STRONGER CABINET FACE FRAME JOINERY
Choosing the right joinery—from mortise and tenon to no-joinery—depends on your cabinet’s size, load, and how much reinforcement the frame needs.
CAN THE WRONG FINISH RUIN A WORKBENCH?
Wondering what finish to use on a woodworking bench top? Learn why wax finishes can be a mistake and why a light oil or oil-varnish blend offers better grip, function, and long-term usability.
HOW TO MAKE T-TRACK OUT OF WOOD
T-track is incredibly useful for jigs and fixtures—but buying aluminum track can get expensive fast. This guide shows how to make durable wooden T-track with two router bits, saving you serious money without sacrificing functionality.
TRACE COATING - A WOOD FINISHING STEP YOU SHOULD DO!
Trace-coating is a simple trick that exposes glue spots, sanding swirls, and hidden flaws before your finish makes them permanent. By applying a thin, temporary coat of stain or colored water and sanding it back, you can fix problems early and end up with a cleaner, more professional-looking finish.
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.
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 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.
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.
WILL CLEAR VARNISH CHANGE WOOD’S COLOR?
Some argue that wood finishes actually alter the appearance of natural wood by adding a yellow or amber hue. A piece of maple, for example, might be nearly white when bare, but depending on the finish you apply, it can turn yellow or even brown.
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.
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
Do alternating growth rings really prevent table tops from warping? Learn why this common woodworking myth persists, how wood actually moves, and how proper joinery—not board orientation—is the real key to flat, stable panels.