Blog
Just to be clear. I’m a woodworker, not a computer geek. I’m not the greatest typer, and I sometimes get stumped trying to do a simple computer task. I do, however, realize the value of sharing information with fellow woodworkers.
I’m a self-taught craftsman. I learned everything I know from reading, doing, re-doing, reading some more, and trying again. I have lots of great craftsmen to thank for passing along the craft. If I can share something that helps another craftsman, I’m happy to do it.
So, from time to time, I will publish a technique, share a story or just plain old get something off my mind.
Let me know what you think and thanks for your interest.
Classic 19th Century Chinese stools
About 20 years ago I saw one of these three-legged stools at a client's home. I was drawn to its simplicity, but at the same time the complexity of its joinery. I made up my mind right then that I would build one in the future. It wasn't until about 12 years later...
Documentary on building furniture
I was honored to be featured, along with Jeff Cobabe and Michael Ensign, two phenomenal artists/craftsmen, in a documentary about designing, building, and finishing a piece of furniture. The Salt Lake City Chapter of The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art...
Marc Adams 2018
I enjoyed once again being an instructor at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking. This year I taught 14 students how to build a bow-front table using a blend of machine and hand tools. The MASW has great facilities, outstanding staff, and some of the...
Wood Turning with Marcus Reid
Marcus Reid apprenticed with me right out of high school. I consider him a great friend and now a mentor. He is an amazing artisan. Whether he building furniture, making string instruments or turning wood, he excels. As a teacher he sets lofty goals for the students,...
2018 Summer Internship: Part One
The internships are progressing nicely. We worked on several group projects during the first week. Among them…an Enfield Shaker Cabinet, a Kumiko wall cabinet, and a bow-front sofa table.
Summer 2018 Internships: Meet the students
The Joiners Bench is pleased to offer summer internships to several students interested in enhancing their furniture-making skills. Students work on one or two of their own furniture projects, as well as several group projects, in a collaborative setting. Outstanding furniture projects will be featured in the Salt Lake Furniture Design Show this fall. Meet the students…
Springtime at the Joiners Bench
In addition to the wood shop, the Joiners Bench includes a small home with lots of trees and plants. I love it in the spring when the flowers start to bloom and the trees take on their green leaves. I thought it would be fun to take a break from the...
Fine Woodworking Live 2018
It was my pleasure to be a presenter at Fine Woodworking Live 2018 this past weekend. I always enjoying seeing the FW staff, as well as the talented woodworkers from all around the country who come together for a weekend filled with hands-on presentations and lectures.
Featured on Shop Talk Live
This week I was featured on Fine Woodworking's Shop Talk Live. View the episode
Sea Chest Workshop
Sea Chest Workshop The past month has been super busy. In addition to my commissioned work and regular teaching responsibilities at Salt Lake Community College, I taught three workshops on how to build this eye-catching sea chest. Two of these...
The New Year
2014 promises to be a great year for The Joiners Bench. I will be doing a variety of commissioned pieces, as well as customized training in my studio. I've committed to conduct two workshops at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking. I'm also teaching two classes on...
Joinery instructions
This weekend I will be presenting to the Colorado Woodworkers Guild. As part of my presentation I will build an heirloom tool chest by hand and demonstrate various hand tool techniques. The following links provide step-by-step instructions for dovetail and mortise and...
Classic Shop Stool Class
Several years ago I saw a classic shop stool at a friend's home. I liked the simple, yet elegant style and knew that the stool would be a nice addition to my workshop. I also relished the chance to make it by hand because of the challenging joinery. After making a few...
2013 Joiners Bench Workshops
The 2013 Joiners Bench workshops are now posted. Back by popular demand is the Heirloom Tool Chest Workshop. I will also once again teach one-day workshops on dovetailing and tuning and using hand planes, spokeshaves and shapers. New this season are workshops...
Heirloom Tool Chest Workshop
This weekend I hosted a workshop at my studio in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was my fourth of the summer, and I have one more scheduled and two more that I will be adding -- a second tool chest class (I had to turn a few folks a way) and a long board/skateboard building...