Uncategorized – Page 2 – Get Smarter and Make Stuff

Project Update: Lathe Electronic Leadscrew

I realized it might be interesting for some people to read about what I have on the bench. So this is the first in what I hope will be an ongoing series of project updates. I’ve mentioned this before, but I am a huge fan of James Clough. His YouTube channel is full of consistentlyContinue reading “Project Update: Lathe Electronic Leadscrew”

Video: Shop Tour

New video out! This was the one I intended to be the first for the new channel, but editing took a while so I decided to post the melting aluminum video first instead. Nothing too special here, just a look around my very, very crowded shop. But It’s one of my favorite places in theContinue reading “Video: Shop Tour”

Getting Started with Woodworking

I get asked from time to time how to get started with woodworking. Specifically, how to get started in woodworking if you want to work like me: with a decreased utilization of power tools. Read this post for more information on what this means and how I came to it. For a few suggestions, readContinue reading “Getting Started with Woodworking”

Getting Smarter: Video Production

Obviously, given that I posted the inaugural video for the Get Smarter and Make Stuff YouTube channel yesterday, I’ve been spending time working with video. And I’d like to think that – while I won’t be winning any Emmys for my work – I’ve really stepped up the production values from my previous videos. InContinue reading “Getting Smarter: Video Production”

First Video!

The YouTube channel has launched! I’ve posted a video showing how I turned a chunk of solid aluminum until a chunk of liquid aluminum. Fun stuff.

Now You Have Two Reasons

Short post, but I just had to link to this piece by Rob Pocaro over at Heartwood. It a quick read, but in short, the other good reason to have a sharp blade is accuracy. Accuracy in woodworking is often the source of amusing comments by the machinists I follow, but it remains the caseContinue reading “Now You Have Two Reasons”

How I (Wood) Work

I’ve probably done more woodworking in my hobby time than any other type of making. Unless you count software, I guess. But in the physical realm, wood has been my primarily medium until fairly recently. Along the way, I’ve developed a way of working that’s a bit different than the standard. This is a fairlyContinue reading “How I (Wood) Work”

Getting Smarter: Machining and Metalworking

I’m relatively new at metalworking. I bought my metal lathe and my mill a little over a year ago. Certainly I’m far more experienced at woodworking. But sometimes I think the perspective of a beginner is the most helpful to other beginners. We haven’t yet forgotten what was hard or mysterious. With that in mind,Continue reading “Getting Smarter: Machining and Metalworking”

Site Progress

Well, things are starting to look a little bit better around here. I’m getting used to WordPress, and I’ve figured out how to arrange things a bit more to my liking. I even got the gallery set up, so there’s some actual content. Much more of that to come, of course. I’m not sure yetContinue reading “Site Progress”

Hello, World

Hi. I’m Craig. I have long had two goals in life: to get smarter, and to make things. To be sure, I have others. I want to be a good husband and father. I’d like to exercise more. But when I’m given a weekend to myself, you can be sure I’m going to spend itContinue reading “Hello, World”