David J. Marks Woodworking School

08/30/2024

TITLE
Making a Hollow Vessel from a Black Acacia Stump | David J. Marks Woodworking School
https://youtu.be/OL6AJalrbcA
DESCRIPTION
Here’s something I’ve been working on lately! A friend gave me this Black Acacia stump, and I’m turning it into a hollow vessel. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about the process!
What I cover in this video:
- Selecting the most promising section of the stump for turning
- Rough-cutting the blank on the bandsaw for optimal shape
- Safely mounting heavy, green wood on the lathe
- Choosing and sharpening the right tools for each stage
- Shaping the exterior to achieve an appealing form
- Woodturning and hollowing techniques using specialized tools
- Managing moisture content in green wood during turning
- Achieving consistent wall thickness throughout the vessel
- Applying a wax coating to control drying and prevent cracking
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Woodworking can be dangerous. Employ good safety practices, exercise caution, and always be sure to wear proper eye and face protection. David J. Marks assumes NO LIABILITY for injury or accidents. Safety awareness is imperative to prevent personal injury. Educate yourself by learning and following the safety guidelines and usage procedures that are outlined in the operator manual of your tools.

Here’s something I’ve been working on lately! A friend gave me this Black Acacia stump, and I’m turning it into a hollow vessel. Let me know in the comments ...

08/29/2024

Okay my friends, get ready to grab your Popcorn!! Tomorrow, instead of another episode of the "Kid" on Woodworks, I will be posting "New Content" with "The Old Guy"! It's been 5 long years since I have been able to create any new videos. In the beginning there was Covid ,then came a total knee replacement surgery followed by 2 more surgeries. I spent 2 years of hard labor on physical therapy and then joined a group of 70 something women at our local gym doing Pilates and Yoga. Next came slowly converting my wood shop into part woodworking facility and part gymnasium fully equipped with a recumbent bike, bench press set-up and leg lifts, free weights, exercise bands and pull up bar. Now I'm back and I'm Bad! I should call this new video, "California Old Man with Chainsaw" but I might scare away the youngins, haha. So instead it's titled "Black Acacia from Log to Roughed Out Hollow Vessel". At age 72, I want to Thank all of my YouTube subscribers for helping us make it to 17,500!! Your subscriptions have enabled us to activate Google ad sense which brought in a little income which has helped me to hire some top notch professional editors in LA which has made all of the difference! Also a shout out to my friend Rick White who so kindly donated these black acacia logs which got the momentum going. So stay tuned and if you like what you see, spread the word and I will try to shoot myself again, I mean make more content, hahaha. Thanks everyone!

08/23/2024

This is your Brain on Fish. If you choose to go fishing, please use fish responsibly. Ask your Doctor if fishing is right for you. Side effects may include : feelings of happiness, sudden bursts of laughter, extreme self satisfaction, escape from the rest of the World’s trauma's and a sense of true inner peace.
This message has been brought to you by citizens for greater Fishing!

08/17/2024

Well this was an interesting project for me to figure out. It involves cutting tapered sheets of plywood and veneering them after the pyramid shape was constructed. I did it this way in order to make it easier than trying to join together veneered panels on tapered angles. Either way it makes for an attractive art pedestal. I wish you all a great weekend!

LINK: https://youtu.be/slZgEmYWmSQ

TITLE: Crafting a Pyramid Art Pedestal
WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 10

DESCRIPTION

In this episode of WoodWorks, we create a stunning pyramid art pedestal that combines the warmth of Australian lacewood with the rich darkness of African wenge. This contemporary piece is perfect for displaying art in your home, or can be a great statement piece on its own.
What we cover in this episode:
- Crafting a tapered base using half-inch apple plywood and precise angle cuts
- Veneering techniques with Australian lacewood, including edge-gluing and flush trimming
- Creating a multi-tiered top platform using African wenge
- Techniques for working with exotic hardwoods and preventing splintering
- Using biscuit joinery to assemble frames for the top platform
- Adding visual interest with beveled edges on the wenge frames
- Applying a tung oil, linseed oil, and polyurethane finish to enhance the natural beauty of the woods
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Woodworking can be dangerous. Employ good safety practices, exercise caution, and always be sure to wear proper eye and face protection. David J. Marks assumes NO LIABILITY for injury or accidents. Safety awareness is imperative to prevent personal injury. Educate yourself by learning and following the safety guidelines and usage procedures that are outlined in the operator manual of your tools.

In this episode of WoodWorks, we create a stunning pyramid art pedestal that combines the warmth of Australian lacewood with the rich darkness of African wen...

08/13/2024

What's up ? Got Art???
Awesome, here's a great way to display it from a 360--degree view!
https://youtu.be/XyYY6FS_570
TITLE
360-Degree View Display Stand | WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 9
DESCRIPTION
In this episode of WoodWorks, we craft a stunning 6-foot black walnut display stand with glass shelves. I love the elegance with functionality of this project, featuring a 360-degree view perfect for showcasing your treasures.
What we cover in this episode:
- Selecting and preparing black walnut stock for the frame, focusing on grain matching and visual appeal.
- Crafting L-shaped legs with concealed dados, demonstrating techniques for hidden joinery.
- Creating mitered frames reinforced with spline joints for the five glass shelves.
- Adding wenge caps to the legs for visual interest and structural strength.
- Shaping and beveling techniques to soften edges and add dimension to the stand.
- Complex glue-up strategies for large projects, ensuring precise alignment and square corners.
- Applying a hand-rubbed tung oil finish to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

In this episode of WoodWorks, we craft a stunning 6-foot black walnut display stand with glass shelves. I love the elegance with functionality of this projec...

08/07/2024

“Zeus” is slowly coming together. Each decision, each cut, every little detail seems to become even more complicated as I go.
Fortunately as my flu symptoms become less, I have the strength to focus more and forge ahead.

08/07/2024

I have been doing some "Eye Surgery". Behold the tiny margins that I have to work within. Here's Looking at you Kid!!

08/07/2024

Can you see the teeth on this 5 0t Jeweler's blade? It's almost like cutting with a wire! So here's how I deal with it ..... I fold a piece of blue tape (don't even start about my fe**sh for Blue Tape! hahahah) and fold the ends so it's easy to remove. Next I attach it to the blade pointing down on the front end. This makes it easy to install without having to guess which end is up or which side is the front or back. It's these little things that will lower your stress at the scrollsaw. Oh, you are asking how I can even tell where the Teeth are? You gots to Feel it Baby!! Your fingers are as sensitive as dial calipers and can sense an object as small as 1/2 the width of a human hair!!

08/07/2024

I need to dispel some ugly rumors that have been going around. This is Not A BAGEL!!! Hahahah. Okay, some truth telling ..... back in the 1980's I actually took a class on Nuts! Yeah, some folk might say that I'm Nuts but if you like inlay work, or even hand chased threads, or making Jewelry then you will love Tagua Nuts! And can you see the teeth on this saw blade? Neither can I ! More to follow ----- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable_ivory

08/07/2024

Getting Small today. It’s been said that the eyes are the windows to the Soul. I believe Fish have a certain type of Soul.

08/07/2024

A big part of marquetry work is wood selection. I’m currently working on an article for Popular Woodworking Magazine and simultaneously working on a new art piece for an invitational show in Maine.
I labor over my decisions regarding the smallest details because that’s how I’m wired.
I needed something around the gills of a fish.
There has been a small block of Pernambuco Burl leaning against the wall of my shop for years and I thought that I would turn a 6” diameter bowl from it.
Last week the marquetry project won over the bowl project so I bandsawed some slices and drum sanded them to 1/16” thick to match my materials.
Since the slice that I needed was only approximately 3” long x 1/4” wide, I decided to apply some shellac to bring out the color and help me to decide on its best placement.
Now that it’s been cut in, I know that I made the correct choice.

08/06/2024

It's been a looooong summer and it's getting loooonger. Politics, Politics, Politics, seems to be the dominating thing that most people want to talk about. Ugly, hateful memes abound. I say, "we've seen this crap before, we are seeing it now, and we will be seeing it again". People, just vote in November and get on with your lives. Love your neighbor, be kind to others, hold the door for anyone and just please BE NICE!
I have heard people say that I laugh too much and that I should be more serious about the events that are happening in our world. Let me get something to eat and I'll think about it.

08/03/2024

OKay my friends, I know that you are tired of looking at those old dreary medicine cabinets in your bathrooms. Your life will change for the better once you build this beautiful Cherry and Birdseye Maple bathroom Medicine Cabinet. Your significant other will smile every time they see, you will become smarter, taller and your hair will become thicker! Ok, maybe I exaggerated a little bit, hahaha, have a great weekend!
OKay my friends, I know that you are tired of looking at those old dreary medicine cabinets in your bathrooms. Your life will change for the better once you build this beautiful Cherry and Birdseye Maple bathroom Medicine Cabinet. Your significant other will smile every time they see, you will become smarter, taller and your hair will become thicker! Ok, maybe I exaggerated a little bit, hahaha, have a great weekend!
https://youtu.be/nmlD1ABV_f0
Cherry and Bird's Eye Maple Medicine Cabinet | WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 8
Description:
Join us on WoodWorks as we create an elegant medicine cabinet using cherry and bird's eye maple, incorporating both classic and contemporary design elements.
What we cover in this episode:
- Construction of the Case: Detailed steps to build a solid cherry case with dovetail joinery for strength and durability.
- Dovetail Joinery Techniques: Using a dovetail jig to achieve varied spacing for a handcrafted look, and tips for ensuring tight fits and clean cuts.
- Precision Drilling: Creating perfectly aligned holes for glass shelves using custom jigs and spacers for accuracy.
- Back Panel Assembly: Cutting and fitting a half-inch maple plywood back panel, ensuring it fits snugly within the rabbeted case.
- Door Frame Crafting: Constructing a striking bird's eye maple door with purple heart splines, including cutting double rabbets for the mirror and back panel.
- Finishing Touches: Applying a polyurethane gel finish to protect the cabinet from bathroom moisture, and adding brass hinges, a Japanese wooden handle, and glass shelves for a polished look.
Woodworking can be dangerous. Employ good safety practices, exercise caution, and always be sure to wear proper eye and face protection. David J. Marks assumes NO LIABILITY for injury or accidents. Safety awareness is imperative to prevent personal injury. Educate yourself by learning and following the safety guidelines and usage procedures that are outlined in the operator manual of your tools.

Cherry and Bird's Eye Maple Medicine Cabinet | WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 8
Description:
Join us on WoodWorks as we create an elegant medicine cabinet using cherry and bird's eye maple, incorporating both classic and contemporary design elements.
What we cover in this episode:
- Construction of the Case: Detailed steps to build a solid cherry case with dovetail joinery for strength and durability.
- Dovetail Joinery Techniques: Using a dovetail jig to achieve varied spacing for a handcrafted look, and tips for ensuring tight fits and clean cuts.
- Precision Drilling: Creating perfectly aligned holes for glass shelves using custom jigs and spacers for accuracy.
- Back Panel Assembly: Cutting and fitting a half-inch maple plywood back panel, ensuring it fits snugly within the rabbeted case.
- Door Frame Crafting: Constructing a striking bird's eye maple door with purple heart splines, including cutting double rabbets for the mirror and back panel.
- Finishing Touches: Applying a polyurethane gel finish to protect the cabinet from bathroom moisture, and adding brass hinges, a Japanese wooden handle, and glass shelves for a polished look.
Woodworking can be dangerous. Employ good safety practices, exercise caution, and always be sure to wear proper eye and face protection. David J. Marks assumes NO LIABILITY for injury or accidents. Safety awareness is imperative to prevent personal injury. Educate yourself by learning and following the safety guidelines and usage procedures that are outlined in the operator manual of your tools.

Join us on WoodWorks as we create an elegant medicine cabinet using cherry and bird's eye maple, incorporating both classic and contemporary design elements....

07/26/2024

My friend Mike Cooper inspired me to push my limits on bentwood lamination techniques back in the early 1980's so I want to do a special shout out to Mike today as I share with you Episode number 207 of Woodworks.
Here's what you will learn today and speaking of learning, we can all help to educate each other so that we can all rise up together as it should be.
https://youtu.be/D0nQF5wTmeo
TITLE:
Bent Lamination Magazine Rack | WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 207
DESCRIPTION
Join us on WoodWorks as we build a contemporary magazine rack that combines functionality with artistic flair. This project uses bent lamination to create elegant wishbone-shaped legs from black walnut, adorned with brass rods for a striking effect.
What we cover in this episode:
- Bent Lamination Techniques: Learn how to manipulate wood into curved shapes to create stylish and sturdy legs for the magazine rack.
- Design and Template Creation: Follow the process of drafting and refining the design, including making a full-scale template to guide construction.
- Detailed Construction Steps: From cutting and shaping the walnut stock to assembling the frame with precision joinery, watch each step unfold.
- Decorative Finishing Touches: Discover how to incorporate brass rods and hand-finish the wood for a polished look.
- Practical Tips and Tricks: Gain insights into the tools and techniques used to ensure a successful project, from choosing the right materials to applying the final finishes.

07/21/2024

Who remembers this Safety tip from 2002?
Don’t get your fingers close to the table-saw blade when the rubber tip of a pencil will hold the work safely for you instead.

07/21/2024

My latest sample board of Silverleaf and a patina finish. I’m working on a collaboration with Andy Carruthers and we are going for a very ancient, worn, visually interesting, patina finish with a lot of depth.

07/20/2024

Friday again??
Okay ,here's something to engage in. How about building yourself an occasional table for whatever occasion you can think of. In this hot weather it would be a great place to set your cold drinks!!

TITLE
Walnut Table with Rosewood Accents and Veneered Top | WoodWorks with David J. Marks, Season 2 Ep. 6
DESCRIPTION
In this episode of WoodWorks, we craft a walnut occasional table with a striking veneer top. This tutorial is designed for woodworking enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills and add a touch of sophistication to their projects.
What we cover in this episode:
- Preparation and Selection: How to choose and prepare the best walnut and rosewood materials for your project, focusing on grain patterns and aesthetics.- Detailed Leg Construction: Crafting tapered legs with precise kerfs for decorative beading, enhancing both the stability and elegance of the table.- Veneering Techniques: Cutting and arranging walnut burl into a four-way book match pattern for the tabletop, achieving a dramatic visual effect.- Assembly Tips: Assembling the apron and legs with loose mortise and tenon joints, ensuring a robust build.- Finishing Touches: Apply a finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty while protecting your table for years to come.

In this episode of WoodWorks, we craft a walnut occasional table with a striking veneer top. This tutorial is designed for woodworking enthusiasts looking to...

07/12/2024

After 3 long days of jointing and resawing The Tree, my garden is now covered in some of the most expensive sawdust in the World!
I hope my plants appreciate this!!

07/12/2024

Today’s message to the World.

07/12/2024

WoodWorks Season 2 Episode 205

And now let's go back in time once again to the year 2001 when I was just a lad of 49 and got my big break in Hollywood, hahaha. Actually everything was shot right here in my shop.

Join us on WoodWorks as we craft a durable white oak stepladder, perfect for any home, featuring sturdy construction and elegant Honduran rosewood accents. W...

07/10/2024

It's rare to see such cooperation and mutual respect between a Father and Son working together in a family business, hahaha. Seriously, though Seriously, though, Jay Howlett https://www.facebook.com/jayhowlett and Nicholas Howlett https://www.facebook.com/nicholashowlett1 are a pleasure to work with! They have entrusted me with the honor of cutting these diamonds (so to speak) and one mistake could result in thousands of dollars lost !!! Here are some close ups of some of the finest examples of the rarest material left on Earth ...... Reptilian figure in The Tree!!! I first witnessed this rare wood at Tim Mahoney's Hand Loggers store in Sausalito back in 1985.I have been obsessed with this Quilted Mahogany Tree ever since. The close ups display the three dimensional figure which has veins running through it in twisted designs reminiscent of a tortoise shell. If you are interested in what you see here, please contact Jay or Nick.

07/09/2024

Tree time with the Howlett family!

06/29/2024

If you need a good method for shipping valuable art pieces, glass, Woodturnings, or anything that you want to protect from a crushed box scenario, then check out Sono tubes, otherwise known as concrete forming tubes. They come in long lengths and lots of different diameters and can be easily cut with a jigsaw, bandsaw or even a knife or handsaw.
I learned about this strategy from my friend Malcolm Tibbetts about 20 years ago and it works really well. I first wrap my Hollow Vessels in tissue paper, then bubble wrap, then more paper to fill the space. Cutting a rabbet in the top and bottom of plywood lids makes for a really strong construction. I epoxy the bottom lid in place, then wrap it with duct tape. For the top lid, once I have a snug fit and the container packed, I simply seal it with clear packing tape which is easy to open with a box cutting blade or knife. PS : Sometimes things can get lost in transit so please make sure that you insure your items for the full replacement value. Ask me how I know this.PPS : Hey my fellow Artists, I can say that I have made at least 3 sales (so to speak) by insuring my art for the full replacement value.

06/29/2024

When Architect and Artist Harvey Ellis worked with Gustav Stickley back in the early 1900's he introduced some very fine inlay work into Stickley's designs.
Harvey Ellis is also credited with having designed an elegant and beautiful writing desk which is where I found my inspiration for my Library desk design. We didn't have time to do any inlays due to the complexity of the construction and time constraints. I will say however that I am amazed that my Producers and Editors were somehow able to fit all of my steps into a 20 minute program.
Here's the link to Woodworks Episode 204 Arts and Crafts Inspired Library Desk :

Join us on WoodWorks as we build a library desk inspired by the arts and crafts style, featuring robust quarter-sawn white oak and meticulous joinery techniq...

06/22/2024

I live in Sonoma County, California, which is Wine Country. In fact, Sonoma County is the largest wine producer in Northern California's Wine Country region, which also includes Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. My friends in Napa might disagree with me, haha, but I have to say that I Googled it, so I must be right, right?
So everyone around here has the same problem .....where can I store all of my wine!!!
Ok my friends, no more worries ,I have the solution to your problems.
Yes, you heard me correctly. All you have to do is watch this next video lesson right here https://youtu.be/nJqmJtbGrqQ
WoodWorks Season 2 Episode 203: Mahogany Wine Rack

Join us on WoodWorks as we build a mahogany wine rack enhanced with sophisticated black walnut accents. This episode is not just about building a piece of fu...

06/18/2024

Well I guess this project is dated, ha ha ha! This week is Woodworks Episode 202, Maple and Walnut CD Cabinet.
If I had my crystal ball working 22 years ago, I would have called this my Maple and Walnut "Streaming" Cabinet, ha ha ha ha!
Okay, who's willing to admit that they still have and use their CD's???
Let me be the first one to say it ...... Yes, I Love my old CD's and I still play them almost everyday!
Hey, so even if you don't want to build this project, there are still a number of good problem solving solutions in this video to gain some knowledge from.
So here ya go :

In this episode of WoodWorks, join us as we craft a modern CD cabinet that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. This cabinet is designed to store a ...

06/10/2024

Season 2 of Woodworks begins with this video on building a demi-lune table. In this first Episode 1 (201) I introduce the technique of using the Vacuum press to glue up a band sawn veneer table top. Once again there are lots of challenges and tips for getting everything to fit. I also made a bent laminated apron from cherry to match the curve of the top.

In this episode of WoodWorks, we craft a demilune table that combines classical elegance with advanced woodworking techniques. This project features a rich m...

06/08/2024

Ken's first hollow vessel. Myrtle Burl, African Blackwood, Turkish Boxwood, Ebony and Quilted Spalted Big Leaf Maple.
This is Ken's design which he drew full scale so that we could have working drawings to accurately measure from. I really appreciate his ability to slow down and put in the time to really focus on this part of the process. I find it essential when matching multiple parts and pieces and maintaining the axis. Add thread chasing and even more attention to detail needed to be paid.
After Midnight was more than just one of the names of Clapton's songs in this case.
I applaud Ken for hanging in there and putting up with crazy ole me!
More talk tomorrow when brain begins to function again.

06/07/2024

The threads are in!

06/07/2024

2024 MEN AT WORK!