I know there are some better and less good, but I’m still trying out different options. Have used maple, walnut, ash, cherry, and birch in various versions. Some versions attached.

Opinions on preferred finishes?

I totally get it! I have a proper bench and all. Yet quite often, I still find myself sitting on this humble stool in a corner of my shop just thinking. Cathartic, I think

A good looking, effective joint regardless! Out of curiosity, did you drawbore the dowels? I find it helps tighten things up just that little extra bit

Abstract and beautiful work, Ken! I’m not so abstract, but made this barn quilt with different wood during the pandemic 44”x44”
#woodworking

Probably now what you had in mind, call me silly, I think of that silly gun from Toy Story

A couple recent projects

I do it by hand, too, but my boards have been a good bit less thick and routing by hand is less risky! Nevertheless, some sort of jig would be very useful

Missing-my-shop-cuz-it’s-so-cold-in-MN-in-January blues. Thinking about bringing my “benchtop bench” indoors.

Incidentally, has been an absolute life saver for my back as it raises all handwork to eye level (design credit to Laura Kampf - youtu.be/zjqWvpdNbms?...)

The pronounced grain is lovely in this oak. Did you use a finish?

My attempts at proud joinery sometimes turn into flush joinery, if you know what I mean? But I did get it to work on this one, if you don’t mind me sharing

Glass half full - rearranging gives you an opportunity to spend more time in your shop. I like the modular approach you’ve taken. I have a singular till so I can’t get any more planes … yeah, right

Made excellent progress on end grain…but at what price? I dropped one of my agonizingly sharpened chisels on the deck, requiring total re-bevel. Sigh

Nice of her to help! I actually enjoy finding interesting figure in the grains. Made this barn quilt a few years back and family literally talks about the patterns like they’re watching TV