HOW TO MAKE RAISED PANELS WITHOUT EXPENSIVE TOOLS
ROUTERS James Hamilton ROUTERS 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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VENEERING BASICS FOR THE WEEKEND WOODWORKER
PROJECTS James Hamilton PROJECTS James Hamilton

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.

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WHEN A KNIFE IS BETTER THAN A PENCIL
PROJECTS James Hamilton PROJECTS James Hamilton

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.

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LOOSE-TENON JOINERY WITHOUT A FESTOOL DOMINO
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY 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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JOINERY LESSONS FROM THE DOUBLE BRIDLE JOINT
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

JOINERY LESSONS FROM THE DOUBLE BRIDLE JOINT

The double bridle joint is a great way to practice precise, repeatable joinery on the table saw, and it teaches you how to sneak up on a perfect fit instead of relying solely on pencil lines. With a simple tenon jig and the right blade, you can create a strong, attractive joint that’s customizable and clean.

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WILL A CHEAP 2X6 PINE WORKBENCH LAST?
PROJECTS James Hamilton PROJECTS James Hamilton

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.

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INDESTRUCTIBLE: I have NEVER seen a box made like this before
JOINERY James Hamilton JOINERY James Hamilton

INDESTRUCTIBLE: I have NEVER seen a box made like this before

This box features a one-of-a-kind “impossible dovetail joint” that cannot be assembled or disassembled conventionally, inspired by centuries-old German log cabin joinery. Its creation required careful planning, compound-angle cutting, and meticulous assembly, making it both a technical challenge and a unique conversation piece.

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I FIGURED OUT HOW TO NEVER PAY FOR WOOD AGAIN
TIPS James Hamilton TIPS James Hamilton

I FIGURED OUT HOW TO NEVER PAY FOR WOOD AGAIN

Woodworking doesn’t have to break the bank—there are countless ways to find low-cost or even free lumber, from firewood and pallets to yard sales and local sawyers. With a little effort and creativity, you can score high-quality wood while saving money for your next project.

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THE BEST ROUTER TRICK I KNOW - MAKING PICTURE FRAMES WITH REGULAR ROUTER BITS
PROJECTS, ROUTERS James Hamilton PROJECTS, ROUTERS 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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UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR BANDSAW
SAWS James Hamilton SAWS James Hamilton

UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF YOUR BANDSAW

For years, I thought I had the bandsaw figured out. My method was straightforward: cut as close to the lines as possible and then rely on sanding to clean up the edges. It worked, but it was labor-intensive, generating a lot of dust and requiring significant effort. It wasn’t until I discovered a new technique for steering the blade that I realized I had been missing out on the bandsaw's true potential.

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