North Road Wood Shop
a passion for fine wood-work
About
Jed Dixon was more than a master stair builder; he was a mentor, father, husband, and friend. Through North Road Stair Builders, he crafted intricate staircases that were both functional and works of art. His dedication to the craft and his community left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Jed's Videos
Publications
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Mark Luzio's essay pays homage to the inimitable Jed Dixon. Read more
January 02, 2025
24 Stair Building Tips From Jed Dixon
Learn expert stair building tips from Jed Dixon. Read more
November 07, 2019
A Traditional Flying Portico
Learn how Jed Dixon builds traditional flying porticos. Read more
May 23, 2017
Rules For Baluster Layout
The late Jed Dixon explains the art and science of laying out balusters. Read more
August 30, 2017
Laying Out Newel Cuts
Expert stair builder Jed Dixon breaks down his method for accurately...Read more
September 03, 2020
Custom Stairs From Stock Parts
Stair specialist Jed Dixon describes how to lay out, cut, and install... Read more
September 03, 2020
Making Lock Miters
Gary Katz explains how to make fast, strong corner joints for columns,... Read more
January 07, 2016
Installing an Over-the-Post Handrail - Part One
Simple-to-make railing stands allow accurate assembly right in position. Read more
April 01, 2006
Installing an Over-the-Post Handrail - Part Two
Simple-to-make railing stands allow accurate assembly right in position. Read more
May 01, 2006
Twenty-four Tips on Stair Building
A handsome staircase is always the glory of any home interior. It is also subject to many onerous contemporary code requirements, and requires the highest level of finish carpentry in the house. Planning ahead is all important. Read more
Posted on November 1, 2019
How I Designed and Built a Traditional Flying Portico
I recently took a little job to build a shelter over an entry door for an historical New England house. The budget was low, but the job satisfied my new motto: “Never again will I build something I didn’t design.” Read more
Posted on May 12, 2017
Turning Stair Balusters
Design, Tools, & Lathe Work. Carpenters have a responsibility—though assuredly not one with such monumental impact. Read more
Posted on June 10, 2016
Raking Cornice: Part 3
Developing and Producing Rake Crown with a Shaper and Band Saw. The most important part of carpentry is design. Read more
Posted on May 29, 2015
Sharpening Secrets
Sharpening tools properly must be one of the hardest lessons to learn in carpentry. And yet the path to success is simple. Read more
Posted on February 22, 2013
Get Your House Right
It’s easy to distinguish between a two-hundred-year-old colonial house and a modern imitation—and not just because McMansions are puffed-up and super-sized. Read more
Posted on August 26, 2011
How to Carve a Canoe Paddle in Your Spare Time
Or, What really happens during setup at JLC Live Shows. I love making things out of wood. Read more
Posted on April 1, 2011
Grinding Custom Shaper Knives
Learning to make your own tools is a step up for the serious woodworking carpenter. Read more
Posted on November 26, 2010
