As I said in the introduction, this is our very first shop tour. If you like this video and you’d like to see more shop tours, let us know. And if you have a suggestion for a craftsman or craftswoman that you’d like us to interview, please get in touch. Bear in mind that we are not looking for people with cool shops. We're focused on woodworkers who are exceptionally good at what the do and are willing to show us how they work. You can post your suggestions in the comments below or write us directly at workshopcompanion@gmail.com.
The way he puts things back in place meticulously is the very reason he is able to work so efficiently out of a small shop..Just fantastic clarity of thought!
The manner in which you two discussed methods, jigs and such, it felt like I was there enjoying a conversation. Two very impressive, seasoned yet humble professionals - No pomp, pizazz or pretense. Thoroughly enjoyable! One of the wonders of woodworking is that there is almost always another way to get the job done.
True that. A good friend of mine wrote a book on that very subject -- "The Right Technique" by Bob Moran. He was livid at the publisher because the whole point of his book was that there was no right technique for any one woodworking task -- just a lot of good techniques.
My grandpa had more than one shop like this. He always had two sides, one for wood and one for welding. I still have a guitar he made. It plays and sounds great. I just wish he had been able to keep em up. LA, MS, TX, to TN. Now he just sits and hates life. A note for all of you older guys. Don’t listen to your wife when she says you are in the shop too much. She just wants you to sit in front of a TV with her and be miserable. Be productive and you’ll be happy.
Hot damn what a beautiful piece that vice is. How am I supposed to sleep at night knowing she's already betrothed to Jim? Nick & Jim, this was an absolute pleasure to watch, treasure the memories you've had together throughout your lifetime in cahoots. I believe that for a large portion of your audience, they've situated themselves in a tight garage somewhere hoping to emulate you two legends. We can all learn so much from Jim's approach of space conservation and clever multiple purpose surfaces.
I've watched this 3 times, i think people should really pay attention to the size of his shop, and the tools he uses to produce some great furniture. Great layout and astounding work
I grew up in Huber Heights and I inherited my Dad's 2 Shopsmiths plus attachments. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at the factory when I had the headstocks refurbished. I was just starting out learning how to use them. Jim was very patient with me and so good to answer my questions. Little did I know who he was and really how much he has contributed to woodworking. I've never met Nick in person although I have watched many of his videos. Seeing the two of them together was really great.
It was great seeing you and Jim together, I have the upmost respect for both of you. After watching you and seeing some of Jim's work I realize that I am not a craftsman, more like a wood butcher.
We all start out as wood butchers. I tell students that the woodworkers take perfectly good boards, chop them up into smaller boards, and put them back together again in the hopes of making something more useful than a board. Jim is just a little better at the putting-it-back-together part than you and I are. But we'll get there.
The comment about the water squirting out from under the edge when sharpening is by far the most helpful suggestion for finding the correct angle. I've struggled with that for decades. Thank you so much!
When I saw an hour and 10 minute video I thought I would check out the first few minutes. Wow, I felt like I was just having a coffee and a visit with a couple of masters. A great reminder that shops come in many shapes and sizes and that a lot can be accomplished in small shops without all the latest and greatest tools. Thank you both for sharing this.
My favorite video, Jim reminds me of a boss I used to have. Everything has a place and he couldn’t handle it not being in that place. If he told me to go get something off the truck he would watch me open a box and say “it’s right under your left hand”. Best boss I ever had. Hated it when he retired and shut down the company.
It was VERY enjoyable to watch this shop tour of McCann's and see a real craftsman at work along with his down-to-earth array of tools and machines. Too many YT workshop videos today seem to be little more than a sales promotion for buying new tools. Nick, you need to feature YOUR workshop! You are the consummate craftsman! I know, I've followed your work, through your many books, even before UA-cam. Great video, thanks!
We may get to my workshop sooner or later, but I don't think it will resonate with most craftsman. It's as big as a hangar and is stuffed to the gills with metalworking tools, sheet metal tools, welding and brazing tools, and tools that I have had to invent for obscure purposes. I made my living for many years making replica pioneer aircraft and flight simulators, and I doubt that would be of much interest to most wood nuts.
Great video tour, thanks for posting! I love seeing a shop that produces fine things, not just a shop full of equipment that looks expensive and sterile.
Now that IS an artist's space... as usual in life the simplest is by far and away the best. It is the knowledge of how to make something with the simplest and oldest equipment that truly counts in life... certainly in my world! Beautiful hour and a quarter I have just spent in mesmeric wonder! Thank you for posting this.
Nice shop! Do the best you can with what you have. For years I had a 16' x16' shop and did fine with it. Nice to see a true craftsman who doesn't need a big display for Woodpecker and Festool.
After watching this video, I felt I had been given an education from woodworking royalty. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to see a true Craftsman's shop. I love woodworking but have nowhere near the patience to be considered a craftsman. All the very best from Australia.
@@MyGrowthRings Jim and I have always worked well together, no matter what we're doing. I'm thinking of asking him to interview me when it comes time to tour my shop.
@@WorkshopCompanion That’s a GREAT idea! You guys have so much history together that I think it would be fun to have you both as duel guests on a channel or podcast.
So delighted that I happened about to find your u-tube channel today , while searching for bandsaw projects and perhaps a little initiative which was Bandsaw Magic , I was hooked the first couple of minutes and had to see what else you were up to, obviously I subscribed without second thought and continued to search your channel that’s when I happened upon the next Gem, #1 shop tour with Jim McCann . Absolutely one of my favourite episodes of any kind to date, loved the honesty, the mutual respect, history the compassion and commitment to the craft. Thank you so much for doing what you do and sharing this knowledge with the world. God knows the world needs a little more Nick and Jim…at least the part that matters to fellas like me. Cheers and keep up the great work.
what a great explanation of woodworking tools, tricks and tips, both are great gurus of woodworking, we are so lucky to watch your workshop tour that can't express my feelings
Wright Brothers !? The Wright family Down Under (of which I am a member) have always been avid woodworkers. All the way back to Great grandpa Hugh Wright (He did the altars in St Mary's Cathedral in Sidney for e.g.) and throughout the generations. Good to see the name associated with wood in the good ol USA ! Thoroughly enjoyable.
So glad I scrolled back on your channel and stopped on this. That was so inspiring to hear you two share your memories and knowledge. Thanks nick I always gain from watching you
I enjoyed this immensely. I'm usually not a big fan of shop tours. Usually, they are more "look at all my cool expensive stuff." If more shop tours are like this one I'm all for it. I learned several new things from watching. I tried to count all the Shopsmith tools Jim had but I lost count.
Jim has a Shopsmith planer, belt sander, and shop vac -- not as many as you'd think. And you'll be glad to know that I'm not looking to post tool porn. For me, this is an extension of the way I used to put books together. You talk to people who are exceptionally good at what they do and see what you can learn. Jim is exceptionally good at doing world-class woodworking in a one-car garage. I've seen enough posts on Reddit to know that space is a factor for many people who want to get into woodworking, and it needn't be.
@@WorkshopCompanion I'm not interested in tool porn either. I was surprised to see Shopsmith tools in the background. These tools are not something I see very often in woodworking videos. Belive me, I look. Some of the best ideas I have ever run across were something I saw in the background of someone's woodworking video. I like the way you conducted the shop tour, and I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.
I heard many comments involving Ohio. I’m in southwest Ohio now and grew up in central Ohio. Love my small shop and find your wisdom so very helpful . I, too, am dyslexic and Jim said some encouraging things concerning that. Thank you both 🙏🏼
Enjoyed the shop tour. Yes, more like this. Breaking it down into the four major phases of a project made it into a narrative rather than a bullet list. That helped me as the viewer follow and understand the content clearly.
My first shop was in a 10 x 12 bedroom in a farmhouse i was renting. It was one of the most productive shops I ever put together -- I made over a hundred musical instruments in that shop. Small work spaces can be a blessing to a craftsman who knows how to make the most of them.
That nail in the tree might have been a surveying marker. I love your shop. I like the way the tables are all arranged, it gives me some inspiration for my space.
Wish I could say that. The closest thing my father had to a shop was a toolbox filled with an odd collection of screwdrivers and pliers, all of which he used as hammers. I would say that it does sort of remind me of my granddad's workshop, but there's no boat parked in the center. Glad you enjoyed it.
Love this. Learned a lot, encouraging to not feel like I need to have tons of room, all the newest stuff, etc. great interview would love to see more of his work out of that shop.
Love this video. I’m a hobbies woodworker I have a small shop it only 14 x16 shed you know the kind you see on lots as you drive down the road. I took the other route and have everything mobile I may rethink thing.
Storage upstairs or maybe a desk? Little things that are easy to get up and down I’d guess. Very cool building. I have a three car garage but only about half a car or 1/6th for a shop.
Jim's wood storage is upstairs. Travis and I wanted to film it, but he didn't have time to straighten it up and was a little embarrassed -- I don't know why, it looks just like wood storage everywhere. If I took a photo of the interior of my wood storage barn, you'd think I was showing you an explosion at a saw mill.
Good of you to say. Somewhere on this thread is this thought from a viewer: "My mission each day is to go to bed less stupid." Every time I hang around with Jim for an hour or two, I feel I have accomplished that mission.
I really, really like how you talk about sharpening. There is a cult of sharpening today and it can be maddening. Sharpening is personal. What's important is sharp tools! Not how you get them sharp! Thanks :^)
I guess everyone values different things; not every video is going to delight every one. I have the highest regard for the videos from WC as my previous comments have confirmed. Personally, I don’t find shop tours super interesting. That’s personal and quite probably a result of having a fairly big shop and am very settled with it - after many alterations. I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and what still interests me; still delights me in that I’m learning is design. I’m not interested in copying old pieces or styles directly but really evolving the past into pieces that are functional and beautiful. I’m a considerable aficionado of the British Arts and Crafts style and that’s where I get a lot of my inspiration from. The only poster I have in my shop - 2 of them in fact - is one that says Patience;Precision; Perfection. Because I think that if a reasonable woodworker follows those 3, then they are going to produce good work
Great video Nick ! I have a suggestion for a future road trip/ shop tour. His name is Victor DiNovi in Santa Barbara,Ca.. He has been around for many years and his furniture is incredible and one of a kind. His shop and style of work is right up your alley.
Tried the heavy apron, but found out it to be cumbersome. Since woodworking is mainly a hobby for me, I kinda want to feel light in the shop. But also, I like the process to be seamless and tending to professional practice - so I like my shop organized. I found out that, what works best for me, is riveting magnetic bars in strategic places (which means, for any woodworker, all over the place), and hanging doubles of sqares, bits, rulers, screwdrvers, etc., in an evenly fashion (we are all guilty of having doubles, and even multiple doubles)
Very cool you looking at pieces of wood and telling what specie it is, please make a video talking about how recognize species i know its complex thing and wide to facing it but maybe you can bring us some creative advices as you have the way to... very cool channel. Greetings from misiones, argentina... a state plain of woodworkers traditions!! PD this shop tour was so enjoyable, thanks
Good suggestion. We are, fact, working on something very much like what you suggest using physical and mechanical properties to identify wood species. And thanks for the kind words.
All LED's, about a million lumens per square inch. It's sort of like an operating room on steroids. When you go back outside on a sunny day, your eyes have to adjust to the dark.
My shop is 11’x17’ and I’ve built a full set of kitchen cupboards, two dining room tables, one was 36” x 140” with breadboard ends, the other was 42” x 72” with four 12” leaves. I’ve also built coffee and end tables, headboards, too many small wooden boxes to count. I have a lot of tools in common with the owner. The major difference between our ships is that mine most often looks like a disaster during a project but it gets cleaned just after a project is finished.
Don't let the cleanliness of Jim's shop get you down. Both his and mine lean towards disaster from time to time. It's in the nature of woodworking -- out of endless mess comes timeless beauty.
@WorkshopCompanion I'm about 45 minutes in so far. He's talking about struggling with larger projects sometimes (boy do I get that!) Please tell him about Matthew Peech channel for some storage ideas. He has an awesome shelf unit made from 2x4's that folds down to an extra workbench! It's on casters...I'm totally going to make it. Then there's a video of Marie over on DIYMontreal of an awesome cabinet she made 3 months ago called "A different kind of cabinet". Plus she has great lumber carts. Also please tell him I said thanks for sharing! I saw in the intro he did something with half moon pins! Also known as Knapp joints...by any chance does he have a video of it?
My father was a master carpenter and cabinet maker (40 years in the trade). He is sick with dementia now and resides in a nursing home. It makes me deeply sad as his wealth knowledge is lost and forgotten. I renovate homes in my pastime and now I own 4 houses which I have renovated on my own. I use dads tools when I can as I feel like he is working with me. I am NOT a carpenter but when I do carpentry is is my cure-all for any stress in my life. It’s like it zaps away the internal pain
You might enjoy "Shop Class and Soulcraft" by Matthew Crawford: www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/shop-class-as-soulcraft If this speaks to you, go on to "The Hand" by Frank R. Wilson. That will make you proud to be a craftsman.
I struggle a lot sharpening my gouges. Did you say it was a Double sided “Gouge slip” sharpener? I would like to buy one can you provide full name + where to buy? Many thanks
Thanks for an incredible video. I could have watched another couple hours worth. I'm always fascinated by seeing a craftsman's workspace (craftsman of any type I might add). Seeing the personalization, and workflow is always interesting. The video was further enhanced by the chemistry of old friends and great side stories. I absolutely loved this and learned a few tricks too. Note to the modern UA-cam 'woodworkers' compare the projects that came out of this shop to your Kreg/WoodPecker/SawStop/Festool laden shops. Something to ponder for those just starting out and trying to emulate these 'makers' that are clearly UA-camr's first and woodworkers second.
I don't find my previous comment any longer [I'm sorry, if the in the addendum posted URL to the website dedicated to the vise shown at 45m somehow was the reason]. Beside this, thank you again, for taking your time to answer my question (that it's called the "EMMERT Patternmaking vise").
@@WorkshopCompanion Beside some doubtfully offers on auctioning platforms for claimed originals,I found one shop in UK that sells "EMMERT styled vises", obviously made in Taiwan for tenth the price they'd cost in 1970s. I doubt the quality is much alike. I can't believe no other manufacturers picked up this genius idea of a swiveling though stable vise that fits perfectly into a workbench. Anyways, thank you for your commitment to my questions and of course I'm watching and waiting eagerly for new videos of you. Btw. What's the furry workshop mate's name (if you haven't already mentioned it in previous uploads and just have missed it)?
I just found out that I am not so stupid anyway 😋…I also fold my sanpaper pieces in thirds…always have. Woot! I might have small tools enough to fill a workspace like that, but I do not have bigger tools like the saws and drill press etc… thing is he has more order in his dustbin and trash area than I have in my most organized spot in my shop. Wish I had organization skills like that, not to mention woodworking skills…. 😄
The prime ingredient for efficiency is organization. There are many different ways to organize a shop and they all work reasonably well as long as you keep the shop organized as you work. I usually tell my students that most woodworkers only spend 5 to 10% of their time in the shop woodworking. About 40% of their time is spent setting up the tools and the remaining 50% is spent looking for the tools to set up. It gets a smile because it is so true. At one point when he was talking about chisels, Jim told us that he always sharpens and puts away a chisel after he uses it. We concentrated on the sharpening part, but the "puts away" part was far more important. If your tools remain organized as you work, you know where to find the tools and your work becomes efficient.
We've had a few inquiries about that jig. If you can wait a few weeks, John, I'll have a design you can make in minutes from a few scraps. I'm adapting an old design I published years ago to have the same capacity as Jim's clamp-on guide.
@@MyGrowthRings Scott, I bought a Bora WXT? and found that when I clamp it the aluminum bar distorts, to curl upward, at the end where the stop block is. That made the CIrc Saw sled unable to slide through the end of the cut … growl … so, I've been progressively filing down the cam mechanism, and it does not bend the aluminum track, but doesn't hold very well, now …
@@johnoerter2883 It does have thinner walls than the ProGrip. Keep in mind that you only need as much clamping force as is necessary to hold it in place, when using it as a straight edge, so you only need to lightly tighten the sliding jaw before locking the lever. I have one made by yet a third company and had to learn that lesson.
Actually, I'm the director of the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company. (See wright-brothers.org/default.htm ) The idea behind it was to work with kids, teaching them some science and some tool skills while we build airplanes. I was (and am) concerned that shop classes were being phased out; I believe the working with your hands is an important part of cognitive development for many young people -- read "The Hand" by Frank Wilson. To date, the WBAC has built 18 Wright aircraft for museums worldwide, most of them with the involvement of students. Some of our students have even flown these aircraft.
@@WorkshopCompanion The more I see and hear about you, the more I wish I could spend some time with you. But my wife and I live in the land of fruits and nuts (California) and way too far to travel. But I love your vids, don’t stop.
As I said in the introduction, this is our very first shop tour. If you like this video and you’d like to see more shop tours, let us know. And if you have a suggestion for a craftsman or craftswoman that you’d like us to interview, please get in touch. Bear in mind that we are not looking for people with cool shops. We're focused on woodworkers who are exceptionally good at what the do and are willing to show us how they work. You can post your suggestions in the comments below or write us directly at workshopcompanion@gmail.com.
Would definitely enjoy more as well as seeing your shop
@@glenngulley1375 Sooner or later, we'll get around to it.
Wonderful tour and amazing amount of knowledge packed into it - I'd love to see a follow up on how he built the music stand.
moar tours!
Loved it. Thanks for doing it.
The way he puts things back in place meticulously is the very reason he is able to work so efficiently out of a small shop..Just fantastic clarity of thought!
I’ve watch again and again. I always leave this video with a big smile. You two are truly the heart of American Pride. 😊
The manner in which you two discussed methods, jigs and such, it felt like I was there enjoying a conversation. Two very impressive, seasoned yet humble professionals - No pomp, pizazz or pretense. Thoroughly enjoyable! One of the wonders of woodworking is that there is almost always another way to get the job done.
True that. A good friend of mine wrote a book on that very subject -- "The Right Technique" by Bob Moran. He was livid at the publisher because the whole point of his book was that there was no right technique for any one woodworking task -- just a lot of good techniques.
Yes, and unlike many on UA-cam these days, not trying to hawk products
My grandpa had more than one shop like this. He always had two sides, one for wood and one for welding. I still have a guitar he made. It plays and sounds great.
I just wish he had been able to keep em up. LA, MS, TX, to TN. Now he just sits and hates life.
A note for all of you older guys. Don’t listen to your wife when she says you are in the shop too much. She just wants you to sit in front of a TV with her and be miserable. Be productive and you’ll be happy.
Hot damn what a beautiful piece that vice is. How am I supposed to sleep at night knowing she's already betrothed to Jim? Nick & Jim, this was an absolute pleasure to watch, treasure the memories you've had together throughout your lifetime in cahoots. I believe that for a large portion of your audience, they've situated themselves in a tight garage somewhere hoping to emulate you two legends. We can all learn so much from Jim's approach of space conservation and clever multiple purpose surfaces.
Glad you liked it. And I agree -- there is more craftsmanship per square foot in Jim's shop than anywhere else on the plant.
I've watched this 3 times, i think people should really pay attention to the size of his shop, and the tools he uses to produce some great furniture. Great layout and astounding work
As I said -- more craftsmanship per square foot than anywhere else on the planet...
What a treat! Thanks for opening your shop for us to see, Mr. McCann!
I love seeing different shops from amazing wood workers. No better inspiration!
I grew up in Huber Heights and I inherited my Dad's 2 Shopsmiths plus attachments. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at the factory when I had the headstocks refurbished. I was just starting out learning how to use them. Jim was very patient with me and so good to answer my questions. Little did I know who he was and really how much he has contributed to woodworking. I've never met Nick in person although I have watched many of his videos. Seeing the two of them together was really great.
Jim and I thank you for your kind words.
Nice video, thanks for sharing your years of experience.
It was great seeing you and Jim together, I have the upmost respect for both of you. After watching you and seeing some of Jim's work I realize that I am not a craftsman, more like a wood butcher.
We all start out as wood butchers. I tell students that the woodworkers take perfectly good boards, chop them up into smaller boards, and put them back together again in the hopes of making something more useful than a board. Jim is just a little better at the putting-it-back-together part than you and I are. But we'll get there.
The comment about the water squirting out from under the edge when sharpening is by far the most helpful suggestion for finding the correct angle. I've struggled with that for decades. Thank you so much!
Most welcome.
This was awesome I will watch again and again since I have a small shop❤❤❤❤
Glad to have been of help.
What an awesome video! I just happened upon it and plan on watching several more times!. Thank you!
Most welcome.
All I can say is WOW. 2 American greats. Thank you gentlemen!
When I saw an hour and 10 minute video I thought I would check out the first few minutes. Wow, I felt like I was just having a coffee and a visit with a couple of masters. A great reminder that shops come in many shapes and sizes and that a lot can be accomplished in small shops without all the latest and greatest tools. Thank you both for sharing this.
You're most welcome.
My favorite video, Jim reminds me of a boss I used to have. Everything has a place and he couldn’t handle it not being in that place. If he told me to go get something off the truck he would watch me open a box and say “it’s right under your left hand”. Best boss I ever had. Hated it when he retired and shut down the company.
Great to hear two Masters share their knowledge... Thanks!!
I’m watching this video in small doses. Taking it all in and learning. Thanks a lot.
It was VERY enjoyable to watch this shop tour of McCann's and see a real craftsman at work along with his down-to-earth array of tools and machines. Too many YT workshop videos today seem to be little more than a sales promotion for buying new tools. Nick, you need to feature YOUR workshop! You are the consummate craftsman! I know, I've followed your work, through your many books, even before UA-cam. Great video, thanks!
We may get to my workshop sooner or later, but I don't think it will resonate with most craftsman. It's as big as a hangar and is stuffed to the gills with metalworking tools, sheet metal tools, welding and brazing tools, and tools that I have had to invent for obscure purposes. I made my living for many years making replica pioneer aircraft and flight simulators, and I doubt that would be of much interest to most wood nuts.
Great video tour, thanks for posting! I love seeing a shop that produces fine things, not just a shop full of equipment that looks expensive and sterile.
Now that IS an artist's space... as usual in life the simplest is by far and away the best. It is the knowledge of how to make something with the simplest and oldest equipment that truly counts in life... certainly in my world! Beautiful hour and a quarter I have just spent in mesmeric wonder! Thank you for posting this.
Most welcome.
Amazing people! I love this bond between people and nature, creating joy and happiness for other who would definitely appreciate their works.
Thanks for your kind words.
Nice shop! Do the best you can with what you have. For years I had a 16' x16' shop and did fine with it. Nice to see a true craftsman who doesn't need a big display for Woodpecker and Festool.
Absolutely magnificent. You gentlemen are incredible.
Thanks for saying.
This was a shop tour for the ages. The experience you both shared with us is priceless. Love it.
Thanks.
After watching this video, I felt I had been given an education from woodworking royalty. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to see a true Craftsman's shop. I love woodworking but have nowhere near the patience to be considered a craftsman. All the very best from Australia.
And the best back from Ohio. Cheers.
I saw the title and clicked the like button! So great to see Jim spotlighted. Scott
Such a great video, Nick! This is the most comfortable I’ve even seen Jim in front of the camera and we owe that all to you. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings Jim and I have always worked well together, no matter what we're doing. I'm thinking of asking him to interview me when it comes time to tour my shop.
@@WorkshopCompanion That’s a GREAT idea! You guys have so much history together that I think it would be fun to have you both as duel guests on a channel or podcast.
@@MyGrowthRings YES!
Great tour! Thanks for sharing!
Great stuff! Fascinating to learn what can be accomplished in a small shop arranged by an engineer blessed with creative skills.
Hi! Amazing! 2 peaple change experience! Very nice time ..
Thanks. From Jim too.
So delighted that I happened about to find your u-tube channel today , while searching for bandsaw projects and perhaps a little initiative which was Bandsaw Magic , I was hooked the first couple of minutes and had to see what else you were up to, obviously I subscribed without second thought and continued to search your channel that’s when I happened upon the next Gem, #1 shop tour with Jim McCann . Absolutely one of my favourite episodes of any kind to date, loved the honesty, the mutual respect, history the compassion and commitment to the craft. Thank you so much for doing what you do and sharing this knowledge with the world. God knows the world needs a little more Nick and Jim…at least the part that matters to fellas like me. Cheers and keep up the great work.
Wow. Thanks for ALL the kind words -- there sure were a lot of them. So glad you liked the interview.
Honor where honor is due.
what a great explanation of woodworking tools, tricks and tips, both are great gurus of woodworking, we are so lucky to watch your workshop tour that can't express my feelings
Thanks for trying, all the same.
Wright Brothers !? The Wright family Down Under (of which I am a member) have always been avid woodworkers. All the way back to Great grandpa Hugh Wright (He did the altars in St Mary's Cathedral in Sidney for e.g.) and throughout the generations. Good to see the name associated with wood in the good ol USA ! Thoroughly enjoyable.
So glad I scrolled back on your channel and stopped on this. That was so inspiring to hear you two share your memories and knowledge. Thanks nick I always gain from watching you
Thanks for the kind words.
I enjoyed this immensely. I'm usually not a big fan of shop tours. Usually, they are more "look at all my cool expensive stuff." If more shop tours are like this one I'm all for it. I learned several new things from watching.
I tried to count all the Shopsmith tools Jim had but I lost count.
Jim has a Shopsmith planer, belt sander, and shop vac -- not as many as you'd think. And you'll be glad to know that I'm not looking to post tool porn. For me, this is an extension of the way I used to put books together. You talk to people who are exceptionally good at what they do and see what you can learn. Jim is exceptionally good at doing world-class woodworking in a one-car garage. I've seen enough posts on Reddit to know that space is a factor for many people who want to get into woodworking, and it needn't be.
@@WorkshopCompanion I saw several Shopsmith lights too.
@@WorkshopCompanion I'm not interested in tool porn either. I was surprised to see Shopsmith tools in the background. These tools are not something I see very often in woodworking videos. Belive me, I look. Some of the best ideas I have ever run across were something I saw in the background of someone's woodworking video. I like the way you conducted the shop tour, and I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.
@@RobertKeeney Jim worked there (maybe still works I don't know).
What a great episode and what an amazing friendship. Cheers to both of you , thank you for everything 👏👏
Most welcome.
Awesome interview! Thanks for sharing.
I heard many comments involving Ohio. I’m in southwest Ohio now and grew up in central Ohio. Love my small shop and find your wisdom so very helpful . I, too, am dyslexic and Jim said some encouraging things concerning that. Thank you both 🙏🏼
You're very welcome -- from the both of us.
I’m amazed by his resaw capacity on a low powered 14” bandsaw!
Glad I found your channel. This is the most interesting video I've watched in a while
Thanks.
What a great video. Awesome!
wow! what a great video. thanks for sharing.
Most welcome.
Enjoyed the shop tour. Yes, more like this. Breaking it down into the four major phases of a project made it into a narrative rather than a bullet list. That helped me as the viewer follow and understand the content clearly.
You both are amazing pros. Thank you for nice ideas
Most welcome.
I really enjoyed finding this video after meeting you two at Shop smith's 75th. Great Shop set up.
Glad to meet you as well, and thanks for watching.
OMG!! That vise! I want one!
his shop is about the size of my husband's and mine. Very organized, ours 16X 20 it is packed too but very functional.
My first shop was in a 10 x 12 bedroom in a farmhouse i was renting. It was one of the most productive shops I ever put together -- I made over a hundred musical instruments in that shop. Small work spaces can be a blessing to a craftsman who knows how to make the most of them.
That nail in the tree might have been a surveying marker. I love your shop. I like the way the tables are all arranged, it gives me some inspiration for my space.
Thanks for the info! That would explain why the nail is so large.
I love this video... thanks!
Most welcome.
It amazes me how now days people think you need a huge shop filled with high end tools. Love the tour! This looks exactly like my dad’s shop👍
Wish I could say that. The closest thing my father had to a shop was a toolbox filled with an odd collection of screwdrivers and pliers, all of which he used as hammers. I would say that it does sort of remind me of my granddad's workshop, but there's no boat parked in the center. Glad you enjoyed it.
Love this. Learned a lot, encouraging to not feel like I need to have tons of room, all the newest stuff, etc. great interview would love to see more of his work out of that shop.
As soon as I get two minutes to rub together, I'm going to post an album of Jim's work on our Facebook page. I'll announce it here when I have it up.
Thanks for a great tour. Request more close-up pans of the bit and pieces, which reveals more tips than can be covered in words.
Good suggestion. Thanks.
Outstanding!
Great video
awesome tour and amazing vise!
Thanks.
Just found your channel, amazing knowledge and great explanations
Much thanks.
Love your channel. I must comment on your F-250. That is one of the best trucks ever made and the best diesel in my opinion. Wish I still had mine ...
Agreed. 23 years old and still roars like a dragon.
Love this video. I’m a hobbies woodworker I have a small shop it only 14 x16 shed you know the kind you see on lots as you drive down the road. I took the other route and have everything mobile I may rethink thing.
Everything is mobile in my shop; Jim has his stuff on casters too. He just doesn't move it much because where would he move it to?
This shop size is perfect justification for a track saw purchase.
Storage upstairs or maybe a desk? Little things that are easy to get up and down I’d guess. Very cool building. I have a three car garage but only about half a car or 1/6th for a shop.
Jim's wood storage is upstairs. Travis and I wanted to film it, but he didn't have time to straighten it up and was a little embarrassed -- I don't know why, it looks just like wood storage everywhere. If I took a photo of the interior of my wood storage barn, you'd think I was showing you an explosion at a saw mill.
Well done. This old guy received an education today
Good of you to say. Somewhere on this thread is this thought from a viewer: "My mission each day is to go to bed less stupid." Every time I hang around with Jim for an hour or two, I feel I have accomplished that mission.
Thank you.
I really, really like how you talk about sharpening. There is a cult of sharpening today and it can be maddening. Sharpening is personal. What's important is sharp tools! Not how you get them sharp! Thanks :^)
Great video!!
Thanks.
I guess everyone values different things; not every video is going to delight every one. I have the highest regard for the videos from WC as my previous comments have confirmed.
Personally, I don’t find shop tours super interesting. That’s personal and quite probably a result of having a fairly big shop and am very settled with it - after many alterations.
I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and what still interests me; still delights me in that I’m learning is design. I’m not interested in copying old pieces or styles directly but really evolving the past into pieces that are functional and beautiful. I’m a considerable aficionado of the British Arts and Crafts style and that’s where I get a lot of my inspiration from.
The only poster I have in my shop - 2 of them in fact - is one that says Patience;Precision; Perfection. Because I think that if a reasonable woodworker follows those 3, then they are going to produce good work
I wished you had been my shop teacher back in high school! Lol
Keep up the great, informative and entertaining work!
Thanks.
Great video Nick ! I have a suggestion for a future road trip/ shop tour. His name is Victor DiNovi in Santa Barbara,Ca.. He has been around for many years and his furniture is incredible and one of a kind. His shop and style of work is right up your alley.
He is indeed a major furnituremaker. For those readers who would like to see more, his web site is victordinovi.com/ .
It saddens me that we are 1 generation away from losing most master craftsman and their potential for masterpieces. 😞
Craftsmen come and go, but the craftsmanship is passed on, evolves, and flourishes. Jim and I have spent our careers making sure of that.
Even I can find someone that would make an apron like that!
That spike is a Viking era spike! 500+ years!
Amazing!!
Thanks.
Tried the heavy apron, but found out it to be cumbersome. Since woodworking is mainly a hobby for me, I kinda want to feel light in the shop. But also, I like the process to be seamless and tending to professional practice - so I like my shop organized.
I found out that, what works best for me, is riveting magnetic bars in strategic places (which means, for any woodworker, all over the place), and hanging doubles of sqares, bits, rulers, screwdrvers, etc., in an evenly fashion (we are all guilty of having doubles, and even multiple doubles)
More ship tours! Your content is the best on youtube
Thanks. But we're in the midst of building a new shop right now and don't have much time for travel. Maybe later.
@WorkshopCompanion In that case I'm looking forward to YOUR new shop tour!
How about a video on that homemade jointer guard? That thing is sweet.
Very cool you looking at pieces of wood and telling what specie it is, please make a video talking about how recognize species i know its complex thing and wide to facing it but maybe you can bring us some creative advices as you have the way to... very cool channel. Greetings from misiones, argentina... a state plain of woodworkers traditions!!
PD this shop tour was so enjoyable, thanks
Good suggestion. We are, fact, working on something very much like what you suggest using physical and mechanical properties to identify wood species. And thanks for the kind words.
From one Shopsmith guy to another but wow, what a compact shop - I wish I could use my 10x12 so efficiently!
A 10 x 12 shop is, almost by definition, efficient. And it will get more so the more work you do.
I thought he was brilliant from the start. But when I found he was left handed I knew he was a genius!
Thanks -- I forwarded that to Jim.
Jim, Nick, thank you! Wonderful
You're welcome.
Just a peek overhead; looks like good workspace light coverage.
All LED's, about a million lumens per square inch. It's sort of like an operating room on steroids. When you go back outside on a sunny day, your eyes have to adjust to the dark.
My shop is 11’x17’ and I’ve built a full set of kitchen cupboards, two dining room tables, one was 36” x 140” with breadboard ends, the other was 42” x 72” with four 12” leaves. I’ve also built coffee and end tables, headboards, too many small wooden boxes to count. I have a lot of tools in common with the owner. The major difference between our ships is that mine most often looks like a disaster during a project but it gets cleaned just after a project is finished.
Don't let the cleanliness of Jim's shop get you down. Both his and mine lean towards disaster from time to time. It's in the nature of woodworking -- out of endless mess comes timeless beauty.
@WorkshopCompanion I'm about 45 minutes in so far. He's talking about struggling with larger projects sometimes (boy do I get that!) Please tell him about Matthew Peech channel for some storage ideas. He has an awesome shelf unit made from 2x4's that folds down to an extra workbench! It's on casters...I'm totally going to make it.
Then there's a video of Marie over on DIYMontreal of an awesome cabinet she made 3 months ago called "A different kind of cabinet". Plus she has great lumber carts.
Also please tell him I said thanks for sharing! I saw in the intro he did something with half moon pins! Also known as Knapp joints...by any chance does he have a video of it?
Ever do veneering? or spiral cutting on the lathe?
My father was a master carpenter and cabinet maker (40 years in the trade). He is sick with dementia now and resides in a nursing home. It makes me deeply sad as his wealth knowledge is lost and forgotten. I renovate homes in my pastime and now I own 4 houses which I have renovated on my own. I use dads tools when I can as I feel like he is working with me. I am NOT a carpenter but when I do carpentry is is my cure-all for any stress in my life. It’s like it zaps away the internal pain
You might enjoy "Shop Class and Soulcraft" by Matthew Crawford: www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/shop-class-as-soulcraft
If this speaks to you, go on to "The Hand" by Frank R. Wilson. That will make you proud to be a craftsman.
You guys should reach out to hedley and bennet about designing an apron! They’re really great quality and this is right up their alley!
Thanks so much for the suggestion.
I struggle a lot sharpening my gouges. Did you say it was a Double sided “Gouge slip” sharpener? I would like to buy one can you provide full name + where to buy? Many thanks
Thanks for an incredible video. I could have watched another couple hours worth. I'm always fascinated by seeing a craftsman's workspace (craftsman of any type I might add). Seeing the personalization, and workflow is always interesting. The video was further enhanced by the chemistry of old friends and great side stories. I absolutely loved this and learned a few tricks too.
Note to the modern UA-cam 'woodworkers' compare the projects that came out of this shop to your Kreg/WoodPecker/SawStop/Festool laden shops. Something to ponder for those just starting out and trying to emulate these 'makers' that are clearly UA-camr's first and woodworkers second.
Thanks for the kind words.
Thank you for this tour. That Emerich vise looks really handy. How do you spell it out of curiosity?
Emmert.
@WorkshopCompanion you mentioned a few times you guys wrote books together...what are they called?
I don't find my previous comment any longer [I'm sorry, if the in the addendum posted URL to the website dedicated to the vise shown at 45m somehow was the reason].
Beside this, thank you again, for taking your time to answer my question (that it's called the "EMMERT Patternmaking vise").
I don't see you comments here, either, but I remember looking up the Emmert material for you. Don't know what happened.
@@WorkshopCompanion Beside some doubtfully offers on auctioning platforms for claimed originals,I found one shop in UK that sells "EMMERT styled vises", obviously made in Taiwan for tenth the price they'd cost in 1970s. I doubt the quality is much alike. I can't believe no other manufacturers picked up this genius idea of a swiveling though stable vise that fits perfectly into a workbench.
Anyways, thank you for your commitment to my questions and of course I'm watching and waiting eagerly for new videos of you.
Btw. What's the furry workshop mate's name (if you haven't already mentioned it in previous uploads and just have missed it)?
I just found out that I am not so stupid anyway 😋…I also fold my sanpaper pieces in thirds…always have. Woot!
I might have small tools enough to fill a workspace like that, but I do not have bigger tools like the saws and drill press etc… thing is he has more order in his dustbin and trash area than I have in my most organized spot in my shop. Wish I had organization skills like that, not to mention woodworking skills…. 😄
👍👍👍👍👍
Can you please share how you set up your workshop for efficiency???
The prime ingredient for efficiency is organization. There are many different ways to organize a shop and they all work reasonably well as long as you keep the shop organized as you work. I usually tell my students that most woodworkers only spend 5 to 10% of their time in the shop woodworking. About 40% of their time is spent setting up the tools and the remaining 50% is spent looking for the tools to set up. It gets a smile because it is so true. At one point when he was talking about chisels, Jim told us that he always sharpens and puts away a chisel after he uses it. We concentrated on the sharpening part, but the "puts away" part was far more important. If your tools remain organized as you work, you know where to find the tools and your work becomes efficient.
Nice work
Thanks. Love your door designs.
@@WorkshopCompanion TQ very much 🙏
Jim, do you mind telling me/us what brand the aluminum clamp/guide is?
Hey John, I’m sure it’s the ProGrip, which is still available, but there’s a budget alternative from Bora that’s quite nice too. Scott
We've had a few inquiries about that jig. If you can wait a few weeks, John, I'll have a design you can make in minutes from a few scraps. I'm adapting an old design I published years ago to have the same capacity as Jim's clamp-on guide.
@@MyGrowthRings Scott, I bought a Bora WXT? and found that when I clamp it the aluminum bar distorts, to curl upward, at the end where the stop block is. That made the CIrc Saw sled unable to slide through the end of the cut … growl … so, I've been progressively filing down the cam mechanism, and it does not bend the aluminum track, but doesn't hold very well, now …
@@WorkshopCompanion Nick, that sounds great! I look forward to seeing it. I always enjoy your style, good teaching, and creative brain-work!
@@johnoerter2883 It does have thinner walls than the ProGrip. Keep in mind that you only need as much clamping force as is necessary to hold it in place, when using it as a straight edge, so you only need to lightly tighten the sliding jaw before locking the lever. I have one made by yet a third company and had to learn that lesson.
Why are you driving a “Wright Brothers Aeroplane Co.” truck? Are you affiliated with them? I have found I enjoy everything you do. Thank you.
Actually, I'm the director of the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company. (See wright-brothers.org/default.htm ) The idea behind it was to work with kids, teaching them some science and some tool skills while we build airplanes. I was (and am) concerned that shop classes were being phased out; I believe the working with your hands is an important part of cognitive development for many young people -- read "The Hand" by Frank Wilson. To date, the WBAC has built 18 Wright aircraft for museums worldwide, most of them with the involvement of students. Some of our students have even flown these aircraft.
@@WorkshopCompanion The more I see and hear about you, the more I wish I could spend some time with you. But my wife and I live in the land of fruits and nuts (California) and way too far to travel. But I love your vids, don’t stop.
@@johnfrederickson3082 Thanks for the kind words.
@WorkshopCompanion I now have vise envy! How do you spell it please? It sounds like Emerite...
Emmert
@@WorkshopCompanion thanks
Well his workshop is a lot smaller than mine and I have way more excuses. Got a lot to learn here.
“That’s just the half inch bits…” 😂