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epirnik

Ed Pirnik, CT, US
Editor


Raised in Madison, Connecticut, where he spent his high school and college years apprenticing as a timber-frame carpenter, Ed Pirnik traded in his tool belt for a notepad and camera upon college graduation. Arriving in New York City, he spent over eight years in the journalism industry as a photographer, writer and editor. During that time, he worked with a talented group of journalists around the world, crafting stories on a variety of issues including conflict, travel and national politics.

Never one for the big city, Ed returned to Connecticut in 2009 to become a Web Producer at Taunton Press, where he has been able to combine his interest in media with his love for woodworking. Today you can find him at work on the websites of both Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding.

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Contributions

The Mysterious Case of the Exploding Shellac Can

Two reasons you should always check the date of manufacture when purchasing shellac.

Surface Prep Shootout: We Have a Winner!

Our first-ever live streaming event was a resounding success. See who took home the top spot!

Fine Homebuilding Kitchen Island Gallery Contest

Fine Homebuilding's latest gallery challenge is calling all woodworkers.

Brunch with Norm Abram

Old Sturbridge Village celebrates the opening of its latest exhibit with master carpenter Norm Abram.

What is this Tool?

Think you know your hand planes? The first reader to correctly identify this plane wins a free book.

Book Review: "Creating a Fine Art Entry Table"

For straightforward advice on how to build an inspiring entry table, Robert Ortiz comes to the rescue.

Know how to build a box? Enter this new challenge!

Epilog Laser teams up with WIRED magazine for a quirky new challenge inspired by director JJ Abrams.

Switchback Bookcase Wins Our Challenge

Dovetail joints and a whimsical design earned this bookcase a place at the top.

Sole Power Part II: How to Tune Up an Old Plane

This afternoon I headed back into the shop for Part II of my humble block plane's rehab. As you'll recall, yesterday was spent flattening the sole and sides of the plane, all of which were caked with...

Sole Power: How to Tune Up an Old Plane

Paint remnants, an uneven sole and years of oxidation make for one extensive rehab.

Tool Time in Vegas: AWFS 2009 Roundup

Keep tabs on the coolest new tool releases set to debut at this year's AWFS fair.

On the Road with Fine Woodworking

Mario Rodriguez's dovetail joinery, creative table stacking and life on the road.

Reinventing Nakashima's Straight Chair

Philadelphia University mounts exhibit on a master's original.

Bending Wood and Stretching Strings

How a piano is made - from forest floor to shop floor.

Splittin' Cane

The fine art of bamboo fly rod building.



Recent comments


Re: The Mysterious Case of the Exploding Shellac Can

Hi Larry,

I haven't returned to the hardware store yet to exchange the can but before I do, I'll have a look at the condition of the inside. I'll let you know what I find.

Luckily, the stained maple came right off with a few passes of the block plane. Phew!

Re: Link Roundup: Surface Prep with Hand Tools vs. Power Tools

Congratulations RandyW for having won our hand plane. Also, congratulations to crisp3, who won our DVD.

Cheers all!

-Ed

Re: Hand v. Power Tool Showdown: Watch it Live Online Nov. 12

FWW Smackdown!

Re: How to build a table, in 60 seconds

Hello everyone,

Hmmm, well, it would seem we touched a nerve with this one. When the piece was promoted in the eLetter, the intent was not to be misleading but rather, to come up with an interesting headline to describe the video. We thought it was a great little piece that worked as an inspirational type of video, getting folks fired up to go and build.

I was a bit surprised when I read some of the negative comments here. That said, we take reader feedback pretty seriously around here so, I hope those of you who expressed disappointment understand that your voices were heard.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this post and sorry for the mix-up!

Cheers,

-Ed Pirnik
FWW

Re: Broken power tool: Junk it or fix it?

"I replace brushes and cords, but by the time a portable tool needs bearings replacement is usually the way to go."

Makes perfect sense to me.

Re: Broken power tool: Junk it or fix it?

In the past, I've repurposed partially broken tools and home appliances. I've also scavenged old power tools for still-working switches, cords, etc. It's a good idea to keep some of this material on-hand - especially the cords - for easy repairs to other tools.

-Ed

Re: Toothpick art may float your boat, but is it woodworking?

I wouldn't consider it an example of woodworking. While there's a heck of a lot of glue-work and perhaps some sanding and cutting involved, there's no real shaping at work here.

That said, I don't mean to sound disparaging. This work is incredible and a joy to see!

Cheers,

Ed

Re: Reader Says Mythbusters Missed on Hammer Strikes

I can't help but wonder if perhaps this happens more often when striking a newer hammer with an older model. Has the quality of steel changed? The hardening process? Would it be the newer steel causing a chip in the older tool or vice versa? I've heard opinions from both sides of the spectrum. And because of that, I'm building a rig and breaking out the slow-motion camera. With any luck, I'll be able to pull off something interesting. Please keep your fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Ed

Re: What is this Tool?

Happy Monday folks,

mvflaim, you won yourself a book.

Cheers,
Ed

Re: Book Review: "Creating a Fine Art Entry Table"

Hi Koonan: The most positive aspect of Ortiz's book lay in the fact that even if the style of this piece isn't to your taste, it moves you to create. All those photos of luscious bubinga and wenge being milled and shaped really gets the creative juices flowing.

Glad you enjoyed the review.

-Ed

Re: Why yes, I am a dandy woodworker

Seeing as how I inhabit the cube next to Matt, I can attest to the fact that he's no Dandy. If I recall correctly, he has a background that includes cage-fighting (I joke).

Well done, Matt.

-Ed

Re: Tool Time in Vegas: AWFS 2009 Roundup

zenon001,

For some jointer/planer-related news, make sure you check out Asa's post on the new spiral cutterheads. It's in my list of updates above.

Cheers,

ed

Re: Walking Tables Creep Me Out

Is it cool? Yes.

That said, I hope I never encounter one of these things "in the flesh." The creep factor is off-the-meter!

Best,

-Ed

Re: Tool Time in Vegas: AWFS 2009 Roundup

Nice, Ralph!

Hybrid model available, perhaps?

Cheers,

-Ed

Re: Tool Time in Vegas: AWFS 2009 Roundup

Hi Ted,

I just noticed your comment and wanted to keep you folks all up-to-date.

Anissa wasn't able to travel to the show so Editor Asa Christiana will be filling in for her.

Be sure to tell him Ed said hello.

Cheers,

-Ed

Re: Splittin' Cane

Hi shrogers4:

I strongly recommend getting a hold of Hoagy B. Carmichael's book. It is very detailed! I've been reading and re-reading it for nearly 20 years now! A little on the pricey side - since I believe it's long out of print - but really well put together.

Good luck!

-Ed

Re: Make a Plane from a Kit: Brese Small Smoother - beginnings

This post was an absolute pleasure to browse through, Derek.

Many thanks,

-Ed