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?

Well done. Assuming you used a draw knife for the legs, do you use a dedicated draw knife bench? Or for shorter draws like this do you do it differently?

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

Love them dearly, but neither my grandfather nor father did this. Far worse habits to have, regardless of ancestry! Make it happen!

Understand your point, and completely valid. That said, the sharper I have achieved, the higher my standard has gone up for my own tools

Using a sharp plane to get a long, smooth shaving

It is a lovely piece … but probably don’t have to tell you that is a lot of grain direction changes and you are gonna need some sharp tools for working it!

Rustic indeed! Each project inspires the next one. Keep going

Did you try stain sealer?

I used a pipe shrinkage ruler for wood dimensions without realizing it

Looks great. One of the cool parts of woodworking is origin story

That was literally my first reaction. Regardless, great to read the article and see new perspectives being expressed!

One of the things I love about woodworking is that I can be very much in my own world. But occasionally I do like to be around others - especially is the cold winters of MN!

That top has some stunning grain. Great work on the entire table, too

*grain

BLO brings out more of the groan in anything as shellac is more of a surface treatment. I love both finishes. For me, it depends on how the pieces will be used - but both bowls are lovely!

It is indeed! Oak, maple, and walnut? What’s the finish?

Got an approximate age/type?

Looks pretty clean for “mortal remains.” Thanks for sharing, I love reviving and using the old planes

Nice work with the bow tie! Guessing that is a pretty solid table

Nothing special. I use connectors from Rockler, but increasingly use the ones with rubber fittings to flex to slightly different port sizes.

Also, don’t forget to have an air filter for fine particles and an N95 respirator in less ventilated areas.

Sorry, I’m a health and safety freak

I hear ya! I actually have several flex fittings just so everything can fit my dust collection ports

I don’t know about their planes (most of my planes are refurbished, usable antiques) but I have gone to exclusively purchasing new chisels from Lie-Nielsen. Excellent metal for holding their edge and beautifully delivered from the factory, very little extra work to do

I have typically used linseed oil on walnut as well, so I get it

I hear ya! Fortunately my wife is a quilter and she spends as much or more on that hobby. Win-win!

What a wonderful, cozy, Northern shop. Am in MN and would love to have that retreat! Thanks for sharing

Wonderful use of the grain patterns with the structure of the piece - so cool to see reclaimed lumber getting a second life!

Looks great. Well done. I am excited to see pics of how that grain pops with some oil or light stain

Don’t keep us in suspense, what was the issue?