Thursday, April 30, 2009

Continuing Education

Help is Closer than you Think...

This past week I've been watching some new DVD's I recently ordered from Lie Nielsen Toolworks. I'd like to share some thoughts specifically on Don McConnell's Traditional Molding Techniques: The Basics

If you've ever wanted to replicate an heirloom molding perhaps from an antique furniture piece or architectural application, or better yet adding a custom profile to one of your own original designs by way of dedicated hand planes; this production is an absolute must see.
Beautifully filmed at Lie Nielsen Toolworks in Warren, Maine, this instructional DVD offers an incredibly informative lesson in molding making techniques.
As far as the production goes, if you're already familiar with the Lie-Nielsen DVD's you'll notice that the picture quality, editing production and use of clear and easy to understand animations brings the 'wood working how-to video' to another level indeed...the soundtrack also serves it's purpose well creating a welcoming atmosphere to absorb the information.
Don McConnells instruction, pace and execution is seamless, professional and inspiring. It enables us to look well into the working hands of an experienced craftsman and answers the questions most asked when producing this type of work.

I've been gearing up to build an exterior, 'Heritage Door' for a clients home here in the city. It has an elaborate mix of applied moldings and will be an exciting project to finish off my Spring production schedule. The house is situated in Historic Cabbage Town, a protected neighborhood where you can stroll through beautiful tree lined streets and take in some amazing examples of house design, architecture and historic reference.
Wood working education is everywhere around us whether you choose to take a moment to stop and notice; from the instructional DVD to written pages in books or these living examples in museums and like my clients home here in Toronto, a designated neighborhood perfectly preserved for anyone to stop, look and consider the hows and the whys of wood working technique, design and application.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot...Wood Working Blogs aren't a bad place to Graze the Brain either!
Cheers.