In this week’s episode, watch . . . a simple and effective way to make your own construction wedges; a rant about the sorry state of manual common sense in the world; a tour of some old tools and a century-old metal name stamp
Continue ReadingHOW TO INSTALL TRIM Q&A: “Should I Trust My Contractor’s Advice?”
Q: What should I think of a contractor who wants to fasten 8” wide Douglas fir exterior window trim using stainless steel screws? Not the nicest look in my opinion. He also wants to do the same thing with interior […]
Continue ReadingGAP-FREE WOODWORKING JOINTS: Simple Trick Makes It Easy
Sometimes a little woodworking trick can deliver a lot of value. That’s the case with an operation called “kerfing”. Click below to watch how I use kerfing to tighten up a visible joint that’s got more of a gap than […]
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.
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QUARTERSAWN 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 […]
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 ReadingCLASSIC KITCHEN CABINETS: Learn How To Build Your Own
If you’re interested in saving tons of money building great kitchen cabinets, built-ins or a bathroom vanity, all while working in your garage or basement, then I’ve got some specific things to show you. In fact, I’ve already started showing people how to build cabinets like the ones you see here.
Continue ReadingTHICKNESS PLANERS: Tips for Choosing & Using One
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man and a tool master, discusses the thickness planers woodworking power tool.
Continue ReadingBUILDING A TABLETOP: Tricks for Getting It Really Right
Building a table is one of the most deceptively simple woodworking projects going. What could be easier than gluing up a few boards and applying a finish, right? But reality is often surprising, because building a top for that table […]
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