Build Furniture Without a Shop
In every issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine, the "I Can Do That" column features projects that can be completed by any woodworker with a modest (but decent) kit of tools in less than two days of shop time, and using raw materials that are available at any home center.
Our free online manual (in PDF format) explains all the tools and shows you how to perform the basic operations in a step-by-step format. You'll learn to rip with a jigsaw, crosscut with a miter saw and drill straight with the help of our manual. Whenever we introduce a new tool or technique to the column, we'll update the manual, too. (You might want to bookmark this page so you can easily find it when we update the manual.)
To download the free manual (high speed),
click here.
If using a dial-up connection,
click here.
If you don't have Acrobat Reader,
click here (it’s free).
If your computer won't support Acrobat Reader or you're on a dial-up connection, you may wish to visit your local library or a friend's house for high-speed Internet access.
See all I Can Do That »Most Recent Articles
This reproduction of an industrial workhorse will give you years of use in your living room.
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How to build a four-board bench that can be used almost anywhere.
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This handy little step stool converts into a seat so that it serves your little ones two ways.
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This simple table is at home in the dining room – or outdoors.
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Tapered legs lighten the look and add ‘spring’ to a table’s design. You can create tapered legs using your jig saw.
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Based on a Swedish antique, this bench uses through-tenons made with just a jigsaw.
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This trivet is simple and fun to make – in any number of shapes.
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Find a piece with great design, such as this Stickley No. 79 bookcase, then make adjustments to the construction to better match your skill set.
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One piece of wood and a lot of bamboo skewers do the trick to make this simple and fun knife block.
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This wall hung magazine rack is easy to make with a few simple tools and readily available material.
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