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Mark Marks the Spot
In the last post I showed you the layout marking tools that not only marked points and lines, but made physical indications of divots or lines in the…
X Marks the Spot
To be precise, the "pointy sticks" X-1 through X-8 marks the spot. All these layout marking tools do the job, but all in a somewhat different way to…
Hands-on Teaching Tool
Here's a page from a forthcoming pamphlet I'm working on about the geometric truths that underlie--and led to the development of-- all our layout tools, including (basically end…
Hand Tool Heaven—the Movie!
Check out Andrea's new animation work for our hand tool oriented courses at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking. Hard to believe, but everything you see in the…
Libella vs. Laser
Been thinking about the Libella lately...the ancient leveling tool. Would it be as accurate as today's laser levels? No, probably not. The precision of the laser would…
Special Plane from Across the Room
A visit to a retired shop teacher/avid boatbuilder locally yielded a look at this plane. I knew from across the room that there was something special about…
Let the Log do the Talking
Here's my take on what to call the different lumber grading by end grain configuration. In my opinion, I say let the wood and the geometry provide the…
Ex Nihilo
The ancient “geometers” believed that geometry was the key to comprehending the incomprehensible; that an understanding of its inherent truths was the key to unlocking the mystery of…
Height by Hand and Eye
An astute follower on Instagram mentioned that an old-school forester could easily get the height of a tree using only a stick the length of his arm.…
