Techniques

Get a razor edge on tools that are tricky to sharpen. A dull tool is a dangerous tool. A lot of people struggle with sharpening their tools, but it is important to keep your tools sharp. A sharp [...]

If you recall, a few years ago I wrote about the method I use to teach my students how to drill wide holes—around 1-3/8 inches or even wider—at the base of a stool seat to anchor the legs. Since [...]

Learn how to repair typical damage Thirty-five years ago, I traded $125 worth of work for the mid-19th-century Empire chest-of-drawers pictured here. You could argue that I paid too much, because [...]

From butt joints to dovetails, every builder should know these essential woodworking joints —and when to use each one. The following is a small sample from the book The Complete Starter Guide to [...]

When you need a jig, or you’re assembling a simple utility box for the shop, sometimes speed and practicality matter more than tradition. In these situations—and in many of the most basic tenets [...]

  Most woodworking projects involve roughing, refining, and finishing steps, and using the right tool for each makes the work both precise and efficient. Too often we hear that hand tools [...]

Six common situations where specialty glues serve you well. It goes without saying that most of our projects would be nothing more than a loose assembly of parts without the holding power of [...]

Work with the grain when gluing panels, even when the grain throws you a curve. When I look at a piece of furniture, aside from its design and craftsmanship, I examine how the wood was used. How [...]

Make intricate patterns of silver and ebony using a Dremel. Ebony and silver—black and white—are a stunning combination. The architects Charles and Henry Greene, masters of Arts & Crafts [...]

We’ve pulled together some router tips that will help you move beyond the roundover and make the most of this versatile tool.

Understanding the Why is just as important as the How. Hand tools are a pleasure to use — if they’re sharp. Once you have a sharp tool in your hands, you’ll begin to realize why some [...]

Mortise and tenon joints are the best way to go. For a new look in cabinet doors, try mitering the corners. This simple design, as elegant as a picture frame, can dramatically change the [...]