Behind the Scenes

Some insight into my working process and techniques.

"How did you do that....?"

Over the years, many people have asked me how I did this or that in a piece. While these articles are not the same as being in my workshop with me while I'm working, I hope they give you some insight into the processes I use.

Links to the newest Behind the Scenes articles are listed in the sidebar to the right so they're easy to find. Links to all of the Behind the Scenes articles, new and old, are sorted by category, below.

Please note: Woodworking is an inherently dangerous activity. The non-woodworking techniques described here aren't all that safe, either. Sharp tools, powerful motors, big lumps of wood, chemicals, fumes, etc. can cause you serious bodily injury or even death. These pages are NOT meant as a substitute for instruction by a qualified teacher, just as an illustration of how I do certain things. I take no responsibility for any mishaps you may experience during a fit of inspiration. You've been warned.

Jigs and Fixtures

Auxiliary Headstock Jig: A useful jig for when you want to apply finishes and light texturing off the lathe but with your work still mounted on the chuck or faceplate. NEW!
 

Experimental Work: Finishes, textures, forms

Graphite 101: The pencil as finish. Really. NEW!
 
Coming soon! - Using Dyes, Metallic Waxes, The Simple Shellac and Wax Finish , and more.

Rocket Science: Making wooden rockets in a variety of styles

Rocket Science 101: Making a basic wooden rocket  
Rocket Science 102: Making a checkerboard rocket  
Rocket Science 103: Making a 3-engine rocket  
Rocket Science 104: Making a spaceship  
Rocket Science 105: Rivets (and starfields)  
Coming soon! - Rocket Science 106: Making a basic rocket box  
Rocket Science 201: Making a Saturn V style rocket  
Rocket Science 202: Making a five-stage rocket box  
Rocket Science 203: Making a staved-body spaceship

Multi-axis turnings: Why settle for just one axis when you can have more?

A Twice-Turned Box

Twist and Shout: Multi-axis turnings with a twist

Twist and Shout: a list of books and articles on multi-axis turning  
Twist and Shout 101: Turning a wavy finial  
Twist and Shout 102: Turning a corkscrew finial  
Twist and Shout 103: Turning a box with a quarter-turn twist

Various Projects

The Making of "Private Stash" (2010)

Design Notes

Designing "The Colony Ship Oengus Oc "


 

Page last updated 3 May 2012