Shop Notes & Rambles
The Rambles are the stories lived and learned over decades — the moments, the lessons, and the shop life that shaped the craft. They accumulate here, sorted by publish date. If you want the curated version, explore the Workshop Library.
Visual Weight: Design
Most woodworking mistakes aren’t in the cuts — they’re in the design. If you’ve ever built something that looked right in your head but wrong on the bench, this story explains why. Visual weight, balance, and proportion are skills you can learn, and once you do, every project starts making sense. This is something I wish I’d known years ago.
Woodworking Design: Getting It Right
Good woodworking looks right because it’s balanced — and the simplest way to get that balance is the 60/40 rule. This story explains how a single proportion can improve drawer layouts, bowl turning, furniture design, and any build that feels “off.” If you want your work to look intentional instead of accidental, this guideline is the easiest place to start.