Journeyman's Journal

This week has been a real rollercoaster, stressful and an eye opener. First, my wife had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. We had no clue what was wrong, just that she suddenly went into shock. While she was there, I had to get the house ready for Cyclone Alfred. Sandbags was sold out everywhere and taking any from the beach was a no go. So I grabbed bags of potters mix instead, turns out it was way cheaper than sand and did the job just fine.

The supermarket shelves were wiped clean but I figured as long as I had power we would be alright. Well, that did not last. Hundreds of thousands of homes lost power and even now a lot of people are still without it. Before the storm I bought a little gas stove, only problem was I did not grab a gas canister. The guy who sold it to me said I would have no trouble finding one. Yeah right, they were completely sold out.

Luckily, my old BBQ which I had not touched in a year still had a full gas bottle and the burners worked fine. So my son and I ended up cooking all our meals outside. On top of that, I managed to score a fresh load of ice from a gas station, pretty much the only place that had any. I packed the fridge with it to keep the meat cold. Honestly, I think we got pretty lucky all things considered.

Losing power completely changed things for me. It was tough, frustrating and honestly just plain boring. First off, I waited way too long to buy candles. The ones I had were more for setting a mood in a spa than actually lighting up a room. My phone’s light helped for a bit, but the battery drained fast and charging it in the car took forever, not to mention I did not want to sit there for hours just to get a few more percent.

Then there was my woodworking gear, my workbench, scroll saw and lathe, all shoved to the side so I could park my wife’s car. And with no power, I could not use my computer. No lights meant we were practically sitting in the dark and on top of that the humidity was brutal.

At some point I just sat there thinking, how did people 150 years ago live like this? Then it hit me, we have completely forgotten how to live. Our lives revolve around screens, writing blogs, making YouTube videos, chasing likes and subscriptions just to feel like we are not wasting our time. Back then people worked their farms, had supper, visited friends, read books. They lived real active lives. Meanwhile we are glued to social media, scrolling through nonsense, fake AI generated animal videos, endless political drama and injustice we cannot do anything about. No wonder we feel helpless and looney.

Losing power was a real wake up call. It got me thinking, what kind of life do I actually want? I have got another 20 or 30 years ahead of me, so how do I want to spend them? I cannot even remember the last time I had a proper conversation with my son. But during the outage, we talked non stop, spent every moment together. We even went out in the storm just to escape the house. Yeah, it was risky, but we actually lived. And now the power is back, everyone is back in their own little world, and here I am staring at a screen while time just keeps ticking away.

I actually like this one because it’s an eye opener for those who actually sit and watch the whole video.

I’m taking a closer look at hand-stitched rasps a tool that’s been a trusted companion in my workshop for years, unlike their machine made counterparts. Today I’m going to give you several reasons why a hand stitched rasp is better than a machine made one. This is a short video of the teeth being punched by hand. Notice the speed and accuracy of his work.

https://youtube.com/shorts/dDMfJVegBy0?feature=share

Hand punched (stitched) rasps have an irregular tooth pattern, which prevents the tool from leaving regular, parallel scratch marks on the wood. Machine made rasps have uniform teeth, which can create chatter and leave noticeable striations that require more sanding. Since each tooth is individually raised by hand, the cutting action is more aggressive and controlled. Hand cut rasps remove material faster and with more precision while also feeling smoother in use. Machine made rasps often feel rougher and can tear at the wood rather than cutting cleanly.

The irregular spacing of hand punched teeth means there’s more room for wood shavings to clear out, reducing clogging. Machine made rasps can get packed with dust, requiring frequent cleaning. Hand cut teeth are sharper and tend to last longer because they are carefully shaped for cutting efficiency. Machine cut rasps often wear out faster because their teeth aren’t as well defined.

A high quality hand stitched rasp glides through the wood smoothly, giving a better sense of control, especially on curved or shaped workpieces. Machine made rasps often feel more aggressive and less refined.

This is why woodworkers who do a lot of shaping (like luthiers, chair makers, and carvers) prefer high end hand-punched rasps like Auriou, Liogier, or Corradi.

Here’s a video by James Wright that in brief explains and demonstrates the difference between the two

As for their price it ain’t cheap and depending on their usage they could actually last you a life time. If they ever get dull just dip them into vinegar and leave them in overnight. That should release the debris and sharpen the teeth. Don’t ask why the vinegar trick works, I just know that it does.

Avoid nasty cuts when reaching into your tool chest! I attached a plexiglass cover over my chisels to keep the blades safely enclosed. A simple and effective way to protect your hands without removing the chisels from the chest. My thanks goes out to Tim Mitchell for the suggestion.

In this video, I’m turning a small dowel to fit perfectly inside a hole, ensuring a gapless fit. Precision is key, and I’ll show how to achieve a seamless joint with careful hand tool work.

Welcome to Book Press Part 3! In this video, I discuss and demonstrate hand sawing techniques, sharing tips for accurate and efficient cuts. I also cover the best approach to plugging a hole for a seamless, gap-free finish. Whether you’re refining your hand tool skills or looking for a solid plugging method, this video has you covered.

I did the most stupidist thing ever and have scarred myself for life and potentially could have lost movement in my hand. Watch and learn from my mistake

In this video, I talk about the types of saws typically used at the workbench and sawbench, explaining their roles in woodworking. I also demonstrate how to prepare a board for edge gluing, sharing practical tips for achieving clean, tight joints.

In this video, I share a handy tip to protect your workpieces from scratches while sanding by using a door mat carpet I picked up from Aldi. It’s an affordable and simple solution that works a treat. After that, I talk bout how to size a dowel to fit snugly into a hole without showing any gaps. Whether you’re into woodworking or just enjoy learning practical techniques, this one’s for you.

I’m focusing on creating shorter videos to keep the audience’s attention, rather than risking losing them with longer ones. That’s the goal, though some videos might not fully hit the mark.

In this video, I take a unique approach to woodworking by building a book press designed not for pressing book pages but as a reliable woodworking clamp. Watch as I demonstrate the process step by step, highlighting the versatility and practicality of this tool in the workshop. Perfect for anyone looking to expand their woodworking toolkit or explore creative solutions for clamping. Don’t miss the tips and techniques shared along the way.

The video quality is pretty bad. I’m using an iphone to shoot and it’s set to 4k, but it doesn’t do a very good job anymore. It used too however, with all the upgrades it’s been downgraded so I can upgrade which I’m not going to unless my daughter upgrades hers and I get her as a hand me down.

If you’ve followed me for some time, you’ll know I’ve always been passionate about celebrating the timeless beauty of woodworking. From sharing expert techniques to publishing insights on traditional methods, my focus has been on preserving and celebrating this craft. But, as with any journey, there comes a time to turn the page and start a new chapter.

I am excited to introduce Wooden Wares Handwork, a new iteration of my brand that reflects a shift in focus. While my blog will remain as informative and engaging as ever, I’ve chosen to channel my energy into creating handcrafted wooden wares for the public, rather than publishing magazines or catering to wholesalers. This change represents more than a business decision it’s a commitment to making my craft accessible to everyday people who value the charm and sustainability of handmade goods.

Over the years, I’ve received an overwhelming amount of feedback from readers and customers who wanted more than just advice or inspiration. Many of you wanted to bring a piece of this craftsmanship into your homes. While publishing magazines and working with wholesalers allowed me to share knowledge widely, I felt it was time to connect more directly with individuals who love and appreciate handmade wooden pieces. This new focus lets me put my skills directly into your hands.

First and foremost, let’s be clear: this blog isn’t going anywhere. Wooden Wares Handwork will continue to be a space for woodworking enthusiasts to learn, share, and grow. Whether you’re looking for tips on crafting with hand tools, exploring different types of timber, or learning about the history of woodworking, you’ll still find the content you love here.

My dedication to educating and inspiring the woodworking community hasn’t changed. The only difference is that now, alongside sharing knowledge, I’ll also be offering you the chance to own a piece of my craft.

With Wooden Wares Handwork, my focus is on creating smaller batches of handcrafted items from Jewellery Boxes and Clocks to trays and decorative pieces. These items are made with the same care and traditional methods that I’ve always championed. Each piece reflects my commitment to sustainability and the beauty of natural materials.

By selling directly to the public, I hope to forge a more personal connection with my customers. Each item tells a story of skill, tradition, and creativity, and now those stories can find a place in your home.

I’m thrilled about this next chapter and what it means for our community. Wooden Wares Handwork is more than just a business it’s a celebration of handmade craftsmanship and the people who cherish it. I hope you’ll join me on this journey, whether you’re here for the insights I share or the pieces I create.

As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. Thank you for being part of my story, and I look forward to crafting the future together one piece at a time.

Every woodworker knows the frustration sliding workbench, especially when you’re in the middle of a satisfying hand planing session. Instead of fighting with your workbench, why not ground it properly?

In my latest video, I share simple and effective techniques to stop your workbench from moving around the workshop. These are practical solutions that any hand tool woodworker can implement.

Check out the video to learn how to keep your workbench firmly planted, so you can focus on your craft instead of chasing your bench!