ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
James Hamilton James Hamilton

ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Router bushings and bearing-guided bits may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. This guide explains when to use each one—so your mortises, templates, and flush trims come out accurate, clean, and safe.

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HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER

A plunge router isn’t just a fixed-base router that moves up and down—it’s a precision machine packed with features that can transform your woodworking. Learn how to master its depth stop, micro-adjustments, and setup tricks for cleaner cuts, safer mortises, and flawless inlays.

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THE SECRET TO CUTTING COMPLEMENTARY CURVES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE SECRET TO CUTTING COMPLEMENTARY CURVES

Several years ago, I made a video about creating complimentary curves with a router. A lot of people were very complimentary about that video. Others, however, were a little confused. So, I’ve decided to revisit the concept from that video, showing a similar method but with readily available bits. This is such an amazing technique with so many creative uses that you’re definitely going to want to know about it.

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HOW TO MAKE RAISED PANELS WITHOUT EXPENSIVE TOOLS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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HOW LOCK MITERS CAN MAKE PROJECTS CHEAPER AND BETTER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW LOCK MITERS CAN MAKE PROJECTS CHEAPER AND BETTER

Learn how to build thick, solid-looking furniture legs from thinner stock using lock-miter joints. This guide covers grain control, safer cutting techniques, and precise assembly for professional-quality results.

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LOOSE-TENON JOINERY WITHOUT A FESTOOL DOMINO
James Hamilton James Hamilton

LOOSE-TENON JOINERY WITHOUT A FESTOOL DOMINO

Loose tenons simplify traditional mortise and tenon joinery, allowing faster, more repeatable joints without sacrificing strength. This article walks you through creating a custom mortise jig, cutting precise mortises with a router, and sizing loose tenons for a flawless fit.

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A CLEVER WAY TO MAKE BOXES, CABINETS, AND DRAWERS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

A CLEVER WAY TO MAKE BOXES, CABINETS, AND DRAWERS

The locking rabbet joint with a hidden groove creates drawers and boxes that are self-aligning, strong, and almost as durable as dovetails—without complicated setups. Using just a router and a few clever fence adjustments, you can make professional-quality cabinetry quickly and easily.

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THE BEST ROUTER TRICK I KNOW - MAKING PICTURE FRAMES WITH REGULAR ROUTER BITS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE BEST ROUTER TRICK I KNOW - MAKING PICTURE FRAMES WITH REGULAR ROUTER BITS

Router bits aren't cheap. I think that's why a lot of folks just use the same one or two profiles on every project. Those are simply the bits in their set, and they don't have the budget to buy a fancy, complex profile bit just to make one project. But early on in my woodworking career I learned a skill that saved me a lot of money…

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