Best Source

I have been dutifully writing in the word "olio" in my crossword puzzles for years and decided to finally put it to real-world use. Still, I will forever confuse it with "oleo". 

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When I mentioned that I would be making a garden bench for tomorrows video, Jason Othoudt sent me over a picture of in indoor bench he built out of 2x4s, plywood, and box joints. Super cool design.




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 Lucas Marques sent over a picture of his version of the guitar pick box made with Purpleheart.


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And heres one Dimitris Fragoulopoulos made for his brother.

Hi Everyone,

Well we had quite a rain storm pass over us last night-it rained heavily all night long. Minnesota must be the greenest place in the US at the moment.

I really enjoy working out of doors. I work almost all year around and sometimes that means it can be quite cold and uncomfortable. But at other times it means getting to work during amazing storms like the one we have going on at the moment.

Its interesting just how different the air feels and even smells during a storm. The sound of thunder sounds so much sharper outside than it does inside. Mix in the strong scent of wood and you have the most amazing work environment in world.

The animals I get to see are fun too. This year seems to be an amazing year for birds. Ive seen birds here that Ive never seen before. Early in the morning its like a chorus outside with all of them chirping and singing to one another. We have an owl and a wood pecker too.

This really beats working in a cubicle.

Ok back to work: the bowls that we made last month are ready to come out of their drying bags for inspection and final cuttings so well begin that probably later today.

And Ive been wanting to carve a spoon for the longest time. I have some arthritis in my hands and hand carving is something Ive given up. I think I may be able to get around some of the pain and stiffness by using a draw knife to do some of the rough shaping so Im going to purchase a draw knife and some bass wood (much softer than the hickory I use!) and try to make a spoon once again. Ill post pictures and discussion soon.

I will also be closing my shop for a week in July to clean out everything and to patch up the concrete floor. More about that next month.

Have a great day and if youre in Minnesota, go outside and listen to the birds and enjoy the spring showers.

VW

Mitchells Note:

I attend this show and sale twice yearly and have yet to be disappointed. There is always a wide array of tools, and tools to fit every budget. If your a serious collector, or just looking to find something interesting to do on a Sunday afternoon, take the drive to Pickering and enjoy yourselves.

Pickering is located 40km (25 miles) north-east of Toronto. Take Highway 401 and exit at Whites Road (Regional Road 38) and head north to the first lights at Kingston Road (Durham Highway 2). Turn right on Kingston Road and travel north-east for 3.7km (2.3 miles). At Valley Farm Road, turn right and 500m (547 yards) south-east on your left is the Pickering Recreation Centre.

Arrive early as two things go fast; parking and a mess of tools!

Oh, ya. The picture is one used on the Tools of the Trade Show mailer. It is a great shot showing that guys were tool-freaks even before the turn of the century. What makes this picture of The American Hardware Store even cooler is the fact that the store was located in Caherciveen, which is in IRELAND.

Peace,

Mitchell

P.S.: I have nothing to do with this tool show and sale other than spending my money there. My reason for promoting it is to help get more feet into the door so it will continue to run. Im selfish. I want this venue to run forever so I have an outlet where I can buy decent tools.