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Ever have a lack of motivation to finish a project? I do and in 2008 an accident with one of my projects brought an unexpected package and encouragement from Sam Maloof.

I just completed a project I had been wanting to do for a while. A simple wall cabinet that shows off some of the marquetry that I do and also used the laser. I have always been drawn to the simplicity of Shaker-style furniture. Although I like the simplicity, I think a few additions of some marquetry is excellent. Not too much, but enough to elevate the piece just a little.

I often feel that when I work out in the shop, the product has to be amazing. This puts a lot of pressure on myself and therefore keeps me out of the shop. I tend to be my most productive when I am just “goofing around.”

It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted on the blog. In this instance, it is intentional. I honestly did not know what to say. We were already dealing with weeks of stress and anxiety dealing with the coronavirus and the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands (or knee) of a Minneapolis police officer. Since then, we have seen protests and riots not only in our country but around the world.

The first Christmas that my wife and I spent together 26 years ago was a special one for many reasons, but one unusual one that stands out is that it was the first time that someone gave me a tool. That tool was a Craftsman portable air compressor. That air compressor continues to work to this day. Several years ago, I needed something with a little more “power,” so I purchased a Central Pneumatic from Harbor Freight. Between the two, over the last few years, I have had the power and portability that I have needed.

Everyone can make a dent in the world. Sometimes even the smallest step can make a huge imprint. Several weeks ago, an email from my favorite 3D printing company talked about the work they did to create a 3D printable face shield.

This is one of the best tips that I have ever learned. It has changed the way I do a lot of my wood working and amplified everything from making boxes to creating joints on cabinets and even trimming marquetry panels.

Over the last several months, I’ve started using the metric system in the woodshop, and the more I use it, the more reasons I’m finding to love it.

Why am I using the metric system?

Have you ever just totally lost momentum on a project? Ok, dumb question. The real problem is, do you ever wonder why you lose momentum on a project? There can be a lot of different reasons, but recently, I had one particularly daunting one.