When Anne and Fritz Kettling decided to build their dream home on an island in Canada, they weren’t willing to compromise. “If I can’t build on this spot, I don’t want to build at all”, Fritz told someone who was […]
Continue ReadingEDGE-GLUING SOLID WOOD: Three steps for success in the home workshop
Gluing boards edge-to-edge to make wider pieces is an essential woodworking skill. Learn these three tips for getting this job done right.
Continue ReadingQUALITY & MORALITY: Build Unto Others As You Would Have Them Build for You
If you do anything at all creative with your hands, you need to understand an idea I call “the challenge of a thousand decisions”. From moment to creative moment we’re all faced with decisions – many of them small – […]
Continue ReadingTHREE READER Q&As: Furnace Room Ventilation, Insulating Exterior Walls, The Truth About Basement Walls
In this edition of Maxwell’s Tips, Steve explains furnace room ventilation, insulating exterior walls and the truth about basement walls.
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Got a Question for Steve?
STAIR TREAD TRICK: See Simple Jig on Video
Are you building or renovating stairs? Do you need to precisely fit pieces of wood between two fixed surfaces? You’ve got to watch this video. It’s the first I ever posted online, it’s been public since November 28, 2008 and it’s […]
Continue ReadingQUARTERSAWN LUMBER: Why Woodworkers Should Be Looking At The Ends of Boards
UPDATED 26Sep2018: I’ve noticed that most woodworkers start assessing a board by looking at its face. But if this is where your investigations end, you’re missing out on insights that can lead to a lot of creative control and better […]
Continue ReadingSOFFIT & FASCIA: How-To Installation Your Own Aluminum Soffit & Fascia
Got some soffit and fascia to install on your home, garage or cottage? This article covers the basics for achieving an exceptionally good job, even as a non-professional
Continue ReadingBASEMENT HEATING Q&A: “Should I Move Heating Ducts to the Floor?”
A Reader Asks . . . Q: How should I arrange the heating ducts as I convert an unfinished basement space into a couple of bedrooms? Right now the heating ducts are up at the ceiling. Should I extend them […]
Continue ReadingRAISED PANELS, HAND-PLANED: Make Solid Wood Panels Without a Router
Woodworking machines are great, but there’s more of a place for hand tools than many people think. Click below to watch how I refine the bevel on the edge of raised door panels using a sharp hand plane. The results […]
Continue ReadingLILAC LESSONS: Steve’s Lilacs Finally Flourish
Sometimes the smallest things in life can make a big difference. Steve’s 20+ year struggle with failing lilacs tells the story.
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