Things I Don’t Remember,’ a Biography of James Krenov...

Well.... THIS is exciting! 

There's a biography in the works about James Krenov.  

I don't know about you and your woodworking, but I can't think of another artist/woodworker who has influenced my work more than him. 

Check out some of his books, like these favorites of mine:

A CabinetMaker's Notebook

Or 

The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking

Or  

James Krenov, Worker in Wood

When I teach a Basic Woodworking class, one of the most requested topics is a recommended reading list. His books are the ones I save for last, and the ones for which I can barely contain my enthusiasm. 

You want to work in wood? 

Want to make beautiful things? 

Read his books. 

Fiddling around on the glowforge - help this guy get a billion views!

Speaking of the Glowforge (in my last post).... this latest creation made on one is AMAZING!!

Hammerin' away at it...

We're in the dog days of summer, and there's no doubt that it's affecting us. The good news is that the swamp coolers are actually working well in the shop, and later in the evening - a few students actually have put sweat shirts on! I'm not sure I'm feeling their coolness, but I have to say I'm impressed with the swamp's ability to keep up with 110 degree temps!

All of this means I'm using my woodworking energies wisely - and spending more time with my Glowforge, experimenting and playing with all the free designs that are available on the web. 

Here's my latest favorite - hammers!

These wooden hammers are entirely impractical, but completely cool. 

I've made both sizes!

 

Here's the video showing how to assemble... it just takes minutes. 

And of course, I had to personalize them! 

Small projects like these are just what I need right now. In fact, I'm just wrapping up about a dozen small commissions, all while teaching classes four nights a week... no wonder I haven't been blogging lately!

I promise I'll get back on the keyboard soon... thanks to all who've written to see if I'm OK!

Obsolete - Qué lástima

One of my favorite candies is ceasing to exist...how is that even possible? Back in the day, when I was learning to blow glass, my instructor introduced me to these peanut butter gems. 

If you like peanut butter, you'd love these!  

When blowing glass, it's common to sweat off a few pounds a day, so staying hydrated and energized with candy was our main objective. It wouldn't be a good idea to pass out near a glass furnace!

Let's hope that someone picks up this product line and starts making these again.  It would be a shame for these to become obsolete.

Speaking of obsolete, one of the drill presses in the shop broke, and the replacement part was obsolete. 

My boy Denny and I had to MacGuyver the hell out of a different part, in order to make the repair. I just don't understand why manufacturers don't use common parts, so that they can be used universally for repairs. 

That's my beef for today! 

(Thanks, Den!)