Episode 5 - The Holiday Gift Guide

November 30, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Video | 6 Comments 

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I don’t know about you guys, but for me, there’s nothing like a good (insert December holiday here) surprise. And if you want something woodworking-related, its very difficult for our friends and family to buy the things we need and want without ruining the surprise. So here is my little attempt at a solution: The Holiday Gift Guide!! I have a few suggestions in each category for gifts that nearly all woodworkers would appreciate. Even if you already have some of the items on the list, I bet you wouldn’t mind having a few more. So don’t be shy. Share this video with your friends and loved ones and say, “anything from this video”. Hey, its better than underwear right?

S2S and S4S?? What Gives? - Question of the Week

November 28, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Question of the Week | 2 Comments 

This week’s question of the week comes from Skee.
He writes, “In your show dedicated to the lumber store, the nice lady at the counter mentioned some terms you didn’t cover. Specifically, S2S and S4S. Yet another stumbling block for the newbie. Could you demystify these terms as well?”

And here was my reply:
“Hi Skee. I knew someone would nail me with that one. I had plans on including a discussion about that, but didn’t want to make the video any longer than it already was. So, in answer to your question, the S2S designation simply refers to how many sides have been pre-surfaced. So S2S= Surfaced 2 Sides. Read more

Episode 4 - A Lumbering Feeling

November 26, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Video | 21 Comments 

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As just about any woodworker can tell you, your first trip to a hardwood dealer can be a little intimidating. In fact, my first trip was more than a little frustrating. In this video, I will cover some terminology and topics that will help you be better prepared for your next trip to the lumber yard. Just a few of the topics covered include identifying different types of cuts, estimating board feet, and finding a good hardwood supplier.

Gobble Gobble!!!

November 23, 2006 | Filed Under Blog | 1 Comment 

Well, Turkey Day is here. That means Turkey, followed by tryptophan, followed by seratonin, followed by sleepy. There are also 3 football games today so you just can’t beat that. I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving has a good one.

And I did want to mention that I recognize Part 6 of the refinishing series is a little weak. Just remember that Episode 3 was originally intended to be one single video. Part 6 simply would have been the ending. It was an afterthought to break the episode into smaller parts. As a result, some parts may seem weak on content.

When it comes to internet video, you need to strike a balance between content and time. Easier said than done. From now on though, my primary focus will be content and my secondary focus will be time.
Well, enough of that. Have a great holiday and thanks so much for watching my videos. Spread the word.

Marc

Episode 3- Refinishing (Pt. 6)

November 22, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Video | 4 Comments 

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Finally!!! The last part of the refinishing series is here!! Seems like I’ve been wearing the same shirt for weeks now. In this video, I give a brief overview of my spray finishing techniques as well as provide a few tricks of the trade. Enjoy!!

Marc

The Wood Whisperer Featured on Podcast Salad!!

November 17, 2006 | Filed Under Blog | 1 Comment 

(p align=”justify”>I was very excited to hear that The Wood Whisperer was recently featured on episode 28 of the video podcast, Podcast Salad. If you aren’t familiar with this podcast, you should check it out. They review a bunch of different podcasts each and every episode. Its really funny and is a great time-saver if you are looking for new content on the web.

Episode 3- Refinishing (Pt. 5)

November 16, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Video | 4 Comments 

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In part 5, I discuss and demonstrate my two favorite pore-filling processes. Pore filling is very important when you want to apply a high gloss topcoat. If you are working with oak, mahogany, or walnut, this is something you should consider, so check it out! Marc

In a Rush…Drying Time for Oils - Question of the Week

November 14, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Question of the Week | 1 Comment 

This week’s Email Question of the Week comes from Joan. She writes, “I need a little assistance with finishing. I, of course, am in a hurry to finish a table I am donating for a silent auction. I am wondering if I put a coat of oil on the table top (side table,not
dining), how long do I have to wait for the oil to dry before I can add another finish such as waterlox, or varnish to protect the top??”

And here was my reply:

“Hello Joan. I assume when you say oil, you are referring to either tung oil or boiled linseed oil. In either case, I would probably feel confident putting a coat of varnish over it after 24 hrs. Basically, as soon as it no longer feels tacky, you can overcoat it. But in all honesty, I would do something completely different than that.
We have three issues to look at here: dry time, protection, and beauty.

In the finishing world, we have oils, we have varnishes and polys, and then we have mixtures. Waterlox is just such a mixture. It contains a relatively high oil to varnish ratio. General Finishes Arm-R-Seal, for instance, is straight varnish. In general, the more oil content, the longer the dry time and cure time. So a straight varnish (wipe-on) will dry easily within a day. Sometimes I can even put two coats on in a single day. The finish will be dry enough to handle within 24 hours. Now if you introduce oil into the equation, you will increase your dry time and also your full-cure time. But there are many times that I will add a few teaspoons of oil to my straight varnish just to make it easier to work with, and to add a bit of extra “color” to the mixture.

Now lets talk about protection. This follows suit with the drying time: the the higher the varnish content, the more protection you are giving the wood.

And lastly, perhaps the most misunderstood area, is beauty. Most people think they need a coat of oil on a workpiece to “pop” the grain. I pop the grain all the time and I never really bother with an oil pre-coat. For me, its an unnecessary step that just creates more work and takes more time. I encourage you to do a few tests when you have some spare time. Get three similar looking boards and prep them for finishing. Give one an oil precoat, followed by varnish the next day. Give the second a coat of varnish only. Then give the third a coat of the varnish, with a few teaspoons of tung or linseed oil in the mix. Give each board a few more coats of its respective finish over the next few days then decide for yourself which finish you like best and which one produces the results you are looking for. I can just about guarantee you will see that the extra oil step really did not help you at all. So if you can do it all in one step with faster drying time, I say why bother with the oil coat.

So to directly answer your question, I would recommend skipping the oil step and going straight to either varnish or Waterlox. Waterlox already contains plenty of oil and will be easier to work with than the varnish. The drawback is that Waterlox will not build coats as fast and takes longer to dry between coats. Waterlox will also take longer to fully cure so the recipient of the table needs to leave the surface alone for a while. So it really depends on just how much of a rush you are in. If you only have 2-3 days, I would say to use the varnish. And like I mentioned before, maybe add just a few teaspoons of oil to the mix to make it easier to work with. Also, make sure the varnish is thinned to a “wiping” formula. 50%varnish/50% mineral spirits will do the trick.

I hope that lengthy reply is helpful to you Joan. Good luck with the auction and good luck with your woodworking. Take care.”

Episode 3- Refinishing (Pt. 4)

November 9, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Video | 2 Comments 

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In Part 4, I show my tricks for sanding down turned legs. I also get a little frustrated with my wife. Later in this part, I go into detail on one of the most commonly-used tools in the shop, the random orbit sander. Enjoy! Marc

Support for Wide Shelf? - Question of the Week

November 7, 2006 | Filed Under Blog, Question of the Week | 2 Comments 

Hello fellow wood butchers! This week’s Email Question of the Week comes from Steve.
He writes:

“I am building a large bookcase and don’t want to add any more support than necessary. Everything will be made from 3/4″ plywood. My plan is to mortise the shelves into the sides of the cabinet and screw the shelves to the back panel. Will that be enough support for a 76″ long shelf?? Will I have problems with sagging??”
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