Still working through the manual for the first project…

I’ve been using the Japanese pull saw I’m putting in the kit. I’d never really used one before, and I wasn’t sure how much I’d like it…

It’s a much smoother cut. Since you’re pulling instead of pushing, you can use a lighter stroke, especially when you’re starting the cut. There’s less tendency for the saw to dig in, bind, and jerk around…

I can see why this might be a better experience for someone learning to saw for the first time. It may look a little strange compared to a traditional saw, but it’s actually a much better experience…

The funny thing is, after using it for this project, I’m thinking I could have built a lot of things with this saw and never touched a power saw…

Craftsmanship is rarely fast…

This is something that I am alway having to relearn.

I finished the first prototype of my beginner woodworking learning module, a project that teaches measuring, sawing, fitting, sanding, and assembly by building a small cedar box.

Now I’m back at the bench with the completed project beside me, working through the manual one operation at a time. It’s amazing how many little improvements you find once you can compare the written instructions to an actual build.

The prototype teaches you how to build the project. Going back through the manual teaches me how to teach it.

Good glue-ups don't come from cranking down on the clamps...

Clamps are there for control, alignment, and holding the joint together, not brute force.

In this video, I walk through the basics of choosing the right clamp, using the right amount of pressure, and avoiding a few common beginner mistakes.

#grownostr #woodworking #DIY
https://youtu.be/1OcoISFlPIU

Quality work takes the time it takes…