Everyone pets are special, but once in while one comes along that is extra special. Patches was extra special. Taken from us by disease at the age of five she was one of the sweetest most lovable and most devoted dogs I have ever been in contact with. I consider the relationship between dog and human a partnership rather than an owner/owned relation.I have never attempted a box much less an urn before. My goal was simple lines, nice wood and natural beauty. This cherry seemed to be a perfect wood.

I recently added a mortise chisel to my set of bench chisels. It immediately became apparent that this was a chisel that was meant to be hammered. Not being happy with the feel of striking with a dead blow hammer I consulted and reviewed with my #1 resource file ie LJ’s. In the frugal spirit of maximizing resources, it is made from hickory cut-offs.The handle was glued from 2 1 in boards and the head end sanded to a tendon the thickness of 1 board which in turn became the middle board of the head. The handle was turned on the lathe and the head trimmed and sanded. Both pieces were then assembled and glued.

This bench was started last fall (before cold weather) and finished a couple of weeks ago (after cold weather) Its approx 3 in. thick pine and about 5 ft long. The left leg is from the same board. There are no screws or nails, just wood, glue and of course finish. Top is the only smoothed surface. All other surfaces were lightly sanded but basically mill run. both ends of the top have been dressed with a chisel to enhance the rustic appearance. Stain was minwax golder oak which was only removed from the top surface. It was then finished with several coats of minwax polyspar. Top was lightly sanded with ROS % 1200 grit between coats and waxed after last coat. Suggestions both pro and con are encouraged and welcome.

As you can see by the pictures this is (still) a work in progress. Next time the compleated project I hope. Soon to come, wheels, sides, drawers and doors(perhaps) and of course finish.

Have started a router table. It is made entirly of “on hand” material except for the t-tracks, plexiglass and router. the top is a recycled counter top with the raised edge to the rear of the router. Edging is walnut and fence is pine, both remnits. Cabinet will probably be osb. more to follow as it is compleated. oh yes top is 50X23” and will probably be about 34” +/- high.

Every jumberjock who peruses woodworking cataloges ( thats every one isn’t it) either on or off line will no doubt recognise this from rockler. some things like thickness of the wood, material etc are changed. ( 3/4 in sides ? come on I’ve got to carry this into the house) I think it might be a lot move attractive divided into 3-4 section on a single base. I have very limited floor space and next to a book case nearly as tall its not quite so overwhelming as it is sitting on a table saw.

VERY old barn/ wood workshop burned, re1quiring new building and all internal including all new tools. thank heavens for good insurance. Stakk is 12 X 12. wood was so fresh that first day from the mill and stickered left large puddle on floor. I am not certain if it took longer to build and finish or to plane. The only piece that is not hicory is the top of the gate which is basically intended to protect the hickory from cribbing.(chewing on wood)