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Notes From the Shop - Issue 8
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The Weekend Woodworker
 

Issue 8, February

Hi ,

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the things I love about woodworking:

  • The smell of pine
  • Peeling dried glue off my fingers
  • A brand new saw blade cutting through wood
  • A just-emptied shop vac
  • Watching sawdust and woodchips swirl into my cyclone
  • Woodworking while it’s raining outside (as long as it’s not cold!)
  • Watching someone open a gift I made
  • When miters fit perfectly with no gaps
  • The smell of lacquer (but really, you shouldn’t breathe in that stuff)
  • Fixing an error with a clever solution
  • Examining a splinter after removing it
  • Getting inspired by the unique projects people make
  • Running my hand along a silky smooth finish
  • The weird smell of walnut (hmmm...there seems to be a theme of smelling stuff)
  • Building something to fit perfectly in a specific space
  • Relaxing with a cup of coffee in my shop on a sunny Sunday morning in April
  • Rearranging shop furniture
  • Imagining my next project
  • The sound when I smack a battery onto my drill and I sorta feel like an action hero
  • The mind-boggling power of wood glue
  • Unclamping
  • Walking into a clean and tidy shop
  • The rat-a-tat of my impact driver

Whadya think? Let me know what you love about woodworking. Tag me on Instagram @steveramsey_wwmm. Also, show me anything you’ve made for Valentine’s Day — or any other day for that matter!

BTW, have you heard my podcast? It’s called Chad & Steve Have A Podcast. It’s all about YouTube and people who have been successful in helping to shape the platform over the past 15 years. Between Chad, me, and our guests, you’ll gain lots of insight into the business of running a channel as well as a fair amount of YouTube nostalgia. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts!

Have a great month,

Steve
Safety Accessory
...because you love all of your fingers

When using a table saw, use a push block to control the wood and keep your fingers safe. In this video, I’ll show you how to make this super simple push block (and push stick) with a replaceable base and cleat.
Community Highlight
Little Free Libraries

Over the past year, many members of The Weekend Woodworker and The Weekend Workshop have shared their take on Little Free Libraries — a way to share books (and sometimes even clothes) within a community. I love these things and really enjoy seeing the different styles. It’s a great combination of practicing your woodworking and helping your community.

Here are a few examples from Chris, Nell, and Adam.
Community Update

Speaking of helping your community, Henry, who was featured in the first issue of Notes From the Shop was recently named the 2020 Bethesda Cares’ Volunteer of Year for making woodworking projects, selling them to local people, and donating 100% of profits to charity. So far he has raised over $6,900. Way to go, Henry!
This Month’s Member Projects
Check out these great projects built by a few of our Weekend Workshop members!
 
Project 1
Stylish Storage

I love the sleek modifications that Stephen, a member of all three of my courses, made to his lumber cart. Useful and nice to look at!
Project 2
Made with Love

John’s heart-shaped box is beautiful and a perfect project for February!
Project 2
Drawer Organization

A silverware drawer organizer is one of the best kitchen upgrades you can make. I made two before I finally figured out that a bottom is important to prevent knives from working their way under it, and finger cutouts are essential for easy access to flatware. Here’s a great example from Russ.  
Thanks for reading,

- Steve

P.S. If you are new this month, you can read last month’s issue of Notes From the Shop here.
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