ADDRESSING THE STROPPING MYTH
There is so much misinformation out there about stropping your woodworking tools, even I was confused for a long time. Does stropping make tools sharper? Is it necessary for woodworkers? Will soft leather round over the edge? Why not use MDF instead? What about charging strops with paste?
In this post, I’ll try to cut through the nonsense and answer those questions so you can get the edge you need with minimal expense and hassle.
SAND LIKE A PRO
Sanding can make or break your project, as much as the joinery or the finish. And there’s a lot to learn if you want to get the best results. This post will cover everything you need to know—from what grits to use, to improving your technique—along with a few things that other videos and articles neglect to tell you. Stick with me until the end—you’re definitely going to learn something new!
WHY A LOT OF TOOL STEEL IS BAD
At some point, every woodworker is confronted with the argument that old tools—particularly chisels—are superior to new ones. It's not uncommon for some to pay more for an antique chisel than for a new, high-quality one. But is it true? Are these old tools, made in an era when quality was prioritized over cost, truly better than most modern chisels?
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.
WHY I DON’T USE GORILLA GLUE
Years ago, I used to think white glue was for paper, yellow glue was for woodworking, and that was all there was to it. But with time and experience, I’ve learned that there exists a wide range of glues that are useful for woodworkers. Choosing the right one for your project can be a real game-changer. You can solve some really frustrating problems if you know a little bit about glue. So, in this article, I will pass along what I know so you can reap the benefits of glue technology in your workshop.
THE ONLY 3 BANDSAW BLADES YOU NEED
When was the last time you had to buy a bandsaw blade? It was confusing, wasn’t it? Different types of metal, varying tooth counts, and geometry—these are not meaningless choices. Choosing the right blade can make a big difference in how your next project turns out!
HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE AN IDIOT
Believe it or not, the first question on some job interviews in industrial trades is, “Can you read a measuring tape?” That may sound silly to a lot of you old-timers, but you'd be surprised how many younger folks never make it past that first question because they have no idea what they're doing with this simple tool. So, in this post, I’m going to share with you how to teach a poor, ignorant kid in your life.
WORLD’S STRONGEST CORNER JOINT!
I love interesting joinery. The right joint can be incredibly strong, but it can also be beautiful in and of itself. I think this joint is a perfect example. I call it the Triple-Castle Joint. If I were a gamer, I might call it the Tri-Force Joint. I have no idea who first came up with it, but I love the complexity—at least the perceived complexity. While this joint looks like a puzzle of mortises and tenons that would be frustratingly difficult to cut, it’s actually made from…
THE FORGOTTEN HISTORY BEHIND JAPANESE CHISELS
While Japanese chisels as woodworking implements have existed for centuries, it was the makers of the famed samurai swords that may have given us the chisels OF today. In this post, I'll share that forgotten story and help decode the fascinating technology that makes Japanese woodworking chisels so different from modern Western-style chisels. By the end, you'll have a whole new respect for this strange little tool with the dented backside.
HOW TO BEND 3/4” PLYWOOD
In this post, I’ll share the lessons we learned along the way, including how to bend plywood, edge band around a curve, and a few other skills you might want to apply to a future project of your own.
THE HISTORY OF SANDPAPER
Every time I talk about sandpaper, someone tries to shame me for not using hand planes and scrapers to smooth every surface like a “real” woodworker. They are under the false impression that sandpaper is a modern invention, which the great masters of the past would never have touched.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HOLLOW GRINDS: DO THEY REALLY WEAKEN YOUR EDGE?
Millions of people sharpen their tools by grinding them on a round wheel. This isn't a new idea; grinding wheels have been used for centuries. However, as often happens on the internet, it has become trendy to overanalyze and pick apart long-held beliefs, claiming that everyone has been doing it wrong. I’ve heard many people argue that an edge sharpened on a grinding wheel will become brittle or dull more quickly than one sharpened on a flat stone.
HOW SIMPLE WOOD SCREWS ARE NO LONGER THE SAME
Are the higher-priced construction screws such as GRK and Spax worth the cost if you aren’t building something structural, such as framing a house or a deck? Do the fancy features of these screws—such as fluted points, serrated teeth, and complex head geometry—make any difference at all for most day-to-day projects?
WILL A CHEAP 2X6 PINE WORKBENCH LAST?
It’s been 8 years since I made this workbench in a two-part series on YouTube. In that time, this bench has seen a lot of use across three different workshops. Since it's made entirely from old construction lumber I thought some of you might be interested to see how it’s held up and if there’s anything I would change in its design.
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.