Video Update From The Shop

I have been anxious to get the cameras out and do some more video so I did an update from the American Craftsman Workshop. 

Thanks to the following guys for helping me get my own site started. It is a work in progress at the moment, but they really helped me figure a lot of things out sooner than later.

Marc Spagnuolo - thewoodwhisperer.com

Matt Vanderlist - mattsbasementworkshop.com 

Brian Havens - brianhavens.us 

Troy Bouffard - birchhillwoodcrafts.com 

Follow me on Twitter - Todd in Montana

Video review for Scott Morrison instructional DVD's  

Videos on Sale!Savings of 15% offered by Scott Morrison at Finewoodworker.com. You will save on instructional videos, templates, and the new butterfly joint kit. This offer ends at the March 31st so be sure to get in on the savings.  

Scott's has a variety of videos and templates that will teach you how to build furniture inspired by Sam Maloof. He breaks the process down into comprehensive, easy to follow steps so that you can be successful building these pieces in your own shop. 

Watch the video to see why the savings code is "Captain Clippinger." 

 

Your friend in the shop-Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love~Share the Discounts;)


Click here for direct link to video.

Yes - Another Card Scraper Video

Haven't Card Scrapers Been Covered Enough Already?

The simple answer is NO.

The following video by fellow woodworker Brian Havens has to be the best I have seen on card scrapers. Why? Because Brian has made the first video I have seen that acknowledges there are several ways to sharpen a card scraper and that they all are legitimate.

This is not a detailed dissertation on any one method of sharpening, but it covers a variety of methods in their basic principles. To be honest, Brian gives more than enough information to get a person going on card scrapers. Even with an hour long detailed video, people still have to get hands on with the scraper and figure it out for themselves. A longer video does not necessarily mean you will figure it out faster. 

Brian not only shares the principles and techniques of sharpening, he talks about the value of each sharpening method and points out that they all have a place.

To decide which method to use, he considers the return on investment. If a person wants to scrape finish off a board, only a rough burr is required. If a person wants to eliminate sanding altogether, then a fine burr will need to be turned to produce the finest surface.

Brian Havens has also produced other fine videos for woodworkers and has a great portfolio. Be sure to check out his site at Brian Havens, Woodworker. 

Thanks for another great video production Brian!

Grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show...

In the following video you can see how I sharpen my card scrapers. This is the method that I figured out and still use today in my shop.

Share the Love~Share the Knowledge

Spring Is Here!

Backyard winterI am so thankful for the longer days and warmer temps. The snow is gone, the grass is getting green and I have been continually working with the shop doors open. 

Billings is kind of in a unique position with the weather patterns. Most of the moisture gets dumped in the mountains just west of us and most of the cold weather coming down from Canada hits just east of us. We continually catch an upswelling of warm air from the southwest that peaks right in our area. We live in this bubble of warm air. I guess that makes us the Billings Bubble People.

 

Backyard SpringI have this incredible view out my backyard of the sandstone cliffs that rise from the banks of the Yellowstone River. These are referred to as the "rims" which is short for rimrock. There is a nature preserve on top of the rims that allows a person to hike all around with the most amazing views.

I have been in Billings since '91 and it is a major change from where I grew up in Ohio.

 

Spring is here and the doors are open.

The scenery in my backyard and the area around town is often inspirational enough to spark ideas. I find that many of my random thoughts and solutions come together when Rita and I walk the dogs or go hiking on the rims.

The last few days of working in the shop with the doors open has been the epitome of a woodworker's dream. The weather is gorgeous and I am working with the doors and windows open. As I am milling material and making cuts, I get an occasional visit from our two dogs Cookie and Bella. I am living the dream and it is just that good.

 

CookieWell, time to head back out to the shop. Remember you can't live dream if you don't spend time in the shop.

Your friend in the shop, Todd A. Clippinger.

Peace, Love, & Woodworking