THE LIES AND CONFUSION OF TUNG OIL WOOD FINISH
Tung oil can be one of the most beautiful natural wood finishes, but marketing hype and confusing blends have misled generations of woodworkers. This guide breaks down the differences between pure and blended tung oil, how to identify what’s in your can, and how to apply it properly for the best results.
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.
THE GREAT SCREWDRIVER WARS
It’s been more than 200 years since Canada and the United States fought a war against each other, and if it ever happens again, it won’t be over important issues like who has the best pancakes or the best version of Chris Farley. It will be over something that has divided not just North America, but the entire world for over a century: Which screwdriver is best—the Canadian Robertson head, or the American Phillips head?
A FORGOTTEN TECHNOLOGY FROM THE OLD DAYS OF WOODWORKING!
Many people believe the absence of nails is a sign of good craftsmanship. And I can't say I blame them because they don't make nails like the used to. The modern nail isn’t designed for performance, it's designed for price. They are cheap to make. In this article I'll remind you of the little known, and I think very interesting features that make cut nails superior to wire nails, and perhaps a better choice for your next project.
FRENCH CLEATS - ARE THEY WORTH THE HYPE?
These days french cleats have become pretty popular among various YouTubers and in the overall maker movement. But mostly in the context of cleat walls. This is a big thing online. Folks put rows of wood strips all over their walls and make all sorts of handy tool holders that may be hung and arranged wherever they like.
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…
ELECTRIC HAND PLANERS: TIPS AND TRICKS
I often find myself surprised by the popularity of electric hand planers. Growing up, I only saw these tools used for specific tasks like installing doors or during rough home remodeling...
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.
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?
MANY WOODWORKERS USE THESE WRONG!
Do not let the fru-fru woodworking purists tell you that you can’t use biscuits, dowels, or pocket screws and still call yourself a woodworker. A good housebuilder doesn’t insist every wall be built from cut stone because not every wall needs to absorb a cannonball. The goal is to build something that is beautiful, functional, and durable. Those are the standards good woodworkers are measured by. How you achieve those standards is a personal decision.
AN ANCIENT WOOD FINISH FORMULA THAT CAN NOT BE MESSED UP!
Wood finishing can be a very intimidating subject for a lot of woodworkers, and I am often asked if there is a simple, effective finish that can't be messed up, doesn't take a lot of time, doesn't cost as much as the wood itself, and which looks great to the eye and is pleasing to the touch.