Wisp Woods

New Blog

2010-03-01T23:01:00.002-06:00

Hello All!

To go along with the new website, I've also started a new blog!

All the content from this blog has been transfered over, so this blog, sadly, will be "riding off into the sunset" in a month or so. Never to be seen from again.

The good news is that I've got a couple projects going now and new stuff like this just adds fuel to the flame.

Come on over to the new blog. Check out the new website. Browse the new stuff in the Etsy shop.

Enjoy!

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Big news!

2010-02-03T01:23:00.004-06:00

Announcing Wisp Woods the website.

With the help of my ultra talented wife, I put together and launched my new website. Check out http://www.wispwoods.com/ today and tell me what you think. Email me at contact@wispwoods.com, or use the handy contact page.

Thanks for looking,

David J. Ulschmid
Designer/Craftsman
Wisp Woods

Valentines Day is fast approaching so head over to my Etsy shop for an extra special gift package for your sweetie.

http://www.wispwoods.etsy.com/

Featured Project - Student Desk

2010-01-19T23:09:00.002-06:00

Having a proper workspace is something that is invaluable, especially in this day and age where everyone is concerned with doing their best work in the always-too-little time available to complete the task. Everyone will, and should, have their own idea of what a proper workspace is. It might be an enlightening experience to take a look at our own working environment and scrutinize the way it affects our day.

The basis of a good workspace must begin with evaluating the demands we will place on it, both functionally and aesthetically. Finding your own point of balance between these often opposing characteristics will help to narrow your options.

I presented my client with three options for this project.

Since his workspace is occupied by many heavy items, I designed this model with maximum sturdiness in mind. The four laminated legs could no doubt support his equipment (and probably his car too).

A design that seemed popular online was one that included a small bank of cubbies at one end of the desk. This would increase the desks functionality, but also occupies much of the floor space available for the desk. And anyone who has rented an apartment will surely know that space is often at a premium.

This design was the most aesthetically based, but I kept strength in the back of my mind, knowing his needs would require an rigid base. The advantage this model gives over the four legged option is that it will be easier to slide up to, since the legs have been moved back, yet still support the front thanks to the cross bracing.

This was the model he chose, so now it is on to joinery selection and ( most importantly ) execusion.

Another twist in this projects path to completion is that it must be able to be knocked down for transport. Solid yet agile is the battle cry.

David J. Ulschmid

Craftsman / Designer

~Wisp Woods~

Arlington, SD 57212

www.wispwoods.etsy.com

Featured Project - Etsy Shop Re-Opened

2010-01-12T18:01:00.004-06:00

Featured Project - Etsy Shop

Last night was the grand re-opening of the Wisp Woods Etsy shop!

Head over and get a closer look at the gift items and other cool stuff.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wispwoods

I'm excited to see what type of feedback I receive from my latest products.

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Ponder This - Why Wood?

2010-01-06T23:13:00.002-06:00

I was asked by a fellow blog writer to answer the question, "Why Wood?". Why not use some other medium to express myself. That got me thinking pretty hard. The answer I came up with was this.

Why wood?

To me, it is a connection to the past. My family history and the history of this great nation.

And at the same time it is my connection to the future. To build things that will outlast me. To be remembered for something, be it great or small.

I'm thankful for the talents I have been blessed with and I'm happiest when the results make someone's day.

Here is a sneak peek at a small Cherry box that I hope will make someone's day.

This will be featured in my Etsy shop when it gets closer to Valentine's Day.

Enjoy Life!

David J. Ulschmid
Craftsman / Designer
Wisp Woods
Arlington, SD

Featured Project - Christmas '09 Gifts

2009-12-28T21:00:00.006-06:00

Gifts that come from the heart are a joy for both the one who gives and the one who receives. We decided as a family this year to offer each other hand-made gifts. So out to the wood shop I went.

I was inspired by an article in Wooden Boat magazine about a handy tool box and I decided that that would be something useful for each family.

The Pine for these gifts had the large "bird's eye" figure in it, so it was a joy to apply a finish to, just to see it pop to life.

The handle is an octagonal shaft with a sculpted arm on either end that is as functional as it is beautiful. When the handle is in the up position, it locks the lower drawer shut, so you can move about freely with your stuff securely inside.

The hardware is brass, which compliments the light colored wood very nicely.

We filled the upper section of the toolbox with goodies, family photos and this carved ornament.

My thanks go out to Marty at http://www.mychipcarving.com/ for providing the pattern.

For my notoriously hard to impress Father and his fiancee', I designed and carved an Aspen trivet with horse motif and their names with an unity symbol between them.

Again my thanks go out to another chip carving master, Wayne Barton for writing the book from which these designs came from.

This January, Wisp Woods will turn one year old. To celebrate, I may switch to a new blog hosting service. Keep a look out for that.

Best wishes to you and yours for a blessed new year.

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Project - BC Cabinets Finished

2009-11-15T00:16:00.005-06:00

Here are a few pics of the cabinets. I'm very happy with the way they turned out.

The whole group.

The individual pieces.

A pair of upper cabinets.

A space for a microwave with a set of small doors below.

The "Wisp" in these cabinets is found in this center cabinet. The board above the doors was selected for its pair of catherdral patterns that originate on each end and meet in the center with just a wisp of a connection.

The contrast of the carefully selected rift sawn door frames to the plain sawn panels, most dramatically demonstrated on the above set of doors, really makes me smile. This is a concept that mass producers mess up on all the time. Their grain matching within the panel and with the door frames is often simply awful. The grain is what your eye follows, and I hope that these cabinets are pleasing to the eye.

A big thank you goes out to the customer, for pushing Wisp Woods to a new level, and to Mrs. Wisp Woods for the loads and loads of support she showed during the construction.

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Cabinets DONE

2009-11-13T23:49:00.001-06:00

I just finished up the cabinets I've been working on since September. I'll take some pictures tomorrow.

This was such a great learning and growing experience. I've got a few new tools and jigs in my shop now. And my shop is heated, partially thanks to this project. I can now look forward to a whole winter of wood working fun.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer/Craftsman
Wisp Woods

Shop Talk - Cabinet Parts

2009-10-05T19:48:00.001-05:00

Red Oak is a fabulous wood. Amazingly strong with grain ranging from simple and straight to dynamic arching. One of the great advantages to Oak is that Oak plywood is readily available. Below is a shot of the side pieces for the cabinets I am currently building. Most are Oak, but some are Birch. All the visible side pieces will be oak, but for the hidden interior pieces, we decided to go with Birch to save some money.

Here is a picture of some face frames pieces prior to glue-up. The chalk markings on them are called "Cabinet Maker's Triangles". These keep the pieces organized and properly oriented during the milling and joinery stages.

This has been my first project using loose tenons. I built my own horizontal mortising machine (more on that below) to make the matching mortises. This has been working great. It is so much fun to learn new methods of joinery, and I know I will be using this a lot in the future.

Here is the machine. The router is a Craftsman model and is the exact same one that is in my big router table. The lower table moves toward the router on ball bearing drawer slides. These have plenty of travel, and are smooth and secure. The upper table moves left and right on aluminum track riding in grooves cut in the bottom. These are tight fitting but slide nicely when waxed.

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Shop Talk - Rough Milling

2009-10-01T23:25:00.002-05:00

The first tool I pick up when starting a new project doesn't have a cord or a motor. It is the dullest tool, yet it never needs sharpening. And I bought it in the children's isle of a craft store. What is it? It is a piece of chalk.

With all the lumber laid out and grouped by color and figure, I begin the enjoyable task of marking out the parts. Guided by the cut list, I search for pleasing part combinations that make the best use of the wood in an aesthetic, efficient and structurally sound way.

This step, performed with the humble stick of chalk, has tremendous bearing on the appearance of the final product. It requires vision and is a skill that is improved upon with experience and thoughtfulness.

I am proud to say that this step is what sets my work apart from the mass produced home center and discount store offerings. Those who look at the finished product closely will notice immediately. Those who don't have a trained eye will be bugged by something in that value piece that just isn't quite right. When it is done right, it feels just so harmonious that, again, you might not notice right away, but it will feel right from the very beginning.

This stack of lumber is the beginning of something great. I can feel it!

Enjoy!

Don't look too closely, the shop is a mess ;).

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Projects - Upstairs

2009-09-21T23:43:00.005-05:00

A wise man once said, "One's mind, once stretched by an original idea, never regains its original dimensions". This is evident in our everyday life and can be a means by which you can improve everything around you. The idea need not be your own. As long as you understand the impact the idea has on your environment, as comprised by your location, state-of-mind, and relationships.

Perhaps at this point you may think I am being much too philosophical on a blog site about woodworking but, here is where I am going. It all comes back to what is commonly the last line of my posts here, "Enjoy! And look closely, please."

Look closely that your location. How did the things that surround you get there?

Look closely at your state-of-mind. Where is it taking you?

Look closely at your relationship to your environment. How do the places you spend the most time make you feel? What is missing? What needs to be removed?

I encourage everyone to explore the ideas that are affecting their unique environment and, by all means, challenge them. It is by looking within, and understanding what is there, that we can begin to move forward in a positive direction.

A common bond we share is that we all want to feel good, comfortable and safe in our homes. It stands to reason then, that we should feel these things about the items we consume, particularly the "durable goods" that will be a part of our environment for a long time to come (at least that is our hope when we put down our hard earned dollars for them).

But when we purchase items that we know are below our standards, what are we really getting? More importantly, what are we contributing, to our community, society and personal well-being? If the item was produced over-seas, you, in the case of a sub-par item, just contributed future garbage to your community landfill while taking away the work of local craftspeople. You've told society that you value low price over quality. And have potentially compromised your own well-being (can you say lead poisoning?).

Again, heavy words backing up a picture of a bookcase. I do apologize for my bluntness, but I keep my sharp tools in the shop ;).

Did you notice the differences between those two bookcases? No, I'm not talking about what is on the shelves. Is one "softer" or "smoother". Is one bigger, deeper or taller? (a description of the differences is found at the end of this post) Why are the differences there? How do they make you feel? What would you change?

Perhaps this bookcase isn't something you would want in your house, but you still need somewhere to put all your books. You need something that suits you. And only you know what that is.

Now consider this....

We all know the best tasting meals come from our own gardens. There is something special about enjoying the spoils of your labor. Sometimes the only thing better is a meal from your neighbor's garden (all the spoils, non of the toils). Think about how a simple garden can transform your environment. How it can tie a community together, and if done on a small scale around the country, can have such a large impact on society. This doesn't mean everyone has to be a green thumb and no one is obligated to do anything. I intend only to shed light on those around us, and the actions they take, that in a small, and impressively significant, way, collectively benefit the world.

You deserve something special and you have the right to get it from anywhere you please. Look closely at your options, and how they effect everyone's environment.

We've all made millions, if not trillions, of decisions that got us to where we are now. It is the decision making process within that determines our path in life. Be yourself. Make your own decisions, and know that when you pick up one end of the stick, you automatically lift the other end as well.

The two pictures above show a newel post I built for our upstairs. I also built a half-newel for the opposite wall, the base that the balusters join into and the upper handrail. This project is just part of the "fingerprint" I will leave on this house. I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.

I love building things, because I enjoy making people happy. I'm inspired to be, and build, my best by believing the result of my effort will be shared joy.

How can I make you smile today?

Enjoy LIFE!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Bookcase differences - The bookcases are the same size in every way. The feet are different and the tops-front of the side panels are different. It was an original idea of mine, to make these changes, against the urging of my wife. I'm happy I did, and she is too. Now our world is different and, as always, I can't wait to see what is next.

2009-09-06T21:04:00.016-05:00

Shop Talk - We've got a lot to talk about.

Here is a quick update of what has distracted me from blogging.

I finished and installed our custom kitchen cabinets.

After an inspiring trip to the Minnesota woods to pick up some lumber, I decided to try my hand at carving. What a great way to relax during lunch breaks at work.

I completed the alphabet (minus the Q and W, they are so close to the O and M, and I didn't have enough board).

My favorite letter is "U" of course.

Another project is one that gives me great honor. To build picture frames for a family member who is in the military. The prototype came out great and was approved, so here is the stack of lumber ready for the rest to be built.

The Walnut spline contrasts nicely against the Red Oak.

Customizing one's home is one of the best advantages to being a woodworker, so now it is off to work on a newel post for a railing.

Best Wishes to all,

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

2009-09-06T20:24:00.004-05:00

Featured Project - Oak Cabinets

Wisp Woods is going BIG!

A recent commission takes Wisp Woods to new places. Daniels Olsen hardwood suppliers in Sioux Falls for starters.

Here is a Google SketchUp model of kitchen cabinets I am going to build.

I can't wait to go pick up the lumber!

As much of the building process as I can capture, will be on here for my client, and all of you, to follow along with.

Stay tuned.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

2009-05-28T19:30:00.014-05:00

Featured Project - Cedar Gate.

Ben (the same Ben from Ben's Kitchen Cabinet, see earlier post) from Volga asked me to build him a new gate to replace the one that his "kindly, civil servant" meter man tore off his fence last winter. Since I was apparently going up against someone with little respect for other people property, I knew I had to build something that was tough, but I also wanted it to have some extra special touches.

We loaded up the broken old gate into the back of my truck along with a stack of cedar 2x4s Ben had already purchased. I unfortunately got the flu the next day and didn't feel well enough to work on the gate for about a week. This gave me time to read up on construction methods to make this project great, a great gate, that's right!

I pulled from my library the following books:

Build it Better Yourself - A rather thick book from the 1970s DIY era.

Outdoor Projects - Includes many outdoor door designs.

and

How to build a Timber Frame House - There are so many wicked strong joints in this book.

Here are some pics of the finished project.

Here is the front of the gate.

Note the gentle sweep to the top edge of the planking.

This detail was selected from three Google Sketchup models

that I created and sent to Ben for possible design options.

Good pick, Ben! I really like it.

And this is the back, showing the structure. Tougher than a brick wall, yet much lighter. Good Wood, Good Design.

Cross bracing, the secret that holds timber framed houses together. These braces will help the gate resist both compression and racking forces.

No butt joints here, everything is accurately jointed and stainless steel screwed! Another excellent choice by my man Ben!

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Project - Maple Spoons

2009-03-10T00:32:00.009-05:00

It all started with a request for a spoon, and it has ended up better than I could have ever imagined it would.

I've got to thank my Aunt G for her crazy level of admiration for my work, and all the inspiration she gives me to keep developing my products.

At her request, I made a first set of spoons out of what I am currently calling American Sycamore. The wood was light colored, a bit soft, and easy to work with.

My random sketching resulted in a sweeping handle, and in one case, an out of line bowl.

After carving out the bowl, I wasn't happy with the way the wood was cutting, so I sanded the bowl smooth. I also resolved to find a new wood species for my next set of spoons.

I take pride in the fact that my projects are born out of the eco-friendly process I like to call "reversing the consumption model". The quick explanation is, I use found wood, cause it's free. The nobel explanation is, I use recycled wood to create fine and durable wooden objects as my way of conserving and recycling.

You might wonder, "What kind of wood could you get for free, from the trash?", or you might jump right to judgment and think "No good wood could come from those pallets.". The answer to both of those questions is "Perfectly Good Wood". Case in point, my newest set of spoons.

This has been one of the greatest surprises so far from my pallet lumber recovery program. I initially picked up this pallet because I couldn't identify the thick timbers, and I already had a couple in my truck, so why not get this one too. When I was searching my supply for a tight grained wood for the spoons, I decided to give this one a try. I almost didn't believe what I discovered. I tried many times to tell myself it wasn't true. Had someone really constructed a shipping pallet from Hard Maple?!??!?? This can't be?!??!?? Why would someone do that?!??!?? Who cares, that is GREAT for me!!!!

This wood is a joy to carve and shape. It holds facets very well, and gives the spoons a nice substantial feel.

They can be found for sale at http://www.wispwoods.etsy.com/

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Project - Bob’s Club

2009-02-07T23:20:00.002-06:00

Below are some pictures of a club I made for my Father In Law. I’ve had a lot of fun working with the timber of Hickory that I was lucky enough to salvage from the pallet stack. It is beautiful wood, turns well, and is incredibly hard.

No matter what task he puts it to, I know it will perform very well.

Enjoy, Bob!

Thanks for looking.

David J. Ulschmid

Craftsman/Designer

Wisp Woods

Arlington, SD

email ~ wispwoods@gmail.com

Find me on Etsy ~ www.wispwoods.etsy.com

Technorati Tags: Featured Project,Hickory

Ben’s Open Cabinet

2009-01-31T16:15:00.002-06:00

Find a need, and fill it!

Kitchens are busy places these days. Trying to maximize storage and functionality in the limited amount of available space can make it feel like the walls are closing in on you. The answer for many homeowners is to rearrange.

But what happens when you put a dishwasher where a fridge used to be? A unique opportunity arises to expand and customize your storage options.

Now is the time to reach out to a custom woodworker to create a design that solves your problems and makes you life just a bit easier.

The first problem to solve is, “What would we like the new space to do?”. In this case, a location for those clumsy cookie sheets, pizza pans, and other large thin kitchen items was the most pressing need.

Next, “How will we be able to match the current cabinetry?”. For this, you really can’t beat custom work from a small shop. Asking a large shop to produce to your specifications would be like pulling wisdom teeth sized nuggets of gold from your wallet. And would be as much fun as a root canal.

Small shops like Wisp Woods also take the time to build the right way. Construction details that make this a solid unit include:

Stub Tenon Joints: The face frames are jointed with time honored Mortise and Tenon construction, which means the joints will not loosen due to seasonal changes in humidity, as a screwed joint would.
Dado Jointed and Pinned Shelves: All three shelves (top, divider, and floor) are fully dadoed into the sided, and pinned with nails. This construction detail can be found on many examples of classic cabinetry.
Solid Back Rabbeted into Sides: The cabinet becomes much stronger when the a solid multi-core ply back is rabbeted into the sides. It not only keeps the unit square, but also provides a sturdy attachment method for screwing the cabinet to the wall.

Although this was a quick build, I am very proud of the results. I thank my friends for requesting this piece to be built. It has given me a chance to promote and advance Wisp Woods in the marketplace. I just know that it will provide years of extremely useful service in their home.

David J. Ulschmid

~Wisp Woods~

Arlington, SD 572121

email ~ wispwoods@gmail.com

Announcing The Wisp Woods Etsy Shop!

2009-01-10T15:23:00.007-06:00

Visit the newly created Wisp Woods Etsy Shop.

http://wispwoods.etsy.com

Check back often for new items.

Thanks for looking.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com
www.wispwoods.etsy.com

Featured Project - Two Step Stool

2009-01-02T01:00:00.002-06:00

This Two Step Stool is a useful as it is sturdy. The classic design is accented with details that truly make a difference.

The solid wood construction brings life and strength to the entire piece, especially the wide steps which ensure stable footing.

The reinforced, two board wide sides have a small arc cut in the bottom.

The chamfers along the step edges prevent slintering.

The stetchers are notched into the sides, which provides great mechanical strength. I wouldn't put my trust in anything less.

This solid oak stool is covered with multiple coats of polyurethane. Grit is added to the step sections for safety.

Order your own Two Step Stool by emailing me, the cost is $100.00 plus applicable sales tax.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Project - Home Accents

2008-12-16T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Wisp Woods

Artisan Crafted ~ Real Wood ~ Home Accents

Below are a few images of projects I enjoy, and I know their recipients enjoy them as well.

This serving tray has finger-jointed corners and a solid 1/4" thick bottom which captured in a groove. These features combine to make is durable and long lasting. The small amount of wood above the finger cutout gives the piece a dainty feel, yet provides a firm grip.

Who wouldn't like to wake up to a stack of pancakes served up on this tray?

And what better to stir up the batter to make those flap-jacks than a solid wood spoon. The compound curves on this spoon fit your hand like a glove. The stock for this spoon was selected for its unique grain pattern which is most prominent in the tip of the handle. The oil finish is food safe, and easily to repair.

Since we are in the kitchen mood, let's talk about mushrooms. These hardwood mushrooms were turned from fallen limbs. The lichen is still intact on the bark, which gives them a natural look. No two are exactly alike, and they seem to look best in groups of at least three.

What everyone wants out of life is a place to hang their hat. Imagine coming home after a long day to be greeted by this coat rack. The finest select grade lumber provides the stunning grain pattern and strength to withstand large loads. The polished finish protects the beauty of this piece from scratches. The curve along the top edge just makes you smile.

For prices on these, and many other, individually crafted pieces, click on the Price List link in the More Information section at the left.

Send order emails to wispwoods@gmail.com

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Featured Project - Step Stool

2008-12-01T23:50:00.002-06:00

This solid oak and mahogany stool was a Father's Day gift for my Dad.

It's through wedged mortise and tenon joints make it stronger than nails.

The grain patterns were carefully selected to showcase the difference between quartersawn and riftsawn wood on the top and the flatsawn stock on the legs and stretchers.

To avoid splitting the wood as the wedges are driven, the wedges were driven perpendicular to the grain direction.

The stretchers are joined to the legs with a twin tenon, reinforced again with wedges made form mahogany.

There are absolutely NO screws holding this piece together, yet I am confident that it will be standing for decades to come.

The rubbed oil finish of this piece emphasizes the beauty that lies within the solid wood. It is a feeling that cannot be conveyed with plywood or other engineered materials. The colors in this piece will become more variegated with time, since the finish also allows the wood to age naturally.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

To order a reproduction of this piece for your home, contact me at wispwoods@gmail.com. You too can have an heirloom quality stool that will last generations. Call for prices and wood preferences.

Featured Project - Gift for Mom

2008-11-21T19:22:00.003-06:00

We all love our Moms!
This small box was a gift for my most wonderful Mother.

It gives me pleasure to look back at this, one of my earliest projects, and see, not only how far I have come since then, but also the amount of enjoyment that has come from it. My hope for everything I create is that it will be used and enjoyed. I love to make things that bring a smile to one's face, just by looking at it. Objects that become part of ourselves, through their functions in our daily lives.

This box does not serve a grand purpose. It is not used daily. Its function could easily be performed by a box made from cardboard, or plastic, or tin. But it is my belief that it brings greater joy, being of wood. Wood is alive, it never dies, it continues to expand and contract with the changing of the seasons. The exact form it makes, with it's grain pattern, will never be repeated. It brings its life into the room and provides companionship. Being made by my own two hands, it's almost like a part of me is at home with my mom at all times, and that makes me smile.

The interior is lined with felt to give protection and warmth to its contents. The metal pull on the top adds heft to this box, which is made from a fairly light wood. The dark stain brings strength to the piece and adds drama to the finger jointed corners.

Now, I've got to get it back to her before she calls in the "robbery" (she unknowingly lent it to me for a photo shoot) in to the police.

I Love you Mom,

Your Awesome Son!

David J. Ulschmid

~ Wisp Woods ~

For those who wish to add a lovely little box to their own surroundings, email me at wispwoods@gmail.com to request one. The dimensions of the box are W 4.5" L 4.5" H 4.0", and the price is $25.00.

Featured Project - Latest Piece

2008-10-28T21:15:00.003-05:00

Bob's Cabinet

Pine and Brass Hardware

If you will allow me, I would like to start by paraphrasing a quote from James Krenov out of his book A Cabinetmakers Notebook - A person who works this way will say “Look”, but he is more likely to add, “Closely please”.

Closeup of figured pine in side panels

It is my hope that, for people who view this, my latest cabinet, it will be easy, to appreciate the beauty in its simplistic design. I will say that with Pine, it is not easy to draw attention to design details. The gentle transitions of color within the grain patterns are easy for the eye to lose track of, and any embellishment would further distract from the intended experience. I also hope that you will agree with the subtle design decisions. The countless design decisions made along this cabinet’s path to completion do not arise in the mass production furniture world, and the consequences that result from their absence speak their own language. A language comprised not of words or symbols, but of sensitivities.

Raised Panel and Knob detail

Just as it is difficult to completely appreciate a musical score to which the lyrics are in a foreign language, it is extremely difficult to appreciate certain details of wooden objects when the work is done in a different language. From one piece to the next, so many of the same elements can be similar, such as similar proportions and/or functionality, but the results can be starkly different on a deeper level. To make the correct design decisions, you must be fluent in the language. This goes beyond the ability to read or write or speak in that language, scribing lifeless symbols and muttering away, to the deeper meaning of the message that is conveyed through the tone and emphasis with which the message is delivered. Therefore in order for authors and poets, and it this case, craftsmen, to convey their message accurately across these barriers, they must break the message down to into a form that is easily understood. That’s what I wish this cabinet to represent, a simple expression of complex concepts to be appreciated by all. It is easy to appreciate the beauty because of the harmony with which the elements interact.

Side view of Half-Blind Dovetailed drawer

Most people who have seen the work of James Krenov would see not similarities between his work and this cabinet. The most important thing, for him and for I, is not that the results bring the same level of joy, but the “doing” and the “method” and the “logic” should reflect the sensitivities of the craftsman. The work produced should be consistent with the individual doing the work. No compromises, be consistent. This is what lies deep within my heart and it is my goal to convey that through Wisp Woods. I understand that not all will agree, and projects could be produced faster by other methods, by making compromises, small at first and growing as they affect other decisions further down the road, but I need not the approval of all, only the inner satisfaction of a job done well, consistently guided by what lies within and what is uncovered when working one Wisp of Wood at a time.

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com

The happy craftsman!

Featured Project - Tall Table

2008-10-08T01:08:00.007-05:00

This table has recently been honored with the highest form of admiration, a request for a new table to be made in its image. At the left there is a poll that gives you a chance to, in a way provide me with feedback about my work, and, more importantly, to help me set a price for my work. I appreciate your help and value your opinion.

Pine and Mahogany Tall Table

Detail of Table Top with Mahogany strips

A look from below, notice the apron beading.

Truly special coloring for Pine to have.

Another view of the coloring.

Now this is what I want you to ponder, are these bits of color flaws or do they enhance the beauty of the piece? When I ponder this, something I heard on the radio comes to mind. The quote was something like "The only difference between poison and medicine is the dosage". I personally really enjoy the bits of color in this wood, but I wouldn't as much if they were darker or more prevalent. They are just enough to be pleasing but not enough to be annoying, or poison for the eye.

I, of course, can take no credit for the beauty of this wood, only the capturing of it. You see, this project didn't start out on a presumptuous foot, with me going to a lumber supplier and asking for the nicest wood they had because, “I think I'm a great woodworker and therefore should only use the best stock“. No. This project had much more humble beginnings.

Those legs that I have been boasting about, with their unique inclusions of random bits of color, in a destiny kinda way, those legs sought me out. I was not the person to purchase the lumber from which they came and becoming table legs was not the original purpose. They came from a piece of 2x10 construction lumber, which a friend of mine was using for storage shelving. When he moved, he asked me if I wanted them, and I am a sucker for free wood.

The wood came to my shop and awaited a purpose, until the day my wife requested a tall table for her art booth at an upcoming show. The show was two days away! A couple longs nights in the shop filled with discovery and excitement upon finding this coloring, and the table was complete.

The joinery, quickly but not hastily done, has held up to being thrown into the trunk of a car and bounced down the road while being squeezed by the trunk lid. The beads cut in the aprons with my custom scratch stock have drawn the interest of may people at my wife's art exhibits. I am proud of the work and excited to show, to anyone who will listen, the parts of it that make it special to me. Thanks for reading.

God Bless.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Featured Project - Jodi's Favorites

2008-08-31T22:02:00.009-05:00

Here are some pictures of my wife's favorite projects that I built for her.

This is the finished changing table with hardware.

A side view of the changing table showing the adjustable shelf.

The solid Oak and Mahogany cross shelf has no fasteners.

It is held together by wood on wood joinery.

It makes me smile everytime I look at it. :0)

This wall shelf was a Valentines day gift for her.

I built it shortly after she bought me a 9" Bandsaw.

Just had the desire to cut some curves.

Thanks for looking!

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Shop Talk - Sharpening System

2008-08-30T20:41:00.015-05:00

As I listed in a previous blog, I have 17 blades in my shop to keep sharp. This isn't even counting the 5 turning tools and 15 carving tools that are quite possibly the most often sharpened tools during the course of working with them.

Below are a few images of my sharpening system. I feel that sharpening has been covered ad nausium all over the internet, I will go into little detial with the confidence that if you desire to learn more, you will google terms such as "scary sharp", "hollow grind", "honing jig", and others.

My system is a hybrid of the scary sharp and hollow ground system. I do like the results of sandpaper sharpening, but I would not pass up the chance to try a waterstone, should the opportunity arrise. I am really happy with the hollow grind method, due to its simpliciy and speed.

As you will see below, I do not work on a "standard" grinder. The grinder I uses is a concoction of motor, pulleys, bushings, and a wooden dowel (hey, I am a WOOD worker afterall). I was really happy with the way this shop made system worked out and wish I could take credit for the idea, but it is based on an idea from James Krenov's Book 'The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking'. The main exception is that this mine is a motor driven system.

This honing guide really sped up the sharpening process for me. It is also a much more reliable way to make a micro-bevel. I use a simple board with lines marked at the correct distance to set the blade protrusion and therefore the sharpening angles.

Here is the row of sandpaper and strops I work my way through after the grinding is done. They are all glued to marple tiles with spray adhesive. The sheets I use are 250, 400, 600, 800, and 1500. I just purchased some 2500 grit that I cant wait to try out. The strops are loaded with two different grits of rouge. They are awesome for putting on that mirror finish. A quick 15 swipes on each, and anything goes from dull to scary sharp.

Thanks for looking!

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Tuned-Up Tool - Antique Hand Planes

2008-08-30T20:26:00.016-05:00

I spent most the day fixing up a couple of old hand planes. Both came from Threads of Memories in Brookings, SD. Of all the hand planes that I have tuned up, these were the easiest by far. They were very clean when I got them. They were obviously owned by a caring woodworker.

The planes are a No. 4 and a No. 5.

My plan for the No. 4 was to turn it into a finely tuned smoothing plane, with a high bevel angle and a small mouth opening. This plane, although it is old, is superior to my new No. 4 is many ways. The most important, IMO, is the "Bedroock" style frog assembly. I took the extra time today to tune the frog contact points with lapping compound, which makes the tool more solid.

I did already have a No. 5 plane and I really love the size of this plane for general work. The reason I bought this one, was to turn it into a "scrub" plane.

This simply means that the iron is ground with a 3/32" curve in the blade. This allows you to take deeper scalloped cuts, which can be left on the surface to show a hand-worked look, or easliy smoothed out with my new No. 4.

I feel that I have a really good set of planes at this time. My collection now includes the following, which are all Stanley, except the wood based plane.

Block Plane
Low Angle Block Plane
No. 4 (old)
No. 4 (new)
No. 5 (old)
No. 5 "Scrub" (old)
No. 6 (new)
Wooden No. 6 (oldest)

Other hand tools that contribute to the endless cycle of sharpening inlcude:

4 pc. set of Marples Chisels
4 pc. set of Irwin Blue Chip Chisels
Stanley Spokeshave
Small Trim Plane

That is a total of 17 blades to keep sharp, ranging in size from 3/4" x 1 1/2" (trim plane) to 2" x 8" (No. 6 plane).

I will showcase the sharpening system that I use in a future blog post, so stay tuned!

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Ponder This

2008-08-25T15:35:00.002-05:00

Ah-Ha moments, much like Ta-Da moments, can seem magical. The difference is that an Ah-Ha moment can change your life profoundly. I experienced one of these moments this weekend. In a Make: magazine article about the “consumption facts” (how much energy is used to make an object) of a simple plastic bottle, the author used the example of a dining table to prove his point. He said something to the effect of “it takes the same amount of energy to produce a cheap IKEA table that will last only 7 years, as it does to make a hardwood table that will last 20 years. Therefore the hardwood table uses fewer resources, because its consumption is amortized out over many years.” This goes along with a quote from James Krenov, “Much of our life is spent buying, discarding, and buying again, things that are not good.”

When the concept of conserving resources and purchasing durable objects converged in my mind, it changed the paradigm through which I view my woodworking projects. My goals for Wisp Woods now include the desire to take this concept one step further by reversing the consumption model by reusing discarded wood. This will serve as a way to achieve an even more ecologically responsible end product when combined with time tested construction techniques.

This concept is not new to Wisp Woods. Examples can be seen in many of my projects, especially the early ones. When I started woodworking, my stock of raw materials primarily consisted of plywood left by the previous occupants of our first house. I even used the wood from an old box spring when first getting started.

This is not to say that I have not worked with “perfect” wood. Wood that is the antithesis of a sustainable consumption model, being surfaced four sided and sanded by the factory before being wrapped in plastic, for what reason I do not know.

The best example I have of a project that I made that is consistent with these values is the Baby Changing Table seen below. The only things I had to buy for this project were the hardware pieces like the drawer glides and pulls. The solid wood and plywood was salvaged from our house, the main source being the shelves and dated built-ins that we removed.

I encourage everyone to look around them for sources of wood that could be reused. Many industrial companies throw out a vast amount of hardwood and plywood that are used in the transport of their raw materials. If you have a motorcycle dealer in your area, you could be sitting near a gold mine of exotic hardwood, since the pallets that those machines arrive on are often built overseas.

When working with this wood, it is often fun to use the flaws that are inherent to enhance the character of the finished product. This isn’t a way to hide your own flaws, but rather to leave the piece a bit of its history and to allow it to tell its story, to those who will listen to its “Wisp-ering”.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Shop Talk - My New Bevel Gauge

2008-08-24T15:47:00.003-05:00

During a quick trip to Lowes, I snapped up the latest issue of Woodworking Magazine, which had a very well written article about an oft forgotten tool, the adjustable bevel gauge. "The Schwarz" reviewed bevel gauges from many companies and what was most surprising to me, was that the tool that was tops in his eyes, is no longer made. What I gained from the article was an understanding of what makes a tool good and bad, and what I lost was the respect that I had for my Stanley tool.

With this new information fresh in my mind, I stumbled across a bevel gauge at Sears that caught my eye. It is made in the USA, by a company called Companion.

The Companion tool has a few of the features that "The Schwarz" pointed out as benefits, such as:

A knurled knob locking mechanism (at left) that doesn't interfere with the blade, unlike the wing nut on the Stanley (at right).

A longer, thicker and wider blade, that has less flex thanks to the smaller adjustment slot.

Another interesting discovery at the Sears store, was a whole new line of tools that they were just putting on the shelves. I did not buy any of them, but being made in England out of Sheffield Steel is IMHO a good first step on the road to quality tools. They are called Footprint tools (http://www.footprint-tools.co.uk/index_home.htm), and I would have purchased their wood and brass bevel gauge (#1254), if the locking mechanism hadn't been a slot head screw.

Other Footprint Tools that the Sioux Falls Sears store carries are as follows:

Carving Set
Large Selection of Chisels
Scratch Awl
Try Square
Marking Gauge
Beechwood Mallet
Aluminum Oxide Stone
Scraper Set

And perhaps others that either I don't remember, or hadn't been taken out of the boxes yet.

It seems that no matter what they have to offer, I can't go into a store with woodworking tools, without buying one. I can say, with an almost absolute amount of certainty, that if I ever get to a real woodworking store, like say Woodcraft, my finances would be in big trouble afterwards.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Tuned Up Tool - Spokeshave

2008-08-22T21:02:00.002-05:00

For my birthday, my wife agreed to subject herself to the torture of the area's biggest woodworking store, Stan Houston in Sioux Falls, SD. It was better for her this time, because she could at least play with the baby, while I drooled over tools.

While there I picked up a brand new Stanley #51 spokeshave style spokeshave. Of course, like most Stanley made woodworking hand tools, I knew this wasn't a "turn-key" tool. No taking it out of the box and putting it right to work. Oh no. These tools, to the discerning woodworker, are nothing more than a "kit of parts", and some parts aren't even good enough to make it into the final tool.

The "Kit of Parts" for a spokeshave

Of course we must take the blade out and sharpen it, and lap the sole. Those are the easy things to do. I was guided through the rest of the tune up project by a wonderful article from Fine Woodworking.com. This article was written by chair-making spokeshave genius, Brian Boggs. His evolution as a woodworking is a great read, and is chronicled in another article from FWW. I highly recommend their website, and they are even offering a 14 day FREE trial!

Being the frugal woodworker I am, I couldn't follow Brian's fist bit of advice and buy a new blade. Even though I KNOW it would greatly reduce chatter and hold an edge longer, I'm cheap, and that's the final word on that. Moving on.

The next tip was to "level the bed". This is accomplished by making a bed/epoxy/paper/blade sandwich, and letting it cure overnight. This creates a perfectly matched surface for the blade to sit on, reducing chatter.

The epoxied bed, molded by the blade.

The final step was the most involved which, for me, made it the most fun. This involved doing away with the stock lever cap, and making a new one, which also has the advantage of serving as a chipbreaker, giving you a much finer cut. Now Brian is a classy guy, so for his raw material, he used brass. Me = frugal = scrap iron, dirty scrap iron at that, but at least I found a piece that was soft enough to work with a file.

Original (top) and shop-made (lower) cap iron.

Original cap does little right .{}. Shop-made cap/chipbreaker improves tool.

A finely tuned spokeshave is an extremely versatile tool, and can do things that power tools simply cannot. If your looking to put into your work a little extra hand-made detailing, this is an easy and enjoyable way to do it.

Come on admit it, what would you rather make a round-over with? A router screaming its way though it's victim, or a spokeshave, taking off beautiful Wisps of wood?

David J. Ulschmid

~ Wisp Woods ~

Featured Project - Bathroom Vanity

2008-08-20T23:43:00.002-05:00

Take a trip with me, back in time. A time before our beautiful baby daughter was born. Before I really knew how much work this old house we moved into would be. And most frightening of all, when I worked out of a single stall garage!

We were just an excited young couple, looking to start a family, and the stars aligned in what we thought was a rather fortuitous constellation. We would be buying a house from my Father-In-Law which would allow us to live cheaper and begin this new chapter in our life. We knew the house was going to take a lot of work, and we started by gutting the basement and starting over.

Being the aspiring woodworker that I was (and still am) I volunteered to build the bathroom vanity. My desire to do so was bolstered by many a disappointing trip to the local home centers. While there for other supplies, we would stroll over the the vanities on display.

"I would never build something this way.", "That is so cheap.", "Do you know what happens when this stuff gets even a little wet?". These and other more colorful musings echoes through the isles as I inspected what they had to offer.

One good thing came from all this frustration, I got to know what styles of vanities my wife liked. Like an international spy working behind enemy lines, I discretely snapped some pics with my cellphone camera, and ran back to the drawing board (aka ACAD) and whipped up a few design options. A bit of sawdust, and a pile of wood wisps later, this is the result.

I have more detailed pictures at left.

Thanks for looking and Enjoy,

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

Welcome to Wisp Woods

2008-08-19T20:55:00.001-05:00

Where every piece has a story to tell, if you listen to their "wispering"?

I decided that the first post will just be a smattering of completed project pictures. Further posts will be more about me, how and why I work wood, and these hopefully will help you hear the "wispering".

The skiff Ambivalence and her oars.

Baby Changing Table ^

Carving Mallet ^

Wooden Cross Shelf ^

Tall Hall Table^

p.s. - Yes I do know how to spell whispering.

Thanks for viewing and please leave comments,

David J. Ulschmid

Wisp Woods

Arlington, SD

Wisp Woods Price List

2007-12-07T20:39:00.002-06:00

Price List for projects in the Portfolio.

Page 1
Mushrooms - $6.00 each / $15.00 Set of Three
Made from “found” wood

Page 2
Spoon (Oak) - $10.00
Natural Oil finish – Food Safe

Stool (Oak and Mahogany) - $350.00
All Wood joinery – Heirloom Quality

Serving Tray (Aspen and Hardwood) - $15.00
Inspiring designs available by Enduring Arts

Page 3
Birdhouse (Cedar) - $45.00
Custom turned columns

Page 4
Coat Rack (Pine) - $30.00
Wet Rubbed Polyurethane Finish

Pages 5-6
The Skiff Ambivalence – Prototype Only
With Custom Length Oars

Page 7
Chisel Mallet (Reclaimed Wood) – $20.00

Page 8
Cross Wall Shelf (Oak and Mahogany) - $125.00
All Wood joinery – Heirloom Quality

Page 9-10
Bathroom Vanity (Pine) - $1200.00
4 Drawers, Turned legs, Inset Construction

Page 11
Step Stool (Oak) - $100.00
Durable Polyurethane Finish

Page 12
Small Bathroom Vanity (Pine) - $800.00
Two Doors, Inset Construction

Page 13
Wall Shelf (White Wood, Bead Board) - $55.00
Custom Scoll Design, Keyhole Hangers

Page 14
Tile Top Table (Aspen) - $70.00
Choose your own tile and paint color

Page 15
Tall Table (Pine and Mahogany) - $95.00
Bead detail on apron

Page 16
Baby Changing Table (Pine) - $1050.00
Lots of storage, adjustable shelf, custom molding

Page 17-18
Cabinet (Figured Pine) - $800.00
Dovetailed drawer, Brass hardware

Page 19
Project Details – Clockwise from upper left
Tall Table Leg – Page 15
Mushrooms – Page 1
Tall Table from below – Page 15
Vanity Turned Leg – Pages 9-10

Thanks for looking! Send order email to wispwoods@gmail.com.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

Drop me a line..

2007-10-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

I setup an email address for questions and comments at wispwoods@gmail.com. Please email me with any thoughts, opinions, observations, or questions.

I look forward to hearing from you!

David J. Ulschmid

Designer Craftsman

Wisp Woods

Little pic of my latest project.