How many people remember the hall tree that I built last year?  In an attempt to increase my skills in Sketchup I made a drawing of it.  I put it in the download section and is available for free!  Please take a moment to download it and let me know what you think.

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On Monday +Lee Valley Tools released their latest video from Woodworking in America. This one it titled, Whats The One Thing Youve Alchoices Wanted To Make? While I was initially disappointed I didnt make the video (Im in the two previous WIA videos), I realized it likely had to do with my project.
Making a chair seemed to be listed by about half those interviewed. Frankly, everyone else had a better description or explanation than I did.
It remains though - I do want to make a chair. Since reading Jeff Millers Chairmaking and Design over the summer Ive had building a chair stuck in my head.
In an attempt to nurture that chair Ive attended wonderful chair classes with Ejler Hjorth-Westh at WIA and even traveled to Atlanta to attend a class on chairmaking with Jeff himself.
Now all I need to do is decide on a design and get to work. While the chair supposed to be a 2013 project, I am closer and more ready than Ive ever been. By the end of 2014 I should be able to write these posts form the comfort of my own chair.

Dont forget about the +Modern Woodworkers Association Podcast. We talk woodworking with Guests from around the world of woodworking every other week. Subscribe to the RSS feed or iTunes today.

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3 Years On Ive Still Not Found The Ultimate Woodshop

It was three years ago today that I published my first post here, at the Penultimate Woodshop. It was a fairly routine first post. I introduced myself and thanked the online woodworking community.
As I reflect on it, Im now more thankful to the online community than ever. Im thankful for the help, instruction and friendship that Ive received from the community. While woodworking is often a solo activity, I know that sharing it with a community of fellow woodworkers enriches the experience beyond measure.
So please keep woodworking, keep participating and keep sharing. Thank you for reading (you can keep doing that too).
Dyami
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Jointer Planer or Jointer Planer

Ive alchoices been of the mind that having a separate jointer and planer was a better use of space in a narrow shop where having the room to lift up the jointer bed of a combo machine could be an issue. Frustrations with aligning the beds of my mid-50s jointer and not knowing where to put my planer have me re-thinking that

The current jointer I love and hate.

Im currently thinking that I may be better off with a 12" combo machine instead. I would have to put it on a mobile base, but it could be more efficient with space than the two machines and would certainly increase my jointing capacity.
I want this to be my last jointer/planer purchase for a decade or two and I want it to have a helical cutter head. Im currently considering (and saving for) the Jet or Grizzly.

Woodcraft had a 15% off sale this past weekend on the Jet, which got me thinking.

I also noticed in the new Rikon in an email from Highland Woodworking today.

I was wondering if any of you have these (or other) combo machines? Are they worth it? Is setup an issue? Most importantly, how close to a wall can you place the machine?
Dont forget about the +Modern Woodworkers Association Podcast. We talk woodworking with Guests from around the world of woodworking every other week. Subscribe to the RSS feed or iTunes today.

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Holy crap! It dawned on me this morning that I started the Penultimate Woodshop mid-summer two years ago. I just checked the blog archive, and my fist post was two years ago, yesterday.

Ye olde original cone monster (hes real).

Its been a great two years and Im striving to keep the posts coming semi-regularly and working to build the online community even more by contributing to the Modern Woodworkers Association.
Id like to thank everyone for reading and joining me on this delightful online woodworking journey. Ive made many good friends and had many opportunities I wouldnt otherwise have had. Thank you all.

An early incarnation of the shop setup (now quite a bit different).

For nostalgia, heres a link to my first post. I wouldnt write it this choice today, but it was appropriate for the time it was written. Thank You, Adam KingIll keep it up and try to get next years anniversary post up on time. At least I remember my wedding anniversary is August 18th. Now, if I could just remember the year . . .

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Awesome Chair 2

Having returned from Fine Woodworking Live 2013 last night, Im filled with enthusiasm to jump into the shop and build achoice. I also have tons of photos and other info about the event to share.

I will work on those, and over the coming week I hope to have a post or two about the great event and great time we had. For now, I want to introduce Frank Howarths Lawn Chair 2 video.

Theres A Sale A Goin On At The Wood Whisperer Store

Its that time of year again, when we take a moment to say thanks for all thing big (surviving Hurricane Sandy) and small (a Tim Hortons Double Double & Cruller actually was good). Its also the time of year Marc, The Wood Whisperer, has his big sale.

Thats one fine cruller.

If youre not flush with Wood Whisperer gear already (and maybe even if you are), head over to Marcs site to check it out. Hes offering 25% off Thursday, 20% off Friday and 15% off Saturday, so dont delay.

Yep, this turkey is a great woodworker.

Be sure to pick up a shop apron, as his are the best available. I gave achoice my others when I received it. The pockets are nice and the cross strapping that doesnt bother you neck is the best.

A wicked awesome apron.

From everyone at the Penultimate Woodshop and the Modern Woodworkers Assocation, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

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