THE OIL FINISHES SCAM
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE OIL FINISHES SCAM

Discover the truth behind tung and Danish oils—most are overpriced blends. Learn how to make your own pro-grade wood finish and save big.

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HOW TO MAKE CAULK & ADHESIVE LAST FOREVER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO MAKE CAULK & ADHESIVE LAST FOREVER

Stop wasting half-used tubes of caulk! These two airtight sealing tricks—a glove finger sleeve and a hot glue cap—keep your caulk or adhesive fresh for months, ready for the next job.

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THE MISUNDERSTOOD BANDSAW FOOT BREAK
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE MISUNDERSTOOD BANDSAW FOOT BREAK

Learn why some bandsaws feature a mechanical foot brake and how it improves safety and convenience in the shop. Discover how a foot brake lets you stop the blade instantly and maintain full control while cutting.

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RED VS WHITE OAK - IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

RED VS WHITE OAK - IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES

Red oak and white oak may look similar, but their differences can make or break your project. This guide cuts through the confusion with simple, woodworker-focused advice on how to tell them apart and when to use each.

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ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
James Hamilton James Hamilton

ROUTER BUSHINGS VS BEARINGS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Router bushings and bearing-guided bits may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. This guide explains when to use each one—so your mortises, templates, and flush trims come out accurate, clean, and safe.

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HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

HOW TO PROPERLY USE A PLUNGE ROUTER

A plunge router isn’t just a fixed-base router that moves up and down—it’s a precision machine packed with features that can transform your woodworking. Learn how to master its depth stop, micro-adjustments, and setup tricks for cleaner cuts, safer mortises, and flawless inlays.

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WHAT’S THE LITTLE DIAL ON YOUR SANDER FOR?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WHAT’S THE LITTLE DIAL ON YOUR SANDER FOR?

Sanding speed can make the difference between a flawless surface and ugly pigtail scratches. This guide explains how to balance sander RPMs with hand movement for smoother, cleaner results every time.

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THE CHALLENGES OF MIXING WOOD FINISHES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE CHALLENGES OF MIXING WOOD FINISHES

Mixing wood finishes doesn’t have to be a gamble—this guide breaks down which oils, polys, shellacs, and waxes play well together (and which don’t). With clear rules and pro tips, you’ll avoid sticky disasters and get the finish you actually want.

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EDGE BANDING PLYWOOD
James Hamilton James Hamilton

EDGE BANDING PLYWOOD

Edge banding doesn’t have to be frustrating—these pro tips will help you choose the right banding, apply it cleanly, and finish it smooth. From preventing “creeping” to trimming and filing, you’ll save time and get professional-looking edges every time.

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A SIMPLE TRICK FOR MAKING ARCS EASIER
James Hamilton James Hamilton

A SIMPLE TRICK FOR MAKING ARCS EASIER

Learn how to make and use bow arcs for woodworking. These simple tools, crafted from hardwood and string, allow you to trace symmetrical and asymmetrical curves effortlessly, improving accuracy and efficiency in your projects.

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WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WAS NORM ABRAM WRONG ABOUT BISCUIT JOINTERS?

The biscuit joiner may not add brute strength like a Domino or dowels, but it’s a game-changer for fast, frustration-free glue-ups. If you find a good one at a yard sale, grab it—you’ll thank yourself during your next big panel or cabinet project.

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THESE TRICKS WILL CHANGE HOW YOU SAND WOOD
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THESE TRICKS WILL CHANGE HOW YOU SAND WOOD

Understanding how to use your tools properly is critical to good woodworking. In the past, I’ve done deep dives into the essential skills of sanding, but this time I want to focus on some of the most useful tips I’ve employed over the years. These are the tips I believe can have the biggest impact on your next project.

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WILL CLEAR VARNISH CHANGE WOOD’S COLOR?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

WILL CLEAR VARNISH CHANGE WOOD’S COLOR?

Some argue that wood finishes actually alter the appearance of natural wood by adding a yellow or amber hue. A piece of maple, for example, might be nearly white when bare, but depending on the finish you apply, it can turn yellow or even brown.

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BONDO IS A LIFESAVER FOR WOODWORKERS!
James Hamilton James Hamilton

BONDO IS A LIFESAVER FOR WOODWORKERS!

Body filler isn’t just for hiding dents in old cars—it’s a versatile, affordable tool that belongs in every woodshop. From smoothing painted projects to repairing templates and jigs, this underrated material can save the day when nothing else will do.

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DO YOU NEED A SAWBENCH?
James Hamilton James Hamilton

DO YOU NEED A SAWBENCH?

Every woodworker knows they need a workbench. We’ve made plenty of workbench-related tutorials—you can find those on Youtube. But do you also need a saw bench, or two? I think so—and that’s what this article is about.

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BEST TIPS FOR PARALLEL CLAMP MAINTENANCE
James Hamilton James Hamilton

BEST TIPS FOR PARALLEL CLAMP MAINTENANCE

Parallel clamps are amazing tools—but dried glue on the bars can make them slip, bind, and lose their grip. With the right cleaning methods and simple preventative steps, you can restore them to full strength and keep them working flawlessly for years.

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THE SECRET TO CUTTING COMPLEMENTARY CURVES
James Hamilton James Hamilton

THE SECRET TO CUTTING COMPLEMENTARY CURVES

Several years ago, I made a video about creating complimentary curves with a router. A lot of people were very complimentary about that video. Others, however, were a little confused. So, I’ve decided to revisit the concept from that video, showing a similar method but with readily available bits. This is such an amazing technique with so many creative uses that you’re definitely going to want to know about it.

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