Efficient Shop Wiring
A single cable provides 120-volt and 240V service. Every article I’ve seen describing the wiring of a shop for both 120 volts and 240V uses separate cables for each voltage,...
Upgrade Your Finishing
Some of the most common questions we get are about finishing. How do I get a better finish on my project? What’s the easiest finish to apply? What’s the most...
A Dovetail Reference Joint
Like many woodworkers, I own a basic half-blind dovetail jig, which I use only occasionally for making utility drawers. During the interim, I tend to forget the setup procedures and...
Make Your Own Blast Gates
They’re cheap! All you need is some PVC and plastic laminate. A central dust collection system is a big improvement to any shop, but the cost can really add up....
Flattening a Plane Sole, Part 5 – The Tools I Use to Measure Flatness
To conclude this series of entries about lapping/flattening the soles of metal planes (read them here #1, #2, #3, #4), I wish to share some information about the precision tools...
Rare Earth Hinges
Rare earth magnets make really slick hinges for small boxes. The lid on this ring box pivots on two hinges made from 10mm magnets—nothing more. Each hinge is composed of...
Woodworking Prime Day Deals 2022
[Updated July 13th 1:20 CST) Amazon Prime Day is here, and we’re rounding up the best deals for woodworkers! Keep checking in throughout the next two days as we update...
9 Useful Finishing Tips
Here are some finishing tips I hope you find of value. They are arranged in roughly the order of the typical finishing steps. Sand Oil Finishes Wet It’s not at...
Launder Your Sanding Belts
When I’m sanding pitchy wood or removing old finish, my sandpaper gets really gummed up and I can’t get it clean with the rubber eraser-type cleaner. I used to throw...
Where Art & Function Intersect: Meet Reid Schwartz
Meet Reid Schwartz: artist, interested human, maker of tools, worker of wood and restorer of old things Crooked Knives & Curved Lines A canoe is a study in curved lines....
Ryobi 5″ Random Orbit Sander Review
Tool: 18V ONE+™ 5″ Random Orbit Sander PCL406B Shop Now Manufacturer: Ryobi MSRP: $59 (bare tool with 3 sheets of sandpaper) Usually, the first steps of reviewing a tool...
Low-profile Serving Tray
Off-the-rack moulding and packing tape make this project easy. A shopping trip to the pre-cut moulding section at Lowe’s was the beginning of my tray design. I had a general...
