Helping you build projects without a big shop using Japanese hand tools and power tools
Now that the walls are rigid from the structural sheathing we’re going to tackle the framing the roof. We’re going to use 2×8 lumber to make the roof frame. You’ll see how a speed square and hand saw is your best friend when it comes to cutting the birds-mouths for the rafters. Read More …
In this article we’ll look at how we installed the sheathing on the modern work shed build. You’ll see what materials are needed, tips for a successful install and some of the tricks I figured out along the way to help. Our video is a good place to start. Materials Read More …
In the previous articles we built the foundation, framed the floor and put flooring on the frame. Now we’ll frame up the walls, raise the them and lock everything in place with some top plates. There is a lot involved but we’ll take it one step at a time, and you’ll see that Read More …
After you have the floor frame built, it’s time to move on to putting some flooring on. We’ll look at the small difference between using tongue and groove and regular panels. After that we’ll go over basic installation procedures. Below is the video on how we installed the flooring on our frame. Read More …
Now that we’ve built the foundation for our modern work shed we can move on to framing up the floor. We’ll take a look at something called crowning, see how to position the skids for the floor to be built on, layout the rim joists so the rest is easy, how to assemble it Read More …
This is the first part of a multi-part series on the construction of our 10 x 12 modern shed that will be a workshop. We’re sticking to 120 sf because that’s the maximum square footage you can build without a permit, and to hopefully make it a little easier we’re going to build it Read More …
This log is from a 30 year old tree that had to be cut down because the original owners of our house planted it near a wall. It was too thick to use the chainsaw mill, but not for the maebiki oga (Whaleback Large Saw). How long did it take? You’ll see Read More …
Using hairpin legs to make a table reduces some of the complexity. You can focus on the table top and then attach the prefabricated legs. Recently we made a kitchen table using some reclaimed wood. It’s always great to try to keep materials from going to a landfill, but using reclaimed materials Read More …
You might be looking for a Japanese saw to start using in your workshop, and I’m sure you’ve seen this affordable Japanese saw available on Amazon. Like me you’ve been wondering how good they are. Find out if you should buy it. Read More …
I won this hammer on Ebay. Only thing is the hammer head had a little rust on it and the handle easily slips out of the hammer head. I spent a little time over the last two weekends working on making a new hammer handle from a small log of olive wood. Read More …