Sharpening Tools

E1

Roy builds a cedar box for an old sharpening stone while simultaneously teaching you the principles of sharpening and how to maintain the edges on the tools he uses. He also discusses the differences between various kinds of sharpening stones.

Jefferson's Walking-Stick-Chair

E2

Roy shows you how to make a walking stick-chair – a walking stick that folds out to become a small chair – much like the one used by Thomas Jefferson as he laid out plans for the University of Virginia.

Chisels, Gouges and Mallets

E3

Roy explores the wide, and sometimes strange, world of chisels. You’ll learn more about the tools you work with every day, and see how to use odd tools from history that you’ve likely never seen.

Trestle Table

E4

Roy makes a “sawbuck” trestle table – first delving into the interesting details, and then actually building it.

Wooden Schoop Shovel & Spoons

E5

Starting with a raw popular log, Roy splits, chops, cuts and carves a huge wooden shovel. Along the way you’ll go through nearly every aspect of woodworking, from rough to fine work.

The Wooden Boat School

E6

Roy travels to the Wooden Boat School in Brooklyn, Maine. See three distinct approaches to traditional boat building taught by three different instructors at the school

The Marionette Makers

E7

Roy arrives to find his shop taken over by a gaggle of marionette puppets! We’re joined by a pair of professional puppeteers that demonstrate how to build three types of puppets.

Folding Workbench (Part 1)

E8

Start learning to make a simple, yet sturdy, portable folding workbench.

Folding Workbench (Part 2)

E9

Finish learning how to put the workbench together, plus add all-important workholding features.

Candle Stick Maker

E10

Make a colonial threaded candle stand – the screw threads allow you to finely adjust the height and position of the candles.

Adirondack Woodcraft

E11

Visit the shores of Blue Mountain Lake in Adirondacks – see how to make an Adirondack guide boat and an Adirondack pack basket. Plus see the region’s signature furniture.

Williamsburg Trunk Maker

E12

Visit the harness shop of Jim Clatter in Colonial Williamsburg. Learn how to make a variety of leather items including a knife holster, pistol buckets and water buckets using 18th-century techniques.

Climbing a Colonial Steeple

E13

Roy climbs Bruton Parish Steeple in Williamsburg, Virginia, which has been holding a bell since the 1770s. See details of the original construction that tell us about how our ancestors lived, worked and thought.