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.

Why do it by hand – when you can do it by foot? Roy Underhill gets caught up in up a bevy of century-old, foot-powered woodworking machines.

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!

Walnut and boxwood make a little box with a secret lock to stash the woodworker’s pal.