidays know were talking about them they’ll charge right at us instead of sneak up from behind.

Related posts:

1. Welcome Bell Forest Products to Matt’s Basement Workshop
2. Bell Forest Spring Sale…Jump Start Your Spring Projects!
3. 458 Building A Hock Shoulder Plane

Yes, I’d say Summer is about ready to be tucked away under a pile of dead leaves very shortly. So that means it’s time to start posting some of this content I’ve been filming.

To get these new episodes started on a solid footing I’m posting my recent build of Benchcrafted’s Moxon Vise Kit. If you’re not familiar with Benchcrafted already, you might want to take a few moments to visit their website and checkout their amazing bench hardware and plans.

Jameel and the guys don’t mess around with quality, they have one set of standards…GOLD. I’ve never read a review or commentary that didn’t involve their hardware being praised in the highest way. So when I had a chance to try one of their Moxon Vise Kits I jumped at the opportunity. AND MAN WAS I NOT DISAPPOINTED!!!

At this point I could go on about the quality of their craftsmanship and the details of the instructions, but I won’t even begin to scratch the surface of how impressed I am with it. You’ll just have to watch and see for yourself.

For more information on any of the Benchcrafted products visit www.benchcrafted.com. Tell them Matt sent you, hopefully they won’t blacklist your email LOL!

And one more thing; for the sake of transparency, I received this kit from Benchcrafted in exchange for advertising. BUT, I would’ve heaped the same praise on them regardless!

Related posts:

1. 416 The Skraper by Benchcrafted
2. 422 Veritas Surface Vise
3. 458 Building A Hock Shoulder Plane

When it comes to woodworking events, this one feels like a homecoming. I get a chance to sit and talk with many of my friends who I normally only chat with online, and visit with vendors I like to call friends, but they probably would like to keep it just at clients LOL!

I can’t emphasize enough how much fun this show really is, and I hope you’ll have a chance to attend at least one of these in the future. Even if you can be there just for the marketplace, you’ll appreciate how big and amazing this event really is.

For more perspectives of the 2008 Berea Kentucky Woodworking in America conference visit this post where you’ll find links to many more bloggers and podcasters who were in attendance that year, CLICK HERE.

To see all the footage I shot and posted on YouTube from the 2009 conference visit this link CLICK HERE.

And here’s a link to all the posts and episodes from bloggers and podcasters in attendance at the 2010 conference, CLICK HERE.

Related posts:

1. 443 Day 2 at Woodworking in America 2010
2. 442 Day 1 of Woodworking in America 2010
3. Woodworking in America 2011 countdown begins

Today’s episode is the second compilation of previously unseen footage I recorded. This time it’s from the 2009 Design and Construction conference in St. Charles, IL. Again, I wish it could’ve been more, but that’s not fair to the presenters and way to much to download.

On Friday I’ll post links to many of my previous episodes that were released each year, including the 2010 Conference. So come back to check that out.

Related posts:

1. Woodworking in America 2011 countdown begins
2. 430 Woodworking In America Highlights with Megan Fitzpatrick
3. 378 Woodworking in America – Design & Construction Pt 1

I’ve been very privileged to be able to attend each year, and appreciate being invited back, so for those of you who can’t make it for what-ever reason I always try to get as much footage as possible to give you a little taste of the experience.

This whole week I’m re-posting links and footage from the last 3 years, along with a couple of videos of previously unseen content. While I’d love to post the entire length of the lectures, it’s not fair to the presenters and quite honestly that’s a lot of footage, so you’ll have to enjoy these short snippets. Hopefully you’ll be able to attend a conference in person, if not this year than maybe in upcoming years.

Today’s episode is the first of my previously unseen videos (actually the first snippet was seen, I’ve just re-edited it slightly) it’s from the very first Hand Tool Conference in Berea Kentucky 2008. These snippets of various lectures are a great example of audience participation and the wide range of amazing experts and topics the shows cover.

Related posts:

1. 442 Day 1 of Woodworking in America 2010
2. 378 Woodworking in America – Design & Construction Pt 1
3. 430 Woodworking In America Highlights with Megan Fitzpatrick

Unlike in previous builds where I’ve opted to use solid edge banding, this time I’m turning to the pre-glued version. I’ve always been skeptical, to some degree, about how reliable it can be. But once the heat re-activated the glue, all my skepticism went out the window. It not only holds better than I anticipated, it set up faster than I thought it would. So there was a bit of a learning curve to getting it in place without a lot of swearing.

My other big concern with edge banding veneer was whether it would look fake and obviously applied. But just like with any wood joint, solid or not, it’s a matter of leveling and sanding for a perfect mating surface. In fact, hopefully in the second half I’ll be able to adequately show you what I mean.

If after watching the show you have an alternate method to anything we’ve discussed in the entire build series I’d love to hear about it, leave a comment below or drop me a line by CLICKING HERE.

Related posts:

1. 462 Walls of Shelves Pt. 4
2. 459 Walls of Shelves Pt. 1
3. 461 Walls of Shelves Pt. 3

In today’s episode I’ll demonstrate how I cut those curved shelves using a tablesaw and a jigsaw, and then in the second half of the episode I’ll share with you some optional tools we can use to make the same cuts.

If after watching the show you have an alternate method I didn’t mention I’d love to hear about it, leave a comment below or drop me a line by CLICKING HERE.

Related posts:

1. 461 Walls of Shelves Pt. 3
2. 460 Walls of Shelves Pt. 2
3. 459 Walls of Shelves Pt. 1

It’s at this step that even with the flattest shelves, if the holes are misaligned, the shelves are nearly impossible to correct and the books or nick-knacks displayed on them will really emphasize the mistake. And once we finish with the adjustable holes, it’s time to move onto the glue-up and assembly.

In the second half of the episode we’ll talk more about a fix to help take care of unsquare glue-ups. One that doesn’t involve tearing the assembly apart and starting all over. No special tools required, just the clamps you’re already using.

Tools mentioned in today’s episode along with link’s to our affiliate programs to help support the show:

Veritas Shelf Drilling Jig – Lee Valley
3D Square – Highland Woodworking
Corner Joiners – Highland Woodworking
Right-Angle Assembly Clamps – Lee Valley
Web Clamp – Highland Woodworking

“L” Bracket Jig from Matt’s Basement Workshop Archive – Click here to visit post.

Related posts:

1. 460 Walls of Shelves Pt. 2
2. 459 Walls of Shelves Pt. 1
3. 440 Maple Kid’s Bookcase Part 2

Also we’ll cut the fixed shelves and create the blind rabbet joint that not only attaches the top fixed shelf to the sides, but will help to add some rigidity and strength to it.

Once this is all done, we’re about halfway through the construction phase and we can begin to move into the assembly of the shelves next week.

In the second half of today’s show I want to discuss a little bit about understanding the basics of the plywood grading system. Other than exterior vs interior plywoods, the biggest concern is understanding how the grading system can tell you which pieces are best for fine woodworking and which ones are more utilitarian.

In the episode I mention a great article at WOOD Magazine’s Website which is a nice basic look at understanding the grading system and what you can expect from the various grades of plywood. CLICK HERE TO VISIT.

Items mentioned in today’s episode you may want to add to your shop:
Magswitch
Plywood Router Bits
Kreg Tools
Kreg Setup Bars
Quick Clamps

Related posts:

1. 459 Walls of Shelves Pt. 1
2. 440 Maple Kid’s Bookcase Part 2
3. 451 Walnut Buffet Pt 1

Just in case you’ve been an even more amazing father than you already are and your family are looking for the perfect gift to remind you how much they really appreciate all you do…like we need to be reminded???

Here’s a quick list of some things I know I would like to receive, so I’m willing to bet you would too.

All of these items are available through Highland Woodworking, but you could easily find similar gifts at Woodcraft, Lee Valley or even on Amazon.com.

Gift under $25

Lie-Nielsen Scraper set

Pre-cut, Kid’s Woodworking Projects

Gifts under $50

Wood Slicer Bandsaw blade

Gorilla Gripper

Gifts under $100

Personalized Shop Sign

Hock Krenov-style Wooden Plane Kit

Gifts under $200.

Lie-Nielsen Low-Angle Adjustable-Mouth Block Plane 60-1/2

Lie-Nielsen Dovetail Saw

Over $200 and above…

Rikon 70-100 Premium Mini-Lathe Starter Package

Sculptured Rocking Chair Kit by Charles Brock with Plan Bundle Included

Don’t forget to tell them about Woodcraft.com
, Rockler, Lee Valley or

http://blip.tv/file/get/Mattvan-FathersDayGiftIdeas958.mp3
Click to Play
Download iPod Video
Download Audio

Help support the show – please visit our advertisers

Related posts:

1. The Router Plane
2. The Daily Matt No.86
3. A Very Lee Valley Christmas at Matt’s Basement Workshop

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