Category Archives: Uncategorized

Someone on IG asked about storing backsaws in the lid of a tool chest, which immediately made me think of my grandfather’s chest – he had all his saws stored on the underside of the lid, which, like the “Anarchist’s … Continue reading →

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been putting finish on my new “Anarchist’s Tool Chest” for as many days as I spent making it. (Because I’m an idiot and didn’t test my topcoat, then had to strip … Continue reading →

I follow the Folger Shakespeare Library on social media primarily for the Shakespeare, but today on Instagram, the library announced its new project: British Book Illustrations, with more than 10,000 images, which are searchable by keywords, from early books. So … Continue reading →

Having now mentioned the principal tools, and their application, it will here be proper to say something of the operations of Car­pentry, which may be considered under two general heads; one of individual pieces, the other the combination of two … Continue reading →

Several people have asked if the panel saws stored on my lid interior keep my old “Anarchist’s Tool Chest” from closing. The answer is both yes and no. It closes fully if I slide the top tray to between 5″ … Continue reading →

This obituary for my step-father, Jim Apple, was published in The Washington Post on Jan. 27, 2019. While I learned a lot about him during the 28 years he and my mother were married, he was so self-effacing and humble … Continue reading →

As I was ordering milk paint and hardware for my new “Anarchist’s Tool Chest” this morning, I scrabbled through my large and motley collection of random hardware…and lo, I unearthed not only the extra Horton Brasses PB-409 Precision Butt Hinge … Continue reading →

Carcases: seven per corner; lower skirts: three per corner; upper skirts: two per corner; dust seal: one at each end. That’s 50, right? Multiply that times six students, plus me, and that’s…a total of 340 (I didn’t manage to get … Continue reading →

J. Norman Reid (whom you might know as one of the names behind Shenandoah Tool Works)  wrote this nice review of “Mechanic’s Companion” for the December issue of Highland Hardware’s Wood News Online. Thanks Mr. Reid! And speaking of Highland … Continue reading →

I’m scheduled to teach myriad classes next year both at Lost Art Press and around the country ( at Port Townsend School of Woodworking, Highland Woodworking, Lie-Nielsen Toolworks – that one will be posted soon). Almost all of them involve … Continue reading →