Author Archives: Dave Fisher

Adze Article

Fine Woodworking Magazine gave me a chance to write about adzes and the article is in the current issue, just out, in case you’re interested. I focused on the concepts, as I understand them based on my experience, that allow … Continue reading

Posted in adze, tools, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

“Country Woodcraft” — Back and Even Better

I’ve mentioned my debt to Drew Langsner before, but yesterday I was reminded of it again. Lost Art Press announced that “Country Woodcraft: Then and Now” is at the printer and ready for pre-publication ordering. Drew’s books and tool sales … Continue reading

Posted in books, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

A Burl and a Box

I rarely work with burl, but when a piece from a Norway maple came my way , I decided to see what I could make from it. I ended up with this cup (4 1/2″ in diameter and 2 1/4″ … Continue reading

Posted in burl, layout, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Carving Catalpa

When a friend of mine sent me this big chunk of fresh catalpa wood, some memories came to mind. When I was a kid we had a big catalpa tree in the yard and I had fun playing with the … Continue reading

Posted in bird bowls, finding wood, layout, tools, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Shop Tip with Chip

I am savoring some restorative carving time this weekend, but just wanted to take a moment to share this stumbled-upon shop tip. I’ve been using this simple elm bench for various things for years.  I had never permanently affixed the … Continue reading

Posted in holding, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Dealing with Interlocked Grain

Trees do funny things.  This cherry was taken down a few months ago in a friend’s yard.  This section has a 4 1/2″ radius and 55 growth rings.  We tend to think of the fibers going straight up the trunk … Continue reading

Posted in bowls, cherry, figure, finding wood, green woodworking, holding, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Love and Coffee

I’ve missed out on a love affair with coffee.  Seems like just about everyone else has had one and most of them last a lifetime.  Long before iced-coffees became chic, my grandfather loved cold black coffee.  He kept it in … Continue reading

Posted in carving, finding wood, layout, Lettering, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

Cleave the Wood

When a friend asked me to carve this short line from Saying 77 of the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, I spent a lot of time thinking.  There were a lot of decisions to make, from choosing among various translations to … Continue reading

Posted in Lettering, quotes and excerpts, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Catching up with the Bowl Horse

There are many ways to get to a bowl horse.  If you’re still thinking about adding one to your shop, I’ll recap some of the options, including some new possibilities. My first bowl horse concept, seen in the photo above, … Continue reading

Posted in carving, holding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Roy and Russ

I am one among many who have fond memories of watching Roy Underhill on his long-running PBS series “The Woodwright’s Shop.”  Nothing beats Roy in the flesh, but you can at least join him live online this evening.  The Center … Continue reading

Posted in teaching, Uncategorized, video | Tagged , | 1 Comment