Techniques

One thing you can count on when you save a half-used can of varnish is that the contents will be skinned-over the next time you open the can. When this happens, don't gnash your teeth; the [...]

Gauge blocks work great for quick, accurate biscuit joiner fence settings. All you do is pinch the block between the fence blades. This technique will also ensure the fence is set parallel to the [...]

4.  Apply Glue With An Acid Brush Glue must be evenly applied throughout the biscuit slot to get the strongest joint possible. The easiest way? Squirt some glue into the slot and then run a [...]

Turning Plates Got an offcut from a beautifully figured board? Turn it into a plate! Standard 3⁄4-in. wood and a shop-made chuck are all you need. By Steve Blenk The trick is to figure out [...]

Buying glue by the gallon costs less, but  it may not be a good investment if you use glue infrequently. After a while, leftover glue can develop a bad smell. According to the folks at Franklin [...]

      Even though most cordless drills are designed to stand on their own, they still fall over easily. Mine took one too many dives off the workbench. This drove me to build this [...]

Drill Press Cabinet Turn wasted space into storage space. By Jean Bartholome In my cramped little shop, every square foot counts. With that in mind I designed this cabinet to fit in the wasted [...]

  Folding Outfeed Table Open, it supports 8-ft. long stock. Closed, it’s as compact as your saw. By George Vondriska Roller stands are okay, but every saw really ought to have an outfeed [...]

          A mobile planer stand isn’t new, but the modifications I added to mine just might be. When I lift the handles, the legs lift off the floor for easy [...]

My bench grinder is out of the way but instantly accessible, thanks to this sturdy flip-up table. It works great and it's simple to make. You'll only need a scrap of 3/4-in. plywood [...]

Clamp Caddy Maneuvering pipe clamps around my shop was a pain until I dreamed up this mobile carryall. It even has room for all of my C-clamps, hand screws and small adjustable clamps. I got [...]

Achieving a good inset door fit with consistent gaps is a hallmark of good craftsmanship. The hard part may be convincing yourself that you can do it – but it's quite simple once you learn [...]