http://www.adamdohner.com/work daily 1.0 2025-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1495685282183-4598WTG30X6317YLJ8H6/IMG_0841.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1416100388748-C7L7HH2AUUSB73YW3UUX/creoledrawer.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1451349399669-J4FOGDX5L7NLVXKV7T3C/DSC_0011.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1442273630132-BV5RX921XLPD9PN9B6JU/DSC_0015.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1436241367425-52FJPRBCCMG9KV9MD8HT/DSC_0006.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1495686345899-HJ3LC8LM8TCLUS3II0R2/fullview1.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1414281297181-6ZDORNUZWR73QOVTYP3E/closeup.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1466979872849-3822J491LILPWUK7ULH5/mechanism.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1405919891667-P4KPSYIEUC55SSK2CRFI/DSC_0064.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1405922301338-F6Z7VN1303FK15GQBOYC/DSC_0051.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1404801587352-WS57FUV0S9FW33O1ROOK/yellowbox1.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1495686620644-EZW4L8VPEY9XFC0N4B5Q/DSC_0009.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390798524557-P9YULBVB3CT8LWPXNR28/canoe.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1511148404098-M8IKLBT4QNCKDALAA9FW/IMG_1378.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445114826047-KJ4W7ZQN88ANRAANGH4N/closeup.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1636500207174-MD7K9RQIEN8ATYN0EY7S/IMG_4962.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1448407309559-G8QJ6N1XZP2PFN7ZXMW0/DSC_00038.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440565213876-OCP857NYZTZ7HUXFNRCP/hole.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1636504495063-V4XESCIGG625V15NA1N4/IMG_2280.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1636417820817-2G8P75UGGXFFWRKA9WAV/IMG_4950.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1738619317154-2028KPA4V5OI19O73YU2/IMG_7931.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1636501982355-K2SNPK9BFAKNICE2DXLY/IMG_4975.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390798059653-THHPVE2LRUB4RV6EKD4Q/arm.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1738614160726-Z52YMZPDKJNWCAMIQQUA/DSC_0013+%281%29.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1763774766290-KEJGRB1QD2CY8O738ZKE/IMG_1091.jpeg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1441659510438-AKC5NVP87UT8E7V6PTWE/DSC_0022.jpg Work - 2012 Triumph Thruxton 900 Just for fun, here's a custom bike project I've been working on. No wood involved, but there are some hand-stitched leather handlebars. http://www.adamdohner.com/blog daily 0.75 2017-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390808430207-UIS6VACAHV91YANWAK8I/seat.JPG Blog http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2017/3/13/behind-the-kayak monthly 0.5 2017-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489427129856-XJ18K9GUNLWO5AOI49IC/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Stripping the bottom using long 1/4 inch thick strips I milled from redwood boards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1495685558746-DR8AUW4M7UY0W70Q78DV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Stripping the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489426832038-YHA6C81DX6ZPQP2BSCQ2/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Closing the gap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489426897649-BU68P1QZ1T4NJ0Z3BX4L/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak After removing the two halves from the form https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489426918531-TSEL54CZ0WNXO6V1TTDT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Painting epoxy on the fiberglass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489426939860-ZO7BP544XVUCNFC2M1HO/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Fiberglass and epoxy on the exterior https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489427480444-4AVSTMNZX504H8NQRLED/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Building the skirt lip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1489427504012-XXYIZPRE5GL09M68V9BP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the kayak Laying carbon fiber on the interior http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2015/10/17/behind-the-telecaster monthly 0.5 2015-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445118676619-9J6KTJND5VYPWW505PFV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Rough cutting the neck from a block of maple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445118807421-8B1IHGCVC6VMSKXJ2OJY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Routing the slot for the truss rod, which keeps the neck straight and allows you to bend it slightly to compensate for seasonal movement of the wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445118882511-7VAZNH6366TFHY8Q9DFM/IMG_3407.jpg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Shaping the back of the neck with a spokeshave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445118971772-6RTLZ0LI4DQORG3FT2C1/IMG_3429.jpg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Copper tape isolates the magnetic pickups from ambient radiation and also apparently makes it snail-proof. This was the practice piece I used for making the first guitar body. With a little cosmetic work, it was ready to become a guitar in its own right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119145413-Q8A9ISP7U33AYH96SV8T/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster After soldering the electronics - just a couple of pots, caps, and a switch to select between the two pickups, one at the bridge and one at the neck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119610910-W5CS1RO8W9XSNQBHD1GF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Used a thickness planer to get this piece of walnut down to 1/8" thick, then shaped it to form the pickguard, and finally put a couple coats of lacquer on to harden it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119245064-JSIPV6PZ4FLQCKGNL5C3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster After inserting the truss rod, and laminating the rosewood fretboard, I inset the perloid dots. I bought the rough fretboard with the fret notches already cut, since that requires a level of precision I am not prepared for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119289116-RF6Z97WIILBL7MZHQI8I/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Press fitting the frets after rough sizing them from some pre-radiused fretwire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119399687-QFYUATWJQHIX80ODMM0W/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster Trimming the frets flush using special end nippers. A little bit of filing was required to bevel the ends and get rid of sharp burrs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1445119793240-4DDXSTPI32BPNQ0EWWN6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Telecaster The finished product, before adding the strings. http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2015/8/25/behind-the-snare-drum monthly 0.5 2015-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570328691-NUAKSGIB6Q78WMLZYLW3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Beveling the 3/4 inch staves at a 9 degree angle and down to a 2 1/4 inch width. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570408327-W60WEWD14396Z001HAWD/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum 20 staves. I ended up using 22 to form a nearly perfect circle with a 14 1/2 inch outer diameter. This involved a lot of trial and error. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570572698-9UU6OB43541578GO4P0Y/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Clamping the staves. Taping the ring keeps the staves in place before clamping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570678991-WDW1AKHLW7LTIDASXOZY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Rounding the outside using a router jig mounted to my lathe. I turned the shell by hand (you would not want to turn on the lathe while the router is running!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570876937-QVDOZBZ1L1JC73GBR8TZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Truing up the edges after sanding the outside. Final outer diameter is 13 7/8 inches, which is standard for a 14 inch drum head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440570929109-2YG5JSI33ODOWMTYCG05/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum A router jig for rounding the inside. I turned the shell slowly by hand while taking off rings of wood on the inside. Got it down to about 7.5 mm thick before the shell began to flex, making it very difficult to control the depth of the cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571035589-V3ZOTSFBUPM2FOCIEWJF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Sanding the inside. Final width was around 7mm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571101549-8QSM3N82JCSXJYWWO8F8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Beveling the outside of the bearing edge at 45 degrees on my shop-built router table. The inside is a deeper bevel at 45 as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571168795-LXH75HBMV0G8DQOHYIK6/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum After finishing using an undercoat of sanding sealer, followed by several coats of gel varnish. The gel is great for this since it doesn't drip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571306514-6IYEEDRFLIDCHD9NTVPY/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Drilling the holes for the lugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571336312-XAIUHOHHQ2O7VA5P1QU9/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum Filing down the snare bed, which allows the snares to be pulled into the bottom head, instead of resting on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1440571418519-PVHHB8I1K8JEZGZXVP7G/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Snare Drum After assembly. I purchased the maple hoops, until I figure out a good technique for making them. http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2015/6/7/behind-the-swiss-table monthly 0.5 2015-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735445941-K7BTR095MOGQIMVT7MZK/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Sourcing the walnut from Chris, at his mill in Occidental, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735557296-B21XOA75MLPX2CDVW7RQ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Planing the boards with Sebi at the Tech Shop in San Francisco https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735703175-4TWW6HZF14T4W7PJ90IV/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Gluing up the boards for the top in my shop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735795591-KSTQO6T5MX35OM5KQ1F5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table The top, after finishing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735906885-D7TJWOSYKB5QLOD3B06A/IMG_3018.jpg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Welding the base at the Tech Shop in San Jose https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433735963948-SSRBZO95HTJQ7CXRPA28/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table The base, after straightening the legs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433736028280-QL0JPR2NJ7Z3B45I13T3/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Happy customers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1433736663188-762Z06090G4JQK071MJ0/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Swiss Table Used the left over wood to make a matching side-board http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2014/4/11/behind-the-dining-table monthly 0.5 2015-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250202398-CINIKBZWNPZFVHS31BU8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Rough sizing the walnut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250310033-DQFVFU49QTBP4UY93HSP/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Shaping the legs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250435539-BBR6SRUFMJST5ZQKF29O/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Edge planing the planks for the top panels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250476256-1L4QZVSI5Q5KG8SAAAPW/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Doweling the planks before gluing up the top panels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250583734-V5IDRMKK0EO1UF8WRMVM/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Encasing a heavy duty drawer slide inside the strut to provide smooth action https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250663796-R1VXJ10Z595LTU0PN7XJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Turning the pegs for leg-apron joint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250710710-LYQFVMBJ5PNAZYDBEH1B/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Classic pegged mortise and tenon on the leg-apron joint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250762493-MFOFE11MIMQA1ZQPSRIG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Clamping and pegging the joint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250806077-NEMEFHW28SBXG6DB5KHU/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table The frame https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250845433-G089CVS5AZYKVT425KDZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Shop-made dogs for attaching the top panes to the frame, while allowing seasonal movement of the wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1397250898581-FKZAKK7PGN612UZSICGA/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Expanded to accommodate the leaf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1399357776260-WOKJIXDLME11YFIBMO4F/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Ready for delivery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1399357961940-RQV0YOOT0OZ93R4JGVZH/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Dining Table Happy customers http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2014/1/26/behind-the-guitar monthly 0.5 2014-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807544237-W0DUX867PGU83YMKMV4F/photo+5.JPG Blog - Behind the Guitar Planing the blank after gluing four pieces together https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807711705-CWN008S276O0D49QBUIY/photo+1.JPG Blog - Behind the Guitar Cutting out the profile on the bandsaw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807795480-ZHN4NXH6QWGXI4FSH3XK/photo+2.JPG Blog - Behind the Guitar Sanding the edges using a drill press rigged up as a barrel sander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807830217-U6A738AJ1GESLGKSIEH7/photo+3.JPG Blog - Behind the Guitar Finishing the surface using a cabinet scraper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807849552-86JNFT6BJYHGPXY5PCQC/photo.JPG Blog - Behind the Guitar After routing out the holes for the neck and electronics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1416101260042-AJO4UKWA74WNK0QYQNKZ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Guitar The finished product https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1416101434899-XRK83P83LSIPY0Z7M4G4/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Behind the Guitar http://www.adamdohner.com/blog/2014/1/27/behind-the-rocker monthly 0.5 2014-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390802670789-TJNV5D3Y4MA7SY7UTIAZ/seat.JPG Blog - Behind The Rocker Carving the rough shape of the seat using a gouge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807271111-K93CX9BMXJD4OV0JZB5A/IMG_0020.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Smoothing the seat using a curved spokeshave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390802071608-GGH2UVUAZDSCO5KK0FYV/IMG_0010.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Bending the back spindles after steaming them https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390802187616-ATBDVLYVOXRN025DPRCN/IMG_0023.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Turning the back posts on a homemade lathe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390802220800-SAMDW6D3B4VM2UZ3LXBS/IMG_0016.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Turning the tenon for the arm rests https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390806785544-02KCR9S9HL0LEVMT4T1T/IMG_0011.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Steaming the crest rail in a homemade steam box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390806801409-3BR76MQKKN49US9WG8SB/IMG_0006.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Carving the mortise for the crest rail in the back post https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807119949-9EWMQB82QN9F6Z4M0GX7/IMG_0001.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Cutting the bottom bevel of the rockers on the bandsaw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1390807175939-VXZY84OENH3526ACPGQ4/IMG_0002.jpg Blog - Behind The Rocker Fitting the rockers after routing slots in the bottom of the legs http://www.adamdohner.com/contact daily 0.75 2015-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1442274982648-KHW9DID5NANFBANFFHF1/image-asset.jpeg Contact   I am based out of my garage in Palo Alto, CA. My shop specializes in custom built woodwork. If you have a project idea, I'll design it to your specifications and create it for you. If you're like me, and like to get your hands dirty, you can be part of the process and learn important tool skills which will undoubtedly make you a better person! Why would you buy something when you can make it? No project is too daunting. The lathe (big thing on the right for making round objects) you see in the picture above was one of the first things I made and I use it all the time. Creating something beautiful is a highly gratifying experience. Contact me with your project ideas and let's get started! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52de0057e4b050564e0fc37c/1406184248117-MQ18DMU607X81CPW6A21/image-asset.jpeg Contact