TIPS TO FIX COMMON THICKNESS PLANER PROBLEMS
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

TIPS TO FIX COMMON THICKNESS PLANER PROBLEMS

Most thickness planer problems—slipping rollers, snipe, and dull blades—aren’t flaws in the machine, but issues with setup and maintenance. With a few simple fixes, you can get cleaner cuts, smoother feeding, longer knife life, and a planer that’s far more enjoyable to use.

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CLEVER TRICKS WITH FORSTNER BITS
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

CLEVER TRICKS WITH FORSTNER BITS

Forstner bits can drill incredibly clean, precise holes—but only if you control heat, speed, and chip buildup. Learn how rim styles, drilling techniques, and a few simple tricks can dramatically improve accuracy, reduce tear-out, and extend the life of your bits.

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A SIMPLE TRICK FOR MAKING ARCS EASIER
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS 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.

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BONDO IS A LIFESAVER FOR WOODWORKERS!
TIPS, PROJECTS James Hamilton TIPS, PROJECTS James Hamilton

BONDO IS A LIFESAVER FOR WOODWORKERS!

Body filler isn’t just for hiding dents in old cars—it’s a versatile, affordable tool that belongs in every woodshop. From smoothing painted projects to repairing templates and jigs, this underrated material can save the day when nothing else will do.

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BEST TIPS FOR PARALLEL CLAMP MAINTENANCE
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

BEST TIPS FOR PARALLEL CLAMP MAINTENANCE

Parallel clamps are amazing tools—but dried glue on the bars can make them slip, bind, and lose their grip. With the right cleaning methods and simple preventative steps, you can restore them to full strength and keep them working flawlessly for years.

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ARE YOU CLEANING YOUR DUST COLLECTOR FILTER WRONG?
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

ARE YOU CLEANING YOUR DUST COLLECTOR FILTER WRONG?

One question I see from time to time really perplexes me. Not because people ask it—that makes perfect sense. I actually find it confusing myself. What I don’t understand is why some filters come with internal agitators for cleaning. This just seems like a bad idea.

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CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE BUYING TURNING TOOLS
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE BUYING TURNING TOOLS

Discover the real differences between carbide and traditional woodturning tools, including ease of use, performance, and overall cost. A clear, updated guide to help beginners and hobbyists choose the best turning tools for their goals.

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HAMMERS AND MALLETS WOODWORKERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

HAMMERS AND MALLETS WOODWORKERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Choosing the right hammer or mallet for the task can make woodworking safer, more precise, and more efficient. From cross-peen and ball-peen hammers to dead-blow, lump, and brass mallets, each tool has unique uses that every woodworker should understand.

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WHY I DON’T USE GORILLA GLUE
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

WHY I DON’T USE GORILLA GLUE

Learn which woodworking glue to use and why with this complete guide to PVA, hide glue, epoxy, CA glue, and specialty adhesives. Discover how each glue performs, when to use it, and how to avoid common bonding mistakes in your projects.

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DUST COLLECTION DUCT WORK: WHY SIZE MATTERS
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

DUST COLLECTION DUCT WORK: WHY SIZE MATTERS

Learn how to size dust collection ducts and hoses for your workshop by balancing airflow volume, velocity, resistance, and pressure. Maximize efficiency and minimize clogs with the right setup for your dust collector or shop vacuum.

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I FIGURED OUT HOW TO NEVER PAY FOR WOOD AGAIN
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

I FIGURED OUT HOW TO NEVER PAY FOR WOOD AGAIN

Woodworking doesn’t have to break the bank—there are countless ways to find low-cost or even free lumber, from firewood and pallets to yard sales and local sawyers. With a little effort and creativity, you can score high-quality wood while saving money for your next project.

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COMMON WORKSHOP DUST COLLECTION MISTAKES
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

COMMON WORKSHOP DUST COLLECTION MISTAKES

Many woodworkers waste time and money on ineffective dust collection systems. From shop vacs to ductwork mistakes, using the right equipment and setup is essential for clean air, safety, and efficient chip collection.

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ELECTRIC HAND PLANERS: TIPS AND TRICKS
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

ELECTRIC HAND PLANERS: TIPS AND TRICKS

I often find myself surprised by the popularity of electric hand planers. Growing up, I only saw these tools used for specific tasks like installing doors or during rough home remodeling...

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