Marc Spagnuolo's Blog, page 31
February 6, 2020
Adventures in Steam Bending
There’s a certain irony surrounding wood bending. Normally, woodworkers do everything they can to mitigate wood movement and prevent boards from bending, cupping and twisting. But sometimes we want a curved project part that simply can’t or shouldn’t be cut from a larger piece. There are two popular methods for bending wood: bent lamination and steam bending. With bent lamination, we saw a board into thin strips and glue the strips back together on a bending form with glue between each layer. This process is fairly predictable and you can do it with any species of wood. I have a video on that process here: Bent Lamination
Steam bending is a very different beast. The process uses steam to transfer heat deep into the wood fibers, causing them to become more pliable for a period of time, long enough for us to clamp the workpiece to a bending form to grant it its new shape. A good analogy is curling hair. With moisture and heat, straight hair can be made curly and curly hair can be made straight. So it is with wood. But because every species is a little bit different, not all species take well to the bending process. Commonly-used species include Ash, Beech, Birch, Hickory, Red Oak, and White Oak. Furthermore, kiln dried wood is significantly more difficult to bend due to the hardening of the lignin imparted by kiln drying.
Since this process was completely new to me I decided to jump in head first, without doing a ton of research, and essentially setting myself up for some failures. But those failures helped me solidify my knowledge on the topic with actual experience and not just taking someone else’s word for it. By the end of this experience, I had read numerous articles, watched tons of videos, and read two books on the topic including one I highly recommend: Wood Bending Made Easy by Lon Schleining. While I’m nowhere near an experienced steam-bender at this point, I do feel I have a much better understanding of what it takes to have repeatable successful steam bends. I also learned that I really prefer the predictability of bent lamination. But having both techniques as arrows in my quiver means I simply have more options when executing future projects.
Here’s a summary of my personal conclusions. Keep in mind that all of these things warrant more testing and research:
Soaking doesn’t seem to be necessary for air dried lumber
Steam a little longer than the literature recommends
Compression straps appear to almost be a necessity. I say almost because I know lots of folks do bending without them.
Give the piece plenty of time to dry on the form in a warm area.
Kiln Dried just might be more trouble than it’s worth for the occasional steam-bender.
Stuff Shown in the Video:
Rockler’s Steam Bending Kit
Self-Centering Drill Bits
Amana Countersink Bit
Wood Bending Made Simple
Glue Roller
The post Adventures in Steam Bending appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 31, 2020
Watch While Pooping – Morning Show
Show notes are in progress.
The post Watch While Pooping – Morning Show appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 29, 2020
Modern Kitchen Table by Philip Morley
This past Summer I traveled to Texas to work with Philip Morley on his Kitchen Table project for the Guild. You can purchase access to the full series and plans here.�� Philip has an incredible design sense and there’s something about his furniture that just speaks to me. At first glance, you might think this table is pretty simple but the devil’s in the details. I hope you enjoy this look at Philips woodworking process.
You can follow Philip on Instagram or on his website.
The post Modern Kitchen Table by Philip Morley appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 24, 2020
Woodpeckers & Patrons – Morning Show
00:00 – New Intro for The Woodworking Morning Show!
1:18 – Thanks to our Patreon supporters!
1:42 – Patreon After Show
3:30 – New Patreon Reward Levels!
6:15 – Clarification on the Introvert discussion from last week
7:45 – Morning Show Weather Report from Matt Cremona
8:43 – Why did you switch from silicon to bristle glue brushes?
10:26 – Do you use a dust hood on your miter station or what are you doing for dust mitigation?
11:53 – What is the best way to make the wedge for a wedged mortise and tenon?
12:56 – Hardboard runners on rubber mats can allow you to move machines
13:57 – Do you have any suggestions on building a farmhouse door in the “K” Style?
16:29 – How do you like having a Google Home Mini in the shop?
18:26 – Should you wax your router table?
19:59 – Do you think the shift from selling as a hobbyist to content creation is a culture shift or just not wanting to leave the shop?
23:04 – Would you use Osmo on something like a foot stool, especially given the cost and if it might go bad before using more of it?
25:45 – Getting tearout rounding over endgrain cutting boards – Any advice to prevent it?
28:17 – WoodPeckers One-Time Tool EZ-Edge
35:14 – Is the Edge tool heavy?
36:14 – How’s the steam bending going?
37:42 – What’s Marc’s instagram account?
37:55 – Did you have to reconfigure the miter saw cabinets when you changed out your saw?
39:45 – How big is your steam chamber?
41:09 – Where do you find the after show?
42:20 – Glass panel that is framed by cope and stick, trying to change this into a rabbit and it is splintering, what can I do to fix this?
43:50 – Were there any changes you made when you brought in employees?
44:52 – Is the after show recorded?
45:00 – Going to a larger Jet drum sander, any benefits to open vs. closed throat or stand?
Looking for the products and tools Marc uses and recommends? You can find most of them at our Amazon stores:
US – https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Canada – https://www.amazon.ca/shop/thewoodwhisperer
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thewoodwhisperer
The Woodworking Morning Show as an audio podcast on iTunes
The post Woodpeckers & Patrons – Morning Show appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Woodpeckers & Patrons
00:00 – New Intro for The Woodworking Morning Show!
1:18 – Thanks to our Patreon supporters!
1:42 – Patreon After Show
3:30 – New Patreon Reward Levels!
6:15 – Clarification on the Introvert discussion from last week
7:45 – Morning Show Weather Report from Matt Cremona
8:43 – Why did you switch from silicon to bristle glue brushes?
10:26 – Do you use a dust hood on your miter station or what are you doing for dust mitigation?
11:53 – What is the best way to make the wedge for a wedged mortise and tenon?
12:56 – Hardboard runners on rubber mats can allow you to move machines
13:57 – Do you have any suggestions on building a farmhouse door in the “K” Style?
16:29 – How do you like having a Google Home Mini in the shop?
18:26 – Should you wax your router table?
19:59 – Do you think the shift from selling as a hobbyist to content creation is a culture shift or just not wanting to leave the shop?
23:04 – Would you use Osmo on something like a foot stool, especially given the cost and if it might go bad before using more of it?
25:45 – Getting tearout rounding over endgrain cutting boards – Any advice to prevent it?
28:17 – WoodPeckers One-Time Tool EZ-Edge
35:14 – Is the Edge tool heavy?
36:14 – How’s the steam bending going?
37:42 – What’s Marc’s instagram account?
37:55 – Did you have to reconfigure the miter saw cabinets when you changed out your saw?
39:45 – How big is your steam chamber?
41:09 – Where do you find the after show?
42:20 – Glass panel that is framed by cope and stick, trying to change this into a rabbit and it is splintering, what can I do to fix this?
43:50 – Were there any changes you made when you brought in employees?
44:52 – Is the after show recorded?
45:00 – Going to a larger Jet drum sander, any benefits to open vs. closed throat or stand?
Looking for the products and tools Marc uses and recommends? You can find most of them at our Amazon stores:
US – https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Canada – https://www.amazon.ca/shop/thewoodwhisperer
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thewoodwhisperer
The Woodworking Morning Show as an audio podcast on iTunes
The post Woodpeckers & Patrons appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 17, 2020
Multi-Function Mobile Cart For Festool MFT
Festool makes some great tools and accessories but they are usually geared toward the mobile craftsperson. One such tool that has been a game-changer for me in terms of how I process sheetgoods is the Multi-Function Table or MFT. The unit is loaded with work-holding features but because it needs to be mobile, it’s fairly light and features fold out legs similar to a card table. I really wanted something more stable. Furthermore, there are a lot of tools and accessories that go hand in hand with the MFT and it would be nice to have storage for those thing right next to the MFT. With all of this in mind, I designed my Multi-Function Cart for Festool MFT.
While this cart is obviously purpose-built for the MFT, it’s also quite useful for non-Festool woodworkers. It can easily function as a mobile assembly table, a mobile work cart, or you can raise the height a bit and have a very serviceable outfeed table.
Download the Free Plans
Sketchup Plan
PDF Cutlist/Plan
Sketchup Plan Metric
PDF Cutlist/Plan Metric
Stuff I Used (Shop these affiliate links to help support the show)
Toggle Clamps��
Rubber Feet for the Toggle Clamps
Amana Countersink Bit
Self-Centering Bits
Full Extension Slides: 3 pairs 16″, 1 pair 18″, 1 pair 22″
Gallery
The post Multi-Function Mobile Cart For Festool MFT appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Please Don’t Touch the Introvert – TWW Live
Show notes coming soon.
The post Please Don’t Touch the Introvert – TWW Live appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 10, 2020
Matt Has to Make – TWW Live
00:01:30 – Audio starts
00:02:17 – It’s Friday live!
00:04:35 – Thanks to our Patreon subscribers!
https://www.patreon.com/woodwhisperer
00:05:13 – Last day for preorder on Matt’s Outdoor Bench is TODAY
00:05:50 – What kind of woodworking buffing pads can I find?
00:07:50 – How often do you adjust the roller pressure on your planer?
00:09:20 – Do you ever build a project without any plans?
00:12:20 – Is epoxy an issue with food contact once cured?
00:15:15 – How do you figure out the angle for the supports on X-Frame legs?
00:17:22 – What tablesaw blade do you use most often?
00:18:55 – What’s a high quality drawer slide on the market?
00:23:20 – Would you recommend carbide insert lathe tools over chisels and gouges?
00:26:15 – What’s the differece between helical head and spiral head planers?
00:29:15 – Can I mill up a 10 inch maple log on a 14 inch bandsaw?
00:31:50 – Are the new PM1250 filters fans worth the price?
00:37:40 – Can you talk a bit about chisel brand comparisons?
00:43:05 – Have you tried the Tormek T-4 sharpening system?
00:48:00 – How do you sharpen a fishtail chisel?
00:50:00 – Any tips for using a biscuit jointer?
00:53:40 – How much outlets should I add to my garage shop?
00:55:30 – Any tips for filming solo?
01:01:30 – Can you recommend an inexpensive moisture meature?
01:05:55 – Are finger joints strong or should I reinforce them?
01:07:15 – Would you recommend Sapele for the roubo bench top?
01:14:30 – Guild project winner! Congratulations
Products recommended by Marc
US! https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Canada! http://amazon.ca/shop/thewoodwhisperer
UK! https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Friday Live as an audio podcast
Support us on Patreon
The post Matt Has to Make – TWW Live appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Matt Has to Make
00:01:30 – Audio starts
00:02:17 – It’s Friday live!
00:04:35 – Thanks to our Patreon subscribers!
https://www.patreon.com/woodwhisperer
00:05:13 – Last day for preorder on Matt’s Outdoor Bench is TODAY
00:05:50 – What kind of woodworking buffing pads can I find?
00:07:50 – How often do you adjust the roller pressure on your planer?
00:09:20 – Do you ever build a project without any plans?
00:12:20 – Is epoxy an issue with food contact once cured?
00:15:15 – How do you figure out the angle for the supports on X-Frame legs?
00:17:22 – What tablesaw blade do you use most often?
00:18:55 – What’s a high quality drawer slide on the market?
00:23:20 – Would you recommend carbide insert lathe tools over chisels and gouges?
00:26:15 – What’s the differece between helical head and spiral head planers?
00:29:15 – Can I mill up a 10 inch maple log on a 14 inch bandsaw?
00:31:50 – Are the new PM1250 filters fans worth the price?
00:37:40 – Can you talk a bit about chisel brand comparisons?
00:43:05 – Have you tried the Tormek T-4 sharpening system?
00:48:00 – How do you sharpen a fishtail chisel?
00:50:00 – Any tips for using a biscuit jointer?
00:53:40 – How much outlets should I add to my garage shop?
00:55:30 – Any tips for filming solo?
01:01:30 – Can you recommend an inexpensive moisture meature?
01:05:55 – Are finger joints strong or should I reinforce them?
01:07:15 – Would you recommend Sapele for the roubo bench top?
01:14:30 – Guild project winner! Congratulations
Products recommended by Marc
US! https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Canada! http://amazon.ca/shop/thewoodwhisperer
UK! https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thewoodwhisperer
Friday Live as an audio podcast
Support us on Patreon
The post Matt Has to Make appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
January 4, 2020
Fancy Workbench Cabinet With String Inlay
I’m very lucky to have a large open wall behind my workbench. This is the place where I store most of my hand tools. There’s really nothing easier than simply reaching behind the bench to grab a plane a chisel, so I never felt inclined to build a storage bench that resides under the workbench. But ever since the introduction of the Split-Top Roubo Workbench, Guild members have been asking for a storage cabinet add-on so I finally decided to give it a go. If you want the set of plans and the full video series, go here.
My original plan was to make it utilitarian and practical, while using some nice wood for visual flare. Over time, the cabinet morphed into something much fancier than it was intended to be featuring string inlay, flush-mounted hardware, box joints, dovetails, and keyed miters.
After using the cabinet for a few months, I must say that I’m very happy with it. While having my chisels on the wall was easy, it turns out it’s even easier to pull them from a drawer that’s right in front of me instead of having to walk around to the back side of my bench. Furthermore, the sharpest blades in my collection are now tucked away inside drawers instead of hanging on a wall, which is a nice safety upgrade. All in all, it’s a great functional piece of furniture for the workshop that will last for generations. If you’d like more detail, consider purchasing this project in the Guild.��
Here are links to some of the hardware I used in this project:
8 pairs �����16��� Full Extension Slides (Black)
1 pair �����Antique Brass Hinges (Dark Antique color)
9 Small Solid Brass Flush Mount Ring Pulls in Oil Rubbed Bronze
The post Fancy Workbench Cabinet With String Inlay appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
