Friday, January 28, 2011

Everything In Its Place

Organization has not always been one of my strengths. If you don't believe me then come check out my pole barn full of un-graded lumber or check out my garage shop after building a case piece. It didn't take me long (after sweeping expensive tools into the burn pile) to come up with the tool cabinet you see below. Modeled after Andy Rae's tool cabinet in "The Toolbox Book" from the Tauntan Press, it holds most of what I use while making chairs.

A quick glance and I know if a tool is missing. Forcing myself into these good habits has been very helpful. It keeps the bench clear as well as my mind. Now that I am getting more established in the new shop I am beginning to hang tools on the walls.

I have also brought my woodworking library and magazines out to the shop and designated a small area for writing, reading, or just deep thought (or a blank stare). This is the first time I have ever had all my magazines in order which can be so nice trying to find a particular article. Hey Pete, I have room for one more book!
Recently I had Sam Hughes from South Carolina come for a two day milk paint class to paint the chair he made in Pete Galbert's class last year. He chose the black over red technique which seems very popular among most. He stayed on the rest of the week and built a shave horse. This is the third class I have taught building the shave horse. Sam did a great job and will return to Kelly Mehler's this spring for another chair class with Pete. I'll be assisting Pete again this year at Kelly's. His school is always a blast.

Seen below is the finished sugar chest that I taught Ron Underwood to make. He was very happy how it turned out and wants to do more pieces in the future. I'm going to miss all those powdered donuts he brought to class everyday. Great job Ron!

2 comments:

  1. Greg,

    Thanks for the final picture of the sugar chest.

    Sam great looking chair. I wish I had the time to go back for another class with Pete.

    Regards, Josh

    ReplyDelete
  2. I should slow down when I read. I first thought this said "...the finished sugar chest that I showed ROY UNDERHILL how to make." Got my attention real quick. :)

    Just stumbled across your blog and I think I'll spend the rest of the night here. You do fantastic work and your shop is AMAZING. I've wanted to learn Windsor chair building for a long time now and yours look great. I'm jealous of your shop and your saw mill. Both things that I hope to one day have.

    Anyway, great blog. I'll be adding it to my blog roll.

    Cheers,


    Jamie Bacon

    ReplyDelete