It’s not too early to prepare for the coming of cold days and evenings of low light, low energy levels. The days are shortening now so prepare yourselves. In a few weeks our days will be around 8-9 hours long here and much of that daylight time for most will be spent indoors tapping keys…

Just in case you missed this current vlog out today I thought I should mention it here. I have enjoyed doing them through the past months and will keep going because it is more my way of life and I also want the next few years to embrace what I am doing in building furniture…

When I blogged and even filmed about the Spear & Jackson hands saws it wasn’t because they sponsored me, gave me a kickback or gave me free tools or equipment. They gave me zilch because I don’t and won’t take anything. Not taking any sponsorship from any manufacturer means I have the total freedom to…

Today I’m planning to complete my prototype coffee table, replete with all joinery for the undercarriage of the tabletop. I have had some ideas planned in my head and have rehearsed them there but will make actual cuts today as an experiment on something I have wanted to try for some time. In my case…

After a few false starts dotted into my life, like trig points on pathways and cairns in wild places, I came to the conclusion that false starts are frequent happenings in the lives those striving to build an alternative way to live their lives. A creative life often means trying different things to see what…

Jack’s been with me now for about four months. He’s coming in two half days so about 8 hours a week. That’s how everyone starts at first. He has just completed my foundational course which anyone can follow for free online should they be beginners and want to visit my sites. My dream that those…

…otherwise known as a breadbox too. Here’s the link for you get started watching the series: Why change the name? Oh, well, I have seen so many breadboxes with tambour openings I didn’t want anyone confusing what my intent was. Silly I know. This design was planned out in detail in my head from the…

It’s not really that early but I leave home at around 6.30. With the front door gone but boarded up I’m using the back conservatory door and it is just about coming light when my hand hits the latch. With the mix of rain and showers I take advantage of every opportunity to kick start…

The front living room is now gutted and skim-plastered over. I hadn’t expected that but removing picture rails and fireplaces leaves holes to be patched and then surface cracks in the existing plaster means filler and such; it was more efficient and more work effective in getting the pristine, clean and fresh beginning we wanted…

Question: I like turning and have wanted to make spindle chairs, but I’ve come upon so many that are falling apart that I’ve held back out of concern that the form is intrinsically weak, at least if not built right. People say they are strong, but then there’s my pile of degenerate chairs. I can…