craigandera

Video: Assembly the Harbor Freight Utility Trailer

I recently purchased the Harbor Freight 1720 lb utility trailer. So far, I really like it! It’s going to make getting sheets of drywall home from the home center a lot easier than the roof rack I was previously using. It even folds up into a small enough footprint that I can store it inContinue reading “Video: Assembly the Harbor Freight Utility Trailer”

Podcast Episode 008 – Peter Bettenberg

I talk with my friend and amateur blacksmith, Peter Bettenberg, about his journey into blacksmithing, his quest to make a Viking shield, and a quote from Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Video: Electronic Leadscrew Complete!

It works! I have completed by build of James Clough’s lathe electronic leadscrew. It was a rather straightforward matter of replacing my 3D-printed pulleys with some aluminum ones I purchased. But I’m thrilled with the result. Not only does it add push-button convenience for turning and threading, but I learned a lot about machining, electronics,Continue reading “Video: Electronic Leadscrew Complete!”

Podcast Episode 007 – Clint Andera

I talk with Clint Andera, one of my brothers, about his making and learning in woodworking, music, and the sport of curling. Along the way we also discuss imposter syndrome in woodworking and teaching as a learning technique.

Home Eng Project #5 – Trick

My thirteen-year-old and I have continued to go into the shop for “Home Eng” (read more here) even after school has ended for her and we’ve shifted into summer mode. I have been trying to focus on shorter projects, since those seem to hold her attention a bit better. I do want to take onContinue reading “Home Eng Project #5 – Trick”

Podcast Episode 006 – Andrew Ehlers

I talk with my good friend Andrew about the projects we’ve done together, his adventures in making wood curve, and his work at the NTSB as a maritime accident investigator.

Home Eng Project #4

My thirteen-year-old and I have continued to work on our “Home Eng” projects. Our latest was a pretty quick one: pottery. I recently bought a small melting furnace for use in the shop for a variety of things – melting for casting, maybe heat treating – but it works perfectly well for low-fire clay. WeContinue reading “Home Eng Project #4”

Video: Electronic Leadscrew Progress, Part 3

It’s working! Mostly! I can use my lathe again! Unless I want to do single point threading on it, which I do. But still, I believe I am down to one problem. In this video, I show the working bits and discuss the details of said problem. Hopefully the next video is the last oneContinue reading “Video: Electronic Leadscrew Progress, Part 3”

Home Eng Project #3

My younger daughter and I have continued our periodic shop time I have entitled Home Eng. See here for a bit more information about the concept. We don’t manage to get into the shop every weekend, but we have kept at it. We also watch maker videos online sometimes, from channels like Peter Brown, DrewContinue reading “Home Eng Project #3”

Podcast Episode 005 – Michael Fogus

In this episode, I talk to the inimitable Fogus about his deep dive into philosophy through the lens of heavy metal. Along the way, we also discuss ancient Egypt and his quest to develop a “highly influential nothing”.