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 [...]

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 [...]

Shenandoah Toolworks Birdcage Awl

Tool: Birdcage Awl Shop Now  Manufacturer: Shenandoah Toolworks MSRP: $59.99 If you’re in the market for a birdcage awl, this Shenandoah Tool Works version offers a stylish twist – that is, [...]

Knew Concepts Titanium Fretsaw Review

The truss system of the spine looks curious, but it works gangbusters. Tool: 5″ Titanium Birdcage Fret Saw Shop Now  Manufacturer: Knew Concepts MSRP: $235 (includes saw and Pegas #7 [...]

Ray Iles Large Drawknife Tool Review

Tool: 8″ Drawknife Shop Now  Manufacturer: Ray Iles MSRP: $88.45 In October of 2017, I took a chairmaking class with Larry Barrett, a student of Jennie Alexander’s who has built on the [...]

Build A Bench Hook

The single most important hand-tool appliance is 3 sticks of wood. Owning a backsaw without owning a bench hook is like riding a bicycle without handlebars. This simple hand-tool appliance (three [...]

The Real Truth About Block Planes

Armed with a little trickery, you can make the block plane perform a wide variety of tasks. Hang around enough woodshops (or Internet discussion groups) with a block plane in your hand and you’ll [...]

Why I Adore My Machines

Grab your torch and pitchfork; the hand-tool guy has a table saw. Editor’s note: this article appeared in the November 2016 issue of Popular Woodworking People react with shock and horror [...]

Start typing and press Enter to search