HOW TO GET A FLAT TABLE TOP FROM CONSTRUCTION LUMBER
Learn how to choose construction lumber that stays flat by identifying straight-grain, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn sections hidden inside wide boards. This guide shows how smart wood selection—plus a simple cutting strategy—can turn inexpensive home-center pine into a long-lasting, stable tabletop.
WHY BOARDS CUP AWAY FROM THE CENTER OF A TREE
Discover a clever paper model from a 1936 issue of The Woodworker that visually explains how and why wood moves as it dries. Learn how flat-sawn, square, and quarter-sawn boards react to moisture changes so you can plan stronger, more reliable woodworking projects.
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.
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.
THE COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING OF SAFE ROUTER FEED DIRECTION
Feeding a router the wrong way can ruin your cut—or worse, be dangerous. This guide explains push cuts vs. climb cuts, when to use each, and how feed direction changes between handheld routers and router tables.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CHOOSING AND USING WOODWORKING DRILL BITS
In its simplest form, woodworking is a lot of cutting shapes and boring holes. To work at an acceptable level, you must cut and bore accurately. We've made plenty of cutting videos—but very few about boring. That changes today!
HOW PROS MAKE PINE LOOK GOOD WITH STAIN AND DYE
Learn how to prevent blotchy stains on pine and achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish. Discover expert tips using pre-stain conditioners, gel stains, and colored wax for flawless results.
BUTT JOINT VS MITER JOINT: WHICH SHOULD YOU USE?
Learn how to choose and execute miter and butt joints for large wood panels like countertops and desktops. Discover tips for handling wood movement, alignment, and fastening to create seamless, durable corner joints.
IS IT BETTER TO SAND, SCRAPE, OR PLANE WOOD?
Sanding, scraping, and planing each have strengths and trade-offs when preparing wood: sanding is the most forgiving and convenient, scraping is slightly faster but physically demanding, and planing is fast and effortless—if the wood cooperates. Choosing the right method depends on your skill level, project needs, and how much you prioritize speed, effort, and control.
HOW TO STOP WOOD PANELS FROM WARPING
If there’s one thing that’s popular in the woodworking world these days, it’s a good old-fashioned myth-busting video. Some of them are complete nonsense, of course. But this myth? It’s real: flat panels—such as table tops and cabinet tops—will warp uncontrollably if you don’t cut them into narrow pieces, flip every other board to alternate the grain direction, and then glue them back together.
HOW TO GROUND YOUR DUST COLLECTION
So in this article, I will teach you how to ground a PVC dust collection system properly, including answering some of the most common questions people have—such as how to address your flex hose, whether to run wire inside or outside the ductwork, and how to get that charge from the pipes and hoses into the physical ground.
WHY A LOT OF TOOL STEEL IS BAD
Discover whether antique chisels truly outperform modern tools as we explore the evolution of western tool steel—from bloomeries and blister steel to crucible steel and today’s advanced alloys. Learn why modern chisels often deliver better performance, sharper edges, and greater reliability than vintage favorites.
HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE AN IDIOT
Learn how to read a measuring tape the right way, from understanding the moving hook to identifying fractions by line length. This clear, beginner-friendly guide teaches the essential measuring skills every woodworker and DIYer should know.
THE FORGOTTEN HISTORY BEHIND JAPANESE CHISELS
Discover the history, technology, and craftsmanship behind Japanese woodworking chisels—from samurai sword origins to laminated steel, hollow backs, and traditional handles. Learn what makes these tools unique and whether they deserve a place in your workshop.
THE HISTORY OF SANDPAPER
Discover the real history of sanding, from ancient Egyptian abrasives to sharkskin and early sandpaper used by master woodworkers. Learn why sanding is a time-honored technique—and why traditional craftsmen would have loved today’s premium sandpapers.
HOW SIMPLE WOOD SCREWS ARE NO LONGER THE SAME
Discover how drywall, Spax, and GRK screws perform in hardwood projects. Learn which screw features—serrated threads, fluted tips, and head geometry—improve grip and prevent splitting for stronger, cleaner joints.
JOINTER VS PLANER VS SANDER - WHERE SHOULD YOU START?
Not sure whether to buy a jointer, planer, or drum sander first? This guide explains their roles, differences, and which tool to prioritize so you can flatten, thickness, and smooth boards effectively without wasting money or effort.
THE TRUTH ABOUT MDF WILL MAKE YOU THINK TWICE!
Discover the benefits and proper uses of MDF in woodworking. Learn why this stable, paintable material is ideal for panels, built-ins, and veneered furniture when handled correctly.
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.
THE THIN KERF DEBATE: A WOODWORKER’S PERSPECTIVE
Nowadays, like anything else, people love to argue about the pros and cons of blade thicknesses. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there—whether you should even be using thin kerf blades, and whether the wrong blade choice can make your table saw more dangerous.