A Power Tool Isn't Just Cass Sunstein, OR . . .

Woodworking, that is! Here are a few folks that I've been following that are doing some great projects creating original pieces as well as restoring or refurbishing furniture that would otherwise wind up in a landfill or burn pile. I've got a full hobby and bodging thread lined up for next week during the Thanksgiving break. In the mean time, what projects are you working on? Would like to do? Any new tools or tips you want to share?

Jewish mother admonition: Please, ALWAYS wear proper eye, ear and lung protection. And if you're unsure about a cut or other procedure on a power tool, step away from the machine and just don't do it. Figure out a safer way to make the cut. And now, sawdust!

First up, I've featured this talented Brit on previous hobby threads and he does some beautiful up-cycling of beat up pieces.

Arguably, no other stationary power tool draws as much polarizing opinion as the radial arm saw. Some say it's more versatile and even safer than a table saw while others recoil in horror, regarding it as an amputation waiting to happen. I've hemmed and hawed about getting one for my future post-NYC shop. What say you all?

Michael Alm is a woodworker out of Seattle and here's an interesting project of a coffee table that converts into a dining table. I like how he made 1/3 scale model to work out the mechanics. You younger whipper-snappers love you some Sketchup and Fusion 360 but sometimes it's better to have an actual piece in your hands to see how things work.

Next is an Estonian furniture maker with a step-by-step of how to restore a Scandinavian/East European farm table that has seen better days. Lots of good tips and techniques.

I've featured this gentleman before and you cannot believe the furniture he builds using mostly scrap and pallet wood.

Super-talented Canadian bloke restores a sorry looking painted dresser back to its Mid-Century Modern glory.

Parts of this workbench are a bit gimmicky, but that said, the overall dimensions, design and functionality, in particular the bench dogs and vise as well as how it can be used as an out-feed for the contractors saw, would be great for a small shop or garage space. Slap some locking casters from Rockler on this and I might give this a second look for my own future shop.

And speaking of small shops, lastly, this Kiwi shows us his really efficient single car garage workshop, with some great tips and ideas for how to set up and organize a shop in a small space.

Have a great rest of the weekend, kids!

posted by J.J. Sefton at 07:30 PM

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