The Core Power Tools
What tools do you need to start your woodworking journey? “What tools should I buy first?” is one of the more common questions I get from friends who are getting started woodworking. [...]
The Core Hand Tools
For the cost of one large piece of machinery, you can set up a complete shop with hand tools. Here's what you need to get started.
How to Cut Dovetails by Hand
The right techniques and tools (plus a few tricks) will give you a good start on mastering this fine traditional joint. Dovetails have long been recognized as the premier joint for casework and [...]
Spoon Carving
This kitchen workhorse presents a surprising and rewarding challenge. A wooden spoon – you can get one for a dollar in many places. It’s just a stick with a hollow shaped at one end. Why go to [...]
Table Saw Basics
Hey! In our last episode of I Can Do That, we introduced the table saw. This time, we’re covering three table saw basics that will take your woodworking to the next level. We start by [...]
Measuring Marking and Layout Essentials
Double-check your tools, your technique, and your thinking. One of the most important skills in woodworking is rarely discussed or considered as a thing that needs to be learned or practiced. The [...]
Wood Finishing Basics
Understand the fundamentals. A wood finish is a clear, transparent coating applied to wood to protect it from moisture and to make it look richer and deeper. This differs from paint, which is a [...]
Handplanes for Beginners
Once you understand the anatomy of a handplane, you’ll be well on your way to using it with success. [View the full-size exploded view of a handplane here] Handplanes are the king of woodworking [...]
Woodworking Safety 101
Seasoned professionals also benefit from woodworking safety. Regardless of your experience level, it never hurts to review the basics. In fact, I believe there are a number of standard safety [...]
Welcome to Basics Week
A near-universal truth about woodworkers is that they’re always working to improve their craft and expand their skills. That goes for the authors and editors here at Popular Woodworking as [...]
Dan Dragon’s Torii Table Part 3: Legs, Stretchers and Panels.
After portioning out some of the Paulownia logs into smaller units Dan set up his lathe and began the turning process (read about the genesis of this great project here: part 1, part 2). He [...]
Long Tool Rest
For turning spindles, there’s nothing like having a really long tool rest. You never have to move it! I made my own with parts from the hardware store. This rest is just a length of square steel [...]