Separating Wood Shop from Other Tools

 I decided to separate my tools, and dedicate my detached building to wood related tools and projects, and move my other stuff to my attached garage. Maybe not such a big deal, but I think this is going to work out better for me.

Doing this has allowed me to be much more organized, and it also gets my other tools, such as auto related tools, out of the way. It's frustrating to have to move things around every time I want to use my table saw, for example. 

Another benefit, is not having these tools coated in saw dust.

I've experimented with several different ways of laying everything out, and still keeping plenty of room to park my automobiles inside the garage.

One of the most important priorities in the garage, is to keep related items together. Auto wash/detail tools all together, wrenches, sockets, etc. together. You get the idea.

I also took the time to hang some of the many signs I've collected over the years. Two purposes were served in doing so... they're no longer stacked on a shelf, taking up space .....and now I can see and enjoy them.

This is very much a work in progress, but that's fine. Just as my wood shop is always a work in progress. Everything seems to evolve. My interests evolve, my tools evolve, and what I place my attention on evolves.

3D Letter Sign | Scroll Saw Project

I had a tough time this year buying Christmas gifts. Who am I kidding, I always have had a hard time with this. I'm a man. 

I really like to try and pick up clues throughout the year what a person would like. The problem is, most adults these days have anything and everything they want. If they want something, they go out and buy it. 

As economically blessed as we are in the United States, I have trouble buying for someone based on something I think they "need" too. 

For my parents this year, I decided to make them something. I finally settled on this sign. 

Scrap Wood and Craft Paint Projects

The Christmas season is in full swing. Rather than digging out our old Christmas decorations, my little boy and I are making some for inside the house. Here's a sample:

It's nice to have something to do with some of these wood scraps that pile up. He and I both like to get out the craft paint, so this works out good for us. #MerryChristmas

Tool Brand Signs | Scroll Saw Project

Just a few days ago, Steve Carmichael released a video in which he made several scroll saw road signs. I was absolutely inspired by this. His signs look really great, and I think they will make some great decor. I want to make some of those in the future. However, I chose to practice by making some tool brand logos with my scroll saw.

Western Boots Refurb | Clean & Polish

Last year, my father-n-law was cleaning and clearing out things he no longer used or wanted. In his purge were these Dan Post western boots. During conversation, we discovered that we wear the same size shoe. As a result, he thought of me when he came across these boots, and gave them to me. 

Here, I'll describe my process of cleaning and polishing this once nice pair of western boots. Or, as I always called them growing up.... cowboy boots.

As you can see in the above photo, these boots have been neglected for many years. Approximately 25 according to him. Thankfully, the sole was still in good shape. They were very dirty, and had what looked like mold on part of the shaft. Absolutely neglected. I don't say that as a dig to him at all, it happens.

Wooden Mallet | Woodworking Essential Tool

I've seen many videos that suggest a wooden mallet is essential to a woodshop. While that may be the case, I've made it so far without one. On this day, I decided to make one.