Solar Woodworking:

I think it is only natural that the same energy that provided the wood I use, should also be the foundation of how I work.

 

HAR·MO·NY : \'här-m?-ne\
1 archaic : tuneful sound : melody 2 a: the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord b: the structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords c: the science of the structure, relation, and progression of chords 3 a: pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts <a painting exhibiting harmony of color and line> b: correspondence, accord <lives in harmony with her neighbors> c: internal calm : tranquility 4 a: an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative b: a systematic arrangement of parallel literary passages (as of the Gospels) for the purpose of showing agreement or harmony

Often times we take for granted the historical struggles that have been faced by man.


These lessons learned are soon forgotten and never passed down.


"So we repeat the same mistakes"

 

What is solar Woodworking? It's actually quite simple, when the sun is shinning the power tools will work.

"This is Dot, guarding the old cell tower panels"

 

Our Solar System is quite basic. We have a
miss-matched family of 20 or so solar panels, a few new and many more that are second and third hand for a total of 1210 watts plus a 400 watt windmill
( the windmill hasn't worked as well as I had hoped). 2-60 amp charge controllers direct this power to 4-L16 batteries that are then connected to a 2412 Trace inverter.

This system powers our home as well as all my woodworking tools.

 

Our power tools are very basic;

1- Dewalt 10" table saw
1-Delta 10" cabinet saw ( with 110 volt motor )
1-Bosch 10" band saw
1- Delta 14" band saw
1-Delta 18" drum sander
1-Bosch 13" planer
1- Shop made router table
1-Rigid spindle sander
1- Delta 12" drill press (bench top)

and far to many power drills, grinders, saws and sanders

I also have many jigs and fences that I've made or purchased for these tools.

So that's the power tools. What do "I" think about them, "they serve a purpose".

My greatest joy in woodworking is not found attached to a power cord.

For what ever reason traditional handtools are often viewed with curiosity, but almost unconsciously people discount their usefullness in todays modern world. They have become collectables, antiques, examples of the quaint techinques that were used by our ancestors.

I don't believe this.
A simple inexpensive cabinet scraper IS the quickest way to smooth a wood surface.
A razor sharp chisel WILL leave a perfect finish when used properly.
A properly tuned handplane is truly MAGIC.

Traditional woodworking tools and techniques are the result of centuries of design, of trail and error. The materials they are made of have changed overtime, but the basic functions they perform perfectly have been used for thousands of years, thousands of years. I do not think the world today can even comprehend this value. Our society over the last several hundred years has embraced change almost unconditionally.

So that's it, I mill and rough cut much of my material with power tools, but once I begin the fit and finish of a piece I use handtools extensively. Not because it's cool, or that I consider myself a traditionalist, rather because it's the fastest way to achieve a truly unique and beautiful piece.

"Now let me pause for a moment, I do love the smell of Milo shavings. The sound of a hand plane as it slices thru a humbling, absolutely breathtaking piece of hardwood is empowering. I truly believe a simple wooden mallet gives our work cadence, a rhythm that keeps us in harmony. "

Here's another more personal realization, my work will never be as beautiful as when the wood or stone stood in it's home. I know hand tools have helped me appreciate this.

Biography