Category Archives: Shop Stuff

A Review of Grandpa’s Workshop

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Shawn Nichols

It was a day or two after Christmas 2012 when I first read Grandpa’s Workshop to my then 2-year old daughter. I didn’t realize it then, but I may’ve been reading the most overlooked and unheralded book in the Lost … Continue reading →

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A Father’s Legacy, Corporate Decay, and Tool Gloats

Posted on January 23, 2016 by Shawn Nichols

Over the past three months I’ve come to possess a series of new (to me) tools. Some needing rejuvenation, some awaiting inspiration, but all of them ready for a second life. Firstly, there was a little package waiting for me when I … Continue reading →

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Naked…and Ready

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

Over the past several months, I’ve been battling the heat to crank out a hand tool bench for the NCCW shop with the help of a few other members. Here is the fruit of our labor. I first read about this style … Continue reading →

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The Beginning of the Naked Nicholson

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

It started with a bunch of good promotional videos and blog posts over at Lost Art Press and the need to outfit our community shop with a decent hand tool area. It continued with a conversation with my buddy, and … Continue reading →

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How I Saw: Ignatius J. Loncao (1918 – 2015)

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

July started out on a sad but celebratory note for my family. July 1 marked the passing of our family patriarch: Grandpa Loncao. The obit is here if you’re curious. At 97, with his two daughters by his side, he … Continue reading →

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Old Oak: Real Old

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

A few months ago my co-worker informed me of some old beams from his 1850s house. It was one of the first 10 homes built here in our community. He brought me in a sample and I knew right away: white oak…old … Continue reading →

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For Jim

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

I read a blog post from my internet woodworking buddy Jim recently.  It reminded me of the term Gumption Traps from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I too suffer from these episodes. Currently, I’m not going through this phase … Continue reading →

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2015 Priorities

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Shawn Nichols

I know it’s a little late to talk about New Years Resolutions and such. So I won’t. Instead, I’ll discuss a few of things I’m hoping to accomplish in and out of the shop this year. First and foremost is … Continue reading →

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Upsides to Gumption Traps

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Shawn Nichols

The dovetails have been causing me angst. This isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve gotten a few other things done around the shop while procrastinating and making up excuses about the drawers. For instance, my shooting board needed an overhaul. … Continue reading →

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Stand Up!

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Shawn Nichols

Last month I saw a post from Bill Schenher at Billy’s Little Bench about getting kids in the shop. His daughter is a year or two older than my oldest. I was intrigued by the stool she was standing on … Continue reading →

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