When is a tool sharp enough? Over the years, I have realized that what I thought was sharp at one time simply doesn’t produce the quality of what I want or need today. For power tools, there is a balance in the level of sharpness because of the nature of the cutting edge. Most carbideContinue reading “My Favorite Tools: Sharpening with Dia-Sharp Bench Stones”
Author Archives: scandalprof
The Curious Case of Jesus’s Speech in Luke 7:29-30
(When they heard this all the people and the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John; but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) Luke 7:29-30 ESV Most Sunday mornings I teach a Sunday school class before the worshipContinue reading “The Curious Case of Jesus’s Speech in Luke 7:29-30”
Is Jesus God? The Prologue of John’s Gospel in Greek
Three main religions are considered to be monotheistic, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The first two would consider the third as suspect. How can a religion be monotheistic, but worship a triune God made of Father, Son, and Spirit? This question arose from the very beginnings of Christianity and has continued till today. Ultimately, worship ofContinue reading “Is Jesus God? The Prologue of John’s Gospel in Greek”
My Favorite Tools: Saws (or Seven Reasons the Dozuki Z is my go-to saw)
I have never really liked sawing wood by hand, whether pruning or lumber, although pruning is more forgiving at least. I think its the imprecision of sawing, or perhaps my implementation of sawing. The table saw or miter saw or bandsaw or even the circular saw all have their own special precision. But sometimes noneContinue reading “My Favorite Tools: Saws (or Seven Reasons the Dozuki Z is my go-to saw)”
My Favorite Tools: A Plane that Breaks the Mold
Most of the hand planes in the shop have some common characteristics, whether small or large. They have a flat base with a space that allows a blade to protrude and when pushed or pulled to take thin shavings of wood. Most planes we think of are metal, but wood planes are also popular andContinue reading “My Favorite Tools: A Plane that Breaks the Mold”
My Favorite Tools: Hand Planes (part 1)
About twenty years ago, I inherited some power tools from my grandfather, who had died several years before. After his retirement, he bought and turned houses that needed refurbishing and had a nice shop for that purpose. I received a Delta contractor table saw, a Porter-Cable router and circular saw, a Bosch belt sander, aContinue reading “My Favorite Tools: Hand Planes (part 1)”
Six Reflections on a Couple’s Whole 30
We finished! We considered the Super Bowl party at our friend’s place an appropriate meal to break away. I had some chili with a few beans, some corn bread with honey butter, a small bite of pie and ice cream, and an alcohol free beer. So not much of a break, but I could barelyContinue reading “Six Reflections on a Couple’s Whole 30”
Whole 30 and COVID
We made it two full years without getting COVID, but one week into our Whole 30 we both had it. So much for tiger energy! Nonetheless we have persevered and come out the back end unscathed, while keeping Whole 30 going. I think my case was a bit more severe than Lynn’s and almost backContinue reading “Whole 30 and COVID”
Comfort Foods on Whole 30
Doing this Whole 30 with another person is very different. Before, I just modified to fit existing food to what I needed, but with two people the pressure and stakes are higher because all the food must fit and be palatable for both of us. So far the results have been acceptable, but I personallyContinue reading “Comfort Foods on Whole 30”
My Favorite Tools: Measuring
Not to be too obvious, but if you cannot measure accurately, you cannot be skilled at woodworking. And to measure accurately, you need the correct measuring tools that do what you need. Length, width, height, depth, square, 45°, other angles, outer diameter, inner diameter, circumference, radius, center, level, and other measurements take different tools dependingContinue reading “My Favorite Tools: Measuring”
R Jackson Painter, PhD 