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.
CHOOSING A TABLE SAW
Confused about which table saw to buy? Learn the differences between portable, contractor, hybrid, and cabinet saws, including pros, cons, and expert tips to pick the right saw for your shop and budget.
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.
BREAKING: THE USA IS SWITCHING TO METRIC!
A humorous look at America’s slow shift to the metric system, showing how the U.S. already uses metric in everyday life more than most people think.
THE SECRET TO SILKY SMOOTH FINISHES
Learn how to sand between coats for a smooth, professional wood finish. Discover tips for handling raised fibers, dust nibs, shrinkage, and solvents to achieve a flawless result.
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.
DUST COLLECTION DUCT WORK: WHY SIZE MATTERS
Learn how to size dust collection ducts and hoses for your workshop by balancing airflow volume, velocity, resistance, and pressure. Maximize efficiency and minimize clogs with the right setup for your dust collector or shop vacuum.
THE THIN KERF DEBATE: A WOODWORKER’S PERSPECTIVE
Nowadays, like anything else, people love to argue about the pros and cons of blade thicknesses. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there—whether you should even be using thin kerf blades, and whether the wrong blade choice can make your table saw more dangerous.
A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO SHARPEN TOOLS
Stop struggling with dull chisels—this drill-press method sharpens them in under a minute using acrylic discs, a simple jig, and Cubitron sandpaper. Fast, efficient, and precise, it keeps your tools razor-sharp so you can get back to woodworking without delays.
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.
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.
COMMON WORKSHOP DUST COLLECTION MISTAKES
Many woodworkers waste time and money on ineffective dust collection systems. From shop vacs to ductwork mistakes, using the right equipment and setup is essential for clean air, safety, and efficient chip collection.
THE TRUTH ABOUT 2X4S: HOW BIG LUMBER IS RIPPING YOU OFF
Historically, 2x4s were closer to their nominal dimensions, but inconsistencies and industrialization led mills to adopt standardized sizes. Today, drying and planing reduce a board’s dimensions to roughly 1½" × 3½", a practice known as nominal sizing, which prioritizes uniformity and profit over true measurements.
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…