Marc Spagnuolo's Blog, page 58
December 1, 2016
Moving Into the Colorado Shop
We are finally getting settled in Colorado so I thought it would be nice to do a little shop update. I strategically staggered the move so that the shop tools would arrive about a week after the house boxes arrived. My hope was that I’d have enough time to get the family settled as well as prep the garage space for the deluge of boxes and tools that were headed its way. As it turns out, I probably could have used an extra week. Either way, the tools arrived without incident and I had them clustered in the center of the shop, allowing me room to walk around the perimeter during the settling in phase.
Out With the Old!
One of the first things I did in the space, somewhat regretfully, was remove two banks of large storage cabinets. If I were using this as a parking garage, I’d be stoked to have so much storage. But at this point, space is more important than bulk storage and the oversized shelves in these cabinets aren’t really the kind of storage a woodworker needs (at least not THIS woodworker). So the cabinets were taken down and they will either wind up being installed in someone else’s garage or recycled into some other shop furniture.
Unpacking Sucks
When packing up the shop in AZ, I was very surprised at how much stuff I had to put into boxes. Consequently on the other side, I’m feeling the pain. At this stage, I simply don’t have enough drawers and cabinets to put everything away nor do I have any wall-hanging storage beyond the few pegboard walls set up by the previous homeowner. But I have to make progress somehow so I pretty much loaded up the cabinets and drawers with anything and everything that will fit. I’ll organize later.
Tool Locations
The ultimate goal at this stage is to reduce the amount of clutter on the floor so that I can start moving tools to their proposed locations. To help with this part of the process I quickly sketched a rough drawing of the shop and where I think the tools should go. It’s all about compromise. I can try to organize the tools into a sensible workflow but sometimes the space dictates something different. So I’ll do the best I can within the confines of the space. What I have below will get me to a starting point and the actual shop itself will fill in the blanks in terms of what’s wrong with the layout.
The post Moving Into the Colorado Shop appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
November 30, 2016
Pete’s Farmhouse Table
A traditional farmhouse table, but less rustic and more finished and modern measuring 72″ x 38″. 6/4 hard maple top with breadboard ends attached with 38″ long sliding dove tails. Legs are 3 x 3 laminated rock maple. BUT I fabricated the skirt and stretcher from steel and had them powder-coated white. The steel stretcher is bolted to the legs, but I tried to make it look like it is somehow through-tenoned to the legs by capping the bolts with white Corian caps held in place with rare-earth magnets.
This thing weighs a freakin’ ton, but disassembles and reassembles easily. It even packs flat. A pair of coordinated benches are in process.
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November 25, 2016
Friday Live – DeWalt Flexvolt, The Bear, & Free Tools
The garage still isn’t a “shop” yet but we have some new DeWalt Flexvolt tools to check out. I discuss the reason behind my beard and I also talk about how I get my “free” tools.
Topics and questions:
2:22 – Black Friday Deals
3:35 – Getting bored? Piss off.
4:00 – Live show assistance
5:20 – Woodworkers Fighting Cancer Update
6:00 – DeWalt Flexvolt Showcase
21:40 – Flexvolt Q&A
22:45 – Are you miserable without a shop?
24:20 – Kapex v. Flexvolt Comparison
25:40 – Giveaway Update
26:25 – Are DeWalt tools new to you?
27:40 – Found a new tattoo artist yet?
28:23 – How to deal with sloped floors?
29:30 – How do you like the cold weather?
31:15 – 2×4 sleeper orientation
33:10 – Blizzcon update
33:50 – Shop renovation video updates
34:30 – Garage door & subfloor interaction
35:18 – Pediatric cancer drive
35:55 – Flexvolt vs Standard miter saw
37:23 – What Jet tools do you have?
38:03 – Neighbors and shop noise
38:45 – Andy Klein table saw blade update
40:00 – How Marc buys his tools
43:30 – Did you smoke your turkey?
44:22 – TWW Channel description (Free site vs Guild)
50:15 – TWW 10th Anniversary Shirt on TeeSpring
The post Friday Live – DeWalt Flexvolt, The Bear, & Free Tools appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Friday Live – DeWalt Flexvolt
The garage still isn’t a “shop” yet but we have some new DeWalt Flexvolt tools to check out. I discuss the reason behind my beard and I also talk about how I get my “free” tools.
Topics and questions:
2:22 – Black Friday Deals
3:35 – Getting bored? Piss off.
4:00 – Live show assistance
5:20 – Woodworkers Fighting Cancer Update
6:00 – DeWalt Flexvolt Showcase
21:40 – Flexvolt Q&A
22:45 – Are you miserable without a shop?
24:20 – Kapex v. Flexvolt Comparison
25:40 – Giveaway Update
26:25 – Are DeWalt tools new to you?
27:40 – Found a new tattoo artist yet?
28:23 – How to deal with sloped floors?
29:30 – How do you like the cold weather?
31:15 – 2×4 sleeper orientation
33:10 – Blizzcon update
33:50 – Shop renovation video updates
34:30 – Garage door & subfloor interaction
35:18 – Pediatric cancer drive URL
35:55 – Flexvolt vs Standard miter saw
37:23 – What Jet tools do you have?
38:03 – Neighbors and shop noise
38:45 – Andy Klein table saw blade update
40:00 – How Marc buys his tools
43:30 – Did you smoke your turkey?
44:22 – TWW Channel description (Free site vs Guild)
50:15 – TWW 10th Anniversary Shirt on TeeSpring
The post Friday Live – DeWalt Flexvolt appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Friday Live – New Colorado Garage
We’re finally in the new Colorado garage and all my crap is in there. But it’s not a “shop” just yet. Here’s the topic list and Q&A:
1:42 – Move Update
2:40 – TWW Updates
6:10 – Garage Tour
13:14 – Ultimate Plan
16:34 – Drainage
17:00 – Why no master breaker in panel?
18:19 – Soundproofing for dust collector?
19:00 – What are those things on your arms?
19:19 – Noise insulation?
20:26 – Buy a snow blower yet?
21:42 – Drum sander recommendation
23:08 – What table saw are you getting?
23:40 – Will all of your tools fit?
25:05 – Will you be hanging with Scott Johnson?
25:25 – Have you bought pot legally yet?
27:00 – My compressor leak
27:28 – What will you do differently now that you’re in CO?
28:39 – Smaller projects coming up?
29:25 – End grain through the planer?
30:03 – Shop paint color
30:42 – SketchUp model for the new shop?
31:07 – In-floor heat
32:10 – T1-11 on the walls?
33:05 – Can you calculate wood moisture without a meter?
33:45 – Can you rent a pod for the floor installation?
34:57 – Will you do a meetup in CO?
36:35 – How big is your shop?
37:06 – DC modifications?
37:40 – Shop lighting?
38:20 – Which Guild project to start with?
39:05 – Will the mini-split be a problem with the HOA?
40:12 – 14 yr old wants to buy Festool
42:45 – Have you given thought to SawStop table saws?
47:05 – Powermatic drill press opinion?
48:20 – Confirmation of WFC contribution?
49:00 – Tool modification for dust collection?
50:12 – Will SawStop make you complacent?
52:00 – Worth it to get a dust extractor over a shop vac?
52:54 – How do you feel about Kreg jig stuff?
53:20 – What filter is good for dust collection?
54:16 – Do you still use the Dylos air monitor and has it changed your habits?
57:32 – How are the dogs doing?
The post Friday Live – New Colorado Garage appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
November 24, 2016
Black Friday Sales 2016
Every year we like to pull together all of the sales and deals we can find online and share it with you in one post. Of course the internet is a big place so if you find a great deal share it in the comments below!
The Wood Whisperer Guild – 25% off all projects (excludes bundled projects) additional 25% off when you buy 3 or more projects! Use the code: GOBBLE25
JET – 15% off machines and 20% off AFS Units and Clamps
Available JET tools on sale at Woodcraft, Rockler and Amazon
Powermatic – 10% off machines and accessories (excludes CNC)
Available Powermatic tools on sale at Woodcraft, Rockler and Amazon
Rockler
30% off all Rockler Router Bits! 25% off all books and DVDS! 25% off Carving Tools!
Toolnut
Highland Woodworking
Amazon always has great deals throughout the week. Here are just a few that caught our eye
Woodcraft
Be sure to head back on Cyber Monday, as they are having an additional sale online.
Qalo Rings – Black Friday sale–Buy One Get One 50% off through Saturday. Also, 20% off whole site Thanksgiving through Friday as well.
Brusso Hardware – 10% off your order using the code THANKS16
Bell Forest – Use the coupon code FRIDAY2016 and 25% off online order on Friday only.
MLCS – Now through Monday, 11/28/2016, save an extra 10% on a wide selection of Router Bit Sets, Tables, Accessories, and More (with code BLACK).
Eagle America – 10% off all orders, $50+ orders: 10% off & Free Shipping, $100+ orders: 15% off & Free Shipping. Use the code 16BLACKFRI
The post Black Friday Sales 2016 appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
Black Friday Sales 2017
Every year we like to pull together all of the sales and deals we can find online and share it with you in one post. Of course the internet is a big place so if you find a great deal share it in the comments below!
The Wood Whisperer Guild – 25% off all projects (excludes bundled projects) additional 25% off when you buy 3 or more projects! Use the code: GOBBLE25
JET – 15% off machines and 20% off AFS Units and Clamps
Available JET tools on sale at Woodcraft, Rockler and Amazon
Powermatic – 10% off machines and accessories (excludes CNC)
Available Powermatic tools on sale at Woodcraft, Rockler and Amazon
Rockler 30% off all Rockler Router Bits! 25% off all books and DVDS! 25% off Carving Tools!
Toolnut
Highland Woodworking
Amazon always has great deals throughout the week. Here are just a few that caught our eye
Woodcraft
Be sure to head back on Cyber Monday, as they are having an additional sale online.
Qalo Rings – Black Friday sale–Buy One Get One 50% off through Saturday. Also, 20% off whole site Thanksgiving through Friday as well.
Brusso Hardware – 10% off your order using the code THANKS16
Bell Forest – Use the coupon code FRIDAY2016 and 25% off online order on Friday only.
MLCS – Now through Monday, 11/28/2016, save an extra 10% on a wide selection of Router Bit Sets, Tables, Accessories, and More (with code BLACK).
Eagle America – 10% off all orders, $50+ orders: 10% off & Free Shipping, $100+ orders: 15% off & Free Shipping. Use the code 16BLACKFRI
The post Black Friday Sales 2017 appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
November 21, 2016
Louis’ Rogowski Style Jewelry Box
I liked the Rogowski style jewelry box and decided to give it a try. I seem to be attracted to exotic woods and selected bamboo and ebony for this interpretation. Since no one seems to sell ebony dowels, I had to turn my own, a fun project in itself.
I wanted to maintain the very blond color of the bamboo so I needed to find a finish that was actually clear, not yellowing. I used General Finishes High Performance Semi Gloss and it worked great. I applied 5 coats with a light sanding between the 3d and 4th coat.
The post Louis’ Rogowski Style Jewelry Box appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
November 9, 2016
Why Are You Moving?
For the last few months I’ve been dropping hints about an impending move to Colorado. Recently the hints have become overt statements and if all goes well, we’ll officially be in Colorado before Thanksgiving. Because I seem to get the same questions via email daily and during my Friday Live sessions, I thought I’d write up some answers here on the site to avoid repeating myself and to prevent speculation.
Why are you moving?
To put it succinctly, kids change everything! Nicole and I never really LOVED living in Arizona. It was a means to an end, the “end” being running a successful business in an area with a reasonable cost of living. When you work all day and play video games all night, being stuck inside in the air conditioning for eight months out of the year isn’t that bad. But ever since my son arrived in 2011, priorities have shifted and our biggest challenge is finding indoor activities that allow the kid to burn off his seemingly endless supply of energy (otherwise he chews the furniture). Those indoor activities usually cost money which gets old quickly, considering all we really need is an afternoon at the park. And now that we have two little ones, things are going to get worse before they get better. So now that we have kids, we crave the same 4-season climate we grew up with.
Why Colorado?
Colorado is beautiful and has plenty of outdoor activities. The weather profile is what we’re looking for and many of the cities have exceptional school systems. And aside from that it comes down to our collective gut. There’s just something about Colorado that appeals to us and it’s where we feel we belong. It doesn’t hurt that we have some friends in the area too.
What about your shop?
The Dream Shop was fun to build and work in. It was a really cool experience. But in the same way I like to say Home is wherever my wife and kids are, my Shop is wherever my tools are. Doesn’t matter if it’s an 1800 sq. ft standalone building or 1-car garage. Woodworkers always figure out a way to make things work. So I’m not emotional about it at all and truly look forward to a future garage conversion. The house we are hoping to buy (we are currently under contract) features a 4-car garage at about 1050 sq ft. That’s not too shabby! But it will require a little downsizing, a little creativity, and a little extra work to get the shop up and running in that space. If I am ever feeling nostalgic about the old shop, I can always watch the Dream Shop build video.
How will this affect TWW and the Guild?
It won’t affect the Guild at all. I’m going to finish the Grandfather Clock project before I lose the shop and my new shop will be up and running before the next Guild project begins. The free site might see a slight decrease in content since that’s what I usually focus on between Guild projects. But I do plan on documenting the garage conversion so who knows, maybe I’ll have more content than I expect.
Did the shop affect the house sale?
When you have a big shop on your property, it can be a blessing and a curse. It’s not livable space, so you can’t add it to your square footage and that means it doesn’t do much to raise the overall value of the property. And if someone doesn’t have a use for the shop, it might be a deterrent. On the flip side, if someone does need a shop space, it could give the house a competitive advantage. So it really just depends on who’s looking at your house and what they want. But there’s really no way I’ll recuperate my investment in the shop. Good thing I’m sleeping on a bed of Honda money (that’s a joke).
Oh and if all of this moving talk sounds familiar or perhaps you’re hoping I’ll document the move, you might want to check out these videos:
The post Why Are You Moving? appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
November 8, 2016
Woodworking in America 2016 Interviews
I had a great time at and I had the opportunity to interview a few notable woodworkers from around the web. You just might recognize some of these faces.
Shannon Rogers
Matt Cremona
Nick Ferry
Jay Bates
April Wilkerson
Aaron Marshall
Dyami Plotke
Tyler G
Mike Fulton
Thanks to everyone for participating in the interviews and thanks to the folks at Woodworking in America for hosting an awesome conference!
The post Woodworking in America 2016 Interviews appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
