no bullsh*t, kinda funny, monthly update

SEASON 2 VOLUME 1 - JANUARY 2024

STATE OF THE STREET

Happy New Year! It’s still technically January which means I have less than 24 hours remaining before it would be weird for me to say that. Welcome to Season 2. Vol 1 of the Lincoln St Updates. I started this with the intention of offering a monthly newsletter, but like most things, I’ve come up short. So, let’s adjust to a quarterly publication (under promise – overdeliver. 2024 mantra)

video updates

3 days ago, I published a video highlighting three ways to make floating shelves. I’m not going to tell you it was my most awe-inspiring work – but there are some helpful tips in there if you’re thinking of making shelves in the future. Anyone that follows me on Instagram might remember me saying something along the lines of “this has been a really smooth project, and nothing has gone wrong” That was 1 day before a lot went wrong trying to get them installed. But that’s how it goes.

Next up is a video about making cabinets. Ugh yes, another cabinet video on YouTube. But I need to make some custom storage to go under said floating shelves in our pantry. I haven’t fully decided if this will be a “here’s 5 tips to help make better cabinets” or I’m going to show more of the full process. TBD. What do you think?

My shop is small. 12x20’ to be exact – and yes there are plenty of people who work in smaller spaces and for that I’m sorry, but…. that doesn’t change the fact that my shop is still small. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I either free up space, or potentially move into something that would give me a little more room to roam. If I’m being honest the latter is highly unlikely. That being said, let’s talk about solutions for the former.

  1. The drum sander takes up very valuable space. But when I need it, boy, am I glad to have it. I do have access to a drum sander at my local guild but it’s 20 minutes away.

  2. Dust collector. It’s big, it’s annoying and also gets in the way. However, its mandatory. Could this be moved outside? In the attic?

  3. Am I overlooking reworking the storage in my shop and sliding tools under benches?

Something has to give but I’m still not entirely sure what that is. Stay tuned.

random shop thoughts

workbench conference

At the end of February, I will be heading down to Atlanta for “Workbench Conference” It’s a conference for makers that focus on content creation (yes that’s a real thing) This will be my third time attending and its an event I do look forward to. Making videos online is a privilege and I pinch myself that I get to do this every day. It can get lonely though, so it’s good to talk with other woodworkers/makers in person about what’s happening in their lives. A bit like water cooler talk, but the water cooler is likely an adult beverage from the hotel bar. Ill do my best to post stories over the weekend but usual cast of characters will be there and I generally come back recharged and ready to hit the ground running. If you’re a person that is/is considering content creation in the maker space. Check it out.

project spotlight

Season 1. Vol 2 will feature a project spotlight from one of you! But since I just thought of this while typing, let’s take a look at something I made a while back. This is one of my projects that has never been shared on social media until now. It’s a simple pecan box with cherry splines that we use to hold mail. It has a little secret though. Instead of the grain wrapping around on just 3 sides. It actually keeps flowing all the way around the box. It’s a fun process that involves some resawing and careful planning. Rather than type it all out, here is a great video from The Man Who Talks Very Quietly to His Wood about how its done.

If you want to be featured in the next project spotlight, send me an email with pictures and a little blurb about what you made/the wood species and an interesting factoid on how it was made.

 

Talk soon! Jon