Popular Woodworking 2006-06 № 155, страница 89

of Mehler's 30' x 40' shop is a jointer, mortiser, sliding table saw and shaper, all in one. He also has a Felder AD741 jointer/planer, a Felder KF700 sliding table saw/shaper and a Felder FD250 mortiser, as well as a Laguna 16" HD band saw, a 24" Mini Max band saw and an Oliver jointer, among other machines.

Off the back of the ground floor is a16' x 16' shed full of lumber Mehler has acquired from a number of sources. Students can purchase from the shed, or supply their own stock.

Developing good wood sources and a keen eye for wood selection are lessons Mehler is eager to pass on to all his students, and it's something he's known for in his own work as well. "I've learned to seek out quality logs and have them sawn, then I keep the whole log and let it air dry," he said. When he builds a piece of furniture, he uses boards from the same log to achieve striking unity in the bookmatched tops, drawer fronts and even the interiors.

The second floor of the school is dedicated to workbenches, hand tools and a few small

machines. There's also a sink/sharpening station, and a separate office/lunch room/library, from which students can borrow books overnight. A 12' x 12' deck affords the opportunity to do handwork outside on balmy days.

And while Mehler is a table saw expert and has a large collection of power equipment, he stre s ses the importance of learning hand tool techniques as well. "It's often easier and more effective to use a hand tool than to set up a machine; you have to balance it out."

Mehler has achieved balance in his own life as well. Instead of creating custom pieces for others, he's finally outfitting his own house. Going to work in the morning means a stroll through the bucolic yard at the base of an Appalachian foothill. "It's a nice combination of loving my work, and working where I live," he said. "I am able to meet and work with wonderful people who come here eager to learn. I can't ask for more than that!"

For more information and to register, visit kellymehler.com or call 859-986-5540. PW

This 16' x 16' lumber shed is easily accessible from both inside and outside the ground floor of the shop.

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