Shop Blog

Good design is fundamental in woodworking. I’m devoting this last installment of “fundamentals week” to the idea that design is next – after knowing your material and how [...]

As my article on building the Southern Gent’s Mirror Stand – in the August 2013 Popular Woodworking Magazine (issue #205) – passed through design and begin routing (being passed from...

For a few years I’ve had the idea of following up my Beginner’s SketchUp and Intermediate SketchUp Webinar series with and Advanced SketchUp series. Exactly what an Advanced SketchUp [...]

Storing Lumber This rack is easily made from galvanized iron pipe and threaded floor flanges. For light loads use 10-in. lengths of 1/2-in. pipe and 2x4s. For heavier loads go...

Saw Sharpening Jig I made this jig to hold a dovetail or other backsaw when filing and resetting the teeth. To use, insert the saw blade, teeth up, and clamp...

Sawing Rack My shop is simply too small to cut full-size sheets of plywood on the tablesaw.After many a bitter battle using a circular saw to cut floppy sheet stock...

Most classes I teach end up being a “dovetail death march” (in a good way). There is a lot of traditional joinery, late nights, sore feet and little hope of...

As we pull up curbside I get out and follow a coworker inside, new sights and sounds adding to my nervousness. The hallway, filled with the acrid smell of sweat...

Successful Stripping You can do it safely and effectively. Here's how. By Michael Dresdner Let's face it; stripping wood is a drag.We approach it knowing it’s a difficult, messy job,...

Three Steps to Precise Cuts By Richard Tendick A trim router is a precision tool—if it’s tuned up correctly. Tuning corrects two common problems: an uneven cut and a sticky...

How to Install Knife Hinges They’re a sure sign of good craftsmanship, but are almost invisible. By Brad Holden Small and discreet, knife hinges lend a tidy, refined look to...

Chad’s Stepbox Learn how to make compound-angle dovetails building this handy stool and portable tool box. Chad Stanton For my job as a trim carpenter and furnituremaker, I’ve always needed...