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I've been there 3 times now and plan to return soon. Doesn't look like there will be any in-person classes this fall semester, so I'll have some time to do a few trips. It's a beautiful drive from here - through Georgia O'Keefe country and southern CO. I got stuck in construction traffic last time I went up. Not a bad place to get stuck. s I ordered a small lathe today, a Rikon 70-220VSR, mainly to make a couple of urns. One for me and one for Alison's son.

Mac, I’ve used pocket holes successfully for a while now, mostly for cabinets and they are pretty strong. If this were mine and there are no restrictions as to why you can’t, I would make the front (not where you sit) panel/apron, extend further to the floor to help prevent racking.

More pocket holes wouldn't hurt, but what you really need is another rail in the back down low.

I just found this post and LOVE it! What a beautiful piece of work. BMAC, MUCH thanks for the EXCELLENT post! I'm getting ready to build my first two chairs for two granddaughters. Because I've never built one I was going to first build one from scrap 2x4s and hopefully make all of my mistakes there. I've been watching a video by Scott Morrison and IMHO your post is as good or better. Because the girls are small I've decided to reduce the plans to 75% of the original size. I did this in CorelDraw with a plug-in. I've printed the new plans, taped all the sheets together, pasted them on 1/4" BB plywood, cut them out. I've preped the wood. I'm at the point where I'm ready to mark with the templates.

Mick, Allison, Freedhardwood's wife Vera and My wife, get a prayer sent at least once a day, but in truth, they go up everytime I think of one or the other, and that'a very often... It's not easy being without those you care most about, and I can't say it gets easier. For me it doesn't. But I send word up daily. Hang on young'un. Life finds a way, so I'm told.

Always keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Mick, hang in there, be strong

The more surface connections and pocket hole screws, the better but, I understand that weight is a consideration.

I typed mine about the same time as @krtwood and didn’t see his response until after I hit send. His suggestion would also be a good consideration, especially if materials is a concern.

Coop and others probably have much more insight into this stuff, but if you were to add a back panel to the bottom cabinet I think the rigidity would increase tremendously and your pocket hole count would be fine. However if the design and aesthetics are locked in then like the others said definitely get some sort apron(s) pretty close to the bottom to help keep it together. Pocket holes have worked great for the projects I've used them. Especially paired with good ole Titebond II.

Thanks for the kind words. Doing these rockers are a real pleasure, hope you experience that in your build. Would love to see pics of your project too. Project journals are my favorite part of this forum and I've become a better woodworker by posting my work!

My floor is epoxy coated and a large portion also has the same rubber tiles @Chet linked above. The epoxy makes sweeping up a breeze and the rubber tiles allow me to work out there for extended periods with out getting a sore back especially at the benches. FWIW the tiles actually sweep up better than I would have thought too.

You could try storing your hand tools in a box or closed cabinet and putting a vapor emitter rust preventative in there with them. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/workshop/tool-maintenance/59367-anti-corrosion-emitters

I have had these 8mm strong rubber tile down for over a year and wish I had done it years ago. I can work in the shop all day and not feel wore out. You can get it in locking tiles or custom cut rolls.

My workspace was formerly in my garage, with a concrete floor. It is a KILLER on the lower back. I suggest you look at the "horse stall" mats sold at Tractor Supply Co. Firm enough that most caster-mounted machines can still roll without bogging, they offer a thick, tough surface that is pleasant to stand on for hours on end. Dropped tools are well protected, too. About $1.95 per square foot. There are companies that offer a similar product with interlocking edges, but the price rises accordingly.

@jgt1942, please post pics! We love see one another's work in progress. A project journal for those chairs would be wonderful.

Thanks for this. I will let my dad know. It is good to know that may be normal. This park is like no other. It is far from home, but I will consider it any time I am close in the future.

Put a price on it and list it in the marketplace section.

Hello Fellow Woodworkers! My name is Luke, I’m 28 and about a year ago my father got me hooked on this amazing little hobby. Since then I’ve built a few picture frames, some boxes, and a living room set consisting of a TV stand, end table, and coffee table. The most recent project under my belt was refinishing the hardwood floors in my new home. I know this forum is going to be inspirational and easily the first place I’ll be heading to for advice in my future woodworking adventures. So thank you in advance for all your knowledge and advice! Cheers! Luke

I'm in South Carolina and before I was able to have a minisplit in the shop I ran a dehumidifier. A small dehumidifier unit can lower the humidity enough to make a big difference for your tools and comfort in the humid months. The only issues I have ever had involve trapped moisture. Green wood, sawdust, or shavings left on surfaces will begin to rust in less than an hour. Dry materials, not just wood, may trap moisture or condensation. This is what works for me. 1. Clean ferrous tools and surfaces and don't leave anything on surfaces. Wipe down after use. 2. Apply a protectant. Paste wax, boshield, etc. 3. Check often for any sign of rust forming.

if you do not find it an inconvenience by storing them in your basement i think that would be your best option. depending on how much you use your tools you might want to consider building a hand tool cabinet or tool box to store them in with moisture absorbents. this is really a personal preference and since it is only temporary you should not need to worry about deep rust and pitting in the cast iron of the planes.

Welcome Luke. I’m from Iowa also and don’t have much of a problem, I do keep a good coat of wax on all steel surfaces but other than that no problem

It was a case of tee many martoonies. And I don't use smell check, that's what Boo does.