Posts in: Workshop

I’m disappointed that it’s too cold to be in my garage working on my weekend project but I’m going to console myself with a big breakfast for lunch and reading Wendell Berry this afternoon. I’ve nearly finished Nathan Coulter.

I have my weekend project: a router sled. Attempting to surface my low bench with a hand plane didn’t work for a few reasons and it beat the hell out of the blade because the bench is built from rough old lumber. This will allow me to keep moving on the project and make plane adjustments later.

Woodworking notes 1/7/2024

Well it’s been about ten months since the last of these. I continued building things in 2023 but just didn’t keep track of them in this format: I built two new raised beds: here and here. A window box in April. I pulled a lot of nails in June. In July, I did a very rough-and-ready job of insulating about half the garage walls and covering them with plywood. Mostly to give more structure to the walls so I can put up shelves.

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My first attempt at a Black Forest cake won’t win me a spot on the Great British Baking Show—but hopefully it tastes good at lunch tomorrow.

Today’s task: Black Forest cake for Christmas lunch. None of the elements seem particularly difficult but the decoration will be something more than I’ve ever attempted. Also, what do we think about freezing it until Sunday night? Would that harm it in any way?

I made Indian Pudding and whipped cream. (Not exactly the most accurate or sensitive name for it.) It’s pretty good! The molasses makes it taste old-fashioned, so maybe not for everyone. Rachel says it tastes like the Depression. 😂

Speak softly and carry a big stick. (I cut a limb from a recent oak fall and now I’m lugging it back home to make a walking stick.)

I built a candlestick out of a limb that fell from our sweetgum tree in the front yard. The base is made from salvaged door trim. I was slightly concerned that it would catch fire, but so far so good.