A Rough Day Shooting Video

It Ain't Always Easy...

I have been pretty anxious to get out more video, especially after all the effort I have invested in the infrastructure for creating better videos.

Well things did not go smooth for this video. I started out by setting a record for the number of takes to get a clean 1st scene. I don't know why my mind really kept dropping off. (I have a lot of crap rattling around up there.)

The next thing to happen was that after I got rolling on the video recording, I quit checking the playbacks very often because I felt comfortable everything was going OK. I have had an especially difficult time dialing in my audio, but after playing back a handful of shots I felt confident everything was recording good. 

Boy, was I wrong. I knew that I was not dealing with a quality wireless mic system and that this was actually part of the problem. Well, that system really puked out on me altogether while recording. 

Making Lemonade From Lemons

This was extremely disappointing, shooting video is very time intensive and this all equals wasted time. I was left with only 2 good scenes, but only 1 that had a good piece of woodworking advice. The other scene merely shared the application for my bent lamination to create context.

Other than that I just had the numerous outtake shots. OK, I figured, let's just make some lemonade out of lemons and so I put this video together. 

So the video is basically a blooper reel but part of the good shot is at the end that has a real solid piece of woodworking advice. It is a principle that I exercise in my own shop.

I call the video "Crap to Gold Nuggets" and you will see why.

I have a new wireless system ordered & on the way. Hope you enjoy!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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American Craftsman Workshop Video Is Back!

The Journey

It's been a lot of work to get to this point. Since taking a beating from the recession, I took all of the work I could get to recover over the last couple of years. Between working projects out of my shop, working with another contractor, and Rita opening a cafe in downtown Billings, there was not any free time to get out any blogs let alone video.

I have been chomping at the bit to get back to sharing with the woodworking community. Sharing the craft with others has become a passion of mine. I have enjoyed an amazing journey in my own growth of woodworking skills, and I love helping others so that they may enjoy that same growth as well. I also find that sharing has sparked a new level of growth in myself. The woodworking journey never ends!

A Peak Behind The Scenes

Another task that took up my time, was setting up the infrastructure for better video. I recognized that I needed to make some changes in the shop to produce higher quality video. This included adding more light fixtures to increase lumens per square foot and to create even lighting. I went from 44 bulbs to 84. Yes, I nearly doubled my light output (and power consumption.)

Video Lighting Mode

Video Lighting Mode 2

I set the wiring and switches up for "work mode" and "video mode." In work mode I only run the same lights that I always have to provide enough light for working on projects. In video mode I turn on the additional lighting to provide brighter, more even coverage for a better video image. 

 Replacing Magnetic Ballast I noticed another problem during some test shoots, the old magnetic ballasts created a lot of hum and buzz. So I changed out the last 10 magnetic ballasts for new electronic units. Not only do the lights run silently now, but the start up is much faster. This was a nice improvement.

It is a good thing to have remodeling skills. I have saved myself a good chunk of change being able to do the work myself but it has been a lot of time and effort.

Third Time Is A Charm

Removing Attic LadderThe new lights required a good bit of wiring, and the fixture layout required moving the attic access ladder to a new location. Removing & re-installing the spring loaded attic ladder by myself is something like handling a human size mouse trap. The effort was worthwhile since I found a better location that does not require me to move anything on the floor to drop the ladder. Previously, I had to move my 8" jointer to drop the attic ladder. My shop layout is on plan #3 and so these things happen. I think that I have finally nailed it down this time both on the floor and ceiling layout.

(Clicking on the thumbnails will open larger image.)

I'm A Mac

Other infrastructure upgrades include a new 27" iMac (freaking sweet!) and editing software. I upgraded from iMovie, which I think is a great program, to Final Cut Pro X. FCPX is waaay more powerful and with that power comes a new level of complexity.

Just like with woodworking, you can read or watch tutorials on the subject all you want, but it's only by doing will you really understand the craft. I was going to do a shop tour, but it turned into a simple look around the shop with a movie preview theme for fun. It's short but it was an exercise for me to try out the new capabilities of FCPX.

Stay tuned, there will be more videos coming from the American Craftsman Workshop as I continue supporting the woodworking community!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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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.

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