Peter Coolican
Peter Coolican, from Toronto, Ontario, on Shaker design, exotic wood and falling short of his expectations.
Rob Brown
Rob is the editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement and a studio furniture maker.
Articles by Rob Brown
Block plane
Get the Most Out of Your Block Plane. These are the smallest of regularly used hand planes.
Top 10 Tools to Teach Your Kids to Use
If your kids show a desire to learn about the tools in your shop, it’s a great idea to get them involved. Not only will they learn about tools and how to use them, but it will only strengthen the bond between you and your kids. Obviously safety is a big part of the instruction, no matter which tool they’re learning about.
Make a classic fan carving
In this video Rob Brown shows you how to make a classic fan carving using a router, a host of hand tools – and lots of elbow grease.
Top 10 Small Shop Finishing Tips
With the right approach, applying a gorgeous finish isn’t that hard. These 10 finishing tips will get you started in the right direction.
Japanese-inspired shop storage
It’s nice to have at least some of your shop storage solutions look fantastic. This cabinet is inspired by the tansu that have been hand crafted in Japan for centuries.
Build a Knock-Down Finishing Rack
This simple rack is easy to make, and provides a lot of storage for panels while they’re being finished. It can also be adjustable to hold many more panels.
Chris Wong
Based in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Chris Wong talks about sculptural furniture, his dislike of cleaning and why he’s often in the shop until after midnight.
Design and build a wall unit
Wall units are complex projects, but with the right approach, and a good idea of the final fit and function in mind, they’re not beyond most intermediate level woodworkers. Learn these wall unit basics, so you can design and build one of your own.
Simple, yet attractive modern bookshelf
This quick and easy bookshelf is your answer to great looking storage on a budget. Â
Simple, quick and cost-effective: your new closet
Many people would like more storage, but they aren’t using the storage they already have efficiently. This fast and easy closet update makes good use of the closet space you have.
Cirvan Hamilton
Studio furniture maker Cirvan Hamilton, from Dorset, Ontario, on living in a forest, shop class and the frustration of designing.
Top 10 Shop Storage Hacks
Bring these household items into your shop to increase your storage options and get organized like you never thought possible.
Trent Watts
Woodturner Trent Watts on dreaming, building things and cow udders.
Robert Akroyd
Toronto, Ontario furniture maker Robert Akroyd on working in a big city, a small shop and lack of soul in much of the live-edge furniture today.
High and Dry: A Simple, Folding Laundry Rack
There’s no cheaper way to dry your family’s laundry than to simply hang it up. If you live in an apartment or condo, or don’t want to contend with changing weather and seasons, this indoor rack is your solution.
Chairisma: Seating in Western Maple
Camosun College, on Vancouver Island, recently put on an exhibition of chairs made by students. Influenced by everything from modern masters to historical icons, these chairs mix materials, styles and approaches to furniture design.
Make a Set of Kids’ Playing Card Holders
If you have kids or grandchildren who would like to play card games, but are having trouble holding a mitt full of cards, here’s your answer. Make a few extras while you’re at it, as I’m sure there are other kids in your life who would like to receive one as a gift.
Make a smartphone case
Technology is often shiny and cold to the hands and eyes. Pairing these modern objects with wood is a great way to visually and physically warm them up.
Top 10 hand tools for a machine enthusiast
You can divide woodworkers into two camps: hand tool lovers and machine enthusiasts. If you’re in the latter camp, consider boosting your speed, quality and accuracy with these 10 hand tools.
Bandsaw
Bandsaws are versatile shop machines that don’t take up much floor space, and are both easy and reasonably safe to use.
Ian Laval
Ian Laval on using locally sourced woods, restoring a sailboat and ‘cheapo’ products that Canadians seem to love.
From pallet To patio chair – upcycling, the comfortable way
This chair was designed and built with the material from one pallet found at a local lumberyard. Grab a pallet (or two) and before you know it you’ll be relaxing on your deck in your comfy new upcycled chair.
Rustic reflections: simple mirror frame with a weathered look
This simple frame is accentuated by a bold, distressed finish to give it some added character. There are many different types of finish you can use to customize this frame, and make it look great in your home. Learn how this finish was applied, and see a few other options for different looks.
