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The scrub plane is unusual in that it doesn’t fall neatly into the traditional English system of classifying bench planes. Rough stock was prepared first with a “fore plane,” which...

When you build a project for the first time, I’ve always found there are odd moments when you begin to doubt that what you are doing is correct. Sometimes these...

There are a few construction challenges we’ve had to overcome, but I think we’ve done it without compromising any functionality or the spirit of the Roubo bench. The first obstacle...

It is simply astonishing how some commercial holdfasts are both ineffective and prone to self-destruction. It really is no wonder that woodworkers have switched over to some other sort of...

I’ve made a fair number of workbenches using Southern yellow pine (sometimes called longleaf pine) and it’s always been a challenge to get tight joints that stay closed after years...

Holdfasts are an essential piece of workbench equipment. And when you use a good one, it’s like a mind-opening experience. A proper old school holdfast (occasionally called a bench hook)...

Do you have an hour? If so, click below to read the transcript of a taped interview of James Krenov that was conducted by Oscar Fitzgerald for the Nanette L....

Question: Hi, quick question. I recently finished smoothing a table top with my #4 smoothing plane and if the light hits the top right, I can see lots of planing...

If you use a miter plane for a lot of shooting, then you’ve probably lusted after the so-called “hot dog.” This hollow casting screws onto the side of your plane...

Question: Why doesn’t your article recommend pinned mortise and tenon, at least for the back three pieces? Instead you show pocket screws. – Pam Niedermayer Short answer: Because that [...]

After studying the topic of workbenches for years, it’s clear that – like automobiles – they’ve gotten much more complex since the heyday of the 18th century cabinetmaker. [...]

Furniture built without a back can be alarmingly wobbly. We found a simple and sturdy way to make this open shelving unit stand firm.