HOW TO CALCULATE THE PERFECT WORKBENCH HEIGHT
Learn how to find the ideal workbench height for hand tools, joinery, assembly, and more. Discover practical tips, testing methods, and solutions for any workspace.
DO YOU NEED A SAWBENCH?
Every woodworker knows they need a workbench. We’ve made plenty of workbench-related tutorials—you can find those on Youtube. But do you also need a saw bench, or two? I think so—and that’s what this article is about.
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.
DO YOU NEED A WOOD MARKING GAUGE?
A marking gauge is a timeless woodworking tool that provides precision and repeatability that pencils and rulers alone cannot. This article explores different types of gauges—pin, knife, and disc-style—explaining their uses, proper technique, and applications for joinery, layout, and surface marking.
WHY SHARP ISN’T ALWAYS BEST - DULL CHISELS
While sharp chisels are essential for most woodworking tasks, a deliberately blunt chisel can be a surprisingly useful tool for controlled paring and shaping, especially across the grain or on end grain. This article explains how to create a crisp blunt edge, when to use it, and the advantages it offers over ultra-sharp tools in specific scenarios.
IS JAPAN SLOWLY KILLING WESTERN-STYLE SAWS?
But there’s still a great deal of confusion about how these saws work, the differences between the types available, and whether a Japanese saw is right for you. Most videos and articles focus on the benefits of these tools while largely ignoring the downsides. In this article, I want to present a clear, concise guide to the pros and cons of the three most common types of Japanese saws, so you can make an informed decision about which to try—if any at all.
THE HISTORY OF WOOD SCREWS
For thousands of years, nails were the only metal fasteners used to attach things together. In a previous article, we discussed how nail technology evolved over time—and why old-fashioned cut nails may actually work better than modern wire nails. In this article, you will learn the fascinating history of screw technology—and why screws aren’t always the best choice.
ADDRESSING THE STROPPING MYTH
Learn the truth about stropping woodworking tools—how leather, light abrasives, and proper technique can keep chisels and plane irons razor-sharp without expensive sharpening stones. This guide breaks down compounds, materials, and methods so you can sharpen faster, cheaper, and with better results.
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.
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.
BREAKING: THE USA IS SWITCHING TO METRIC!
A humorous look at America’s slow shift to the metric system, showing how the U.S. already uses metric in everyday life more than most people think.
THE TRUTH ABOUT 2X4S: HOW BIG LUMBER IS RIPPING YOU OFF
Historically, 2x4s were closer to their nominal dimensions, but inconsistencies and industrialization led mills to adopt standardized sizes. Today, drying and planing reduce a board’s dimensions to roughly 1½" × 3½", a practice known as nominal sizing, which prioritizes uniformity and profit over true measurements.
THE GREAT SCREWDRIVER WARS
It’s been more than 200 years since Canada and the United States fought a war against each other, and if it ever happens again, it won’t be over important issues like who has the best pancakes or the best version of Chris Farley. It will be over something that has divided not just North America, but the entire world for over a century: Which screwdriver is best—the Canadian Robertson head, or the American Phillips head?
THIS SIMPLE WOOD FINISH WILL SAVE YOU DAYS OF SHOP TIME! (SHELLAC)
For centuries, shellac was widely considered the best wood finish in the world. Then, modern finish manufacturers convinced us that shellac was old-fashioned. “That’s what your grandfather used! The modern woodworker uses polyurethane!”
A FORGOTTEN TECHNOLOGY FROM THE OLD DAYS OF WOODWORKING!
Many people believe the absence of nails is a sign of good craftsmanship. And I can't say I blame them because they don't make nails like the used to. The modern nail isn’t designed for performance, it's designed for price. They are cheap to make. In this article I'll remind you of the little known, and I think very interesting features that make cut nails superior to wire nails, and perhaps a better choice for your next project.
AN ANCIENT WOOD FINISH FORMULA THAT CAN NOT BE MESSED UP!
Wood finishing can be a very intimidating subject for a lot of woodworkers, and I am often asked if there is a simple, effective finish that can't be messed up, doesn't take a lot of time, doesn't cost as much as the wood itself, and which looks great to the eye and is pleasing to the touch.