Common Staining Problems and Their Fixes
The basics of staining are easy – it's when things don't go as planned that staining becomes a difficult, frustrating task. Here are ten of the most common staining problems and how you can avoid [...]
Right-Handed Tape Measure
Tool: R1 Tape Measure [Buy Now] Manufacturer: M-Power MSRP: $15.90 Have you ever noticed that the numbers on a tape measure read upside down? Think about it. If you’re right-handed, like me, you [...]
Woodworking in America: Elizabeth Spotswood Spencer
We’re interviewing makers from all 50 states. Today we’re featuring Elizabeth Spotswood Spencer, an artist from North Carolina. How did you get started woodworking? Who were your mentors? While [...]
Zeda’s Nails
Years ago, I made a corner cupboard from black walnut. I thought the wood was magnificent, but a can of rusty cut nails I used in building it proved to be far more important, taking me on an [...]
Industrial-style Bookcase: The Metalwork
Bending steel with only a grinder and a cutoff wheel to turn scrap into style. If you have made it to this article, you must be interested in learning a new trade! So let me be the first to say, [...]
Concrete & Walnut Coffee Table
Add GFRC to your furniture-making arsenal. I’ve always loved aircraft-inspired design. There’s just something about an everyday item inspired by a plane that evokes a sense of wanderlust in me, [...]
Take Control of Wood Dust
Sponsored by Oneida Air Systems 2020 has many of us spending more time than ever in the workshop. Whether it’s sketching out your newest build or taking the next steps towards finishing a piece, [...]
Alphabet Puzzle
Dado a few sticks, then practice your ABCs. Think twice before you take this puzzle apart. It has six faces, each face has nine squares and each square is lettered. That’s two complete alphabets [...]
Slicker Saw
I often lubricate the soles of my planes with paraffin wax to make them slide easier. While ripping a board that was insistent on pinching just enough to make sawing difficult, it occurred to me [...]
Silky-Smooth Rub-Out Finish with Varnish
Three quick steps to a silky-smooth finish. Brushed-on finishes such as varnish provide superior protection, but they dry so slowly, airborne dust and renegade hairs are almost sure to settle on [...]
Wiggle-Free Guide Bars
Tool: ZEROPLAY Miter Bars [Buy Now] Manufacturer: Microjig MSRP: $35.95 A crosscut sled is one of the handiest jigs you can build for your tablesaw, but making the runners is fussy work. They [...]
How to Install Knife Hinges
They’re a sure sign of good craftsmanship, but are almost invisible. Small and discreet, knife hinges lend a tidy, refined look to your project. They’re ideal for a small cabinet if you want the [...]