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Paul Seller's Clock in Cherry

  This is a relatively common build. Followers of Paul Seller's make and post images of "Seller's-inspired," "my-interpretation of," or "Purist" examples of his clock, which originally appeared on YouTube in a  free online course he offered. This example of mine is in the "Purist" style. I typically look at pieces online or in a magazine and then draw a picture of what my take on a particular piece would be and come up with some measurements, which get refined a number of times, decide on a wood species, and hit the tools. The problem for me with this kind of adaptive learning is that half of the education, as in the instructional/teacher insights is omitted. I wanted to build my first Seller's clock as Paul did. I wanted to go through the processes he does. More than a clock, I wanted to understand how this master applied his trade, in terms of design, tool choice, order of steps, and methodology. And, I certainly wanted to do that...
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About

 

Stephen J. Koonz



  Born in the Albany, NY., I earned by B.A. in creative writing from Empire State College, and went on at SUNY Albany to earn a Masters in Social Welfare and a Masters in Criminal Justice. I worked over 20 years in direct practice, before assuming a more administratve and oversight roll of statewide services. During this same time I taught, sometimes three classes a week, in the State University of New York system (SUNY).

 I began woodworking over forty-five years ago. For the longest time I did not have a shop. When I needed to work on a project I had to carry my tools and machines to the backyard. This became a drag over time, especially as I aged and started developing back issues. I've made damn near everything. There never was a woodworking project or household repair I was afraid to take on. Learn as you go was my motto. And this was years before YouTube could show you 150 videos on that subject all saying the wrong thing. I relied on books and magazine. But, learn as you go, I've found, results in a lot of hit or miss projects. I was going to use what I made, regardless of the outcome. Your plan either kills it, or you fix or hide your mistake. I've had a respectable batting record over the years, but this method of furniture or project design is a bit short of the mark. I made a number of nice pieces during these years, but I also have had my share of pieces I've said, "that side goes against the wall."

 Things changed following my retirement, when I had the time to set up, re-set up, and re-set up a small basement workshop. Does it have issues, you ask? Yes, of course, all homeshops do. My work thus switched from bringing the tool to the work to bringing the work to the tool. I also have had the opportunity to take a few three- or four-day cabinet or table making types of courses, as well as project-based courses. I've rented space in a maker's studio and also volunteer at the Northeaster Woodworkers Associations. I enjoy handtool work, but do keep and occasionally use the usual suspects, that is a router, tablesaw, bandsaw, lathe, etc. I aso enjoy carving and green woodworking, as well as woodburning. I've built many DIY projects, built countless pieces of shop furniture, as well as arts & crafts style bookcases and boxes. I've done veneer work, marquetry, inlay, and numerous scroll saw projects. I love restoring old hand tools and refinishing furniture. 


Karoline Sears


Karoline is all about making woodworking something that anyone can do. As long as it's safe, there is no wrong way to create with wood!

She attributes her creativity and ambition with trying all kinds of media to her ADHD and enjoys making pieces for her home. What started out as an interest in using a router has turned into comfort with all manner of saws. She's learned some new techniques since joining the local woodworking guild, but still enjoys breaking all of those rules to create fun, campy decorations.  You can find her wares at various Capital District fairs and on her website.




Saws Along the Mohawk

 

As our Header says we are committed to exploring numerous techniques and styles of woodworking across various periods, with different media, and thru the ages. We are committed to fun. We know our stuff, but we are certainly not experts in all things and don't mind sharing our successes or our failures.

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What's On Our Bench? 9/29/24

  We thought we'd add a "What's On Our Bench?" running post where we could provide ongoing updates on, well, ongoing projects or projects we are considering. One point in fact is that Karoline and I met at a local woodworking guild and primarily use our home shops. The work we do together is either completed at the local woodworking guild or partly in one shop and partly in the other.  Karoline is always working on something big to small. Currently, Karoline is working on a slab table with butterfly keys. We'll put some pics up as soon as possible.  I (Steve) obtained a second-hand portable 1 horsepower dust collector. Up until now I have been exclusively using a vacuum with a separate cyclone for all dust collection. My shop is small and the vacuum is cumbersome and loud. I realize a 2 HP would be more efficient, but, hey, the price was $10. The last thing I want to do is overbuild this but I am considering two-stage. Heading into the dust collector I am planning...
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Restoration of a Stanley #45 and Cutter Box Build

   There is a thrift store near us that specializes in previously owned superannuated tools, which is just a nice way to say old and worn. It is similar in all respects to a used tool shelf in a flea market. There are some gems and surprises mixed in with the illimitable junk. Most times I go there I leave empty-handed. Sometimes I find something inexpensive and useful, and other times expensive and broken. I see these minor victories and disappointments as a requisite part of the adventure. That is, a part of doing business. I walked in to this store, a few weeks back, only to find, to my surprise, twelve, rather rusty, Stanley #45 combination planes. All were just sitting placidly there as if awaiting an orphan train. Each was made to wear a sign that read "Open Your Doors." It broke my heart. I felt morally compelled to intercede. I mean, what's one more tool to oil around the shop. The sad truth was plain enough, a woodworking enthusiast, tool-collector extraordinaire...
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What's On Our Bench? 10/6/24

  Karoline continues to work on her slab table with butterfly keys. She also started a bench project. We'll put some pics up as soon as possible.  I'm (Steve) finishing up on my dust collector project. As I indicated last week, I'm no engineer and I'm not really sure a Harbor Freight 1 HP dust collector warrants a lot of time and drawings. So, I had plans for a Thien baffle. As I also said last week, this is the kind of project that will take me where it goes... A separator before the impeller is going to seriously decrease the intake volume. Given this is a 1 HP motor, it's probably best to skip the baffle. In terms of exhaust, the general complaint against a canvas bag is that some dust still escapes. What to do? If a put a separator on the exhaust it's going to blow the dust up on the bottom of the can every time it's turned on.  Don't want that! Nor do I want to waste time overbuilding something. But then a stupid plan hit me. What if I take a 15 gal...
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