The Woodwright's Shop

Sloyd, the late 19th century Swedish system of learning woodworking was intended to develop skilled, industrious, and morally upstanding citizens. We'll give it a try and hope it's not too late for us!

Steve Latta shows how to create decorative veneer patterns using oval engines, sharp knives, and patient perfectionism.

One piece of walnut makes a beautiful bookstand as we follow the formula of an old French master.

Learn how to make gleaming surfaces, tight joints and crisp moldings through perfect planing.

Make a proper joiner's mallet and you'll never be lonely again! With ash head and hickory handle, Roy shows how to make a mallet for the ages.

Classical carver Mary May gives Roy his first lessons on woodcarving – along with a proper rebuke for edge tool abuse!

A Michigan master of folk carving whittles white cedar fans and birds of a wooden feather.

Haul out the anvil and forge this essential bench tool! Blacksmith Peter Ross shows how to forge historical versions of this powerful gripper.

An Asheville artisan shows the secrets of the steam-bent green-wood chair

Can you replace a chest of molding planes with one complex metal contraption? Roy pits monster planes against their wooden ancestors.

Roy Underhill shows how to cut bead moldings with hand planes for corners that look sharp and last longer.