Shop Talk- The Right Tool
August 27 2021 6:47 PM
WABF (war against bad furniture)

Boise Custom Woodshop
The shop is looking and feeling good as this week comes to a close. I continually underestimate the tranquil feeling of a clean shop. It seems as though every time after a cleaning occurs the next breath is one that brings a deeper level of relaxation. One that I get to enjoy now and when James and I enter again Sunday morning.
This was a week of what felt like many a hurdle. A few key tools breathed their last this week. The faithful Rotex 125 after 3 years finally gave up the ghost. A trip into town brings with it a new one of identical qualities. The old to be send into repair.
The man who’s shop we rent also helped us with welding the feet onto the Kiker Pergola.

Custom Pergola Steel Plates
We found out the hard away about something called a compound angle. Simple over sight from guys who prefer wood over bent steel but it certainly would not do.

Custom woodworking steel arches
The skid steer was definitely the tool for this job. It made easy work for lifting and setting but there was no way around the lateral gap we experienced. Although the along front to back was great, we took the grinder to these feet and the journey of cutting compound angles began.
Once we figured out what angle needed to be cut in each plane of motion, creation of the right jig and finding the right cutting tool was the next step. Eventually a board with a mitered edge took care of the lateral plane while a beveled edge took care of the front to back angle.
Once the jig was figured out the quest for the right tool began. From sawzall to circular saw and grinder. Sometimes all 3 for just one cut! It felt a daunting task as the arches got shorter and shorted with no useable angle ready for a weld. Finally after many attempted one way stuck and a nice compound angle was ready.

Custom woodworking-metal arches

Cutting the steel arches

Boise Custom pergola
Although this seemed to take up most of the week there was a few wood projects that made progress.
The dining room table leafs were glued up to form the start of a floating desk.

Boise custom furniture desk
This walnut board with be so beautiful when she’s done. Then off to Canada she goes!

Custom Walnut end grain cutting board
I often find myself looking for that “right way” to do something. Yet In the custom wood working space the variety and uniqueness of projects continues to grow. As we take on these projects the pursuit of the right tool becomes fuzzy. Ultimately the craftsman must decide and give it their best. Sometimes it goes perfectly and sometimes we immediately know that next time we would do it differently. The project often doesn’t give you that second chance. Now it is just a feature. A characteristic that gives the piece its personality.
As always, drop us a line or reach out for your inspiration on your next project.
Happy building my friends
James & Jake