From The Bench

I'm currently in the middle of making an Irish arm chair, although I told myself not too because of time constraints, and in the middle of the build, I must now travel for work! With this build I have used two simple jigs, one a simple holding jig which I've used very successfully in a number of projects, and a new drill guide for a brace and bit. The guide seemed like a good idea, and a similar one is mentioned in the stick chair book by lost art press, which is where I have followed the plans from. I did make a very crude version (rough & ready) thinking it would speed things up. However I'm not really sold on it, and I do remember Chris Schwartz saying that he doesn't normally use drilling jigs. The jig itself is easy enough to make, and I did film the build which will be released in the coming weeks on YouTube. I'm not really sure it made things quicker though, because extra steps were needed for it to work correctly, mostly drawing 90° lines on the sight lines, so the jig can be lined up, and clamped down. I found the whole thing to be a rigmarole, and that coupled with the the extra lines needing to be drawn, I think it added to the time, or at the least I gained nothing out of it in terms of speed. I have tweaked a few things in my methods of drilling, and I do have a lot of experience using a brace and bit, so I think in the future I will probably not use a guide again. I do see the merit in it, especially for those new to processes like this, it's going to give good results.

The holding jig is one of my better contraptions, and works well while making octagonal spindles and legs, and even dowels. This again is a very simple jig to make, and worth the time to make. I'm not going to give a full description here, as I made a video explaining this and showing how I made it which you can view below.

Maker Spotlight

This simple yet beautiful shelf was built by Alvaro Jauma, I especially like the way it fixes to the wall, which looks like a sliding dovetail. Click the image to watch the real on Instagram.

Question Of The Week

Q. Im just starting out in woodworking, and I want to persuade hand tool woodworking. Is it possible to get a small tool set-up for a couple of hundred pounds?

Connor - UK.

A. yes it is, but with some caveats, and the main one being, most of your tools will be second hand. The problem isn't the tools being second hand, but more the issue of what condition are they in, and knowing what to take, and what to leave, also having the skill and knowledge to get them up and running. I'd personally buy a brand new Ryoba saw, that's going to cover a lot. A brace you should see ten a penny on flee markets, the bits are usually scattered, and need sharpened which is one of the caveats, old chisels can also be found with the bits, also needing a bit of TLC. Planes and the like can be picked up on eBay etc.

If possible go to flee markets with someone with experience. Failing that, there are lots of guides on YouTube to help you out. You could also buy budget new tools ( I can recommend workshopheaven.com), it will cost more, but the purchases can be spread out over a year, and who knows what you may find in the meantime, good luck!

Do you have a woodworking related question? Reply to this email, or login and leave your question below. I read them all and will feature one in the next issue.

What Caught My Eye

Claude Lalanne’s Ginkgo chair, is it a sculpture, a chair or both? I wouldn't know whether to stare at it, or sit in it! Very beautiful indeed. Click the image to see the rest of the photos.

Final Shavings

I'm currently building an Irish arm chair, although it has come to a stop due to work commitments.

I have also made a video on the drill guide, which will be published on YouTube soon.

In case you missed it, my last video (building modular drawers) can be watched here, and a podcast is available to those who are interested. You can listen on Spotify here, and Apple Podcasts  here, and watch on YouTube here.

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Until next time

-David 

DW Woodworks