Ian Kirby

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Articles from Ian Kirby

• Is There a Shrinkage or Expansion Difference in Different Types of Wood?

  Using two different types of wood in a project can cause problems, if they shrink and expand at different rates, a problem compounded by the joinery.

  
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  How to Tell If Lumber is Warped – Spring and Twisted Wood

  Lumber has a tendency to become misshapen, causing it to “warp,” but there are several different categories of warped wood to keep in mind.

  
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  Measuring and Eliminate Moisture Content in Fresh Saw Mill Lumber

  Moisture distortion can be a big problem when making furniture, and it starts at the saw mill, thankfully measuring moisture and drying boards is easier than ever.

  
• Glossary of Terms Used in Treating Fresh Cut Wood for Furniture Making

  This glossary explains several often used but rarely explained terms used in the treatment of furniture wood after it is cut into lumber.

  
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  Adding a Four-Piece Combination Square Measuring Tool to Your Workshop

  The cost is a bit higher, but a four-piece combination square will be a regular board measuring tool in your workshop for a lifetime.

  
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  Understanding Wood Grain and Fiber Development in Tree Growth

  To really understand the nature of wood, you must examine how wood is formed and why the wood’s grain becomes structured the way it does.

  
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  Inspecting Wood Grain and Blade Edges with a Ten Power Hand Lens Magnifier

  To properly examine your tools and inspect the grain of your lumber, a ten times magnification hand lens should be a fixture in your workshop.

  
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  Viewing the Wood Grain, Texture and Figure in Hard and Softwood Lumber

  One important part of picking out lumber for a project is examining and choosing the look of the grain and texture to the figure of the board.

  
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  Cutting a Long Grain Rabbet with Cutting Tools and a Shoulder Plane

  A shoulder plane makes cutting clean and accurate long grain rabbets smooth and easy, especially as you make your planing with the grain.

  
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  Cutting End Grain Rabbets Using Cutting Tools and a Shoulder Plane

  A standard shoulder plane can make short work of cutting out end grain rabbets from wood like mahogany after a starting mark from a cutting tool.