Were you like these lilac buds, ready to unfurl and bloom into spring only to be dumped on by snowstorms and smacked in the face with freezing winds? March in the Finger Lakes is always fickle, but this year has been extra topsy-turvy. I've been able to slip out on on bike rides between snowstorms and I've even started prepping garden beds, but the 'wintry mix' has also sent me back indoors.

Warmth will eventually prevail! I can't wait until we're fully immersed in tiny house building this summer, surrounded by bright green fields and blue skies. Our tiny house series starts in two months - so soon!

Soaking up the sun in Tiny House Intro to Roofing

parquetry

Are they chess boards? Checkerboards? Wooden quilts? You decide! These beautiful and intricately handmade parquetry boards are the results of the debut Parquetry class here at Hammerstone.

I attended this class and got to spend two full days focused on a single creative project. It was an excellent break from the routine, and now I can't wait to elevate my woodworking projects with this technique!

Director of Finger Lakes ReUse Recognized in Fine Homebuilding

We Ithacans take it for granted, but not everyone has a ReUse center. This remarkable facility improves our community by removing material from the waste stream, providing an affordable source of furniture, tools, building materials and home goods, and offering job skills training. Check out the article about Diane and Finger Lakes Reuse below!

Table Saw Fundamentals

friday April 26th

Have you been waiting to hit buy now on that table saw purchase? You know it’s supposed to be a useful tool, but you've also heard horror stories about how dangerous it can be? Join us for this one-day skills intensive on the Table Saw where you'll learn safe use of this powerful tool. You'll leave with confidence to safely tackle any table saw project, whether you're interested in furniture making or building a house. The main goal of this course is to develop skills rather than produce a finished project, but students do build and take home their own apple crate.

In the morning we start with table saw safety including how to avoid kickback. You'll start practice with rip cuts (along the grain) then move on to cross cuts (across the grain). We limit Table Saw Fundamentals to only 8 students! You'll get plenty of practice on the saw and feedback from instructors as you work. Maria might give you tips to improve body positioning, how you're holding the workpiece, and more. She'll also let you know when you're doing things correctly, so that you leave with confidence!

How will I use my table saw skills?

Anything you can do with the table saw you can do with a circular saw, but the table saw does it faster, cleaner, and more accurately.

**Ripping Lumber**

Need furring strips for your vented rain screen? 2x2s to build a chicken coop? Rip them on the table saw.

**Case Construction**

Need to cut finished boards to size for a furniture project? Need grooves for shelves? The table saw cuts accurately and cleanly.

**Miter Joints**

Need precise miters to build a box? Paired with a custom jig, the table saw is the tool for the task.

The list could go on and on because nearly every woodworking or carpentry project has a use for the table saw! Join us for a full day of learning to open up that world of possibility.

table saw fundamentals: april 26

What's in Your Toolbox?

Hammer

We took some time to focus on the table saw, so now let's take a look at a simple tool at the other end of the spectrum! 30,000 years ago, the first hammers were stones tied to a sticks. Now we have hammers engineered for every purpose: framing a house, installing trim, demolition, and more.

How do you choose a hammer to buy? Here are some features to look for:

Head weight: 10 oz, 20 oz, etc. Heavier for framing, lighter for finish work.
Claw type: straight claw (also known as rip claw) or curved claw. Straight claw removes large nails easily, while curved claw protects the wood's surface.
Handle length: 12-18" is typical. Longer handles provide more leverage.
Handle material: wood, metal with plastic padding. Choose based on durability and comfort.

For example, here's a *Vaughan 19 oz framing hammer, straight claw, 16" hickory handle.*

Hammer Technique

Think you don't have the upper body strength to use a hammer skillfully? The reality is this: technique is more important than strength! Take a moment to look at this photo of a student fastening one of the gussets onto her sawhorse. What do you notice about her set-up and technique?

Use of Gravity

With this set-up, the hammer's weight swings downwards towards the workpiece. Gravity does the work of propelling the hammer while she focuses on simply directing its path as it falls.

Fulcrum at the Wrist

Instead of rigidly controlling the hammer with a stiff wrist, she's allowing her wrist to move *with* the hammer. She holds the hammer low on its handle, rather than choked up near the head. This allows the hammer to swing freely and maximizes the power of her swing.

Body Problem Solving

Part of the fun of carpentry is learning to use your body in inventive ways! She's 'body clamping' the sawhorse with her foot and swinging the hammer from a stable lunge position. The lunge lowers her body towards the workpiece and allows her to engage the large muscle groups in her legs to stabilize her position.

With practice, all of this comes naturally. In our 2-Day Basic Carpentry Skills class we go over hammer use in detail, as well as how to choose between fasteners (nails vs. screws and when to use them), and more!