October 31, 2014

Check Out the ACW in WOOD Mag's Workshop Jigs, Tips & Ideas 2014

October 31, 2014/ Todd Clippinger

I was standing in the checkout line at Lowe's the other day and picked up a copy of WOOD Magazine's latest special publication "Workshop Jigs, Tips & Ideas 2014." While perusing through, I found myself on page 58 giving some tips from my shop!

This is actually an article that I had written for an earlier issue of WOOD Magazine and they had recycled it into a special publication issue focusing on tips & ideas for the shop (just as the title describes of course.)

I like the special publications various woodworking magazines print even though they are simply recycling the articles. The reason I like them is, if you are not a subscriber to any certain magazine, it is a good way to get information focused on a single topic, just as this one offers a nice collection of tips for the shop.

The special publications often focus on a single style of furniture such as Shaker or Craftsman, or it may be a type of furniture such as built-ins and bookcases. It does not matter that the article was published in a previous issue, the information is still relevant and you are getting a series of articles focusing on a single topic rather than having the information spread out over several issues.

In this issue I am part of a larger article where 4 of us in small, one-man shops give tips that we really use everyday. As I was reading through the rest of the issue, I did note that there actually was a lot of good information on finishing, storage, and using the main tools such as the table saw and bandsaw.

So, as I was reading it in the checkout line, by the time I hit the cash register I decided to buy it and finish reading it at home. I think you will enjoy it if you can find one. I am on page 58 but there is also whole magazine of great information if you check it out for yourself.

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love - Share the Knowledge

March 23, 2013

ACW Article in America's Best Workshops 2013

March 23, 2013/ Todd Clippinger

Exciting News!

The latest issue of America's Best Workshops 2013 hits the shelf on March 26, and the American Craftsman Workshop has been included!

Rather than being one of the featured shops, I actually have 4 pages of tips that other woodworkers might find helpful. The article is titled "Pro Ideas for Your Shop."

Images used with permission by WOOD Magazine & America's Best Home Workshops 2013

4 Gold Nuggets From The ACW

In the article I share 4 things from my shop:

* My wall storage system for clamps. It is flexible mounting system, easily customized to your clamps, and it does a nice job of protecting the walls. Technical drawings included.

* My Workbench - You don't have to build a traditional workbench to do great woodworking. This is the workbench I have been using for many years. It's flat, it's mobile, and has a very durable surface that you can use to write on. Technical drawing is included.

* How I converted my roller stands to a more usable indeed/outfeed and table system. A flexible support system that breaks down and stores away easily.

* And this one is GOLD! I share the miter saw table system that I use on job sites. WOOD Magazine has included my miter saw support table complete with technical drawings so you can make one too.

This miter saw table provides great support which is critical for accurate cuts on the job site and it will work great for the small shop too. It features a laminate top which you can jot notes & measurements on, then wipe clean. It sets up and breaks down easily. It stores well in my work van and it should in the small garage shop too.

Tips & Projects Shared From American Craftsman Workshop in America's Best Home Workshops 2013

It's Always One Of My Favorite!

Getting to look inside of other workshops is always fun for me, and that makes the annual "Best Workshops" issue one of my favorite magazines to pick up.

Besides the pages of tips from the ACW, there are 18 shops featured that range in size from 112 to 1440 square feet. You get a good look inside the shops and will be able to pick up some great ideas for yours.

Included in this issue is the Ideas Gallery on page 71, an ingenious knock-down bench on page 110, and an article on designing your shop with various layout software. There are many other great features in the 2013 issue of America's Best Home Workshops magazine, so you will have to pick up a copy and check it out for yourself.

Image used with permission by WOOD Magazine and America's Best Workshops 2013

You will also find my good friend and fellow woodworking blogger Marc Spagnuolo in this issue. He is a part of the shop design article starting on page 134. Great to share this issue with you Marc;)

America's Best Home Workshops hits the stands on March 26th and is only on display until June 24th. Be sure to check it out!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love-Share the Knowledge

March 20, 2013

New Woodworking Article By Andy Chidwick

March 20, 2013/ Todd Clippinger

An Intro to Sculpted Furniture

Andy Chidwick, is a great designer-craftsman of sculptural furniture, and a good friend of mine. I like Andy because he is a creative, but more than that, he is a generous woodworker and carries the "Share the Love-Share the Knowledge" attitude. Since January, he has been traveling with the Woodworking Shows, giving seminars to share his sculptural design and furniture making techniques with woodworkers across the U.S.

Sculptural Works By Andy Chidwick/images provided by Andy Chidwick and used with permission

As if living as a road warrior instructor for 3 months is not enough, he also just wrote a 4 page article which can be found in the most recent issue of Woodworker West. In the article, titled "Intro to Sculpted Furniture" Andy does a nice job of covering the basic tools & foundation techniques for creating sculpted furniture. You can read the digital copy of Woodworker West and check out Andy's article starting on page 36.

Thanks to Woodworker West for permission to use their page images.

Bonus: I Discovered A Great Magazine

After reading Andy's article I started checking out the rest of Woodworker West magazine, and I found that I really like it. Not just Andy's article, but the WHOLE magazine! Until Andy had told me about his latest article, I had never heard of Woodworker West.

Take a look at this issue for Andy's article and be sure to check out the rest of the magazine. It is really a great resource of information, not just for the how-to, but also for show and exhibition listings that you might be interested in seeing or displaying your work in. That information is not really shared in the standard woodworking magazines.

One more thing that woodworkers may find of particular interest are the special memorial issues covering the passing of Sam Maloof and James Krenov. These are still available.

For more information on subscriptions check out Woodworker West subscription information.

I had only intended to share with you Andy's article, but I was so impressed with the magazine I had to share my thoughts on it with you as well.

Until next time - Be safe in your own shop!