Recipe for contentment

A small shop, a few tools, the fragrance of wood in the air.

Special thanks to:

Here are my favorite shoji-related books, woodworking tools, and tool sources:

Books

What treasures we can find in books (and magazines)!

• Jay van Arsdale, Shoji - How to Design, Build, and Install Japanese Screens, Kadansha International, Tokyo, 1988. His book provided me with a huge inspiration to focus on the art form of shoji lamps.
   
  
   
• Keith Critchlow, Order in Space, Thames and Hudson, New York, 2000 (1969); Islamic Patterns Thames and Hudson, London, 1976. Critchlow explores spatial design with a keen understanding, insight, and passion. Some of the most wondrous designs in the world can be found in centuries-old Islamic art.
   
• Peter R. Cromwell, Polyhedra, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1997. This is a river of information, and I haven't learned how to swim yet. But even wading along the shore has been an enriching experience.
   
• Peter Pearce & Susan Pearce, Polyhedra Primer, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1978. An excellent introductory book to the world and terminology of polyhedra. Peter Pearce also has written another fascinating book, Structure in Nature is a Strategy for Design.
   
• Kiyoshi Seike, The Art of Japanese Joinery, Weatherhill, New York, 1977. The black & white photographs of joinery in this book are simply beautiful. I also have the original boxed Japanese set of three hardbound books from which this book was extracted and translated. It covers wood construction (this book), as well as bamboo and paper construction. I can't read a word of them, but the photographs are fascinating.
   
  
   
• Taunton Press, Fine Woodworking. Full of ideas and inspiration. It's an expensive magazine, but it's hands-down the best woodworking magazine around. www.Taunton.com/FineWoodworking/
   
• Mangus J. Wenninger, Polyhedron Models, Cambridge University Press, New York, 1970. I came across this book shortly after I finished the LuminAria lamp. Wenninger includes photos of each of the polyhedra he discusses; I really appreciate the passion he has for his subject.

Woodworking tools (reviews)

I've tried a lot of different tools over the years. One lesson I learned early (and unfortunately the hard way) is always buy high-quality tools, even if they cost far more than cheaper knockoffs. High-quality tools give you two things that cheap tools don't: accuracy and longevity. In many cases, they are also safer to use.

I carefully research all of my tool purchases, and I've used all of the tools listed below for long enough to know they are truly good tools. I'm convinced that each of these tools can be considered among the best in their class. For the most part, even if money were no object I would buy these tools.

I'm posting this because I've spent a lot of time looking for tool reviews, and wish there were more personal reviews by woodworkers around. I don't always trust reviews in zines because they depend on ad revenues from the same companies whose tools they are reviewing. So here's my personal take:

• Inca Model 340 10½" Band Saw (pictured above). I couldn't work without a good band saw. It enables me to cut the really unusual angles that run lengthwise along the sides of my lamps, as well as the very thin pieces that make up the kumiko (¼" × ¼"). The Inca is a well-designed machine. I can't compare it to other brands, though.
   
• Dewalt DW7440 10" Benchtop Table Saw. I wish I could afford a quality stationary table saw. But I can't (nor can I afford the space), so I got one of the best-quality benchtop models. I had a cheaper benchtop table saw before I bought this one. It always scared me to use it; I never felt quite in control. With this one, I feel in control. I'm still very cautious when I use this tool, but I'm not worried the way I was with the cheaper one. The only thing I didn't like about this one was the blade guard/splitter that came with the saw, which (as with most portable table saws) was so clumsy and constraining that, like many woodworkers, I ended up just taking it off and leaving it off, which of course is a very bad move.
   
  
   
  I've since mounted the saw on a rolling cart I built, which has stationary wings on the front and back, and additional fold-up wings on the left side and back. I extended the length of the fence, added a Brett Guard, which attaches to the left wing, and made my own splitter out of hard maple. Finally, I added a Systimatic 50-tooth Budke combo blade with a Veritas saw blade truing disc. So now I get nice, precise cuts, have plenty of table top space to handle even 8' lengths easily, and my fingers are kept safe by the easy-to-use guard. The reason I chose this saw over the comparable Bosch or Rigid is that it has a unique fence feature: when the fence extends beyond the table, you can flip a work support extension over, which enables the fence to support the workpiece up to 24" to the right of the blade, so you could easily split a 4' wide sheets of plywood, for example. I'm always looking for the most versatile tools possible, within my budget.
   
• Bosch 3915 Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Didn't know what I was missing before I added this tool to my shop; it makes it so much easier and faster to create things. I'm able to do quick, precise, clean cross cuts in moments. I've also build a rolling cart for this tool, with left and right wings, so I can easily handle longer lengths. The quick-action clamp that comes with the saw, which is heavy duty and well designed, provides a perfect way to hold work in place. Great tool, and it comes with a very nice blade. Makita also makes a well-reviewed sliding compound miter saw. It has a smoother slide, and the head tilts both ways (the Bosch only tilts left), but it also costs $100 more. I haven't actually cut with the Makita, so I can't compare the two. All I can say is that the Bosch does the trick for me. Some people complain that the dust bag doesn't do a very good job, but it's good enough for me. It seems to capture about 60% of the saw dust that is generated, and I'm not actually concerned about this kind of saw dust. In fact, I like it; it smells good.
   
• Veritas Router Table System (including fences) and Bosch 1619EVS Plunge Router. If you want a versatile, precise router table, you can't beat the Veritas Router Table System. They've thought of everything. The Bosch 1619 is up to the toughest tasks (3¼ HP), and features an easy-to-use option that disables the plunge spring, making it totally easy to raise or lower it using the adjustment knob when it is hanging beneath a router table. These are two fine tools, and together, they make an unbeatable team.
   
  
   
• Makita 2012NB 12" Planer. This is the only planer I've used, so I can't make any real comparison to other brands. All I can say is that it is easy to use, produces clean cuts, and features disposable blades. I'm not a big fan of spending a lot of my time sharpening blades, so that's a plus for me. It does produce a bit of snipe at the leading and tail ends of the board (it takes a tiny bit deeper cut off the leading 2 - 3 inches, as well as about 1" off the tail. That doesn't bother me at all, but if you're concerned about that, there are a couple newer portable planers (DeWalt and Delta) that claim to have eliminated snipe.
   
• Nobex 22" Compound Angle Hand Mitre Saw. I have three hand miter saws hanging in my workshop. This is almost always the one I use, and I use it all the time. I like it so much that I bought a spare one in case this one ever wears out (ten years on, it's still going strong). The Nobex blades, made in Sweden, are a work of art. I made one modification to it (in addition to mounting it): I purchased the locking lever part from their larger saw and added it to this one so I can lock in any angle. I do primarily fine work (for example, I fashion the kumiko in my lamps from ¼" × ¼" stock); Their larger saw would probably be better suited for molding.
   
  
   
• Bosch 3725DVS 5" Random Orbit Sander. Random orbit sanders are a dream come true. I use this one for the heavier work. This is my second generation of Bosch's sander. I used the first one a lot. It didn't wear out; I gave it away when I purchased this one for its new features.
   
• Bosch 1295DH 5" Random Orbit Palm Sander. I use this one for the finer work. It's light and deft.
   
• FEIN Turbo Vac 9-77-25. I hook both of my random orbit sanders to this vac. It does a great job, virtually eliminating the generated dust. That's important to me. When I got my first random orbit sander many years ago, I did a job without a vac. Dust went everywhere! Afterward, I had to sweep and vacuum even the walls and the ceiling. Never again. For years, I used a Sears Shop Vac, which did the trick, but I had to wear ear plugs. When that one wore out, I turned to FEIN, which is much quieter (you can have a conversation while it's running). The Turbo Vac includes a built-in tool switch; when you turn on your tool, the vac starts up. When you turn off your tool, the vac keeps running for a few seconds to clear the hose. Nice touch.
   
  
   
• Bosch 1613EVS Plunge Router. The "EVS" stands for "electronic variable speed." This is a very precise plunge router, a real pleasure to use. I suggest using high-quality, carbide-tipped, 1/2" bits, for example, Whiteside.
   
• Bosch 1587DVS Jig Saw. Until you've used a jig saw like this one, you can't imagine how much better it is than cheaper ones. The blade tracks very precisely, and it's totally easy to change them. It's no wonder this is the most popular jig saw on the market.
   
• Porter Cable Model 447 7¼" Circular Saw with Electric Blade Brake. A very nice tool. In my opinion, the electric blade brake is a must-have safety feature on a circular saw. This saw features a cast aluminum shoe, so it's very solid.
   
• Marvin Overhead Quartz Radiant Heater. My shop is in a converted garage. In the summer, it stays nice and cool, and I love to throw open the overhead door as I work to let in the fresh air and for the views of the foothills and pine trees. In winter, it is only marginally heated, and it has a cement floor, which can hold the cold. I've tried an oil-filled radiator and a coil heater with a fan; neither did the trick. This radiant heater does the trick. When it is cool, I turn on one element. When it is cold, I turn on both elements. When it is bitter, I hang a second one at the other end of the shop. A radiant heater emits infra-red heat waves that heat objects rather than the air. That means people, tools, and the floor heat up. It's a wonderful heat source.
   
  
   
• The Zometool. What's this doing in a list of woodworking tools? Well, I use this constantly to make models of my lamps; this is a phenomenal 3-D modeling tool (physical, not virtual). www.Zometool.com.
   
• AmericanTool Quick-Grip clamps. I use the larger throat depth sizes for holding my benchtop tools in place and clamping furniture-sized objects. Their new model (clamp and spreader, with the black pads) is actually quite an improvement over the old ones: much faster action, stay-in-place pads, and the versatility of being easily and quickly converted to a spreader. I use the micro-sized model when working on my lamps. Well worth the money. (Jorgensen makes some good general-purpose clamps, but in my opinion, their micro-sized model is not one of them. It simply doesn't work well for me.)
   
• Planes, chisels, vises, hand saws. Seems like the British do steel hand tools particularly well. I have Record planes, chisels, and vises. All are excellent quality. I use a Paragon Gent's Saw. Like the Nobex, this very good blade is made in Sweden.
   
  You may be surprised that I use Western-style push-stroke saws rather than Japanese-style pull-stroke saws. If I were to start over again I might switch, but my hands know the push stroke like … the back of my hand!

Tool sources

I've loved hardware stores since I was a kid. The really good ones are enchanted wonderlands!

• McGuckin Hardware, Boulder, CO. Truly a great hardware store where you can find anything. Their online site is limited, but to wander the aisles at McGuckin is an experience not to be missed! I'm sure it's one of the best hardware stores in the world.
   
  
  www.McGuckin.com.
   
• Lee Valley/Veritas. Exceptional woodworking tool source. Their Veritas line of tools is unrivaled in precision and excellence of manufacture. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I wish I could find a tool that does this odd job," chances are Veritas makes it, and makes it well. Their annual catalogs (woodworking tools, hardware, gardening tools) are treasure troves of great tools, parts, accessories, and information. I'm amazed that, no matter how many times I page through their woodworking catalog, each time I come across some new, unique item I hadn't noticed before. Their website is the best ecommerce site I have used, and they have surprisingly reasonable prices. www.LeeValley.com.
   
• RouterBits.com. The best source I've found for Whiteside router bits. They also carry Systimatic saw blades, and HTC products, such as industrial-quality Brett Guard saw guards (save those fingers!) and portable tool stands. Prompt, reliable, and good prices. www.RouterBits.com.
   
• GarrettWade. They carry Inca power tools, as well as some unusual tools from Europe. They used to be my favorite woodworking catalog source, but during the past couple of years, they have evolved into more of a boutique catalog. I still keep one of their annual catalogs from the mid-90's, it is full of wonderful woodworking tips. Unfortunately, their more recent catalogs are toss-aways. Their prices tend to be on the high side, so if the item isn't unique, it's a good idea to shop around for a better price.www.GarrettWade.com.