A stronger Chair Leg Joint

Jun 12, 2025 | Robert Howard Blogs

I had the great good fortune to visit Sam Maloof’s workshop twice in 1980-81, while I was living and working in Los Angeles. That was my introduction to his chairs, and, in particular, to his well-known leg joints. It was not until about 1984, this time while I...

The Ten Commandments for Using Hand Tools

Apr 12, 2025 | Robert Howard Blogs

I have been teaching woodwork one way or another since about 1990, where I have not only had to worry about how to do the various things that I have been trying to teach my students, but have also had to try to find the best way to communicate my instructions to them....

Sharpening: Let’s try again

Apr 9, 2025 | Robert Howard Blogs

I am going to try, in this article, to strip the process of sharpening down to its essence, to make it as simple as I possible can. Once you have mastered it, I believe you will see that it is not a difficult process. As with a lot of things, the most difficult part...
On technique: what is it and how do you get it?

On technique: what is it and how do you get it?

Mar 27, 2025 | Robert Howard Blogs

I have spent a good part of the past five years* teaching woodwork. As most teachers probably find, I have learnt as much as my students have. In fact, I am moved to say that if you seriously wish to learn, for example, how to cut a better dovetail, the most efficient...