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 ReadingSTAIR 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 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 […]
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SPADE BITS: A Simple & Undervalued Woodworking Tool
Spade bits are one of my favourites for boring large holes in wood, and they’re useful in ways that other bits aren’t. And though every hardware store in the civilized world sells spade bits, I find that few people appreciate […]
Continue ReadingWOODWORKING: 4 Most Important Air-Drying Tips for Your Next Project
Learning to dry wood is one of the most important woodworking skills. Success depends on understanding what’s going on when wood dries, and how to make it happen reliably. Every woodworker needs to know this if they want to avoid disappointment.
Continue ReadingWOOD FINISHING: How to Stain and Seal Interior Woodwork Like a Pro
Wood is a beautiful home feature, but it’s only as good as the finish that’s applied to it. And truth be told, a lot of people have trouble putting a simple, smooth, effective finish on interior wood. I know because […]
Continue ReadingDETAIL SANDERS: Tips for Using This Key Tool for Outdoor Wood Refinishing
Summer is the season you’re most likely to refinish outdoor trim, door frames, window sashes and finickity woodwork of all kinds, and detail sanders are tools I’ve come to rely on for this kind of work. Also called multitools these days because they can also cut and grind, detail sanders are not for stripping back large expanses of bare wood.
Continue ReadingQ&A: How Can I Dispose of Shavings From My Planer?
Q: I recently bought a benchtop wood planer and have been happily generating bags and bags of sawdust in my workshop. Trouble is, I just found out that my municipality doesn’t accept sawdust as garbage. How can I dispose of […]
Continue ReadingWOODWORKING TOOLS: Three Pieces of Essential Gear You’ll Love
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shares his three essential woodworking hand tools.
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