WOOD GRAVY: THE BEST WOOD FINISH EVER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WOOD GRAVY: THE BEST WOOD FINISH EVER

Learn how to use “wood gravy” to fill open grain and create a glass-smooth finish on hardwoods. A simple wet-sanding technique that upgrades any woodworking project.

Read More
FIGURE-8 TABLE TOP BRACKETS THE RIGHT WAY
James Hamilton James Hamilton

FIGURE-8 TABLE TOP BRACKETS THE RIGHT WAY

Learn how to correctly install figure-8 fasteners for table tops, prevent cracking from wood movement, and explore reliable alternatives like Z-clips and wooden brackets.

Read More
WHY YOU NEED A VERNIER SCALE
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WHY YOU NEED A VERNIER SCALE

A vernier caliper may look intimidating, but once you shift from fractions to decimals, it becomes one of the most precise measuring tools in the shop. With a little practice, you’ll be able to read measurements down to thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter with total confidence.

Read More
IS THIS DOWEL JOINT A GAME CHANGER?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

IS THIS DOWEL JOINT A GAME CHANGER?

Is the viral pinned dowel joint genius or gimmick? Learn the truth about its strength, looks, and whether it’s worth using beyond social media clickbait.

Read More
HOW TO RIP CUT WITH A BAND SAW
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO RIP CUT WITH A BAND SAW

Learn why ripping on a band saw can be safer and smarter than using a table saw. Get pro tips on blades, setup, and cutting technique for clean results.

Read More
THE OIL FINISHES SCAM
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE OIL FINISHES SCAM

Discover the truth behind tung and Danish oils—most are overpriced blends. Learn how to make your own pro-grade wood finish and save big.

Read More
HOW TO MAKE CAULK & ADHESIVE LAST FOREVER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO MAKE CAULK & ADHESIVE LAST FOREVER

Stop wasting half-used tubes of caulk! These two airtight sealing tricks—a glove finger sleeve and a hot glue cap—keep your caulk or adhesive fresh for months, ready for the next job.

Read More
THE MISUNDERSTOOD BANDSAW FOOT BREAK
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE MISUNDERSTOOD BANDSAW FOOT BREAK

Learn why some bandsaws feature a mechanical foot brake and how it improves safety and convenience in the shop. Discover how a foot brake lets you stop the blade instantly and maintain full control while cutting.

Read More
RED VS WHITE OAK - IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

RED VS WHITE OAK - IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES

Red oak and white oak may look similar, but their differences can make or break your project. This guide cuts through the confusion with simple, woodworker-focused advice on how to tell them apart and when to use each.

Read More
ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
James Hamilton James Hamilton

ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Router bushings and bearing-guided bits may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. This guide explains when to use each one—so your mortises, templates, and flush trims come out accurate, clean, and safe.

Read More
HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER

A plunge router isn’t just a fixed-base router that moves up and down—it’s a precision machine packed with features that can transform your woodworking. Learn how to master its depth stop, micro-adjustments, and setup tricks for cleaner cuts, safer mortises, and flawless inlays.

Read More
WHAT’S THE LITTLE DIAL ON YOUR SANDER FOR?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WHAT’S THE LITTLE DIAL ON YOUR SANDER FOR?

Sanding speed can make the difference between a flawless surface and ugly pigtail scratches. This guide explains how to balance sander RPMs with hand movement for smoother, cleaner results every time.

Read More
THE CHALLENGES OF MIXING WOOD FINISHES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE CHALLENGES OF MIXING WOOD FINISHES

Mixing wood finishes doesn’t have to be a gamble—this guide breaks down which oils, polys, shellacs, and waxes play well together (and which don’t). With clear rules and pro tips, you’ll avoid sticky disasters and get the finish you actually want.

Read More
EDGE BANDING PLYWOOD
James Hamilton James Hamilton

EDGE BANDING PLYWOOD

Edge banding doesn’t have to be frustrating—these pro tips will help you choose the right banding, apply it cleanly, and finish it smooth. From preventing “creeping” to trimming and filing, you’ll save time and get professional-looking edges every time.

Read More
A SIMPLE TRICK FOR MAKING ARCS EASIER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

A SIMPLE TRICK FOR MAKING ARCS EASIER

Learn how to make and use bow arcs for woodworking. These simple tools, crafted from hardwood and string, allow you to trace symmetrical and asymmetrical curves effortlessly, improving accuracy and efficiency in your projects.

Read More
WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?

The biscuit joiner may not add brute strength like a Domino or dowels, but it’s a game-changer for fast, frustration-free glue-ups. If you find a good one at a yard sale, grab it—you’ll thank yourself during your next big panel or cabinet project.

Read More