Safety is Specific
You may not know the PTI by their acronym, but you certainly know them by their full name: The Power Tool Institute. I’ve talked about the PTI numerous times here, and you’ve undoubtedly read [...]
Make Your Own Grooving Plane
This traditional plane is a fun way to cut grooves, and can be made in half of a day. The grooving plane is a hand tool that is faster than a power tool that will do the same task. Not …
Milling Your Own Lumber
Whether a hobby or a small business, it’s a woodworker’s dream job. As a craftsman, I’ve always enjoyed building stuff. But the pivotal point that led me into woodworking [...]
Milwaukee M18 Dust Extractor Review
Tool: M18 FUEL 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor 0888-20 Shop Now Manufacturer: Milwaukee Tool MSRP: $1399 (kit with VACLINK, two 12ah batteries, and charger) $899 (bare tool with [...]
Online Extras February 2026 #287
Here are the online extras for the February 2026 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. Interested in having the magazine delivered directly to your mailbox (physical or email) six times a year? [...]
Shop Mallet Selection
It’s easy to get a handle on which whacker to choose. If you’ve ever whacked a carving tool or pounded a joint using your palm or the side of your fist – I know you have because we’ve all …
ShopNotes Podcast Episode 256 — I Have No Problem Having a Tail
On this week’s episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John take on listener questions and comments. Plus, Logan gives us an update on his recent travels. Find all of the ShopNotes [...]
The Splinter Report: December 12th
Welcome to The Splinter Report, where I gather the assorted interesting and amusing things I’ve seen in the woodworking world. This week we’re looking at compact circular saws, [...]
The Best Gift of All
If you’re a woodworker of any kind — weekend DIYer to pro-shop owner — I’ll bet you ten bucks you’ve already seen a dozen or more top 10 lists of holiday gifts for woodworkers. Most of the items [...]
The Short Clamp Solution: Joining Boards When Your Clamps Fall Short
Every woodworker eventually faces a universal challenge: needing to glue up a long panel, like a tabletop or a shelf, only to find that your longest clamp is still inches too short to span the [...]
Solid Entry Doors
Doors are the gateway to the home. Make a bold statement with shop-made entry doors. The door to any building is the first impression that someone has as they enter the structure. Building your [...]
Finishing Exterior Doors
Outdoor projects encounter a variety of conditions. The project is only going to last as long as its finish does. Here’s my approach for finishing this set of exterior doors. The mahogany that [...]
