Search
Subscribe
Admin
WELCOME

Welcome to The American Craftsman Workshop!

The purpose of the American Craftsman Workshop is to share woodworking knowledge and encouragement with the world of woodworkers.

I will be sharing woodworking knowledge and skills using real world projects from my business. By using real projects I will share all of the juicy information that woodworkers want to know about. That includes information on the design, construction, technical challenges, finish, and installation.

I have a lot of information to share from the past and projects that are currently in the shop. They will range from remodel to fine woodworking so there should be something for everyone.

If you are anxious to see what I have to share, you can visit my page at LumberJocks and check out my projects section. Or, you can see my other site at amcraftsman.com. That is my online portfolio for my clients.

Stay tuned and visit often!

 

American Craftsman Video Library

Thursday
Mar182010

Conversation With Dave Pruett

Conversation With A Good Friend

Dave Pruett has been a good friend to the woodworking community. He has produced some great videos that share woodworking techniques and his video conversations are fun and I was fortunate to have one with him.

We had a great conversation that covered a lot topics including my background and experiences as I entered the world of fine woodworking. You will get insight to what my favorite tool is, my favorite suppliers, and how I got started. Watching this video again was a lot of fun for me and I hope you like it too.

Dave Pruett has a high quality blog called the The Folding Rule. Be sure to check it out, he has lots of videos and great information over there. 

Thursday
Mar182010

Constructing A Modern Sofa Table

A Charity Fundraiser Project

I designed and built this modern sofa table for donation to a fundraising auction.

This slideshow was played to generate more interest in the table by demonstrating that it was custom made for the charity event.

Funds raised at the auction help support programs for people with developmental disabilities.

The song is Green Onions by Booker T & the MG's. I think this song is so cool:)


Find more videos like this on WOODTube

Thursday
Mar182010

Using Toner To Add Or Change Color

Using Toner Made From Dye

This video demonstrates the use of toner, made with dye, to add color to a woodworking project. 

In this episode, I use toner to change the existing color of a set of French doors. These doors are for my clients so this is a live project that I am sharing with you.

This is not a full and comprehensive dissertation on the use of dyes and toner. I am limited to sharing the use of what is necessary to complete this particular project. However, the principles and the basics of using toner are very well applied and demonstrated.

Thursday
Mar182010

Trusting Your Glue Joints

Destructive Testing

Many woodworkers lack confidence in their glue joints. The way to overcome that is by getting to know your products and materials. This is accomplished by experimenting and testing - particularly through destructive testing.

In this video I show a couple of the methods that I use to test my glue joints. Testing your joints to the point of failure will give you quite a bit of information and understanding of your glue ups. Close examination of the results will allow you to understand if you are suffering product failure or if your woodworking techniques are falling short.

I advise caution when testing wood to the point of failure, but these methods are quite safe and easily controlled.

Thursday
Mar182010

Design Thoughts On A Shaker Inspired Bench

Design Is The Most Difficult

Without a doubt, designing is the most difficult part of creating furniture. In this video I share some of the thought process and considerations for creating my Shaker Inspired Bench. 

I also share a little about the construction of this beautiful piece of furniture. Some woodworkers may wonder what joinery is acceptable or taboo in their project, it will surprise many woodworkers what type of joinery I used in the Shaker Inspired Bench.

I hope that the thoughts and techniques shared in this video will help other woodworkers with the design and construction of their projects.