In his retirement, my grandfather picked up woodcarving and woodburning as hobbies. A few years after he started, he was making impressive birds and whimsical gifts. In this post, I share a few of his creations, and share some thoughts about his influence on my craft.
Hyper Local Steampunk Flight Tracker
Technology & SteampunkCommentThe story of a hyper-local steampunk flight tracker, with a software-defined ADS-B radio, lots of custom software, some beautiful walnut veneer (and solid walnut) custom cases, and hours and hours of love. All this to drive a “splitflap display”, one of those nifty-but-noisy messageboards you occasionally see in transportation hubs, like San Francisco’s Ferry Building or airports and train stations across the world.
What's the Most Expensive Wood?
How To & Calculators4 CommentsThough typically labor and shop time is a bigger factor in driving the cost of hardwood products, its still helpful to understand the relative cost of different materials so you can make an informed tradeoff on appearance and cost. This blog provides some data points for the retail cost of about twenty-five different domestic and foreign hardwoods, as well as identifying a few other considerations of how a different material selection can significantly change the cost of a project.
It's the Little Things
CNC, Workshop & SafetyCommentA pandemic-related slowdown in work and far-more-limited social and summer travel plans does not mean wasted time. New shelves in tight spaces; a repaired and improved dust collection system; more convenient electrical switches; and more. I share a few simple workshop improvements I’ve been able to make, that may inspire you to also do some cleanup.