Make a table saw cut-off sled
This easy-to-make jig will help you cut non-standard angles on all sorts of workpieces.
Rob Brown
Rob is the editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement and a studio furniture maker.
Articles by Rob Brown
How to work wood even if you have no shop
Just because you don’t have a detached garage or part of a basement to set up a workshop doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Get creative when looking for shop space.
How beautiful are live edge slabs?
I’ve often wondered what’s so appealing about live edge material. I guess there’s a certain allure to working with not only a material that’s naturally grown (as is the case with all wood), but also a material that still has obvious signs of its natural, imperfect growth remaining.
Crazy for cauls
Clamping cauls aren't the most amazing shop project ever, I will admit. But they are a small but important part of having an operating workshop.
Scary sounds in the shop
I remember one of my instructors saying something intriguing when I was in college learning about woodworking and furniture making. He said to always listen to a power tool or machine.
Linkage hinge and Niagara woodcarving show
A few weeks ago, I wrote about a box I came across on the internet that reminded me of one I had made previously.
Timber! a great structural material
About a month ago I wrote about a backyard structure I’d like to start planning. I asked for your feedback, and got a few emails.
Comparing two bold boxes
I came upon a nice box by Simon Jewell, a maker in the United Kingdom, while surfing the internet the other day.
Who will speak for the humble scroll saw?
Since getting one a few years ago, my scroll saw has bailed me out of many tight situations other machines would have failed at miserably.
Trigger clamps: Beauty over function?
We’re running a trigger (a.k.a. one-handed) clamp tool comparison article in an upcoming issue. I’m taking some of the photographs, so a few of the companies have sent me clamps to shoot.
Dealing with high material costs
I recently mentioned that I planned to build a structure of sorts in our backyard, and asked readers to email me some of their past projects, and share tips and things to avoid. I hope to share some of these ideas in a future column.
19 tips for better drywall installation
Installing drywall isn’t the hardest job in the world, but it takes time. With these tips you’ll move along efficiently and be choosing paint colours before you know it.
Carving texture into veneer
Two weeks ago I wrote about how some frost on my windshield reminded me of a coffee table I made a number of years ago.
Planning backyard projects
Spring is just around the corner and with it will be Canadians coming out of their cocoons and heading outside. We may stay inside for most of the winter, but once warmer weather returns we make up for our lack of time outdoors quickly.
Teak patio table
Teak - known for its ability to stand up to the elements - coupled with this classic design will create a set of tables you can enjoy for decades to come.
Inspiration comes from everywhere
I often get inspiration from the most unlikely sources. Rivers, and their rushing water, have inspired me to bring certain curves into a table.
Kreg shelf pin jig
Create adjustable shelves with ease.
Tom Fidgen
Belle Cote, Nova Scotia based furniture maker and instructor Tom Fidgen on music, woodworking and how they make a great match.
Top 10 great woodworking projects for the outdoors
With warm weather just around the corner it’s time for woodworkers to turn their attention to making the most of summer with a new project or two. Start now and you’ll soon be outside enjoying a few of these projects on the patio.
In praise of simple projects
In last week’s column I mentioned that I’ve made wooden hearts for my kids for Valentine’s Day over the past few years. Not only are they well received, but they’re fun to make.
More from the anti-splinter front
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the splinters I got when working with Baltic birch to make a set of kitchen cabinets. I honestly thought the comments would be split down the middle between opposing “You’re a wimp, Rob!" and “I hate splinters, too!” camps.
Royal Italian writing desk and chair
Although this mahogany desk and chair couldn’t be further from my own personal style, they’re incredible pieces.
My love/hate relationship with Baltic birch
While Baltic birch has a few advantages when it comes to cabinet construction – it does have some distinct deficiencies.
Shellac: The best finish ever?
Shellac is a traditional finish that has been used by furniture makers for centuries and remains beneficial to woodworkers today.
