Woodworking

Crafting wood can be a complex and rewarding task, but often times beginners may find themselves frustrated with their results. But no matter where you are in your woodworking journey, there are always tips and tricks that can help you create something beautiful – without breaking the bank. We’re going to look at woodworking tips and tricks for makers of all skill levels so even if you feel like it’s too overwhelming to attempt your own project, we’ll provide some guidance so don’t give up just yet!

Simple Machines: The Lever

The lever is one of the six classic simple machines. A simple machine is a mechanical device that changes a force’s direction or magnitude. The other five simple machines are the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge and the screw. Explaining simple machines to kids can be a fun learning experience, especially if you include some demonstrations in the lesson. Here’s how I built a lever for a demonstration of simple machines for my son’s 3rd grade clas

Continue Reading April 26th, 2013 Andrew Terranova

Deek’s Lollipop Fort of Death

This is Derek “Deek” Diedricksen’s last video for us. And it’s…a little different. He pokes fun at his rather sketchy looking single-pole tree house, which he jokingly has dubbed “The Lollipop Fort Of Death.” It looks less than safe, but he insists it is. The song he wrote about it sure is catchy.

Continue Reading April 25th, 2013 Stett Holbrook26

15 Fun and Unique Pallet Projects

There’s something about shipping pallets that makers are drawn to. They’re easily obtainable on the roadside or by dumpster diving (don’t steal!), the form-factor lends itself to certain types of construction, and the rustic finish is just appealing in terms of aesthetics.

Continue Reading April 24th, 2013May 20th, 2015 Michael Colombo26

Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione

The video below is a lengthy but insightful interview with legendary Italian maker Enzo Mari. His 1974 manual Autoprogettazione offered nineteen designs using readymade cuts of timber, to build tables, chairs, bookshelves, and even beds. He essentially open-sourced the home furnishings industry. His designs usually required nothing more than a hammer and nails. You can […]

Continue Reading April 20th, 2013 Nick Normal4

Mobile Surfboard-Building Classroom

Maine-based Grain Surfboards is a small maker-run company on the coast that hand-makes sustainably cut, locally milled white cedar wooden surfboards. Aside from their dedication to environmental responsibility, what sets Grain apart is that they also offer DIY surfboard kits and a variety of surfboard-building classes. Their newest undertaking is their successfully funded mobile surfboard-building […]

Continue Reading April 20th, 2013 Goli Mohammadi8