Part 2 of the basic design elements for Shaker furniture.

Part 2 of the Shaker talk, but this is part 1 of the look at the design elements that define Shaker furniture.

Part 1 of a look at Shaker Furniture - a very quick introduction to the Shakers. A little look at who they were and a little bit about their philosphy on life and design. Articles referenced include 'Elements of the Shaker Style' Chris Becksvoort - Fine Woodworking Magazine July/August 1998. 'Rethinking Shaker Design' Kerry Pierce - Popular Woodworking February 2006. 'Shaker Historic Trail' National Park Service.

A listener was wondering about what other magazines are out there that might be worth taking a look at.  There are several out there and all worth a quick glance at.

A wrap up to this week's look at Arts and Crafts design.

Part 3 of the Arts and Crafts movement discussion.  Influential leaders of the movement.

Part 2 of the Arts and Crafts Furniture discussion.  The six most important elements of A&C construction.

Our first look at Arts and Crafts furniture.

A request from a long time listener is sparking off this week's discussions.

Free AutoCad software mentioned on the most recent video can be found at www.alibre.com/products/

 

For those of you who enjoy seeing my mug on the screen, here's a look at me organizing my projects.  This includes a look at rough drafts, cutlist and a trip to the lumber store.

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Lumber storage - vertical or horizontal, storage is all about circulation

Another quick look today, this time at wood movement due to seasonal changes....

Before we start building anything let your lumber acclimate to the shop.

Another episode dedicated to answering a listener's question.  Joe wrote me with a question regarding purchasing a new router.  So I gave Joe a few pointers on what to look for, pointers that I've found myself to be key features that make working with a router easier and safer.  Any questions you have?  mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com

 

Sorry about the high pitch whining noise in the background of Tips From the Scrap Pile No.47.  I think the fan on my computer is giving out and I'm just use to the noise, so I didn't notice how bad it was until I listened this morning to the latest show.  I promise it will be fixed and our hearing won't be damaged by whiny computers (well at least not by mine...)

Thanks for sticking in there,  Matt

A break from our regular discussion to answer a listener question.  Charles asked for advice on purchasing either an new tablesaw or going with a bandsaw instead.  If you have any questions, send them to me at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or at the website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com .

When planning for your project don't forget to plan for the occassional mistake, after all, we all make them from time to time.  Add a little extra bdft on to the list for just such an emergency.

Well since we're already in the neighborhood with our discussion on pre-dimensioned vs rough lumber, let's review a few terms related to lumber.

Part 2 of the discussion of pre-dimensioned vs rough lumber.  Todays discussion takes a look at rough lumber.

Interested in watching Woodworking Shows 24 hours a day?  Check out www.thewoodworkingchannel.com WARNING!! It's addictive!

Part 1 of a quick look at pre-dimensioned lumber vs. rough lumber.

Calculating boardfeet is really easy, here are two equations to help you out:

1) inches in length x inches in width x inches in thickness/144=boardfeet

2) feet in length x inches in width x inches in thickness/12=boardfeet

Whether you choose to go with detailed construction drawings or just want to work from your rough drafts, you should always have a cutlist.  By having a detailed list of the actual components you need to build your project;  their dimensions, species of wood, joinery notes, etc. the build should go a little bit smoother.

Thanks for listening and dropping by, Matt

Once we have our rough sketches and we know what we want our project to look like.  We need to start putting together some construction drawings.  It's at this point that we begin to think about how the entire piece will be made, joinery, components and fasteners.  Where the rough sketch is very simple in nature, the construction drawings are a little bit more complicated.

A quick thanks to Jeff for reminding me that the free "drawing" program from Google is called "SketchUp", Thanks Jeff.

Let's talk a little bit more about sketching your project idea.  Being able to actually see your project on paper is the first step in starting it.  Rough sketchs are very simple to make and are a great way to play with any design to find the right look.  Don't be concerned with too much detail, the main idea is just to see it.

Thanks for listening, Straight Grains and Sharp Blades.  Matt

It's the first podcast of the new year and it's a great time to start the year off right by getting organized.  What steps do you take when preparing for a new project?