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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WHY I DON’T USE GORILLA GLUE
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WHY I DON’T USE GORILLA GLUE

Learn which woodworking glue to use and why with this complete guide to PVA, hide glue, epoxy, CA glue, and specialty adhesives. Discover how each glue performs, when to use it, and how to avoid common bonding mistakes in your projects.

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THE ONLY 3 BANDSAW BLADES YOU NEED
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE ONLY 3 BANDSAW BLADES YOU NEED

Learn how to choose the right bandsaw blade with this simplified guide covering blade width, steel types, tooth geometry, and the best all-purpose recommendations for woodworking. Cut cleaner, straighter, and smoother with the right blade for your projects.

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HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE AN IDIOT
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE AN IDIOT

Learn how to read a measuring tape the right way, from understanding the moving hook to identifying fractions by line length. This clear, beginner-friendly guide teaches the essential measuring skills every woodworker and DIYer should know.

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WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!

Discover how to create the Triple-Castle Joint—an elegant, ultra-strong woodworking joint made from three identical pieces and four simple cuts. This step-by-step guide covers layout, hand-sawing tips, assembly, and finishing for a stunning joinery project.

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THE FORGOTTEN HISTORY BEHIND JAPANESE CHISELS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE FORGOTTEN HISTORY BEHIND JAPANESE CHISELS

Discover the history, technology, and craftsmanship behind Japanese woodworking chisels—from samurai sword origins to laminated steel, hollow backs, and traditional handles. Learn what makes these tools unique and whether they deserve a place in your workshop.

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HOW TO BEND 3/4” PLYWOOD
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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THE HISTORY OF SANDPAPER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE HISTORY OF SANDPAPER

Discover the real history of sanding, from ancient Egyptian abrasives to sharkskin and early sandpaper used by master woodworkers. Learn why sanding is a time-honored technique—and why traditional craftsmen would have loved today’s premium sandpapers.

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HOW SIMPLE WOOD SCREWS ARE NO LONGER THE SAME
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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WILL A CHEAP 2X6 PINE WORKBENCH LAST?
James Hamilton 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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CHOOSING A TABLE SAW
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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JOINTER VS PLANER VS SANDER - WHERE SHOULD YOU START?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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THE SECRET TO SILKY SMOOTH FINISHES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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DUST COLLECTION DUCT WORK: WHY SIZE MATTERS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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THE THIN KERF DEBATE: A WOODWORKER’S PERSPECTIVE
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO SHARPEN TOOLS
James Hamilton James Hamilton

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.

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