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Whenever I have to cut down a sheet of plywood, I reach for one of my trusty metal stud straightedges. Metal studs are available in different thicknesses for different applications. For example, [...]

Put a ton of tools up on the wall in this tool “book.” Hang 1/2“ or 3/4“ thick plywood “pages” 4“ apart on horizontal 2x4s with 3“ door hinges. Screw and glue …

Sheets of sandpaper aren’t easy to work with. It’s tempting to scrunch a sheet up so you can get a better grip, but if you do that, most of the paper gets wasted. Tame the abrasive beast by [...]

This classic Stickley ottoman oozes Craftsman style, but don’t let its simple form fool you—it packs in some great woodworking.  Project #2221 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 4 Days • Cost: [...]

After the woodworking is done, finish your project with upholstery to match. The topic of DIY upholstery interests many woodworkers, however, few have access to detailed tutorials. Tacking a [...]

This small-scale curio cabinet is the perfect size to sit on a shelf, or in a bookcase. Project #2222 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 3 Days • Cost: $200 If you’re like me, you spent your [...]

The world’s best custom-made apron is handmade by husband-and-wife team Patrick and Michelle Melchior. When I step into my shop,a few things happen each and every time — so much that they’re [...]

Requiring sawing, planning, and shaping skills, this tray is the perfect project to put hand-tool lessons to practice. Project #2220 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 1 Day • Cost: $45 This [...]

Bringing an old hand plane back to life is simple to do, and will yield a top-not tool. When I build a project, I use a variety of “fancy” tools (readers’ words, not mine). Lie-Nielsen, [...]

Tool: 9 1/4″ 36V Track Saw XSH10 Shop Now   Manufacturer: Makita MSRP: $542 As the owner of a sawmill, I have a variety of sizes of lumber that I work with regularly. Recently, as I’ve [...]

If someone walked up to me and told me I wasn’t a very smart man, I’d have a hard time arguing with them. There are often times when I do something knowing full-well that the outcome isn’t going [...]

Tool: Card Scraper and Dual-Handle Burnishers Shop Now   Manufacturer: Blue Spruce Toolworks MSRP: $21.99 The very first hand tool that I ever purchased was a set of Lie-Nielsen card [...]