Diversify or Specialize

For years, the question that has challenged me is whether a woodworker should focus on specialization in one area or strive to be diverse enough to handle a wide range of projects.

Why You Need Geometry

I was always good at math in school. It was the one class I knew I could get a good grade in besides shop class.  But I never saw how it could apply to my life or my job. I knew I was never going to be a scientist or an accountant, so who needs […]

Making a Mark

Woodworkers frequently utilize marking gauges as a standard tool to achieve precise markings on the wood, aiding in the planning and layout of their projects. But when you go to the store you will see several different types, so which one will you need? Depending on your situation, it might be all of them. All […]

Is this the End of Creativity?

Whenever someone new comes into my house they are always impressed with the unique pieces of furniture I have designed and made. Of course, I am thankful for the compliment and I would love to take full credit for each of the pieces. But the truth is I can’t say that I completely designed it […]

History of the Modern-Day Chair

The chair. It seems like such a common piece of furniture we take it for granted because we see them everywhere. They are at the office, at the theater, in a restaurant, and in our living room. We see it so much that we hardly even give a second thought about them. Not only do […]

New Tools. New Way of Working

Earlier this year, I made the decision to get a laser engraver after considering it for some time. Although I didn’t necessarily have a pressing need for one, I believed it could broaden the range of services and capabilities my shop could offer. Initially, I had reservations about purchasing a laser engraver due to my […]

New Year New Beginnings

I’m one of those guys who writes out my new years goals. I don’t say resolutions because that is a firm act of choosing to do or not do something and I want to be flexible and make changes or adjustments to my goals. For me, writing out goals is a way to clarify my […]

Don’t Take the Bait

I’ve never thought of myself as a good business person and I definitely don’t know how to grow a business, however, next year will mark 25 years of being self-employed. It’s a big deal for me, but it certainly hasn’t been easy. Many things over the years have changed. The work I do has changed. […]

Monthly Motivator- Bob Hughes

My favorite part of each newsletter is getting a chance to hear from you, the readers. Everyone, no matter what skill level or experience an individual has, we all need encouragement. And hearing your story is what helps me stay motivated. This month I was able to ask Bob Hughes what got him started in […]

The evolution of shop set up part 2

by John Kaczynski In the previous article, I talked a bit about shop setup. I touched on a little background on my situation and some ofthe choices I made in the process. In that article, I mentioned the topic of organization and shop furniture so I figured that I could go a little deeper into […]

What do you expect?

I have been doing woodworking for almost 25 years, and my good friend and mentor, Dennis Laney has been doing it for over 65 years. When you listen to us talk we are so enthusiastic about woodworking you would think we are beginners just starting out. We tend to think everyone feels the same as […]