During any segmented turning project, clamping a stack of rings together during glue-up is one key step in the process. There are various ways of accomplishing this task. Some craftspeople use a type of press similar to a book binding press (Woodtreks guest artisan, Don Leman, uses a beautiful shop-made press.) Other turners will clamp the glued wood ring-stack assembly directly on their lathe, between the headstock and the tailstock. But toolmaker and woodturner Mark Damron uses another very clever and inexpensive approach.

In this quick video, Marks shows you how to make and use his simple — and cheap — “Rod Clamp”. It might become a real favorite. All you need is a threaded rod, some MDF board, a T-nut, washer, and nut. For less than $10, you can have a first-class clamp that will work for almost any segmented turning or stack ring lamination project. (2 Minute Woodworking Video)

Precisely cut handmade dovetails are a thing of beauty and a mark of true craftsmanship. But achieving a perfect joint only comes from careful attention to the process. One key step is the chopping away of waste wood between the saw kerfs. Typically, this is accomplished with a sharp chisel and skilled hands, but there are tricks to increasing your accuracy.

Master cabinetmaker Craig Vandall Stevens is exacting in how he cuts dovetails — and the results show. He achieves his high level of precision partly by using a simply-made, but carefully thought out, chopping block guide. Made from Hickory, this guide provides an accurate 90 degree vertical reference face for aligning the chisel. You can make this block and learn how to use it in just a few minutes. So why not give Craig’s method a try? (5 Minute Woodworking Video)

Craig Vandall Stevens’ uncompromising attention to the smallest detail makes him the quintessential artisan’s artisan. Each component of the furniture he makes, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is carefully executed at the highest level — the fit of a hand carved door pull, the curve of a leg, the selection of each piece of component wood — each of dozens of key elements are thoughtfully crafted into his work. The enthusiast could spend hours studying and appreciating the scope of his work. In my recent visit to his studio, I did exactly that.

In this concise video profile, I introduce you to Mr. Stevens and his work. Craig, who trained with the widely respected teacher and artisan James Krenov, is a master cabinetmaker specializing in the creation of highly individualized, “one off”, collectible grade furniture. Much of this work is purposely small in scale, designed to bring focus to the details. The entire process, from initial sketches to final finish, can take months to complete.

Craig is a specialist in the use of Japanese hand tools. His interest in these tools permeates his thinking about craftsmanship and, as we can see in this video profile, becomes part of his work. I hope you enjoy this profile of Craig and his work. Keith (4.5 Minute Video Profile)