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.
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.
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 SPALTED WOOD DANGEROUS?
Spalted maple is beautifully patterned wood created by fungal activity, prized for its striking black lines and unique coloration, but it can be soft, unstable, and tricky to work with. With careful selection and attention to grain, sanding, and cutting, you can use it to create stunning projects like dovetailed drawers and decorative panels.
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.
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.
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.
HOW TO BEND 3/4” PLYWOOD
Learn how to kerf-bend plywood to create strong, smooth arches for cabinetry and built-ins. This guide covers kerf spacing, grain orientation, bending forms, glue-ups, smoothing techniques, and expert tips for achieving clean, professional curved woodwork.
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.
WILL A CHEAP 2X6 PINE WORKBENCH LAST?
Eight years later, a recycled-construction-lumber workbench is still rock solid thanks to clever layered joinery and bone-dry salvaged wood. While a few vise placements and design choices could be improved, the bench has proven that you don’t need expensive hardwoods to build a durable, high-quality workbench.
THE CLEVER 10-SECOND WOODWORKING TRICK I USE TO IMPRESS PEOPLE
Learn an easy and reliable technique to make precise end, cross, and angled lap joints for your woodworking projects. Using a shim and stop block method ensures a perfect fit every time, whether on a table saw or router table.
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.
CASE HARDENING: THE SCOURGE OF WOODWORKING
Case hardening happens when lumber is dried too quickly, creating internal stress that causes boards to warp, pinch, or even crack once cut. Learn how to spot this hidden defect before it ruins your wood — and how to handle it if you find it.
UNDERSTANDING AIR-DRIED VS. KILN-DRIED LUMBER
When it comes to woodworking, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right lumber for your project. But how dry does it really have to be? And can you trust lumber that you've cut and dried yourself?