Justin Dietrich is an M&T reader and woodshop teacher in Lincoln, Illinois. Inspired by timber framer Rob Hughes and the CSF timber-frame project here in Maine, he decided to explore the possibility of working with his high-schoolers to design, build, and raise a timber frame in a local park. Dietrich was kind enough to share their experience with us. “I decided to use just my "Advanced Woods" students on this project, as these students had already taken my “Introduction to Woods” course where we build a picture frame, a box, an end grain cutting board, and turn a bowl on a lathe,” he said. “Right before our Christmas break (2021), we began prepping for the timber frame project.” After getting his...
This final video in the “Setting Up Shop” video series brings it all together and shows you where we’re heading next. These old tools are not just for museums – they’re for making real shavings. Stay tuned.
(Image borrowed from Megan's LAP hiring announcement) As many of you know, this January our good friend and M&T copy editor, Megan Fitzpatrick, took a full-time position as editor at Lost Art Press. For years, Megan juggled many roles at any given time, doing editorial work for Popular Woodworking, Lost Art Press, EAIA’s The Chronicle, and M&T. Megan took me under her wing right out of the gate to show me the ropes as I was putting together Issue One. Without any of my own background in publishing, for those first few issues, she was the only “one who actually knew what she was doing” around here. I cannot tell you how many times Megan graciously guided me (and then...
This year’s grant recipients are pursuing some fascinating research into traditional handcraft on both sides of the equator, and we’re excited to support their work! Without further ado, here they are. Aaron Keim is a woodworker, musician, teacher, and writer who has made a living through the ukulele for 20 years. His aim is to go back to learn from those who originally developed the instrument, Portuguese cabinetmakers and luthiers who emigrated from the island of Madeira to Hawaii in the late 19th century. He will travel to Hawaii to examine several collections of rare early instruments as well as visiting the shops of modern makers, with the goal of building an instrument utilizing period-correct tools and techniques. Thiago Silva...
