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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HOW TO MAKE RAISED PANELS WITHOUT EXPENSIVE TOOLS
Raised panels are a fundamental part of cabinets and furniture. If you're into woodworking, you'll eventually need to make them—and when you do, you’ll be bombarded with videos and articles that demonstrate all sorts of methods using tools you probably don’t have. In this article, I’m going to walk you through how to make raised panels quickly, easily, and safely with just a regular straight router bit.
A FINISH DURABLE ENOUGH FOR A WOODEN COUNTERTOP
In this article, I’m tackling one of the most common questions viewers ask: How do you choose and apply a durable finish for wooden countertops?
VENEERING BASICS FOR THE WEEKEND WOODWORKER
Veneering isn’t just for pros—it’s an approachable, game-changing technique that can elevate even small woodworking projects. From contact cement to vacuum pressing, this guide breaks down three practical methods to help you achieve clean, stable, professional-looking panels.
HOW TO SAFELY AGE HINGES AND HARDWARE
Cheap hardware-store hinges can look and function like premium hardware with a few simple fixes and aging techniques. This guide shows how to tighten loose barrels and apply three different patina methods—from natural aging to fast chemical finishes—for a custom, vintage look.
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.
DON’T THROW THAT UGLY WOOD OUT!
With clever techniques like book-matching, veneering, and using plywood backers, even flawed or sapwood-heavy lumber can be transformed into stunning furniture panels. This article shows practical tips for making the most of every board, creating balanced and eye-catching designs from pieces many woodworkers might discard.
WHEN A KNIFE IS BETTER THAN A PENCIL
Choosing the right marking tool can make a huge difference in woodworking accuracy and efficiency. This article explains when to use pencils, mechanical pencils, marking knives, and marking gauges, with practical tips for selecting the proper tool for rough layout, precise joinery, and everything in between.
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.
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.
READ THIS BEFORE USING OIL-BASED POLY FINISHES!
Today, I want to talk about oil-based polyurethane. It’s a very durable finish that’s well-suited for both indoor and some outdoor projects. It’s not difficult to apply, but I think my method will give you the best results.
ROUGH SAWN BOARDS AND THE TABLE SAW
I’ve cut rough boards on the table saw before, and I still have my fingers. I know many of you have gotten away with it, too. Not every rough-sawn board is equally dangerous. There are levels of roughness. A board that’s a little woogedy presents far less risk than one with a big twist in it. So keep things in perspective as we proceed.
SAND LIKE A PRO
Sanding can make or break your project, as much as the joinery or the finish. And there’s a lot to learn if you want to get the best results. This post will cover everything you need to know—from what grits to use, to improving your technique—along with a few things that other videos and articles neglect to tell you. Stick with me until the end—you’re definitely going to learn something new!
WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!
I love interesting joinery. The right joint can be incredibly strong, but it can also be beautiful in and of itself. I think this joint is a perfect example. I call it the Triple-Castle Joint. If I were a gamer, I might call it the Tri-Force Joint. I have no idea who first came up with it, but I love the complexity—at least the perceived complexity. While this joint looks like a puzzle of mortises and tenons that would be frustratingly difficult to cut, it’s actually made from…
HOW TO BEND 3/4” PLYWOOD
In this post, I’ll share the lessons we learned along the way, including how to bend plywood, edge band around a curve, and a few other skills you might want to apply to a future project of your own.